Arica

Arica is a seaside resort town of 223,000 (2016) in Northern Chile. It's quiet, relaxed and safe, with several nice beaches and sun virtually every day of the year. Its mild weather has made Arica known as the "city of the eternal spring" in Chile while its beaches are frequented by Bolivians. This city is the northern gateway to Peru and Bolivia.

Understand
Arica has a mild, temperate climate with one of the lowest annual rainfall rates anywhere in the world. You will rarely find any clouds in Arica, although the sky can sometimes be darkened with a sort of fog called camanchaca.

The city was an important port already during Spanish colonial rule. Chile seized the city from Peru in 1880 during the War of the Pacific, being recognized as Chilean by Peru in 1929. A substantial part of African Chileans live in or trace their origins to Arica.

Near the city is the Azapa Valley, an oasis where vegetables and Azapa olives are grown. Economically, it is an important port for Chilean ore. It is also a center of rail communication with Bolivia and has its own international airport. Arica has strong ties with the city of Tacna, Peru; many people cross the border daily to travel between the cities, partly because many services (for example, dentists) are cheaper on the Peruvian side. Arica is connected to Tacna in Peru and to La Paz in Bolivia by separate railway lines.

By bus
Numerous buses arrive daily from centers further south in Chile. Buses from/to Iquique hourly, 7,000 pesos, taking 5 hr. Also frequent connections from/to Santiago. From/to San Pedro de Atacama 2 companies run a daily service (at night): Tur-Bus (13,000 pesos, 11 hr) and Espresso Norte (10,000 pesos, with a change in Calama).

Daily buses come in from Bolivia, La Paz, Cochabamba and Oruro. If you wish to come from Oruro, you will also have to get a bus to Patacamaya to transfer to the bus to Arica, there are no direct buses. In general, it is best to go from La Paz—they have direct buses, otherwise the transfer can be very confusing.

Colectivos (shared taxis) arrive and depart continually from Peru during the border opening hours of 08:00–22:00, taking passengers from the International Bus Terminal (about 100 m from the main bus terminal) in Arica to the International Bus Terminal in Tacna, Peru. They take 1½-2 hr and as of 2014, colectivos cost 4,000 pesos, or 18 Peruvian soles, and leave as soon as they are full (4 or 5 passengers); the driver also helps you through immigration and customs. Buses cost less, but take much longer. From the Terminal Rodovario (alongside) buses come in from other centers in Peru. There are no direct buses from Arequipa, Cusco or Puno to Arica. From Tacna however, buses go regularly to Arequipa, Lima, and Puno. For Cusco, it is necessary to change buses in either Arequipa or Puno.

By train


There are trains from La Paz (Bolivia) and Tacna (Peru).

By plane


Connections to/from Santiago and La Paz, Bolivia.

On foot
Walking will get you most places in town

By bus
Buses run along the major avenues for those in a hurry. They are also handy for getting to and from the bus station. The usual fare is 320 pesos.

Radio taxis (colectivos) average 550 pesos per trip.

Do

 * Surfing – Good around Arica, including boogie boarding. 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.
 * Beaches – Swimming and sunbathing on the beaches north of town. Summer is the main season, in winter you will have the beaches for yourself. Water is cold.
 * Hiking – "Playa Corazones" area
 * Nearby valleys – Visit the olive trees plantations

Eat

 * Chifa Maxi, Baquedano 494. Delightfully slow and nonexistent service at this authentic Chinese place with vegetarian options. Popular. Take away available.
 * La Casa del Coctel, San Martin 495, +56 58 250400. Excellent cheese empananas in downtown Arica. Fastfood from 500 pesos.
 * La Nanu, Av. Santa Maria 1182, +56 58 312399. Great empanadas (21 different kinds). Between the bus station and the centre. Also pizza. Good for vegetarians.
 * Lider Supermercado, 18 de septiembre 401. Well stocked supermarket in a convenient location. Good for stocking up on cheap mineral water, as the tapwater in the area is not recommended for drinking.

Go next

 * Iquique
 * Santiago
 * San Pedro de Atacama
 * Lauca National Park – Chungará Lake is the main attraction in this wilderness park surrounded by volcanoes and adjacent to the border with Bolivia. Tour operators and touts will try to grab you on the pedestrian streets in the center, but hiring a car or getting on a bus to Bolivia and getting off in Parinacota on the Chilean side or Lagunas on the Bolivian might work out cheaper.


 * Tacna, Peru