Eat Your Way Through the Bustling Iquique Fish Market
On Chile’s northern shore, lies the “Miamisque” beach city of Iquique. One of the best things to do in this city is to explore and eat your way through the Iquique Fish Market. This bustling marketplace attracts locals and tourists alike who are looking to sample the freshest fish in the form of ceviche; the unforgettable shrimp empanadas, seafood soups and stews, and fillets fresh from the ocean.
Here’s all you need to know about the Iquique Fish Market.
Table of Contents
- Where is Iquique?
- Exploring the Iquique Fish Market
- 1st Floor of the Iquique Fish Market
- 2nd Floor of the Iquique Fish Market
- Don’t Miss the Hungry Sea Lions
- Eat Your Way Through the Bustling Iquique Fish Market
Where is Iquique?
Iquique is located on the northern shores of Chile. It is a 4 and a half hour bus ride from Arica, which is where the public buses cross from the border of Peru. The buses arrive to Arica, where it’s quite easy to hop onto a bus at the domestic bus station.
Travel Tip | The International and Domestic bus stations are located right next door to each other. Bus tickets from Arica should run around 7,000 Chilean Peso ($12.50 USD) and a small exit fee of 200 pesos (25¢). If taking the bus from Peru, don’t forget you jump 2 hours ahead!
The city is most notorious for having a Miami vibe with a plethora of beaches to soak in the sun. Many people use this city to break up the long drive to the popular desert village of San Pedro de Aticama or the even longer stretch to Santiago. However, with its laid-back beach vibe, interesting day trips, and yummy culinary scene, it’s easy to spend a few days relaxing here.
Itinerary Planning | 10 Awesome Things to Do in Iquique Chile
Need a Place to Sleep?
Aotea Hostel Iquique offers large shared rooms, one of the coolest kitchens I’ve seen in a hostel and a swimming pool. The staff and volunteers really make the experience and are super enthusiastic about helping plan your days in Iquique.
Exploring the Iquique Fish Market
So, now that you know Iquique warrants a stop, it’s time to get down to business and eat! One of the best culinary experiences happens at the local Iquique fish market. This market is also known as the Caleta Riquelme Market. The Iquique Fish Market is best visited early in the morning to have the finest selection of the freshest catch, or at lunch time. During the hours of 11:00 – 14:00, the two story market is packed with locals eating their way through the market.
Logistics
Also Known As: Caleta Riquelme | Address: Avenida Arturo Prat, Iquique, Tarapacá, Chile | Hours: Daily 7:00 – 18:00
1st Floor of the Iquique Fish Market
The first floor of the Iquique Fish Market is where most of the vendors set up selling their fresh catches. There is a large array of fish, crab, and other interesting creatures from the sea. This section of the market is busy with locals purchasing their vittles, but there is still a great opportunity to snack on some super fresh seafood goodies.
Look for the long line of locals cueing for some fresh ceviche. This little food stand is La Reina where one woman sells small containers of ceviche for 2,000 CLP ($2.50 USD). Towards the back entrance, don’t miss the opportunity to try a fresh seafood empanada. Cony Jugaría has these delicious puff pastries filled with fish or shrimp and cheese for 1,500 CLP ($2). Don’t miss the assortment of sauces to put on top.
Try to save some room for the lunch menus that are found on the second floor!
2nd Floor of the Iquique Fish Market
Floor cleaners 
Paila marina 
Fresh catch of the day
The second floor of the Iquique Fish Market offers lovely views of the nearby harbor. The market is authentic, so don’t go in expecting a fine dining experiene. On the contrary, find red and white plastic table clothes, fold out tables, and friendly cats looking for table scraps. What the market lacks in ambiance, it makes up for delicious meals made with love and perfection.
At lunch time, the second floor of the Iquique Fish Market is filled to the brim with locals enjoying a lunch menu. The menus usually cost around $4,000 CLP ($5) and are large plates of food. There is usually a small starter. The main dish includes a locally sourced filet of fish prepared to your liking with a salad and rice. If you want to treat yourself, try the Paila marina, a Chilean soup served in a terracota bowl. Of course, if looking for a treat, pair your lunch with a Chilean white wine. The house wine is spectacular and is usually less than $2 for a crisp chilled glass.
Recommendations | La Juanita has delicious plates of food for 4,000 CLP | La Pica de la Maria serves up a daily lunch menu for 3,500 CLP | Locals love the Paila marina from Rincón Celeste
With so many incredible seafood options, the Iquique Fish Market is THE optimal lunch destination.
Don’t Miss the Hungry Sea Lions
Locals and tourists aren’t the only ones who love eating at the Iquique Fish Market! From the back entrance, find sun bathing sea lions patiently awaiting fish scraps. There are quite a few massive sea lions and they make for some superb entertainment. Besides the silly sea lions, look for the giant pelicans seeing if they can swoop in on the fish scraps.
Local Tip | Grab an empanada or ceviche and take it out back and observe the marine life
Eat Your Way Through the Bustling Iquique Fish Market
In short, the Iquique Fish Market is an unmissable attraction of this beachside city. Whether looking for little bites or a daily lunch menu, there are plenty of options to try the fresh and local cuisine. Even if you’re not a fan of seafood, it’s fun to walk through the bustling market and watch the lethargic sea lions. A trip to the Iquique Fish Market is a yummy highlight on any Iquique itinerary.
Have you visited Iquique? Did you get the chance to eat at the Iquique Fish Market? What did you think? Let me know in the comments below!
Disclaimer: There’s a chance this post contains affiliate links, and I receive a small (but grateful) portion of the sale. There’s no extra cost to you, and I only promote things that I use and love.
