Arica Travel Guide

Morro de Arica is a steep, isolated hill about 100 m high beside the city of Arica, offering a 360-degree overlook of the town, port and Pacific — the city's natural landmark. On top stand a military history museum and war monuments recalling the nitrate conflicts of the 19th-century War of the Pacific. The climb is most popular at dawn and dusk, with sea breezes and the city laid out below — a classic sunset spot.Wind through the ramparts carries the Pacific's salt on the breeze.

The San Miguel de Azapa Archaeological Museum, in the Azapa valley outside Arica, is famed for holding the world's oldest mummies — the Chinchorro mummies, millennia older than Egypt's. The galleries trace the evolution of coastal-desert settlements, pottery and textiles, and display highland Tiwanaku artefacts. The hyper-arid climate preserved organic remains miraculously, making this the first classroom for understanding the ancient cultures of South America's west coast, and a unique highlight of any Arica trip.Each mummy whispers a human story from eight thousand years ago.

Parque Nacional Lauca lies on the Andean altiplano of Chile's far north, averaging over 4,000 m, known for volcanoes, high lakes and wetlands. Lago Chungará inside the park is among the highest lakes on Earth, home to flamingos, vicuñas and Andean condors.

Playa La Lisera is Arica's most popular city beach, south of the centre with fine sand and clear water, equipped with changing rooms and showers. Backed by the Morro de Arica, it pairs seaside relaxation with the hilltop viewpoint.