Arica Province: Birdlife, Chinchorro Culture and Valleys

Arica Province combines impressive natural landscapes with a long cultural history: migratory birds stop at the Río Lluta Wetland, coastal paths wind between caves and cliffs, and in the Camarones Valley, the dry Atacama meets green land fed by the river. The province is also home to archaeological collections, rock carvings, and living traditions. As you plan your trip, consider whether you would most like to explore birdlife, the coast, Chinchorro culture, or the valleys—each focus offers a different perspective on the province.

Birdlife at the Río Lluta Wetland

The Río Lluta Wetland is a stopover for about 20,000 migratory birds each year. More than 150 bird species find shelter and respite there; at the lagoons, they can rest, nest, and look for food. The wetland also includes a 30.5-hectare nature sanctuary protected by a municipal ordinance. If you are especially interested in birds and wetlands, this natural attraction is a clear focus for your explorations of Arica Province.

Archaeology and Chinchorro history

More than 80,000 architectural and ethnographic artifacts are preserved at the San Miguel de Azapa Archaeological Museum. The Chinchorro Room at the San Miguel de Azapa Museum offers another perspective, with 15 Chinchorro mummies, including children, adults, and unborn individuals. The finds also make Chinchorro culture a point of interest elsewhere in the province: numerous remains of this culture are found at the Anzota Caves. Its fishermen, hunters, and gatherers lived in the region more than 9,000 years ago.

Caleta Camarones is also located at an archaeologically significant site, with remains of the Chinchorro culture dating back more than 9,000 years. Since 2010, the over-4-meter-high sculpture Chinchorro Culture, by sculptor Paola Pimentel, has stood there. It is located on a cliff edge opposite the Camarones 14 and 15 archaeological sites. Those interested in early cultures can consider museum artifacts, historical remains, and a later work of art as different ways of exploring the past.

Coastal views and excursions on the water

The Anzota Caves are located at Playa Corazones on the southern coast of Arica. Paths and facilities make it possible to walk among the cave formations and cliffs while enjoying coastal views. Boat trips of about 40 minutes are also offered from the Muelle Pesquero Artesanal, where visitors can observe sea lions and various bird species. The pier is home to a terminal for artisanal fishers, stalls selling seafood, and restaurants with varied menus, including traditional empanadas.

Playa El Laucho offers accessible beach access: amphibious chairs and walking aids help children and adults with reduced mobility cross the sand and enter the water. The Anzota Caves, the boat trip, and the beach therefore offer different coastal experiences—from scenic walks to time by the water.

Green valleys and inland towns

In the Camarones Valley, the dry Atacama landscape contrasts with green vegetation and farmland irrigated by the Río Camarones. In some places, you can swim in the river. Near Chitita, Poza La Sirena has clear water where visitors can cool off; there, the valley’s greenery stands out against the colors of the desert. If you are looking for nature, water, and changing landscapes on your trip, these places offer a different focus from the coastal and museum sites.

In Codpa, cultural heritage meets the region’s winemaking tradition. The Church of San Martín de Tours dates back to 1668 and hosts the religious Feast of San Martín every November. Five kilometers from Codpa are the Ofragía Petroglyphs, with more than 400 rock carvings dating from around 1000 to 1400 AD; the images include camelids and human-like figures. The traditional Pintatani winemaking process is documented from the early 18th century, and descendants preserve its methods to this day. The Fiesta de la Vendimia reaches its climax in May.

Cultural fairs, workshops, performances, and concerts held throughout the year at the Poblado Artesanal offer further insights into local events. Since 2016, the Fiesta del Cordero has generally taken place in August, featuring regional lamb dishes and local products such as Pintatani wine, fruit, and vegetables.

When looking for a vacation rental, you can first decide which of these experiences you want to shape your trip: birdlife, archaeology, the coast, winemaking traditions, or valleys. For an overview by location, you can then explore Arica and Camarones separately.

For the broader travel overview: Fifteenth Region of Arica and Parinacota.