Arica: Chinchorro Heritage, Carnaval and Coast

Arica can be explored through a range of travel interests: Chinchorro culture and historic architecture, views over the bay and coast, surfing, or a three-day summer festival.

Heritage and History in Arica

Colón 10 is one of two components of the UNESCO World Heritage property “Settlement and Artificial Mummification of the Chinchorro Culture” located in the city of Arica. It was inscribed on the World Heritage List in 2021. This makes Colón 10 a specific place to visit if you are interested in the heritage of the Chinchorro culture.

The historic district also features several buildings from the colonial period. These include the Arica Provincial Government building, San Marcos Cathedral, and the former Customs House. All three buildings were designed in the workshops of Gustav Eiffel. Their names and shared architectural attribution give a specific framework for a walk through the city’s history.

The museum at Calle Cristóbal Colón No. 10 is in the historic center of Arica and can be reached by public or private land transport. Check access details before your trip.

Morro de Arica: Views and Perspectives

South of the city lies Morro de Arica, one of the city’s most emblematic cultural heritage symbols. From the summit, panoramic views extend over the bay and coast. The Morro thus combines a cultural landmark with an overview of the landscape. Paragliding from Morro de Arica offers an aerial view of the city, providing a different perspective on Arica from the one seen from the summit.

Surfing and Coastal Destinations

For surfing lessons and equipment rentals, Playa Chinchorro is a specific point of reference: along the beach are schools where visitors can rent equipment and learn to surf. El Gringo represents a different aspect of surfing in Arica. The famous surf break has hosted international competitions and has attracted surfers such as Kelly Slater and Pierre Louis Coste, among others. At one spot, lessons and rentals take center stage; at the other, the famous wave and its competition history.

Las Machas is considered one of Arica’s most important beach destinations. One description also mentions Isla Alacrán alongside other coastal destinations and presents the selection as a whole as an invitation to sunbathe and surf.

Carnaval con la Fuerza del Sol

Carnaval con la Fuerza del Sol is a three-day summer festival in Arica. It brings together more than 16,000 dancers and musicians, including participants from Arica, Peru, Bolivia, and all across northern Chile. Its duration, time of year, and participants’ places of origin make the festival a distinct reason to travel, alongside the city’s history and coastal attractions. If you want to plan your trip around the Carnaval, check the specific event dates before making plans.

For the broader travel overview: Región De Arica Y Parinacota.