Getting Around Arica
Arica is compact and easy to navigate, and most visitors find they can cover the central sights on foot while using buses, taxis, or shared colectivos for longer hops. There is no metro or tram system in the city, so getting around relies on road-based transport and walking.
On Foot
Walking will get you most places in town. The city center is compact enough that many of the main points of interest are within easy walking distance of one another, making it the simplest way to explore if you are staying centrally.
Buses
Buses are the most common form of public transport in Arica. They run along the major avenues and are handy both for getting around town in a hurry and for reaching the bus terminals. Several companies operate the routes, which cover the city and its outskirts.
- Fares are affordable; the usual fare is around 320 pesos.
- Buses can be crowded at peak hours, and traffic congestion can cause delays.
- You do not need a car to get around Arica given the network of buses, taxis, and colectivos.
Colectivos (Shared Taxis)
Colectivos are shared taxis that operate on fixed routes similar to buses. They carry up to four passengers and pick up and drop off along the route.
- Fares are slightly higher than buses but lower than regular taxis; radio taxis (colectivos) average around 550 pesos per trip.
- They operate from early morning until late at night.
Taxis and Ride-Hailing
Regular taxis can be hailed on the street or booked in advance through taxi companies. They use metered fares, which are generally higher than bus fares, and are available day and night.
Rail
Arica's rail connection is international rather than a local metro or tram network. Trains run to and from Tacna in Peru every day except Sunday. The historic Tacna–Arica railway, one of the first in Latin America, still functions today. There is no metro or tram system within the city itself.
Getting from the Airport into the City
Chacalluta International Airport serves Arica, with connections to and from Santiago and La Paz, Bolivia. The airport is the city's international gateway; once you arrive, the same local options — buses along the major avenues, taxis, and colectivos — are how you reach the city center and the rest of town.
Arriving by Bus or Train
If you are arriving overland, Arica has two main bus terminals: Terminal Rodovario and Terminal Internacional, which sits about 100 m from the main bus terminal. Numerous buses arrive daily from centers further south in Chile, including frequent connections from Iquique and Santiago, as well as services from San Pedro de Atacama. Daily buses also come in from Bolivia, including La Paz, Cochabamba, and Oruro. Colectivos arrive and depart continually from Peru during border opening hours, running between the International Bus Terminal in Arica and the International Bus Terminal in Tacna; the driver also helps you through immigration and customs. Buses are cheaper but take much longer than colectivos. The train station, Estación Arica, connects the city with Tacna.
Practical Tips
- Carry small change for bus and colectivo fares.
- Colectivos leave as soon as they are full, so you may wait a short while at quieter times.
- For cross-border travel to Tacna, colectivos are the faster option; buses cost less but take considerably longer.
- Buses are useful for reaching the bus terminals as well as for general travel around the city.