Stand at the south end of Calle Colón and look up: the paved footpath climbs the rock face of the Morro de Arica, and from the top the harbour, the city and the mountains folding east into the altiplano all open out at once. That climb is the simplest way to understand where Arica sits — at the bend of South America's western coast, where the Azapa and Lluta valleys cut through the Atacama Desert.
Arica suits travellers who want archaeology, beaches and hilltop views within a compact city, and who are happy to move at a slow pace in a mild desert climate. The city is Chile's northernmost, close to the Peruvian border, and its beaches are frequented by Bolivian society in summer.
This guide covers the sights and experiences in and around the city, plus a one-day plan that strings the best of them together.
Top things to do in Arica
1. Morro de Arica
A steep hill overlooking the city from 139 m above sea level, reached by a paved footpath that starts at the south end of Calle Colón. The views are the point: you can watch the work in the harbour or look east as the mountains gradually turn into the altiplano. From a distance it looks like a giant sand dune, but it is solid rock.
Allow about 10 minutes for the walk up, and leave time to linger at the top. There is a war museum on the hill with uniforms and cannons from the 19th century. Bring water and snacks from town rather than relying on the vending machines on the hill.
2. Cathedral of San Marcos
The church designed by Gustave Eiffel, built in the 1870s, and a popular attraction in the city. Entry is from Plaza Colón, so it pairs naturally with a walk through the square.
Combine the two: see the cathedral, then spend time in the plaza beside it.
3. Plaza Colón
The civic heart of the city, beside the cathedral. It is the public square where residents congregate for celebrations, diversions, or simply to be part of the community.
Use it as a base for the centre — the cathedral opens onto it, and it is a natural starting point before walking south to the foot of the Morro.
4. Museo Arqueológico San Miguel de Azapa
An archaeological museum on Camino Azapa in San Miguel de Azapa, 16 km east of Arica, open daily 10:00–18:00. The exhibition holds more than 20,000 archaeological pieces, and outside the museum you can find petroglyphs.
Give yourself time for both the collection and the petroglyphs outside. It sits in the Azapa valley, so it can be combined with a look at the valley's olive plantations.
5. Mouth of Camarones River
The Desembocadura de Camarones is an important settlement of the pre-Columbian Chinchorro culture, and one of the archaeological sites making up the world heritage listing for the settlement and artificial mummification of the Chinchorro culture in the Arica and Parinacota Region.
It lies roughly 100 km south of Arica, so plan it as a dedicated trip rather than a stop-off. The hill and the Museo de Sitio Colón 10 next to it are the other components of the same listing closer to town.
6. Surfing
The surf around Arica is good, including boogie boarding. The beaches north of town suit beginners, while more experienced surfers head south of el Morro.
There is a surf shop in the centre, but it is best to bring your own board.
7. Beaches
Swimming and sunbathing on the beaches north of town. Summer is the main season; in winter you will have the beaches to yourself. The water is cold.
Plan around the season rather than the clock — summer for company and facilities, winter for solitude.
8. Hiking in the Playa Corazones area
The Playa Corazones area is the hiking option around Arica, for those who want to walk rather than swim.
Treat it as a half-day outing and take your own supplies, as you would for the Morro.
9. The nearby valleys
The Azapa and Lluta valleys dissect the Atacama Desert here and provide citrus and olives for export. Visiting the olive tree plantations is one of the things to do around the city.
Pair a valley visit with the Museo Arqueológico San Miguel de Azapa, which sits in the Azapa valley.
If you only have one day
Morning: Start at Plaza Colón and the Cathedral of San Marcos, which opens onto it. Then walk to the south end of Calle Colón and take the paved footpath up the Morro de Arica, allowing about 10 minutes for the climb and time at the top for the harbour and mountain views. Bring water and snacks from town.
Afternoon: Head east to San Miguel de Azapa for the Museo Arqueológico San Miguel de Azapa, open daily 10:00–18:00, and look for the petroglyphs outside. If time allows, take in the olive plantations of the Azapa valley on the same outing.
Evening: Return to the city and finish on the beaches north of town, or simply back at Plaza Colón as residents gather for the evening.
Frequently asked questions
When is the best time to visit Arica's beaches?
Summer is the main season for swimming and sunbathing on the beaches north of town. In winter you will have the beaches to yourself. The water is cold either way.
Where do beginners surf, and where do experienced surfers go?
The beaches north of town are good for beginners, while more experienced surfers go south of el Morro. There is a surf shop in the centre, but it is best to bring your own board.
How long does it take to walk up the Morro de Arica?
Allow about 10 minutes for the walk up the paved footpath, which starts at the south end of Calle Colón, plus enough time at the top for the views.
What should I bring up the Morro de Arica?
Bring water and snacks from town. The vending machines on the hill are not reliable.
Start with the walk up the Morro and the square below it, then build the rest of your days around the valleys, the museum and the beaches.