Discover Arica

Arica brings together archaeological heritage, coastal scenery and a range of ways to explore the surrounding area actively. The Chinchorro sites tell a story spanning more than 6,000 years; at Morro de Arica, history and striking scenery meet. There is also Chinchorro beach resort, a regional market and destinations offering activities from hiking to climbing. This lets you choose what sets the tone for your stay: culture, the sea, local products or physical activity.

Chinchorro heritage and historic architecture

The Chinchorro Culture UNESCO World Heritage property includes the Faldeo Norte del Morro de Arica and Colón 10 components in Arica. The archaeological remains there include settlements, cemeteries and dense shell middens. These sites give a visit a clear historical focus: rather than looking at individual buildings alone, you can encounter different traces of human settlement here.

Colón 10 is part of a large archaeological area on the northern slope of Morro de Arica. Its remains span more than 6,000 years. If you are interested in the region’s long history, you can visit this site alongside Faldeo Norte del Morro de Arica as part of the Chinchorro World Heritage property.

The neoclassical Catedral San Marcos offers a different chapter in the city’s history. It was commissioned from the Eiffel company and built in 1876 on the site of the previous cathedral, which had been destroyed by the 1868 earthquake. Arica’s archaeological remains and a 19th-century building thus appeal to different historical interests.

Morro de Arica and coastal experiences

Morro de Arica is a 130-metre-high rock formation and part of the Coastal Range. Its summit can be reached on foot or by car. You can therefore choose between walking and driving; no further information about route length or duration is implied. The Morro adds a scenic perspective to the city’s archaeological attractions.

Chinchorro is one of Arica’s most important beach resorts and invites visitors to sunbathe and surf. If you want your trip to focus mainly on time by the sea, this beach resort is an attraction in its own right. If you are looking for a variety of activities instead, the nearby Paseo Cuevas de Anzota also offers hiking and cycling. Caves are reached by stairs; climbing is also available at different levels of difficulty. These activities appeal to different interests, but they do not constitute a single route or imply one specific difficulty level for all activities.

Markets, olives and cultural diversity

Terminal Asoagro de Arica is a market selling fruit, vegetables and typical regional products. Visiting the market offers a distinct way to discover local produce. Azapa olives are also part of the local food scene: they are produced in an oasis about a 35-minute drive from Arica. The market and the oasis offer different points of interest if you are interested in food and regional products.

Arica’s three-day Con la Fuerza del Sol carnival features Andean dance groups performing dances from the Altiplano, Afro-descendant communities and groups from inland parts of the Región de Arica y Parinacota. This diversity gives the festival its distinctive cultural character. It is a special option to consider when planning your trip if you are interested in dance and the region’s cultural traditions.

Getting there and choosing your stay

Chacalluta International Airport (ARI) is 18 kilometres north of Arica. It is served by daily flights from Santiago (SCL), with a flight time of about 2.5 hours. From the airport terminal, authorised transfer services and taxis take travellers to the historic centre or their accommodation in about 20 minutes. You can factor your journey to Arica into your stay plans in advance.

The experiences you want to prioritise can guide your choice of holiday rental in Arica.

If you would like to explore another place at this level of the navigation alongside Arica, you can also find Camarones here.

For the broader travel overview: Provincia Arica.