Huara to Iquique (73.2 km)

Huara can only be described as that which does not have change for a 100 000 peso note. Our stay in the hostel in Haura was comfortable and we had a good night’s sleep. By 8 o'clock the next morning, I’m on the road again. The first 26km is perfect weather and I cover the distance in no time. I turnoff to Iquique on the R16 and visit the old nitrate town of Humberstone . 

Humberstone

This is an amazing place, a step back into the past, with the whole town still perfectly preserved. Once upon a time it was a prosperous town at the peak of nitrate mining, exporting mainly to Europe. The buildings are still well preserved with schools, churches, fire station, electricity station, market place, houses and a magnificent pool. I spend about an hour taking photographs and walking through the entire town.

I leave the town of Humberstone  and my  journey to Iquique  continues. In places, the road is not in good condition and is undulating and narrow. The closer I get to the coast the wind starts to pick up and gusts in certain places. It is not an easy ride. The traffic is laden with buses and trucks heading into the city of Iquique .

Just before the town, the road splits up and I continue heading for the main part of the town. The first part is made up of heavy industry, mainly mining, with its own  town  As I head further on, about 20km or so, down the long spiraling hill is the main part of this city. There is a huge sand dune situated on one  part of town and the city is squeezed between mountains, dunes and sea. When I arrive in town Curt has completed his business and found us accommodation. We are staying at the hostel La Casona 1920 in the old part of the city. The owner Isabella speaks good English and the hostel has all the mode cons we require.