The Corbeta Esmeralda Museum is a full-scale replica of the Chilean warship Esmeralda, on Arturo Prat Avenue in Iquique. Visitors walk through the decks, cabins, quarters and battle stations of a 19th-century naval ship. The visit covers the Esmeralda's part in the 1879 Battle of Iquique during the War of the Pacific, and it shows how sailors and officers lived on board as well as how they fought. The tour takes about 40 minutes. The exhibits are clean and well structured, and a guided tour or audio guide adds the historical context.
A ship built to full scale
The museum is a life-size replica of the Esmeralda, a corvette that served the Chilean Navy for 23 years. It was the first steam-powered warship in the navy's fleet to mark a new stage in its development. The original was named after a Spanish frigate captured by Cochrane.
The replica opened in 2011 and was built for the celebration of Chile's Bicentennial.
The battle of 21 May 1879
The Esmeralda was captained by Arturo Prat Chacón. On 21 May 1879 she fought the Peruvian ironclad Huáscar off Iquique. The battle lasted more than three hours, and the Esmeralda eventually gave way to the superior Peruvian ship. The ship sank in the waters off Iquique with her crew.
The museum tells this story through the layout of the ship, so the battle is easier to follow once you have seen the decks where the crew worked.
What is on board
Visitors pass through the cannon deck, the offices, the steam engine, the cabins, the forecastle and the ship's castle. The museum also displays period equipment, details and accessories, which show how the crew worked and lived.
The ship's layout makes the daily routine easy to picture, from the sleeping quarters to the working areas.
How a visit works
A guided tour is offered in Spanish and takes about 40 minutes. Visitors who prefer not to join a guide can explore the ship on their own. An audio guide, available in several languages, costs an extra 1,500 CLP on top of admission. An English information booklet is also available.
The museum is closed on Mondays and is open in the afternoons on other days. The entrance, seating and restroom are wheelchair accessible. There is a free parking lot, free street parking, a restaurant on site and a changing table.
Around the museum
The museum is beside Paseo Almirante Lynch, and the busy bus terminal is nearby. Plaza Prat and the beaches of Iquique are close enough to combine with a visit, and the beaches are known for their relaxed atmosphere and water sports.
The historic center has 19th-century buildings. For a view over the city and the ocean, paragliding from Cerro Dragón is an option. The nitrate sites of Santa Laura and Humberstone, both UNESCO World Heritage sites, lie a little over 40 kilometers away.
FAQ
Is there an entry fee?
Yes. The fee is reported as 3,500 CLP for foreign visitors and 2,500 CLP for Chilean nationals. An audio guide costs an extra 1,500 CLP. Prices can change, so check before you go.
How long do you need?
Plan about 40 minutes for the ship tour. Allow up to an hour if you want more time on the decks and in the exhibits.
Do I need to book ahead?
Yes. Advance tickets are recommended because space is limited.
Is there an English-language tour?
The guided tour is in Spanish. An English information booklet is available, and the audio guide offers several languages. You can also explore the ship without a guide.
Is the museum wheelchair accessible?
The entrance, seating and restroom are wheelchair accessible.
