According to tourists who visited Arica, the must-do activities on a first visit are: 1. Visit the Morro de Arica, an impressive rock formation with panoramic views, standing 110 meters tall and featuring a museum at the top. It can be accessed on foot or by vehicle from the city center. 2. Explore the Historical and Arms Museum of Morro de Arica, located at the summit of the Morro, which displays artifacts and commemorates the War of the Pacific. 3. Enjoy the Beaches of Arica (Chinchorro, Las Machas, El Laucho), extensive sandy beaches with warm waters ideal for relaxation and water sports. 4. Learn about the Chinchorro Culture and its Mummies, exhibitions about the ancient Chinchorro culture, famous for its mummies, the oldest in the world, over 8,000 years old. 5. Admire the Eiffel Block, a set of three historic buildings designed by Gustave Eiffel, located in the old town of Arica.
The top-rated activities by tourists in Arica are: 1. Surfing at Playa Las Machas or El Gringo, enjoying world-famous waves. 2. Visiting Lauca National Park and Lake Chungará, exploring dreamlike Andean landscapes and protected wildlife. 3. Exploring Geoglyphs and Petroglyphs, discovering archaeological sites that mark routes to sacred sites in the valleys. 4. Tasting Local Cuisine, trying the food of Arica and Parinacota with products like Azapa olives. 5. Visiting Alacrán Island, a beach destination close to the coast that invites sunbathing and enjoying the sea.
From Arica, the following day trips can be made: 1. Lauca National Park: 160 km (3 hours by car), where you can see Lake Chungará, volcanoes, and Andean wildlife. 2. Azapa Valley: 15 km (20 minutes by car), visiting geoglyphs, the San Miguel de Azapa Archaeological Museum, and olive plantations. 3. Towns of the Precordillera and Altiplano (Putre, Socoroma): 145 km (2.5 hours by car to Putre), appreciating high-altitude landscapes and colonial churches. 4. Tacna, Peru: 50 km (1 hour by vehicle), visiting a historic city with museums and plazas.
To visit the main attractions of Arica, it is recommended to spend between 3 and 4 days. With 3 days, it's possible to see the key points of the city and take a nearby excursion. Four days allow for a more relaxed visit and the inclusion of a trip to the altiplano. Five days or more are ideal for thoroughly exploring the region and its surroundings. The size of the region and the dispersion of its natural and cultural attractions are factors to consider, as well as the time needed to acclimate to the altitude during excursions to the altiplano and the travel pace desired by the visitor.
The high season is from December to February, with warm and sunny weather ideal for beaches, temperatures ranging from 20°C to 28°C, and high prices, which can double accommodation and flight costs. The low season is from June to August, with mild weather, temperatures between 12°C and 20°C, and moderate prices, being 20-30% cheaper than in high season. The ideal season is from March to May and from September to November, offering an excellent balance of pleasant weather (mild and sunny), fewer crowds, and more moderate prices, being 10-20% cheaper than in high season.
Arica is considered a moderately priced destination within Chile. The estimated daily budget is 30-50 USD for backpackers, 70-120 USD for a mid-range budget, and 150-250 USD for a comfort budget. A meal at an average restaurant costs between 16 and 26 USD, while an inexpensive meal ranges from 5 to 11 USD. Public transportation costs between 0.75 and 1.60 USD per trip. Admission to an average attraction costs between 5 and 16 USD. Budget accommodation per night ranges from 32 to 63 USD, and mid-range accommodation from 84 to 158 USD. An example budget for 5 days is around 350-600 USD.
Free attractions in Arica include general access to Morro de Arica, the Beaches of Arica (Chinchorro, Las Machas, El Laucho), and a stroll through the historic center and the Costanera. The Free Walking Tour Arica, with voluntary tips, covers the historic center. For guided tours, Tur.com highlights: Tour Arqueológico Geoglifos de Chiza from USD 55, Tour de día completo al Parque Nacional Lauca from USD 95, Tour de Surf en Arica from USD 60, Tour Histórico por Arica from USD 35.
