Climate
Arica's climate is one of its greatest attractions. With more than 300 days of sunshine a year, temperatures range from 15°C to 25°C, creating the perfect environment to enjoy its beaches and outdoor activities. The average annual temperature is 18.8°C, with annual rainfall of less than 3 mm on the coast. The entire coastal region is characterized by the presence of morning fog, known as "camanchaca", generated by the cold Humboldt Current.
Arica: One of the Driest Cities in the World
Arica is considered one of the driest inhabited cities on the planet. Located in northern Chile, within the Atacama Desert, it receives an average annual rainfall of only 0.76 mm. This extreme aridity is due to the Humboldt Current and the rain shadow effect of the Andes, which prevent moisture from reaching the region.
While some areas of the Atacama Desert have recorded no rainfall for decades, Arica stands out as one of the driest cities with a stable population. Despite its dryness, the city thrives thanks to water sources from the high Andes and remains a gateway to both desert landscapes and coastal attractions.
How to get to Arica
- By air, Arica is easily accessible thanks to Chacalluta International Airport, which receives flights from the main cities of Chile and some destinations in Peru and Bolivia. The air terminal is located 18.5 km from the city via routes 5/12. Airlines that usually operate flights to this airport include LATAM Airlines, Sky Airline, JetSmart.
- By land, it can be reached from the south via Route 5, also by the international highway that connects with Peru through the Chacalluta border complex, or from Bolivia in the east through the Tambo Quemado-Chungará border crossing.
Attractions in and around the city:
Catedral de San Marcos
Morro de Arica
(Cape Arica), combining history, landscape and symbolism, the Morro de Arica is a must-see for anyone visiting this charming northern city. The emblematic hill is much more than a simple geographical feature, from its strategic location that made it a key point during the War of the Pacific, to its value as a natural viewpoint that offers breathtaking panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean and the city.
The Morro captivates visitors and locals alike, by climbing its steep slopes, visitors can visit the Monument to the Unknown Soldier, a tribute to those who fought in the War of the Pacific, this monument is a reminder of the bravery and sacrifice of the soldiers.
There is also the Museo Histórico del Morro de Arica, located at the top of the hill, a gallery that tells the history of the battle and the transition of Arica to Chilean territory, offering a detailed look at the events that marked the region. The Mirador de la Virgen del Carmen viewpoint, from this point you can enjoy a panoramic view of the city and the sea, an ideal place to contemplate the beauty of the surroundings and reflect on the history of the place.
Museo Arqueológico San Miguel de Azapa
The San Miguel de Azapa Archaeological Museum, founded in 1967, is currently administered by the University of Tarapacá. The gallery is located 12 km from the city of Arica, in the Azapa Valley.
It is renowned for housing the mummies of the Chinchorro culture, the oldest in the world. These mummies are kept in a preservation room. Radiocarbon dating has revealed that the mummies are more than 7,000 years old, making them 2,000 years older than the known Egyptian mummies.
The museum showcases over 10,000 years of history through its collections, which include approximately 86,000 pieces, with about 1,000 on display. Additionally, it features a petroglyph park and a display of pre-Hispanic art. It serves as a custodian of an important heritage group related to the archaeology and anthropology of Chile, playing a vital role in understanding the rich cultural history of the region.
- Contact Telephone: 56 582205555
- E-Mail: masma@uta.cl
Museo del Mar (Sea Museum)
Founded in 2006, the museum exhibits approximately 1,700 species of mollusks and other marine life from Chile and around the world in its aquariums and displays. These specimens come from the private collection of its founder, who began collecting shells in the 1960s.
Beaches of Arica
Arica's beaches offer a unique combination of natural beauty, warm waters and a wide range of activities to enjoy under the northern Chilean sun.
- Playa Chinchorro, an extensive beach located just minutes from the city center, ideal for long walks by the sea and to observe the surrounding desert landscape. It is also known for its crystal clear waters, ideal for snorkeling and scuba diving. It has facilities as well as restaurants, food trucks and cafes to make the visit a complete enjoyment.
- Playa El Laucho, small beach located South of the city, one of the favorite spots for locals and visitors alike due to its easy access from the city center, calm and safe waters for swimming, ideal for relaxing and enjoying the scenery.
