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Arica and Parinacota Region
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Explore Arica and Parinacota for Pacific beaches, Chinchorro heritage, desert valleys, Aymara villages and the high-altitude landscapes of Lauca.

At Chile’s northernmost edge, the Arica and Parinacota Region brings together Pacific coastline, hyper-arid desert, fertile river valleys and the high Andean plateau. Its principal city, Arica, occupies a narrow coastal plain where the Lluta and San José valleys reach the sea. Palm-lined streets, surf beaches and a relaxed port atmosphere contrast sharply with the immense, almost vegetation-free landscapes inland. The region borders Peru and Bolivia, and its geography has long made it a meeting place between the Pacific coast, the altiplano and the wider Andean world.
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Arica is the natural starting point. The Morro de Arica rises above the city as both a prominent viewpoint and a place of national historical importance, while the iron-framed Catedral de San Marcos and the former customs building reflect nineteenth-century modernisation. Museums and archaeological collections explain the long history of the Chinchorro culture, whose exceptionally early artificial mummification tradition is recognised by UNESCO. Nearby valleys add a different dimension: Azapa is known for olives, agricultural production and archaeological remains, while Lluta contains geoglyphs and settlements shaped by scarce water and demanding desert conditions.
Beyond the coast, the road climbs through the deeply cut valleys and precordillera towards villages such as Putre, the gateway to the highlands. Adobe churches, terraced fields and small settlements reveal enduring Aymara cultural landscapes. Putre is also a practical base for excursions into Parque Nacional Lauca, where volcanic peaks frame the broad altiplano around Lago Chungará. Vicuna, flamingos and other wildlife inhabit wetlands and saline landscapes, although the altitude and exposure make these outings physically demanding. Parinacota village, with its historic church, offers one of the region’s most recognisable highland settings.
The region’s food reflects both environments. Coastal restaurants serve fish and shellfish, while inland cooking uses potatoes, maize, quinoa, llama and locally grown produce; Azapa olives and valley vegetables are especially characteristic. A journey here is as much about changing altitude and culture as about individual sights: the Pacific warmth of Arica gives way within hours to cold, thin air, intense sunlight and Aymara communities whose agricultural and religious traditions remain visible. Visitors should allow time to acclimatise, travel thoughtfully in remote areas and treat the highland environment as a fragile living landscape rather than simply a scenic drive.

When is the best time to visit Arica and Parinacota Region?

Best: December–January · 25°C
Average daytime high and rainfall by month
MonthHigh (°C)Rainfall (mm)
January (best)250
February260
March (best)250
April240
May230
June210
July210
August210
September220
October240
November250
December (best)250

Getting to and around Arica and Parinacota Region

How to get there

Chacalluta International Airport is located north of Arica within the region and receives domestic flights from Chilean cities, with international availability varying by season and current airline schedules. Arica is also connected by long-distance buses and the Pan-American Highway. The nearest major international gateway outside the region is Tacna in southern Peru, across the border; travellers using this route must allow time for immigration and should check current border requirements. Road access south comes through the desert along the Pan-American route, while highland roads lead towards Putre and the Bolivian frontier.

Transportation

Arica has urban buses, taxis and colectivo services, while intercity buses connect the city with settlements and destinations within the region. A car is useful for the Azapa and Lluta valleys and gives greater flexibility in remote areas, but highland driving requires preparation, reliable fuel planning and caution on winding roads. Putre and Parque Nacional Lauca are commonly reached by organised tours or experienced drivers. Public transport is limited in the altiplano, and some rural roads are unpaved or affected by weather. Cycling and walking are appropriate for selected urban and valley routes, not as a substitute for transport across the region’s long distances.

Top city travel guides in Arica and Parinacota Region

The cities of Arica and Parinacota Region, and the easiest places to base yourself.

