9 Best Shopping in El Norte Grande, Chile

For a unique literary experience, head out to this eclectic bookshop and library in the small ayllu (village) of Solor. It's an hour walk or 20-minute bike ride out of town, but you'll be rewarded with an impressive collection of books in multiple languages, eco-friendly architecture, stunning volcano views, and philosophical conversation with the passionate and intellectual owner, Diego. The bookshop also operates as a publishing house, producing original works about the local culture.

This is a good street for window-shopping.

This street is crowded with artisan stalls that sell handmade goods.

The length of Calle Chacabuco is closed to traffic on Sunday for a market featuring everything from soccer jerseys to crafts.

Just off the Plaza de Armas, the Feria Artesenal is bursting at the seams with artisan goods. Here, you can buy high-quality knits from the altiplano, such as sweaters and other woolen items.

This shop on Calle Máximo Lira sells everything from bowler hats (worn by Aymara women) to blankets to batteries. The Terminal Pesquero next door offers an interesting view of fishing, El Norte Grande's predominant industry.

This open-air market sells woolen goods and crafts.

Located outside the city in the Azapa Valley, the Poblado Artesenal is an artisan cooperative designed to resemble an altiplano community. This is a good place to pick up traditionally styled ceramics and leather.

Many Chileans come to Iquique with one thing on their minds—shopping. About 3 km (2 miles) north of the city center is the Zona Franca—known to locals as the Zofri—the only duty-free zone in the country's northern tip. This big, unattractive mall is stocked with cheap cigarettes, alcohol, and electronic goods. Remember that large purchases, such as personal computers, are taxable upon leaving the country.