Arica

Get ready to explore the Far North in Chile! A region where ancient culture, extreme landscapes, and Andean biodiversity coexist in perfect harmony.

To the adventure!

Welcome to Arica

The Arica y Parinacota Region enchants visitors with its unique blend of coastal desert, fertile valleys, and the Altiplano (high Andean plateau). In Arica, known as the “City of Eternal Spring,” you can enjoy its beaches, the iconic Morro, and the rich Afro-descendant and Andean heritage. Heading inland means stepping into a world of living history, where colonial churches, ancient geoglyphs, and Altiplano villages like Socoroma, Putre, or Belén await. Here, Aymara traditions come alive through the people, their textiles, and their cuisine. This is also a land of untamed nature, featuring volcanoes, high-altitude lagoons, and National Parks such as Lauca and Las Vicuñas, which protect a one-of-a-kind biodiversity. Arica and Parinacota is a place of deep connection with the land, with culture, and with oneself.

Must-Sees

In the Arica y Parinacota Region, you will discover natural, cultural, and heritage treasures of global significance.

Morro de Arica

Morro de Arica

Over 100 meters tall and declared a National Historic Monument in 1971, this is the most iconic landmark in Arica, offering panoramic views of the city and its coastline

San Miguel de Azapa Archaeological Museum

San Miguel de Azapa Archaeological Museum

Home to the Chinchorro mummies—the oldest in the world—this museum offers deep insight into the ancient history of the region.

Trekking in the Laguna Cotacotani

Trekking in the Laguna Cotacotani

Hiking among snow-capped volcanoes and Altiplano lagoons in Lauca National Park is a one-of-a-kind experience, with opportunities to meet Aymara families who protect the land.

Montañas Arcoíris del Altiplano

Montañas Arcoíris del Altiplano

A high-altitude trek at 5,300 meters above sea level through multicolored volcanic formations—perfect for lovers of adventure and dramatic landscapes.

Ruta de las Misiones

Ruta de las Misiones

A journey through rock art and colonial churches that highlight the cultural fusion of Andean and Hispanic influences.

Morro de Arica

Morro de Arica

Over 100 meters tall and declared a National Historic Monument in 1971, this is the most iconic landmark in Arica, offering panoramic views of the city and its coastline

San Miguel de Azapa Archaeological Museum

San Miguel de Azapa Archaeological Museum

Home to the Chinchorro mummies—the oldest in the world—this museum offers deep insight into the ancient history of the region.

Trekking in the Laguna Cotacotani

Trekking in the Laguna Cotacotani

Hiking among snow-capped volcanoes and Altiplano lagoons in Lauca National Park is a one-of-a-kind experience, with opportunities to meet Aymara families who protect the land.

Montañas Arcoíris del Altiplano

Montañas Arcoíris del Altiplano

A high-altitude trek at 5,300 meters above sea level through multicolored volcanic formations—perfect for lovers of adventure and dramatic landscapes.

Ruta de las Misiones

Ruta de las Misiones

A journey through rock art and colonial churches that highlight the cultural fusion of Andean and Hispanic influences.

Why this destination?

Discover the unique charm this city has to offer.

Cuisine

The local culinary experience reflects the identity of the high Andean plateau: native ingredients, ancestral recipes, and unique flavors. From the olives of the Azapa Valley to the oregano of Socoroma, every dish tells a story of the land. Enjoy meals made with quinoa, native potatoes, llama meat, and homemade specialties like Pintatani, a handcrafted wine from Codpa. Local restaurants like Don Leo in Parinacota or La Casona del Rey in Putre offer authentic cuisine using regional ingredients. Eating in the Altiplano does not just nourish—it teaches, connects, and inspires.

Handicrafts

Altiplano crafts reflect the living identity of the Aymara communities. In villages such as Belén, Ticnamar, or Socoroma, you will find handwoven textiles made from alpaca and llama wool, dyed with natural pigments. Aymara women pass down their ancestral techniques from generation to generation, creating ponchos (traditional woolen cloaks), belts, hats, and blankets that not only provide warmth but also tell stories of land, climate, and worldview. You will also find practical and ceremonial objects made from ceramics or wood, always tied to community life and Andean spirituality. Every handcrafted piece is an authentic expression of the Chilean Altiplano.

Sustainability

The Arica y Parinacota Region is a model of resilience and harmony between nature and culture. Its extreme geography—deserts, ravines, and Altiplano—has been home to communities that have adapted without disturbing their environment. Agricultural terraces, ancient irrigation systems, and sustainable camelid herding are traditions passed down through generations. Traveling through this region means learning to respect and value the deep bond between people and landscape, following heritage routes, visiting nature reserves, and connecting with the guardians of the territory. Exploring the north is not just about sightseeing—it is about learning to coexist.

Recommendations for your trip

What should I take?

What to Wear

Waterproof and windproof jacket Base and mid layers Trekking pants High-ankle trekking shoes Swimsuit

What to Bring

Trekking backpack Trekking poles Sunglasses Sunscreen Chargers and power bank

Weather

Temperature

Minimum temperature: Between -5°C and 6°C, depending on altitude. Maximum temperature: In Arica, between 20°C and 26°C. In the Altiplano, up to 14°C during the day.

Weather

General climate: Mostly sunny, with clear or partly cloudy skies along the coast. Wind: Moderate to strong in high areas, light along the coast.

Helpful information

Hospital

Hospital Juan Noé (Arica): Av. 18 de Septiembre 1000, Arica. Phone: +56 58 220 5600 — Open 24/7

Banks and ATMs

ATMs are available at shopping centers, bus terminals, and banks. Banks: Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM ATMs: Available 24/7

Did you know?

Did you know?

Arica is the city with the most sunny days in Chile. It enjoys over 300 days of sunshine a year, earning it the nickname “City of Eternal Spring".

The Chinchorro mummies, discovered in the Arica and Camarones area, are over 7,000 years old—even older than the Egyptian mummies.

What to Wear

Waterproof and windproof jacket Base and mid layers Trekking pants High-ankle trekking shoes Swimsuit

What to Bring

Trekking backpack Trekking poles Sunglasses Sunscreen Chargers and power bank

Temperature

Minimum temperature: Between -5°C and 6°C, depending on altitude. Maximum temperature: In Arica, between 20°C and 26°C. In the Altiplano, up to 14°C during the day.

Weather

General climate: Mostly sunny, with clear or partly cloudy skies along the coast. Wind: Moderate to strong in high areas, light along the coast.

Hospital

Hospital Juan Noé (Arica): Av. 18 de Septiembre 1000, Arica. Phone: +56 58 220 5600 — Open 24/7

Banks and ATMs

ATMs are available at shopping centers, bus terminals, and banks. Banks: Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM ATMs: Available 24/7

Did you know?

Arica is the city with the most sunny days in Chile. It enjoys over 300 days of sunshine a year, earning it the nickname “City of Eternal Spring".

The Chinchorro mummies, discovered in the Arica and Camarones area, are over 7,000 years old—even older than the Egyptian mummies.