Arica Cruises

Arica is the northern-most city in Chile and is located less than 15 miles away from the border with Peru.

It was the site of an important victory for the Chilean people over the Peruvians that resulted in the city remaining part of Chile when the two nations battled in the War of the Pacific.

One of the major lines of defence was the Morro de Arica, a steep hill that towers above the port below. Take a trip to the top where the Chilean flag will proudly be flying, and you might even be able to see as far as Peru should the weather conditions allow.

Back within the city limits, you can spend some time exploring the famous Catedral de San Marcos, which was built to replace the Old Mother Church after it was destroyed by an earthquake.

You’ll also want to visit the small museum that sits in the shadow of the Morro de Arica and which houses an astonishing collection of mummies that is amongst the oldest in the world – dating back to ancient times.

Around the main centre square, there is a selection of bars and restaurants, whilst there is a casino where you can try and win your fortune – in much the way that people did in the past when Arica was known for its silver.

Head outside the city limits and you will soon be found in the Lauca National Park, which is home to a combination of wide-open plains and towering mountain peaks.

One of the top attractions is the Chungará Lake, which is one of the highest in South America and attracts a diverse selection of wildlife.

Depending on what time of year you dock in Arica, there is the chance to catch surfers who are doing their thing in the waters alongside the main beach, which is a great place to relax under the sun or to take a refreshing dip in the warm waters of the ocean.

Destination Highlights

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