Best attractions in Arica and Parinacota Region

The region’s attractions are defined by sharp changes in altitude and environment. In Arica, visitors can combine Pacific beaches and coastal walks with the Morro, museums and the city’s historic centre. The Chinchorro heritage sites and archaeological interpretation around Arica and the valleys provide insight into early maritime settlement and ancient funerary practices. The Azapa Valley brings together olive groves, agricultural land, geoglyphs and archaeological collections, while the Lluta Valley offers a route through cultivated oases and stark desert scenery. Inland, Putre is the principal base for exploring the precordillera, village churches and highland landscapes. Parque Nacional Lauca contains volcanic peaks, broad plateau, wetlands and Lago Chungará, with vicuna and flamingos among its notable wildlife. Villages such as Parinacota, Socoroma and Belén reveal adobe architecture and living Andean traditions. Outdoor opportunities include scenic drives, photography, birdwatching and selected walks, but altitude, exposure and limited services mean that excursions require more preparation than ordinary coastal sightseeing.

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Best landmarks in Arica and Parinacota Region

The Morro de Arica is the region’s most recognisable landmark, a steep coastal promontory overlooking the city and the Pacific whose military history is closely associated with the War of the Pacific. In the city centre, the Catedral de San Marcos is notable for its nineteenth-century iron construction, while the former customs building reflects Arica’s development as a Pacific port. The highland church of San Ildefonso in Parinacota is an important example of Andean colonial religious architecture, with whitewashed walls and a setting framed by volcanic country. The church and village landscapes of Socoroma and other precordillera settlements similarly express the combination of Spanish ecclesiastical forms and local building traditions. Further east, Lago Chungará and the volcanic peaks of Parque Nacional Lauca form a powerful natural landmark ensemble, with the cone of Parinacota among the most recognisable profiles. Ancient geoglyphs in the Lluta and Azapa valleys add a cultural dimension to the desert itself, demonstrating how routes, belief and landscape were connected long before modern roads.

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Best restaurants in Arica and Parinacota Region

Arica’s dining scene draws on the Pacific, irrigated valleys and Andean highlands. Coastal restaurants commonly serve fresh fish, shellfish, ceviche and other Chilean seafood preparations, while the city’s broader food culture includes empanadas, sandwiches and familiar national dishes. The Azapa Valley is closely associated with olives and agricultural produce, and local markets and shops may also offer fruit, vegetables and olive products from the northern oases. Inland cooking introduces quinoa, maize, potatoes, llama and other ingredients used across the Andes; visitors may encounter hearty soups, stews and spicy preparations influenced by Aymara and wider northern Chilean traditions. Putre and other highland settlements have a smaller, simpler restaurant supply, so meals often reflect local produce and practical mountain cooking. Menus change with season and availability, and the strongest regional food experience often comes from combining coastal seafood in Arica with valley produce and Andean ingredients rather than seeking a single signature dish.

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Best bars in Arica and Parinacota Region

Arica has the region’s most developed evening scene, concentrated around the city centre, the waterfront and nearby restaurant areas. Bars serve Chilean beer, wine, pisco-based drinks and non-alcoholic refreshments, while some venues offer live music or dancing, particularly at weekends and during holiday periods. The city’s coastal setting supports a relaxed restaurant-and-bar culture, but nightlife is generally more modest than in Santiago or Chile’s larger university cities. Putre and the highland villages are quiet after dark, with evenings centred on small restaurants, accommodation lounges and conversation rather than clubs. Visitors should not expect a substantial nightclub scene outside Arica, and seasonal activity can vary. As elsewhere in Chile, drink responsibly, use reputable taxis or arranged transport at night and remember that remote roads are poorly suited to late-night driving.

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Best nightclubs in Arica and Parinacota Region

Arica has the region’s most developed evening scene, concentrated around the city centre, the waterfront and nearby restaurant areas. Bars serve Chilean beer, wine, pisco-based drinks and non-alcoholic refreshments, while some venues offer live music or dancing, particularly at weekends and during holiday periods. The city’s coastal setting supports a relaxed restaurant-and-bar culture, but nightlife is generally more modest than in Santiago or Chile’s larger university cities. Putre and the highland villages are quiet after dark, with evenings centred on small restaurants, accommodation lounges and conversation rather than clubs. Visitors should not expect a substantial nightclub scene outside Arica, and seasonal activity can vary. As elsewhere in Chile, drink responsibly, use reputable taxis or arranged transport at night and remember that remote roads are poorly suited to late-night driving.

