This Pacific coastal city in northern Chile sits at the foot of the Andes mountains. A major port with 219,103 residents makes it the second largest urban center in Chile's Norte Grande region.
Arica sits at Chile's northernmost point, where the Atacama Desert meets the Pacific Ocean. You can surf the powerful waves at El Gringo beach, climb the 139-meter El Morro hill, or examine the intricate metalwork of the San Marcos Cathedral, designed by Gustave Eiffel. Beyond the city, you'll find ancient mummies in the Azapa Valley and can spot flamingos at Lake Chungará, 4,517 meters above sea level.
Climate and Location
Arica lies 18 kilometers south of the Peruvian border, at the edge of the Atacama Desert. The city receives almost no rainfall throughout the year. Cold Pacific waters keep temperatures moderate, ranging between 15°C and 26°C year-round.
Beaches and Surfing
The 20-kilometer coastline includes several beaches between rocky outcrops. El Gringo beach hosts world surfing championships each year, with waves reaching up to 3 meters. Start at Chinchorro and Las Machas beaches if you're learning to surf - the waves here are smaller and more predictable. More experienced surfers can head to La Lisera and La Capilla beaches in the south.
El Morro and City Views
El Morro rises 139 meters above Arica, marking the city's skyline. A paved path leads to the summit - you can reach it in about 30 minutes. From the top, you'll see the harbor, city streets, and Atacama Desert stretching inland. The hill was the site of a crucial battle during the War of the Pacific in 1880.
Architecture and Historic Sites
The San Marcos Cathedral in Plaza Colón showcases intricate metal construction techniques from the 1870s, designed by Gustave Eiffel before his Paris tower. The Archaeological Museum of San Miguel de Azapa displays well-preserved mummies from the Chinchorro culture, dating back to 5000 BCE - older than Egyptian mummies.
Getting Around and Transportation
Chacalluta International Airport connects to major Chilean cities from its location 18.5 kilometers north of Arica. Trains run to Tacna, Peru, and La Paz, Bolivia. Within Arica, most central attractions are within walking distance. Local buses run regularly along the main avenues.
Azapa Valley
The irrigated Azapa Valley creates a green strip through the desert east of Arica. You can cycle past olive groves and fruit orchards, stopping at the Geoglifos de Cerro Sombrero - ancient hill carvings visible from designated viewpoints. Local markets sell black olives and seasonal produce from the valley.
High Altitude Adventures
Lake Chungará sits at 4,517 meters in Lauca National Park, with the twin Payachata volcanoes reflected in its waters. The park's altitude creates specific conditions for wildlife - you can see vicuñas grazing on high-altitude grasses, flamingos in the shallow waters, and Andean condors soaring overhead.
