Arica is in the North of Chile. It is a seaside resort City (170,000 pop): quiet, relaxed, safe, with several nice beaches and sun virtually every day of the year. The city of eternal spring is the northern gateway to Peru and Bolivia.
Archaeological research has indicated the site of Arica was inhabited by different native groups for at least ten thousand years. The city was founded by Spanish captain Lucas Martinez de Begazo in 1541, and in 1570 was entitled as "La Muy Ilustre y Real Ciudad San Marcos de Arica" (the very illustrious and royal city of San Marcos of Arica). This city was since 1545 the port for exporting the silver of Potosí. The city is the capital of the recently created Arica-Parinacota Region (October 2007). It has a population of approximately 200,000 and is known as the "city of the eternal spring".
The city was part of Peru until June 7, 1880, when it was taken by Chilean forces during the War of the Pacific and militarily occupied after the battle of Arica for the Morro de Arica ("Arica's Cape"), which was one of the war's most famous actions, with hundreds of casualties on the Peruvian and Chilean sides, in a matter of only a few hours of fighting. The city's status was not clear until August 29th, 1929, when it was definitely incorporated to the Chilean sovereignty.
PLACE TO VISIT
Cathedral of San Marcos is designed by the Eiffeltower-Eiffel guy. It's a popular attraction. Entry is from Plaza Colón.
The views from el Morro is superb. One can follow the work being done in the harbour closely or gaze at the mountains gradually turning into the altiplano in the east. The hill looks like a giant sand dune from a distance but it is in fact made of solid rock. The paved footpath visible from anywhere in town starts at the south end of Calle Colón. Allow 10 minutes for walking up and enough time for philosophic discussions on top. There is a war museum on the hill for those into uniforms and cannons from the 19th century. Beware of the dishonest Coca Cola vending machines, bring water and snacks from town.
The Morro de Arica is a steep and tall hill located in the city. Its height is 139 meters above sea level. It was the last bulwark of defence for the Peruvian troops who garrisoned the city. It was assaulted and captured on June 7, 1880 by Chilean troops in the last part of their Campaña del Desierto (Desert Campaign) during the War of the Pacific.
WHAT TO DO
Surfing and boogieboarding is good around Arica. The beaches north of town are good for beginners, while more experienced surfers go south of el Morro. There is a surfshop in the centre, but it's best to bring your own board.
Bathing and sunbathing on the beaches north of town. Summer is the main season, in winter you'll have the beaches for yourself. Water is cold.
San Miguel de Azapa Archaeological Museum
Trekking "Playa Corazones" area
Visit nearby valleys w/ olive trees plantations
HOW TO REACH
Numerous buses arrive daily from centers further south in Chile. Daily buses come in from Bolivia, La Paz, Cochabamba and Oruro. Colectivos (shared taxis) arrive and depart continually from Peru during border opening hours 8AM-10PM, taking passengers from the International Terminal in Arica to the International Terminal in Tacna, Peru. From the National Terminal (alongside) buses come in from other centers in Peru. Note there are no direct buses from Arequipa, Cuzco or Puno to Arica.
Also there are Trains coming from La Paz (Bolivia) and Tacna (Peru.