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Best shops in Arica and Parinacota Region

Shopping in Arica combines an active urban commercial centre with products from the surrounding valleys and highlands. The city offers supermarkets, department stores, independent retailers and markets, while its border position and duty-free tradition have long contributed to a broad range of imported goods; current commercial arrangements and shop offerings can change. For more regional purchases, look for Azapa olives and olive products, locally grown fruit and vegetables, Andean grains, spices and packaged foods. Craft stalls and specialist shops may carry woven goods, carved items, jewellery and textiles associated with northern Chile and the wider Andean zone, although provenance and quality vary. Putre and highland villages have a much smaller retail scene, often focused on practical supplies and locally made crafts rather than extensive browsing. Buy respectfully, avoid archaeological objects and do not purchase anything claimed to come from a museum, excavation or protected site.

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Arica and Parinacota Region essentials

Currency and Payment
The currency is the Chilean peso (CLP), used throughout the region. Cards and contactless payments are widely accepted in established hotels, supermarkets and many restaurants in Arica, but cash remains useful for small businesses, rural settlements, transport and purchases in markets. Facilities become less predictable outside the city, particularly in the valleys and highlands, so carry a sensible amount of Chilean pesos without carrying more cash than necessary. ATMs are concentrated in larger settlements, and visitors should not assume that card services will function in remote mountain areas.
Safety
Normal urban precautions are appropriate in Arica, including keeping valuables secure in busy areas and avoiding isolated streets after dark. The main regional risks are environmental: intense ultraviolet exposure, dehydration, cold at altitude, rapidly changing weather and difficult driving conditions. Travel to the altiplano can involve elevations above 4,000 metres, so headaches, nausea or unusual fatigue should be taken seriously and the ascent should not be rushed. Remain on marked routes where possible, check conditions before visiting highland areas and take care near cliffs, surf and strong coastal currents.
Emergency Situations
Chile’s national emergency numbers apply in Arica and Parinacota: call 131 for an ambulance, 132 for the fire service and 133 for Carabineros police. In serious coastal incidents, maritime assistance can be requested through the appropriate maritime authorities, while highland emergencies should also be reported to Carabineros or local park personnel where available. Mobile coverage is intermittent or absent in parts of the altiplano, so tours should carry appropriate communication and first-aid equipment. Keep identification, travel insurance details and accommodation information accessible, and do not rely solely on a mobile phone in remote terrain.
Do's and Don'ts
Do ask permission before photographing people, ceremonies, cemeteries or church interiors, and follow instructions at archaeological sites and national-park facilities. Do dress respectfully when visiting village churches and avoid touching historic objects or archaeological remains. Do not remove stones, pottery fragments, plants or other material from the desert or highlands. Drive cautiously and give livestock and pedestrians space on rural roads. Tipping in restaurants is customary in Chile when service is satisfactory, but it is not a substitute for paying the bill. Respect local communities and avoid treating Aymara cultural practices as entertainment.
Local Tips
Use Arica as a coastal base and Putre as a highland base rather than attempting to combine every major sight in one rushed day. The Azapa Valley is particularly useful for understanding the region’s agricultural oasis, while the Lluta route links desert scenery with archaeological and rural landscapes. Visit highland lakes and wetlands early when visibility is often better, but allow flexibility for weather and road conditions. Pack both cool coastal clothing and insulating layers for the plateau. Local markets and valley producers are good places to look for olives, fruit, vegetables and Andean ingredients.
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From Eve

Local phrases worth knowing

You don't need to get them perfect. A few words go a long way, and locals appreciate the effort.

