The Very Best of What to do in Arica, Chile
The greatest thing about Chile is that the country has over 2600 miles of coastline! If you plan on visiting this destination, the chances of you spending some time by the ocean is very likely.
Arica is an awesome starting point if you plan on traveling all around Chile, as you can start here at the very north of the country and work your way southward. The weather here is absolutely beautiful and known for its sunny days.
El Morro
El Morro de Arica is part of the costa Mountainchain and one of the most popular spots in the city! Come here to get a panoramic view of the destination after a 360 feet hike up to the top. This natural attraction is located in the heart of the city and the view at the top is one hundred percent worth the hike! This is also the place to come if you want to visit the Weapons Museum or see some cannons as this attraction previously played a role in the War of the Pacific. Not only do you get an amazing view of Arica, but you can also learn a little more about Arica’s past!
Museo Histórico y de Armas (Weapons Museum)
Once you make it to the top of El Morro, you have the chance to go back in time and learn about the Battle of Arica, which took place during War of the Pacific. This war is when the Chilean soldiers attacked and captured El Morro de Arica.
Playa Chinchorro
If you wind up in this city, it is highly suggested that you do some surfing or at least chill by the beach since the weather is usually sunny and beautiful! Not too far from the city itself is Playa Chinchorro or the Chinchorro Beach so if you’re looking to stay close by, this is a perfect place for you to go. The beach is very long and great for a jam packed day of cocktails, sun and the ocean. I would suggest bringing your own umbrellas and chairs and also trying some of the local restaurants or food trucks.
Museo de Sitio Colón 10 (Mummy Museum)
If you’re a history buff, this is your place to be! This museum displays the culture and history of Chileans from the past. It goes into detail about how it was normal for the Chinchorro tribe to bury their loved ones after they had passed away. It’s pretty neat to see how they preserved the bodies back then and if you don’t speak Spanish, there are audio guides in English as well!
La Cuevas de Anzota
Just around 10 kilometers (6.21 miles) away from the city is one of the most popular tourist destinations of Arica, where the Chinchorro civilization began. Formed by centuries of the continuous rush of waves, Cuevas de Anzota features jagged cliffs, rocky shores, and amazing caves where the ancient people lived some 9000 years ago. Reach Cuevas de Anzota from the road as you traverse through the new coastal walk. There’s also several lookout and vantage points for you to see the rock formations and the shoreline as breathtakingly close as possible. You will also fall in love with the rich marine life, as the place is teeming with sea lions, otters, and marine birds.
Arica, Chile is such a gem to visit and again, the perfect destination to begin your journey through Chile since it’s located up north!
Did you love this article? Save for later or share with a buddy!