- Playa La Lisera, following Avenida Comandante San Martin, South of El Laucho, we find La Lisera, a semicircular beach perfect for water sports such as surfing and bodyboarding. It also has picnic areas and barbecues to enjoy a day at the beach with the family.
- Playa Corazones, a beach located 15 km south of Arica, known for its stretch of golden sand and calm waters, making it ideal for swimming and sunbathing.
A distinctive feature of Arica's Corazones Beach is its heart shape, hence its name. In addition to its bathing-friendly waters, the beach also offers facilities for water sports such as surfing and bodyboarding, although conditions may vary depending on the season and tide. The beach extends into the Anzota sector, providing an opportunity to appreciate natural caves and paintings from past eras.
- Playa Las Machas, another of the favorite spots in Arica, located within the urban area of the city and up to the mouth of the Lluta River. It has strong currents along the shore, so it is not suitable for swimming. However, there are several activities to enjoy such as sport fishing (there are places where you can get everything you need to practice this sport) and another activity that draws many visitors: surfing, which can be practiced to perfection, surfing enthusiasts will find ideal conditions, especially during high tide.
The Anzota Caves: A Must-See Destination in Arica
The Anzota Caves, located just 10 km south of the Morro de Arica, are a fascinating tourist attraction that blends history, archaeology, and natural beauty. Their proximity to downtown Arica makes them an easily accessible excursion for visitors.
This tourist-archaeological site offers a unique experience for those eager to explore the rich cultural heritage of northern Chile. The caves have been inhabited since pre-Columbian times by various cultures, including the Chinchorro, who left behind rock art and archaeological remains that provide insight into their way of life.
Beyond their historical significance, the Anzota Caves boast breathtaking natural landscapes. Perched on cliffs overlooking the Pacific Ocean, they offer spectacular panoramic views of the sea and coastline. Over millennia, erosion has sculpted striking rock formations, creating an unusual coastal landscape where white cliffs, ochre desert hues, and deep blue waters contrast beautifully.
Visitors can explore the caves and admire ancient cave paintings, estimated to be thousands of years old, offering a glimpse into the lives of the early inhabitants of the Atacama Desert. The cliffside location also provides opportunities for birdwatching, observing diverse wildlife, and capturing stunning landscape photography.
In summary, the Anzota Caves are an unmissable tourist destination that combines archaeology, history, and scenic beauty. With easy access from Arica and a rich cultural legacy, they are a must-visit for travelers looking to explore one of the most captivating natural and historical sites in northern Chile.
Parque Nacional Lauca
Lauca National Park, located in the province of Parinacota, Chile, near the border with Bolivia, is a natural wonder that extends over 137,883 hectares. It covers altitudes ranging from 3,200 meters above sea level in its lowest parts to 6,342 meters in its highest parts. The protected area is characterized by its spectacular landscapes, which include imposing volcanoes, altiplanic lagoons with crystalline waters, extensive grasslands, and flora and fauna adapted to the harsh conditions of the altiplano. Among the most outstanding volcanoes are Parinacota, Pomerape and Guallatiri.
Lauca National Park is a popular destination for nature and ecotourism lovers. Activities available in the park include hiking, trekking, bird watching, landscape photography, and visits to archeological sites, such as the rock paintings of the region's first inhabitants.
The area surrounding Lauca National Park is inhabited by indigenous Aymara communities, a peaceful native people who have developed a rich and unique culture, with traditions rooted in Altiplano life. The Aymara villages near the park offer the opportunity to learn about their way of life and ancestral customs.
This park is recognized as part of the World Network of Biosphere Reserves due to its rich biodiversity, which includes more than one hundred species of birds and a variety of mammals such as the alpaca, vicuña and guanaco. Visitors can explore its impressive topography that varies from 3,200 to more than 6,000 meters above sea level, admiring the Parinacota and Pomerape volcanoes, as well as the lagoons of Cotacotani and Lake Chungará, offering a unique experience in one of the most breathtaking landscapes in Chile.
To access Lauca National Park, you can get there from Arica, the nearest city, via Route 11-CH. Local agencies offer a variety of tours. In the park, there are camping areas and shelters for visitors, as well as basic services such as tourist information and public restrooms.
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