6 phrase groups · English, local and pronunciation

Basics
EnglishLocalSay it
HelloHola[o-la]
GoodbyeAdiós[a-dios]
YesSí[see]
NoNo[no]
Please/You're welcomePor favor[por fa-vor]
Thank youGracias[gra-thi-as]
Excuse me/SorryPerdón[per-don]
How are you?¿Cómo estás?[ko-mo es-tas]
Fine. And you?Bien. ¿Y tú?[byen. ee tu]
Do you speak English?¿Hablas inglés?[a-blas in-gle-s]
I don't understandNo entiendo[no en-tien-do]
Eating & Drinking
EnglishLocalSay it
I'd like to see the menu, pleaseMe gustaría ver el menú, por favor[me gus-ta-ria ver el me-nu, por fa-vor]
I don't eat meatNo como carne[no ko-mo car-ne]
Cheers!¡Salud![sa-lud]
I would like to pay, pleaseMe gustaría pagar, por favor[me gus-ta-ria pa-gar, por fa-vor]
Emergencies
EnglishLocalSay it
Help!¡Ayuda![a-yu-da]
Go away!¡Vete![ve-te]
Call the Police!¡Llama a la policía![ya-ma a la po-li-ci-a]
Call a doctor!¡Llama a un doctor![ya-ma a un doc-tor]
I'm lostEstoy perdido[es-toy per-di-do]
I'm illEstoy enfermo[es-toy em-fer-mo]
Shopping
EnglishLocalSay it
I'd like to buy...Me gustaría comprar...[me gus-ta-ria com-prar]
I'm just lookingSólo estoy mirando[so-lo es-toy mi-ran-do]
How much is it?¿Cuánto cuesta?[kwan-to kwes-ta]
That's too expensiveEso es muy caro[e-so es muy ca-ro]
Can you lower the price?¿Puedes bajar el precio?[pwe-des ba-har el pre-cio]
Time & Numbers
EnglishLocalSay it
What time is it?¿Qué hora es?[ke o-ra es]
It's one o'clockEs la una[es la u-na]
Half past (10)Diez y media[diez i me-dia]
MorningMañana[ma-nya-na]
AfternoonTarde[tar-de]
EveningNoche[no-che]
YesterdayAyer[a-yer]
TodayHoy[oy]
TomorrowMañana[ma-nya-na]
1Uno[u-no]
2Dos[dos]
3Tres[tres]
4Cuatro[kwa-tro]
5Cinco[sin-ko]
6Seis[says]
7Siete[sye-te]
8Ocho[o-cho]
9Nueve[nwe-ve]
10Diez[diez]
Transport & Directions
EnglishLocalSay it
Where's a/the...?¿Dónde está...?[don-de es-ta]
What's the address?¿Cuál es la dirección?[kwal es la di-rec-cion]
Can you show me (on the map)?¿Puedes mostrarme (en el mapa)?[pwe-des mos-trar-me en el ma-pa]
When's the next (bus)?¿Cuándo sale el próximo (bus)?[kwan-do sa-le el pro-xim-o bus]
A ticket (to ....)Un boleto (a ....)[un bo-le-to a]

History of Arica and Parinacota Region

The Chinchorro Culture and Early Coastal Settlement

The coast and valleys of today’s Arica and Parinacota Region preserve evidence of some of the Americas’ earliest settled maritime communities. The Chinchorro culture developed along the Pacific coast more than 7,000 years ago, relying on marine resources while also maintaining complex funerary practices. Its deliberate mummification of the dead predates the better-known Egyptian examples. Archaeological sites around Arica, especially in the Camarones and coastal valleys, have transformed understanding of early human adaptation to one of the world’s driest environments. The Chinchorro mummification tradition was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2021.

Andean Networks before Spanish Rule

Long before the arrival of Europeans, coastal communities exchanged goods and ideas with peoples of the valleys and high plateau. Tiwanaku influence reached parts of the region, while the Inca later incorporated the area into their expanding imperial system. Roads, agricultural terraces and settlements connected the Pacific lowlands with the altiplano, and Aymara-speaking communities formed an enduring part of the region’s social and cultural landscape. Agriculture depended on careful management of rivers and springs, producing maize, potatoes and other crops despite extreme aridity.

Spanish Colonial Administration

Spanish rule reorganised the region around colonial administration, Christianity and new systems of labour and trade. Arica became an important Pacific port for the movement of silver from the Andean interior, particularly from the mining centre of Potosí, and routes crossed the valleys towards the highlands. Churches and settlements in places such as Putre, Socoroma, Parinacota and the Lluta Valley preserve elements of this period, combining Spanish ecclesiastical forms with local materials, craftsmanship and Andean traditions. Colonial religious festivals and village layouts remain visible parts of the region’s cultural inheritance.

