Around 20,000 migratory birds use the Humedal Río Lluta as a resting place each year. Along with its lagoons, traces of the Chinchorro culture and green valleys, this natural area shows the variety of discoveries awaiting visitors to Arica Province.

Birdlife at the Humedal Río Lluta

The Humedal Río Lluta is a 30.5-hectare natural sanctuary under municipal protection. Its lagoons offer shelter and quiet to more than 150 bird species, as well as space to rest, nest and find food. The annual stopover of migratory birds makes the wetland especially interesting for anyone who wants to make nature and birdlife the focus of their trip.

Coastal views and Chinchorro heritage in Arica

On Arica’s southern coast, the Cuevas de Anzota are located at Playa Corazones. Paths and facilities make it possible to walk among cave formations and cliffs, with views of the coast along the way. The area is also connected to the Chinchorro culture: numerous remains recall the fishers, hunters and gatherers who lived in the region more than 9,000 years ago. These finds add an archaeological dimension to the coastal landscape, alongside its striking caves and rock formations.

The Museo Arqueológico San Miguel de Azapa offers another encounter with the Chinchorro culture. Its collection includes more than 80,000 architectural and ethnographic items. In the Sala Chinchorro, the museum preserves 15 mummies: children, adults and unborn infants. This collection makes the Chinchorro culture’s burial traditions tangible through actual human remains.

You can also experience the local wildlife on the water. Boat trips of about 40 minutes are offered from the Muelle Pesquero Artesanal, where you can observe sea lions and various bird species. The duration is approximate; check in advance to see what is currently available. The pier also has an artisanal fishing terminal, stalls selling seafood and restaurants with varied menus, including traditional empanadas. Here, too, it is advisable to check what is currently available.

Playa El Laucho is designed as an inclusive beach. Amphibious chairs make it easier to cross the sand and enter the water; walking aids do not sink into the sand. This allows children and adults with limited mobility to use these aids. Check their availability before your visit.

Valleys, history and tradition in Camarones

In the Valle de Camarones, the dry landscape of the Atacama meets green vegetation. The Río Camarones supplies the valley’s plants and cultivated land; in some places, it is possible to swim in the river. As water conditions can vary seasonally, check local conditions if you plan to swim. Near Chitita, Poza La Sirena also offers clear water for cooling off. Here, the valley’s greenery contrasts with the colors of the desert.

In Codpa, the Iglesia San Martín de Tours is a distinctive feature of the townscape. This adobe building dates from 1668 and hosts the religious Feast of San Martín every November. Five kilometers from Codpa are the Petroglifos de Ofragía: more than 400 rock carvings dating from approximately 1000 to 1400 CE, depicting, among other things, camelids and human-like figures. The church and rock carvings reveal different chapters in the history and culture of this area. Check the festival dates if you want to plan your trip around it.

Codpa is also known for its Pintatani wine. Its traditional production has been documented since the early 18th century; descendants of this tradition continue to preserve its customary methods of production today. The wine tradition reaches its peak at the Fiesta de la Vendimia, held in May. The combination of winemaking and festivities gives local culture a distinctive connection to the valley landscape.

Caleta Camarones is home to archaeological sites with remains of the Chinchorro culture, whose history stretches back more than 9,000 years. Since 2010, the site has featured the sculpture Chinchorro Culture, over four meters high, by sculptor Paola Pimentel. It stands on a cliff edge opposite the Camarones 14 and 15 sites. Here, archaeological evidence meets a later artistic interpretation of the Chinchorro heritage.

Discover more destinations: Arica, Camarones

For the broader travel overview: Fifteenth Region of Arica and Parinacota.