Nestled along the edge of the Atacama Desert, the coastal city of Arica, Chile is a must-visit destination for travelers seeking an unforgettable experience. From its awe-inspiring natural beauty to its vibrant culture and rich history, Arica has something for everyone. From the breathtaking beaches of Playa El Laucho to the stunning views of the El Morro Fortress, here are the top 20 places to see in Arica, Chile.
1. Morro de Arica: This iconic landmark is a symbol of the city and a must-see for any visitor. From the top of the hill, visitors can take in stunning views of the city, the harbor, and the Pacific Ocean.
2. San Marcos Cathedral: This stunning cathedral is the oldest church in Arica and one of the most important religious sites in the city. The cathedral is an excellent example of colonial architecture and features beautiful stained glass windows and a large bell tower.
3. Playa El Laucho: This stunning beach is one of the most popular spots in Arica and a great place to relax and take in the views. The beach is lined with palm trees and has a large pier where visitors can watch the sunset.
4. Plaza Colon: This beautiful plaza is located in the heart of the city and is surrounded by colonial buildings. The plaza is a popular spot for locals and visitors alike and features a large fountain and several monuments.
5. El Morro Fortress: This impressive fortress is located at the entrance of the harbor and is one of the most important historical sites in the city. The fortress was built in the 19th century and is now a museum open to the public.
6. La Lisera: This popular park is located in the center of the city and features a large lake and several monuments. The park is a great spot for a picnic or a leisurely stroll and is home to several species of birds.
7. La Tirana: This small town is located just outside of Arica and is home to one of the most important religious festivals in the country. Every year, thousands of visitors come to La Tirana to celebrate the Virgin of Carmen.
8. La Sirena: This beautiful beach is located just outside of Arica and is known for its crystal clear waters and stunning views. The beach is a popular spot for swimming and sunbathing and is the perfect place to relax.
9. San Miguel de Azapa: This small town is located just outside of Arica and is home to one of the oldest mummies in the world. The mummy is believed to be over 7,000 years old and is a fascinating sight to behold.
10. Parque Nacional Lauca: This stunning national park is located in the Andes Mountains and is home to a variety of wildlife. The park is a great spot for hiking and bird watching and is one of the most beautiful places in the country.
11. Plaza 21 de Mayo: This beautiful plaza is located in the center of Arica and is a popular spot for locals and visitors alike. The plaza is home to several monuments and is a great place to take a break and people watch.
12. El Mirador: This stunning viewpoint is located just outside of Arica and offers breathtaking views of the city and the Pacific Ocean. The viewpoint is a popular spot for photography and is a great place to watch the sunset.
13. Paseo 21 de Mayo: This popular promenade is located in the center of the city and is lined with palm trees and several monuments. The promenade is a great spot for a leisurely stroll and is a popular spot for locals and visitors alike.
14. Iglesia San Francisco: This beautiful church is located in the center of the city and is one of the oldest in the city. The church is an excellent example of colonial architecture and features beautiful stained glass windows and a large bell tower.
15. Museo Arqueologico San Miguel de Azapa: This fascinating museum is located just outside of Arica and is home to a variety of artifacts from the Azapa culture. The museum is a great spot for anyone interested in learning more about the history of the region.
16. Plaza Colón: This beautiful plaza is located in the center of the city and is surrounded by colonial buildings. The plaza is a popular spot for locals and visitors alike and features a large fountain and several monuments.
17. Museo Historico y de Arte: This fascinating museum is located in the center of the city and is home to a variety of artifacts from the region. The museum is a great spot for anyone interested in learning more about the history and culture of Arica.
18. Paseo Sotomayor: This popular promenade is located in the center of the city and is lined with palm trees and several monuments. The promenade is a great spot for a leisurely stroll and is a popular spot for locals and visitors alike.
19. Playa Brava: This stunning beach is located just outside of Arica and is known for its crystal clear waters and stunning views. The beach is a popular spot for swimming and sunbathing and is the perfect place to relax.
20. Plaza de Armas: This beautiful plaza is located in the center of the city and is surrounded by colonial buildings. The plaza is a popular spot for locals and visitors alike and features a large fountain and several monuments.