Iquique is one of Chile's best beach resorts. It turned out to be a great place to relax for a few days, lazing around by the sea. We were expecting a small out-back town with dusty streets, but when we arrived we found that Iquique is a rich, sophisticated city with glitzy casinos and residents with wealthy swagger. It was eye-opening to see such prosperity after our time in Bolivia. The Bolivian farmers living hand to mouth were a world away from these carefree Chilean holidaymakers.

The beach didn't disappoint - a huge curve of perfect golden sand with hundreds of Chileans enjoying the sun and sea. As planned, we spent the next few days relaxing in the sunshine. We were still in the Atacama desert so the weather was always hot with cool comfortable evenings.

Check out ‘Chile - Iquique’ at http://gallery.me.com/peterjprice/101906