 Climate
Arica is known as the ‘city of eternal spring’ due to its coastal desert-like climate. The summer months present low temperatures of 19ºC (66ºF) and highs of 28ºC (82ºF), while in the winter months of June, July and August, the extremes vary from 14ºC (57ºF) to 19ºC (66ºF). Precipitation here is nil, and only morning cloud formations occur due to its proximity to the ocean
Sights and Attractions
Arica, the northern entrance to our country, welcomes its visitors with various leisure alternatives. Its parks, gardens and coastal avenues decorated with palm trees and other exotic species make its visitors forget that it is situated in the middle of the desert. In the city center you’ll find San Marcos Cathedral adjacent to Plaza Colón, constructed at Gustave Eiffel's workshops and inaugurated in 1876.
“El Morro”, a spectacular headland offering sweeping ocean and desert views, for its part, has become one of the most representative symbols of the province.
East of the city is Azapa Valley, characterized by its famous olives, San Miguel de Azapa Arqueologic Museum which shows a collection of artifacts found in and around the region, and the Poblado Artesenal, a simulated high-plains village where you can shop for handcrafts made of guanaco and vicuna wool, ceramics and carvings. The warm water of the Chinchorro, Lisera, Laucho and Machas beaches and the seaside resort of Playa Brava, invite you to practice nautical sports and fishing…and after spending time enjoying the provincial sun we suggest a visit to the city’s casino.
Arica is the junction point between Chile, Peru and Bolivia. Nearby is the Lluta Valley, another point of archaeological interest, with groups of houses, geoglyphs and the little village and church of Poconchile. |
