What to see in the Arica region in northern Chile?
The Arica and Parinacota region is the northernmost region of Chile. With its numerous natural sites, the region of northern Chile is a must-visit for all lovers of the great outdoors.
The Arica and Parinacota region is the northernmost region of Chile. With its numerous natural sites, the region of northern Chile is a must-visit for all lovers of the great outdoors and nature. Between its volcanoes, its desert plateaus, its alpine lakes with emerald waters, its salt marshes, its meadows and its many archaeological remains… There's no doubt, the Arica region will leave you breathless!
The city of Arica
The city of Arica is the main city of the Arica and Parinacota region. With a constant temperature varying between 20 and 25°C, it is renowned as the city of eternal spring. While the city is primarily a departure point for visiting the natural sites of northern Chile, there are still some treasures worth discovering. Among them is one of Gustave Eiffel's monumental achievements: the Saint Mark Cathedral of Arica. You can also gain some height by climbing the Morro hill for a spectacular view of the sea and discover the Christ of Concord, a monumental statue that recalls the pact of friendship between Chile and Peru after long years of hostility. To finish, the seaside resort features 20 kilometers of sandy coastline where you can practice water activities such as surfing, windsurfing and bodyboarding or simply relax.
The Azapa valley
Midway between Arica and Putre, the Azapa valley is a mythical valley famous for its 10,000 years of history and numerous cultures. Planted with olive trees and fruit trees (banana, guava, mango…), the Azapa valley is a fertile land that can be explored through hiking, mountain biking or horseback riding. It's also an opportunity to discover impressive archaeological remains. Indeed, there are curious geoglyphs, large sculptures in red ochre designed on the hillside by the Chinchorros. Don't forget to stop at the San Miguel de Azapa museum where you can admire the mummies of the Chinchorro culture considered to be the oldest in the world (2,000 years before the Egyptians!).
Lauca National Park
Located in the Andes cordillera, Lauca National Park is one of the most beautiful parks to discover during a trip to Chile. Designated as a UNESCO biosphere reserve, it impresses with its majestic landscapes that host exceptional flora and fauna. Hiking enthusiasts can undertake the ascent of the active volcanoes Pomerape (6,282m) and Parinacota (6,342m) characterized by their snow-capped peaks. Animal lovers can head to Lake Chungara (one of the highest in the world) to observe impressive bird gatherings. Finally, history enthusiasts can discover the tambo de Chungara, an Inca stone construction erected toward the end of the seventeenth century, as well as a rocky cave beautifully painted in red ochre and the chaccu Las Cuevas.
Las Vicuñas National Reserve
Nestled in the foothills of the Andes cordillera, the Las Vicuñas National Reserve is an integral part of the Lauca biosphere reserve. Less well-known than Lauca National Park, it is nonetheless equally attractive with its mosaic of landscapes ranging from desert plateaus and salt lakes of the puna to the green meadows of the altiplano. On the agenda: trekking and climbing the peaks of Arintica (5,597m) and Puquintica (5,407m); observation of wild animals including some endemic species such as the Andean Condor and discovery of the alpine meadows that form the domain of vicuñas; not to mention the discovery of apachetas, stone mounds erected on the hills considered to be sacred sites of Inca civilization. Finally, nearby, don't miss the Salar de Surire natural monument, a gigantic river of salt composed of ponds and salt marshes populated by colonies of pink flamingos and other migratory birds.
Discover the beauty of Northern Chile through our Splendours of Northern Chile circuit.
Frequently asked questions
The Arica region enjoys an almost constant climate thanks to its status as the 'city of eternal spring' with temperatures between 20 and 25°C. To visit the high plateaus and Lauca National Park, it is best to avoid the rainy season (January to March) and to favor the period from May to November to enjoy clear skies and optimal hiking conditions.
Arica is accessible from Santiago by plane in approximately 2.5 hours, with regular flights operated by Chilean airlines. It is also possible to reach Arica by bus from Iquique (approximately 5 hours) or from Lima in Peru. The city is very well connected as a departure point for exploring the region.
Yes, good physical condition is recommended. Lauca National Park is situated at high altitude (Lake Chungara is at approximately 4,520 m above sea level). It is strongly advised to spend at least one night in Putre (3,500 m) to acclimatize before going higher, to avoid alcohol and intense effort in the first days, and to consult a doctor if you suffer from heart or respiratory problems.
The Chinchorro mummies preserved at the San Miguel de Azapa museum are considered the oldest artificially made mummies in the world, predating Egyptian mummies by more than 2,000 years. They were created by the Chinchorro people who lived in this region approximately 7,000 years ago. Listed as UNESCO World Heritage, they constitute one of the major cultural attractions of northern Chile.
Yes! Pink flamingos are one of the emblematic species of the region. They can be observed in colonies in the Salar de Surire, a natural monument composed of ponds and salt marshes located near the Las Vicuñas National Reserve. Lake Chungara, in Lauca National Park, is also an excellent birdwatching site.
