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South AmericaChileArica y Parinacota Region

Arica

Arica y Parinacota Region, Chile · South America

About Arica

Arica sits on the route: 30 minutes from Los Palos.

Arica is a city located in Arica y Parinacota Region, Chile. With a population of 241,653, it is an important destination in South America.

On a road trip, Arica sits in Chile, where you drive on the right. It's in the America/Santiago time zone. Below you'll find where to stay, things to do nearby, and everything you need to add Arica to your route.

About Arica

Arica ( ə-REE-kə; Spanish: [aˈɾika]) is a commune and a port city with a population of 241,653 in the Arica Province of northern Chile's Arica y Parinacota Region. It is Chile's northernmost city, being located only 18 km (11 mi) south of the border with Peru. The city is the capital of both the Arica Province and the

Read more Arica and Parinacota Region. Arica is located at the bend of South America's western coast known as the Arica Bend or Arica Elbow. At the location of the city are two valleys that dissect the Atacama Desert converge: Azapa and Lluta. These valleys provide citrus and olives for export. Arica is an important port for a large inland region of South America. The city serves a free port for Bolivia and manages a substantial part of that country's trade. In addition it is the end station of the Bolivian oil pipeline beginning in Oruro. The city's strategic position is enhanced by being next to the Pan-American Highway, being connected to both Tacna in Peru and La Paz in Bolivia by railroad and being served by an international airport. Arica has an extremely dry climate, with almost no rainfall. Even so, the frequent maritime winds from the cold waters nearby renders a moderate desert climate. Its mild weather has made Arica known as the "city of the eternal spring" in Chile while its beaches are frequented by Bolivian society. The city was an important port already during Spanish colonial rule. Chile seized the city from Peru in 1880 during the War of the Pacific, being recognized as Chilean by Peru in 1929. A substantial part of African Chileans live in or trace their origins to Arica.

Read more on Wikipedia

Where to Stay in Arica

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best things to do in Arica?

Arica offers many attractions including tourist sites, museums, parks, and local restaurants. Explore famous landmarks, scenic roads, and natural wonders on our interactive map and plan your visit.

How do I plan a road trip to Arica?

Plan your road trip to Arica with Plan Your Road Trips! Add Arica as a destination, and we'll help you find the best route and discover more amazing places along the way.

Where is Arica located?

Arica is located in Arica y Parinacota Region, Chile, South America. The coordinates are -18.4755 latitude, -70.3006 longitude.

What is the population of Arica?

Arica has a population of approximately 241,653 people, making it a city in Chile.

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Quick Information

Population
241,653
Continent
South America
Country
Chile
Region
Arica y Parinacota Region
Timezone
America/Santiago
Coordinates
-18.4755, -70.3006

Emergency & Services

Essential numbers in Chile

Police
133
Ambulance
131
Fire
132
Driving side
right
Full driving guide for Chile

Tags

South AmericaChileArica y Parinacota RegionCity

When to drive here

Year-round

Tropical latitude: plan around the wet season rather than temperature.

Nearby Destinations

Other places to explore near Arica.

Los Palos

🇵🇪 Peru

26 km away

Tacna

🇵🇪 Peru

51 km awayPop. 286,240

La Esperanza

🇵🇪 Peru

54 km away

Pocollay

🇵🇪 Peru

54 km away

Calana

🇵🇪 Peru

60 km awayPop. 875

Pachía

🇵🇪 Peru

66 km awayPop. 380

Las Yaras

🇵🇪 Peru

73 km awayPop. 585

Cuya

🇨🇱 Chile

77 km awayPop. 166

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Data sources:GeoNames (CC BY 4.0)•Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA)•Mapbox•Photography: George Lawrence