Arica: The City of Eternal Spring

• HelloHola
  [oh-lah]
• GoodbyeAdiós
  [ah-dee-ohs]
• YesSí
  [see]
• NoNo
  [no]
• Please/You're welcomePor favor/De nada
  [por fah-vor/deh nah-dah]
• Thank youGracias
  [grah-see-ahs]
• Excuse me/SorryPerdón/Lo siento
  [pehr-dohn/loh see-ehn-toh]
• How are you?¿Cómo estás?
  [koh-moh ehs-tahs]
• Fine. And you?Bien. ¿Y tú?
  [byehn. ee too]
• Do you speak English?¿Hablas inglés?
  [ah-blahs een-glays]
• I don't understandNo entiendo
  [noh ehn-tyen-doh]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseMe gustaría ver el menú, por favor
  [meh goos-tah-ree-ah behr ehl meh-noo, poor fah-vor]
• I don't eat meatNo como carne
  [noh koh-moh kahr-neh]
• Cheers!¡Salud!
  [sah-lood]
• I would like to pay, pleaseMe gustaría pagar, por favor
  [meh goos-tah-ree-ah pah-gahr, poor fah-vor]

• Help!¡Ayuda!
  [ah-yoo-dah]
• Go away!¡Vete!
  [veh-teh]
• Call the Police!¡Llama a la policía!
  [yah-mah ah lah poh-lee-see-ah]
• Call a doctor!¡Llama a un doctor!
  [yah-mah ah oon dohk-tohr]
• I'm lostEstoy perdido/a
  [ehs-toy pehr-dee-doh/dah]
• I'm illEstoy enfermo/a
  [ehs-toy ehn-fehr-moh/dah]

• I'd like to buy...Quisiera comprar...
  [kee-syeh-rah kohm-prahr]
• I'm just lookingSólo estoy mirando
  [soh-loh ehs-toy mee-rahn-doh]
• How much is it?¿Cuánto cuesta?
  [kwan-toh kwehs-tah]
• That's too expensiveEso es demasiado caro
  [eh-soh ehs deh-mah-see-ah-doh kah-roh]
• Can you lower the price?¿Puede bajar el precio?
  [pweh-deh bah-hahr ehl preh-see-oh]

• What time is it?¿Qué hora es?
  [keh oh-rah ehs]
• It's one o'clockEs la una
  [ehs lah oo-nah]
• Half past (10)Las diez y media
  [lahs dyehs ee meh-dee-ah]
• MorningMañana
  [mah-nyah-nah]
• AfternoonTarde
  [tahr-deh]
• EveningNoche
  [noh-cheh]
• YesterdayAyer
  [ah-yehr]
• TodayHoy
  [oy]
• TomorrowMañana
  [mah-nyah-nah]
• 1Uno
  [oo-noh]
• 2Dos
  [dohs]
• 3Tres
  [trehs]
• 4Cuatro
  [kwah-troh]
• 5Cinco
  [seen-koh]
• 6Seis
  [says]
• 7Siete
  [syeh-teh]
• 8Ocho
  [oh-choh]
• 9Nueve
  [nweh-veh]
• 10Diez
  [dyehs]

• Where's a/the...?¿Dónde está...?
  [dohn-deh ehs-tah]
• What's the address?¿Cuál es la dirección?
  [kwal ehs lah dee-rehk-syon]
• Can you show me (on the map)?¿Puede mostrarme (en el mapa)?
  [pweh-deh mohs-trar-meh (ehn ehl mah-pah)]
• When's the next (bus)?¿Cuándo es el próximo (autobús)?
  [kwan-doh ehs ehl proh-ksee-moh (ow-toh-boos)]
• A ticket (to ....)Un boleto (para ....)
  [oon boh-leh-toh (pah-rah)]

The region of Arica has been inhabited for thousands of years. The earliest known settlers were the Chinchorro people, who lived in the area as early as 7000 BCE. They are renowned for their mummification practices, which predate those of ancient Egypt.

Arica was officially founded by the Spanish in 1541. It became a crucial port for the Spanish Empire, particularly for the export of silver from the Potosí mines in Bolivia. The city's strategic location made it a key point of interest during the colonial period.

Arica played a significant role during the War of the Pacific (1879-1884). The Battle of Arica, fought on June 7, 1880, was a decisive conflict in which Chilean forces captured the city from Peru. This event led to Arica becoming part of Chile under the Treaty of Ancón in 1883.

During the 20th century, Arica saw significant economic and infrastructural development. The city became a free port in 1953, which spurred growth and attracted businesses. The establishment of various industries, including fishing and agriculture, further boosted the local economy.

Arica is a vibrant cultural hub with a diverse population. The city is known for its Afro-Chilean community, which has contributed to its rich cultural tapestry. Festivals, music, and dance reflect the blend of indigenous, African, and European influences that characterize Arica.

Today, Arica is a bustling city that balances its historical heritage with modern amenities. It is a popular tourist destination known for its beautiful beaches, lively markets, and historical landmarks such as the Morro de Arica and the San Marcos Cathedral, designed by Gustave Eiffel.

Arica is served by the Chacalluta International Airport (ARI), located about 18 kilometers north of the city. There are direct flights from Santiago and other major Chilean cities. Alternatively, you can reach Arica by bus, with several long-distance bus companies offering services from Santiago, a journey that takes approximately 30 hours. The Pan-American Highway (Route 5) also connects Arica to other major cities in Chile.

Within Arica, public transportation options include buses and colectivos (shared taxis), which are affordable and convenient for getting around the city. Taxis are also widely available. For more flexibility, consider renting a car, especially if you plan to explore surrounding areas such as the Lauca National Park or the Azapa Valley. Bicycles are also a great option for exploring the city's coastal areas.

The official currency in Chile is the Chilean Peso (CLP). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and larger stores. It's advisable to carry some cash for smaller establishments, markets, and local transportation. ATMs are plentiful in Arica, but be mindful of transaction fees and ensure your bank cards are set up for international use.

Arica is generally considered safe for tourists. However, as with any travel destination, it's important to stay vigilant. Avoid displaying valuables and be cautious in crowded areas such as markets and bus terminals. Some neighborhoods, particularly on the outskirts of the city, have higher crime rates. It's best to consult locals or your accommodation for current safety advice.

In case of emergency, dial 133 for the police, 131 for an ambulance, and 132 for the fire department. The main hospital in Arica is the Dr. Juan Noé Crevani Hospital, which provides emergency medical services. Pharmacies are widely available for minor health issues. It's recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies.

Fashion: Do dress comfortably and casually, but avoid overly revealing clothing. Beachwear is appropriate at the beach but not in the city. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions. When visiting churches, dress modestly and remove hats. Public Transport: Do have small change ready for bus fares and be prepared for crowded conditions during peak hours. Don't engage in loud conversations or eat on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a handshake and a smile. It's customary to say 'buenos días' (good morning) or 'buenas tardes' (good afternoon). Eating & Drinking: Do try local dishes and seafood, which Arica is famous for. Don't leave food on your plate, as it may be considered wasteful.

For an authentic experience, visit the local markets such as the Mercado Colón, where you can find fresh produce, seafood, and local crafts. Spend time at the beaches like Playa Chinchorro and Playa La Lisera. Engage with the locals; they are known for their friendliness and hospitality. Don't miss the chance to explore the historical sites such as the Morro de Arica and the San Marcos Cathedral. Early morning or late afternoon are the best times to enjoy the coastal boardwalk (Costanera) to avoid the midday heat.