Monumento Boya Esmeralda, Iquique Travel Guide

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A historical landmark in Iquique honoring the bravery of Chilean sailors during the War of the Pacific.

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Monumento Boya Esmeralda

The Monumento Boya Esmeralda in Iquique, Chile, stands as a poignant memorial to the Esmeralda, a Chilean naval ship that sank during the War of the Pacific in 1879. The buoy marks the location of the ship's sinking and serves as a reminder of the bravery and sacrifice of its crew.

A brief summary to Monumento Boya Esmeralda

Av. Arturo Prat Chacón, Iquique, Tarapacá, CL

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Monumento Boya Esmeralda.

Visit during sunset for breathtaking views and perfect photographic opportunities.
Combine your visit with a stroll along the beach to fully enjoy the coastal scenery.
Take time to read the plaques around the monument for a deeper understanding of its history.

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Getting There

Walking

If you are in central Iquique, head towards Av. Arturo Prat Chacón, a main thoroughfare. Walk north along the avenue for 15-20 minutes. The monument is located along the waterfront, easily visible from a distance. There is no cost to visit the monument.
Public Transport

From the center of Iquique, take a local bus that services the route along Av. Arturo Prat Chacón. Buses labeled 'Costanera' will head in the right direction. The ride takes approximately 10-15 minutes. Disembark at a stop near the coastal area. Walk a short distance towards the water to find the monument. The bus fare is approximately CLP$500.
Taxi

Taxis are readily available in Iquique. A short taxi ride from the city center to the Monumento Boya Esmeralda will typically cost between CLP$2,000 and CLP$4,000, depending on the distance and traffic.

Discover more about Monumento Boya Esmeralda

The Monumento Boya Esmeralda is a striking landmark along Iquique's coastline, honoring Chile's maritime history. The monument commemorates the Esmeralda, a Chilean corvette commanded by Captain Arturo Prat, which was lost in the Battle of Iquique during the War of the Pacific. The battle, which took place on May 21, 1879, saw the Esmeralda face the Peruvian ironclad Huáscar. Despite being heavily outgunned, the Esmeralda and its crew fought valiantly, becoming a symbol of Chilean heroism.The buoy that now serves as the monument originally marked the actual site where the Esmeralda sank. For many years, the Chilean Navy maintained a buoy at that location, replacing it several times due to wear and tear. In 2018, the Armada de Chile donated the most recent buoy to the city of Iquique to be displayed as a monument.Visitors can reflect on the historical significance of the site and appreciate the stunning views of the Pacific Ocean. The monument provides an opportunity to learn about Chile's naval history and the sacrifices made by its sailors.