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Arica, Chile - Things to Do in Arica

Arica

things to do in Arica, Chile - Complete Travel Guide

things to do in Arica, known as the 'City of Eternal Spring,' sits at Chile's northernmost tip where the the city meets the Pacific Ocean. This vibrant port city boasts year-round sunshine, dramatic landscapes, and a rich cultural heritage shaped by its strategic location at the border with Peru and the country. The city serves as both a gateway to the world's driest desert and a beach destination with excellent surfing conditions. things to do in Arica's unique position has created a fascinating blend of cultures, evident in its architecture, cuisine, and local traditions. The city offers visitors everything from ancient archaeological sites and colonial churches to modern beaches and adventure sports. With the snow-capped Andes visible in the distance and the vast Pacific stretching to the horizon, things to do in Arica provides a stunning backdrop for exploration of northern Chile's natural wonders and cultural treasures.

Top Arica

El Morro Hill and Historic Center

Climb the iconic El Morro hill for panoramic views of the city, ocean, and surrounding desert landscape. The historic center below features beautiful colonial architecture, including the famous San Marcos Cathedral designed by Gustave Eiffel. The area tells the story of things to do in Arica's strategic importance and cultural evolution through its monuments and museums.

Booking Tip: Entry to El Morro is around $3 USD, best visited early morning or late afternoon for cooler temperatures and better lighting. Combine with a walking tour of the historic center for comprehensive coverage.

Chinchorro Mummies Museum

Discover the world's oldest artificially mummified human remains at this fascinating this destination. The Chinchorro culture predates Egyptian mummification by over 2,000 years, offering unique insights into ancient burial practices. The museum provides excellent context about pre-Columbian civilizations in the Atacama region.

Booking Tip: Entrance fees are approximately $5 USD, open Tuesday-Sunday. Book guided tours in advance during peak season (December-March) as group sizes are limited to preserve the artifacts.

Surf at La Lisera Beach

Experience some of Chile's best surfing conditions at this consistent break popular with both locals and international surfers. The beach offers waves suitable for various skill levels, with the northern location providing warm water temperatures year-round. Surf schools and board rentals are readily available along the waterfront.

Booking Tip: Surf lessons cost $30-50 USD including equipment, best conditions typically in morning hours. Choose operators with certified instructors and newer equipment, particularly during summer months when crowds increase.

Day Trip to Lauca National Park

Journey into the high Andes to explore this UNESCO Biosphere Reserve featuring flamingo-filled lakes, vicuña herds, and dramatic volcanic landscapes. The park sits at over 4,000 meters elevation, offering spectacular views of snow-capped peaks and unique altiplano ecosystems. Traditional Aymara villages dot the landscape, providing cultural encounters alongside natural beauty.

Booking Tip: Full-day tours cost $80-120 USD including transportation and guide. Book with operators providing oxygen and coca tea due to high altitude, and start early to maximize wildlife viewing opportunities.

Azapa Valley Archaeological Sites

Visit ancient geoglyphs, archaeological sites, and the Azapa Valley Museum to understand the region's pre-Columbian history. The valley contains some of the world's oldest mummies and offers insights into how ancient cultures adapted to desert conditions. The fertile valley also produces tropical fruits in stark contrast to the surrounding desert.

Booking Tip: Museum entry is $4 USD, combine with geoglyph sites for full-day experience costing $60-80 USD. Choose tours with archaeological expertise and comfortable transportation due to desert conditions.

Getting There

things to do in Arica is accessible via Chacalluta Airport (ARI), which receives daily flights from the city (2.5 hours) and connections to other Chilean cities. The airport sits just 18 kilometers from the city center with taxi and bus connections available. Overland travel is possible via bus from major Chilean cities, though journeys are long (20+ hours from the city). The city also serves as a border crossing point for travelers coming from Peru and the country, with regular bus services connecting to Tacna, Peru (1 hour) and the city, the country (8 hours).

Getting Around

things to do in Arica is a compact city easily navigated on foot, particularly in the historic center and beach areas. Local buses (micros) provide inexpensive transportation ($0.50 USD) to outlying neighborhoods and nearby attractions. Taxis are readily available and affordable for short distances, while rental cars offer flexibility for exploring the Azapa Valley and surrounding desert attractions. Colectivos (shared taxis) run fixed routes and provide a middle ground between buses and private taxis for longer distances within the metropolitan area.

Where to Stay

Historic Center
Playa Chinchorro
El Laucho Beach Area
Azapa Valley
San Miguel Neighborhood
University District

Food & Dining

things to do in Arica's cuisine reflects its coastal location and cultural diversity, with excellent seafood restaurants serving fresh catches from the Pacific. Local specialties include picante de mariscos (spicy seafood stew) and various preparations of locally caught fish. The city's proximity to Peru influences many dishes, with ceviche and pisco sour widely available. Traditional Chilean fare mingles with Bolivian and Peruvian influences in local markets and family-run restaurants. The discover Mercado Central offers authentic local flavors at budget prices, while waterfront restaurants provide upscale dining with ocean views. Tropical fruits from the nearby Azapa Valley appear in fresh juices and desserts throughout the city.

Top-Rated Restaurants in Chile

Highly-rated dining options based on Google reviews (4.5+ stars, 100+ reviews)

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Golfo di Napoli Trattoria e Pizzeria

4.6 /5
(22792 reviews) 1

Pizzería Tiramisú

4.6 /5
(12938 reviews) 2

Don Vito e Zanoni

4.7 /5
(3439 reviews) 2

Piegari Chile

4.7 /5
(2687 reviews) 3

Le Due Torri Isidora

4.6 /5
(2573 reviews) 3

Pastas Nenetta Chile

4.6 /5
(1588 reviews) 2

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Local Cuisine Italian Japanese Fine Dining

When to Visit

things to do in Arica enjoys a desert climate with minimal rainfall and consistent temperatures year-round, earning its nickname 'City of Eternal Spring.' The best visiting period is March through November when temperatures are mild (65-75°F/18-24°C) and tourist crowds are smaller. December through February brings warmer weather (75-85°F/24-29°C) and peak tourism season, particularly during Chilean summer holidays. Winter months (June-August) offer the most comfortable temperatures for desert excursions and outdoor activities, though ocean temperatures are cooler for swimming. The city experiences over 300 days of sunshine annually, making it suitable for visits any time of year.

Insider Tips

Carry altitude sickness medication if planning trips to Lauca National Park or other high-altitude destinations, as elevation changes from sea level to over 4,000 meters are dramatic
Visit the Terminal Pesquero (fish market) early morning for the freshest seafood and authentic local breakfast experiences away from tourist areas
Take advantage of things to do in Arica's duty-free zone status for shopping, particularly for electronics and imported goods, but be aware of customs regulations when traveling onward

Activities in Arica