Plaza Sotomayor

The Plaza Sotomayor is the naval heart of the city, dominated by the impressive blue-colored palatial Edificio de la Comandancia Naval (Naval Command Building). In the middle of the square lies the Monumento a los Héroes de Iquique, a subterranean mausoleum paying tribute to Chile's naval martyrs. The Aduana Nacional (Customs House) and Estación Puerto, the terminal for Merval commuter trains, are also nearby. Muelle Prat, the pier at the foot of Plaza Sotomayor, is a lively place on weekends.

It has a helpful tourist kiosk and a tacky handicrafts market, the Feria de Artesanía. Small boats offer tours of the harbor (for a cost). Don't photograph any of the numerous Chilean naval vessels at anchor, or you may find yourself in military custody.