Location: Arica
Top Things to do in Arica
10 Things to do in Arica That You Shouldn't Miss
Arica (/əˈriːkə/ ə-REE-kə; Spanish: [aˈɾika]) is a commune and a port city with a population of 196,590 in the Arica Province of northern Chile's Arica y Parinacota Region. It is Chile's northernmost city, being located only 18 km (11 mi) south of the border with Peru. The city is the capital of both the Arica Province and the Arica and Parinacota Region. Arica has a mild, temperate climate with some of the lowest annual rainfall rates anywhere in the world, consequently there are rarely any clouds over Arica. Arica is located at the bend of South America's western coast known as the Arica Bend or Arica Elbow. At the location of the city are two lush valleys that dissect the Atacama Desert converge: Azapa and Lluta. These valleys provide fruit for export.
Restaurants in Arica
1. Laguna Roja
2. Morro de Arica
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,417 reviews
This national monument is an enormous rock, standing 110 meters high and paying tribute to the Chilean military victories in the 19th Century Pacific War.
Reviewed By B1959DXmargaretg - Chester, United Kingdom
The walk up the Morro isn't as far as it looks. The first bit is steep but the second bit is fine. We didn't go into the museum as it isn't our thing. There are lots of things to see without going into the museum though. There are lots of information plates which are bilingual. The Redeemer statue is fascinating as is the tomb for an unknown soldier and the flag! You must have your photo taken with the flag just to show how big it is! A good photo is when the small and large falf are blowing in the same direction. The views of the port and the city are well worth the walk - you will have earned a beer or a coffee when you are back down!
3. Parque Nacional Lauca
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 341 reviews
This national park is home to vicuna, alpaca, wild chinchilla and many other indigenous Chilean animal species.
Reviewed By MichalK2648
The park is beautiful indeed. The best part to our opinion is the southern Salar with the natural hot spring In the middle of nowhere, with no one around. The views are spectacular and we saw so many animals and birds on the way. To have a good view of the volcanos you need clear skies, so you’d want to arrive early. Logistics are not so bad- we rented a car with 7 seats in a local agency (Benmax rent a car) , took an extra 60 liters of gasoline, bought lots of water and food in the market, and we were set to go. The roads are not so bad (partly really good). There are many heavy trucks, so you need to be alert while driving. Sun is harsh and it is quite warm during the day and freezing cold after sun set. Take sunscreen. Highly recommended.
4. Museo Arqueologico San Miguel de Azapa
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 488 reviews
Reviewed By ArturoOpaso - Santiago, Chile
Great Museum clearly shows in a very scholar way about the history of the Chinchorro culture with mummies older than the famous Egyptian ones. We drove to the museum and spend the rest of the day in The Valley , Lots to see
5. Museo Momias Chinchorro
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 281 reviews
Reviewed By KatrienS955 - Ghent, Belgium
This is the part of the museum that displays the tools used in mummification, as well as the mummies themselves and the clothes and attributes they wore. Most mummies did not come with expensive jewellery or clothes, but were common people and children. The tools and clothes are well displayed, as well as some parts of the mummies and mummies of small children en fetuses. The other mummies are in 1 large room and are seen through 1 window
6. El Laucho Beach
7. Cuevas de Anzota
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 196 reviews
Reviewed By U7146AAsteves - Santiago, Chile
A must when in Arica. It's only 12 kms south of Arica center there is no public transportation that passes nearby and I would not try walking (for safety reasons) however one can take car (they is parking ) a taxi, tour, and / or bike to the caves which date back to somewhere between 6000 - 2000 BC when the caves were used by first settlers of America. Its a short 750 metro walkways which takes you through the caves along the coastline. Since it was built in 2016, it has an easy to use path for those who may need Upon entrance, all are issued mandator helmet. Based on my experience, it not so much for falling rocks, but for the bids who live hight up on the cliffs. . . (my daughter would out the hard way) . Very scenic, from the point of view of the seascape The path is clearly marked with interesting facts noted along the way (ONLY in Spanish) Not good for international tourists. Take sunblock and wear, walking / tennis shoes, Depending on the time of your trip, you may want to take a a windbreaker. It opens at 7 A.M. and closes at 6 P.M.To really take in the experience, give, yourself at least 2 hours. We found the best time to arrive (in February) between 15 - 16 hrs. Very little traffic, tourists and the light was perfect! It's free to the public.
8. Hummingbird Sanctuary
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 84 reviews
Reviewed By iljumittajjeb - Lanark, United Kingdom
Excellent place to visit - the name of the place is a little ambiguous - these are wild, in some cases migratory hummingbirds, that are attracted here by the garden. You are guided through the garden (they don't really want you wandering off on your own), but you get a good view of lots of hummingbirds, up close. Note it is difficult to find (not signposted) from the main road.
9. Catedral de San Marcos
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 426 reviews
Assembled in the 1870's to replace the main church lost to the 1868 earthquake, this national monument was the city's first building constructed of steel and cast iron, with only its door made from wood.
Reviewed By d1deleonrn - Brunswick, United States
If you go to Arica, you must go here. If you can go during the day AND night. The contrast is amazing. It's a cast iron church, and resonates like you think it would. Home to some birds, and amazing frescoes (12 stations are beautiful). Just beautiful. If you take pictures, drop a coin or two in the box (just my opinion)
