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- El Morro de Arica — The huge basalt hill that dominates the city: battlefield monument, old cannons and superb 360° views of Arica and the Pacific. Go up for sunset and picture the town from the spot every local mentions.
- Paseo 21 de Mayo — A seafront promenade and mirador with murals, sculptures and benches facing the ocean. Great for a relaxed walk, people-watching and catching panoramic photos without much effort.
- Iglesia San Marcos (Cathedral) — The distinctive iron church in the historic center, often attributed to late-19th-century French engineering. It’s an architectural oddball in the north and a peaceful place to step inside and cool off.
- Plaza Colón / Plaza de Armas — The city’s social heart: shaded palms, old buildings and cafés. Useful for feeling the local rhythm and as
- El Morro de Arica — The huge basalt hill that dominates the city: battlefield monument, old cannons and superb 360° views of Arica and the Pacific. Go up for sunset and picture the town from the spot every local mentions.
- Paseo 21 de Mayo — A seafront promenade and mirador with murals, sculptures and benches facing the ocean. Great for a relaxed walk, people-watching and catching panoramic photos without much effort.
- Iglesia San Marcos (Cathedral) — The distinctive iron church in the historic center, often attributed to late-19th-century French engineering. It’s an architectural oddball in the north and a peaceful place to step inside and cool off.
- Plaza Colón / Plaza de Armas — The city’s social heart: shaded palms, old buildings and cafés. Useful for feeling the local rhythm and as a starting point for wandering the downtown streets.
- Mercado Central (Central Market) — No-frills seafood stalls, ceviche stands and produce — perfect for trying fresh pescado a la plancha or a quick, cheap meal and watching fishermen bring in the catch.
- Playa Chinchorro — Arica’s main urban beach: wide sand, decent waves for bodyboarding and a relaxed vibe. It’s where locals hang out on hot afternoons and where you can mix sun time with street food.
- El Laucho — A small cove and boatyard with colorful fishing boats, local character and excellent sunset views. It’s intimate, photogenic and a good spot to observe everyday coastal life.
- Cerro La Cruz — The hill with the big white cross overlooking the city; a short climb (or drive) leads to a simple but stunning lookout. Visitors often get clearer, quieter views than from the busier Morro.
- Museo del Mar / Museo Marítimo de Arica — Small maritime museum near the port covering local fishing culture, shells and sea history. Compact but useful for context about Arica’s relationship with the Pacific.
- Parque Vicuña Mackenna & waterfront esplanade — A shady green belt and seaside paths that locals use for jogging, picnics and weekend markets. Good for an easy afternoon stroll connecting beaches, cafés and viewpoints.
Spotted a mistake or missing something? Contact us.
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Hi, I’m Johan (Netherlands 🇳🇱), the creator of TakeYourBackpack. Over the past decade, I’ve backpacked through 80+ countries across six continents, gaining extensive experience with independent travel, long-term trips, and overland routes.