Arica offers a range of reasons to visit: Chinchorro heritage, colonial-era architecture, the Carnaval con la Fuerza del Sol and the coast each bring their own appeal. Those looking to combine cultural history with coastal interests can explore the city through these themes. When choosing what to see, consider whether World Heritage and historic buildings, the summer festival, surfing or a sweeping view across the bay should be the deciding factor.
Chinchorro Heritage and Historic Buildings
Colón 10 is one of the two components of the UNESCO World Heritage property “Settlement and Artificial Mummification of the Chinchorro Culture” located in Arica. UNESCO inscribed it in 2021. This makes Colón 10 a specific part of the World Heritage property in the city.
The historic district, which includes several colonial-era buildings, offers a different way to explore the city’s history. These include the Arica Provincial Government building, San Marcos Cathedral and the former Customs building. All three were designed in the workshops of Gustave Eiffel. The examples range from an administrative building to a religious structure and a former customs building; their attribution to Eiffel provides a shared architectural connection.
The museum at Calle Cristóbal Colón No. 10 is in the historic center and can be reached by public or private land transport. Check the latest visitor information before you go.
Carnaval con la Fuerza del Sol
Carnaval con la Fuerza del Sol is a three-day summer festival in Arica. More than 16,000 dancers and musicians come together for the event. Participants include people from Arica, Peru, Bolivia and northern Chile as a whole. Their origins give the festival both a local and a cross-border dimension.
If you want to plan your trip around the festival, check the specific event dates in advance. Its three-day duration and status as a summer festival provide a clear framework for planning, without specifying a particular event date.
Coast: Surfing and Swimming Spots
Along Playa Chinchorro, there are schools where visitors can rent equipment and learn to surf. El Gringo offers a different connection to surfing: its famous wave has hosted international competitions and attracted surfers including Kelly Slater and Pierre Louis Coste. The two spots therefore offer distinct experiences: Playa Chinchorro focuses on lessons and equipment rentals, while El Gringo is known for its wave and competition history.
Swimming spots are also part of Arica’s coastal offerings. Las Machas is one of the city’s important swimming spots. Isla Alacrán is also mentioned alongside other coastal destinations. Together with the surfing spots, these places show the variety of coastal activities, though not every place is suited to the same activities.
Morro de Arica: Cultural Heritage Symbol and Viewpoint
Morro de Arica lies south of the city and is one of Arica’s most representative cultural heritage symbols. From its summit, visitors can enjoy a unique panoramic view across the bay and coast. The Morro thus complements the historic buildings and coastal attractions with a striking viewpoint.
Paragliding from Morro de Arica offers another perspective, with an aerial view of the city. The summit view across the bay and coast and the aerial view of Arica offer two different ways of seeing the city. When planning a trip, you can start by choosing the focus that appeals most: cultural history, the festival, surfing or the views.
For a broader travel overview: Región De Arica Y Parinacota.
