Background

Monumento al Soldado Desconocido: Arica's Poignant Tribute

Arica's Monumento al Soldado Desconocido: a place for reflection with panoramic views and a connection to Chilean history.

4.4

The Monumento al Soldado Desconocido (Monument to the Unknown Soldier) in Arica, Chile, stands as a solemn memorial atop the historic Morro de Arica. It honors the soldiers who died in the War of the Pacific, particularly during the Battle of Arica in 1880. The site offers panoramic views and a connection to Chilean history.

A brief summary to Monumento al Soldado Desconocido

  • Arica, Arica y Parinacota, CL

Local tips

  • Visit early in the morning or late afternoon for the best lighting for photography and to avoid crowds.
  • Take time to read the inscriptions and reflect on the history commemorated at this site.
  • Combine your visit with a trip to the nearby Museo Histórico y de Armas del Morro de Arica to deepen your understanding of the historical context.
widget icon

Getting There

  • Walking

    From Plaza Colón, walk east on Avenida Colón. Continue straight for about 10 minutes until you reach Avenida 18 de Septiembre. Turn left onto Avenida 18 de Septiembre and walk for approximately 5 minutes. The Monumento al Soldado Desconocido will be on your right, near the coastline.

  • Public Transport

    From the main bus terminal in Arica, take a local bus heading towards the beach area or Playa Chinchorro. Ask the driver to drop you off at the closest stop to Avenida 18 de Septiembre. Walk east along Avenida 18 de Septiembre for about 5 minutes to find the monument on your right. Bus fare is approximately 400-800 CLP.

  • Taxi

    Hail a taxi from anywhere in Arica and ask to be taken to 'Monumento al Soldado Desconocido'. The ride should take about 10-15 minutes depending on your starting point. A typical taxi fare from the city center to Morro de Arica is around 3,000-4,000 CLP.

Unlock the Best of Monumento al Soldado Desconocido

Buy tickets

    No tickets available

Book tours with entry

    No tours available

Book tours without entry

    No tours available

Discover more about Monumento al Soldado Desconocido

The Monumento al Soldado Desconocido is a commemorative monument located on the Morro de Arica, a prominent clifftop overlooking the city and coastline. Inaugurated on June 7, 1975, the monument honors the soldiers who died during the War of the Pacific, especially those who fell in the Battle of Arica on June 7, 1880. This battle was a crucial conflict between Chile and Peru. The monument itself is a monolith crafted by the Taller de Cantería of the Universidad de Tarapacá. It depicts an anonymous soldier holding a torch. At the base of the monolith lie the remains of an unidentified soldier who died in the Battle of Pisagua on November 2, 1879. Visiting the monument provides a space for reflection on the sacrifices made during the war. The location on top of El Morro also offers panoramic views of Arica and the Pacific Ocean. The Museo Histórico y de Armas del Morro de Arica is also nearby, providing further historical context.

Popular Experiences near Monumento al Soldado Desconocido

Popular Hotels near Monumento al Soldado Desconocido

Select Currency