Arica, the Pacific Port and the War of the Pacific

During the nineteenth century, Arica was a strategic port in the contested southern Pacific. The city and its surrounding territory belonged to Peru until the War of the Pacific, fought between Chile, Peru and Bolivia from 1879 to 1884. The assault on the Morro de Arica on 7 June 1880 became one of the conflict’s defining episodes. Under the Treaty of Ancón, Arica was transferred to Chile, while the broader territorial settlement was later completed through the 1929 Treaty of Lima. The Morro remains both a city landmark and a major site of national remembrance.

Railways and Inland Connections

Modern transport strengthened Arica’s role as a link between the Pacific and the Andean interior. The railway connecting Arica with La Paz was built in the early twentieth century and opened in 1913, crossing difficult desert and mountain terrain. Although its operational history has changed over time, the railway represents the region’s long-standing strategic relationship with Bolivia and the high plateau. Roads, ports and border facilities continue to give Arica importance in northern Chilean trade, while the same routes provide access to remote valleys and highland communities.

The Arica Industrial and Free-Port Era

In the twentieth century, public investment, irrigation and special economic measures changed Arica’s urban and commercial character. The city benefited from industrial development and later from the creation of a duty-free commercial regime, which encouraged trade and reshaped retail activity. Agriculture also expanded in the Azapa and Lluta valleys through irrigation, making the coastal oasis increasingly important for vegetables, olives and other produce. These developments helped Arica grow while reinforcing the contrast between a relatively busy coastal city and the sparsely populated precordillera and altiplano.

Chinchorro Recognition and Contemporary Heritage

Archaeological research and local cultural institutions have made the region’s ancient heritage central to its contemporary identity. The recognition of Chinchorro settlement and mummification sites as UNESCO World Heritage strengthened international attention, while museums and community initiatives continue to interpret the relationship between coastal life, desert ecology and Andean exchange. At the same time, Aymara communities remain important custodians of highland landscapes, agricultural knowledge and religious traditions. Contemporary Arica and Parinacota therefore presents heritage not as a single colonial narrative, but as a layered history extending from early coastal societies to modern borderland life.

Arica and Parinacota Region in Photos

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Evendo: Your Ultimate Travel Guide to Arica and Parinacota Region, Chile

Discover the wonders of Arica and Parinacota Region with Evendo, your 100% free app-based travel guide covering attractions, landmarks, restaurants, and more.

  • Detailed information on attractions, landmarks, shops, bars, nightclubs, restaurants, hotels, tours, experiences, and activities
  • Rich set of information including images, descriptions, local tips, maps, and contact details
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Plan your perfect trip to Arica and Parinacota Region with Evendo. Get detailed information on attractions, landmarks, restaurants, hotels, and more, all in one free app.

  • History of Arica and Parinacota Region
  • Travel essentials and tons of good, local advice
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Explore the vibrant culture and natural beauty of Arica and Parinacota Region with Evendo, your ultimate travel companion. From the stunning Morro de Arica to the serene Lauca National Park, our app provides detailed information on all the best attractions, landmarks, shops, bars, nightclubs, restaurants, hotels, tours, experiences, and activities this region has to offer.

Imagine walking through the historic San Marcos Cathedral or enjoying a meal at Tuto Beach, one of the region's top eateries. With Evendo, you can easily find and book hotels, tours, tickets, and experiences, all in one place. No more hassle of searching for what to see, do, and experience—Evendo has it all covered.

Our app features a rich set of information, including images, descriptions, local tips, maps, and contact details, making it easy for you to plan and organize your trip. Whether you're a history buff, nature lover, or foodie, Evendo offers curated local tips to ensure you experience Arica and Parinacota like a local.

Don't miss out on exploring the unique Chinchorro mummies at the Archaeological Museum of San Miguel de Azapa or the breathtaking views from the El Laucho Beach. With the 'Near me' feature, you can effortlessly discover what's around you, no matter where you are. Download Evendo today and make the most out of your visit to Arica and Parinacota Region.

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