Arica

Arica is a coastal city in northern Chile, serving as the capital of Arica Province and the seat of the Arica y Parinacota Region. It lies on the Pacific Ocean near the Peruvian border, at the mouth of the Lluta River and adjacent to the Atacama Desert. The city is often called the City of the Eternal Spring for its mild year-round climate.

Geography and climate: Arica has an arid coastal climate with very low rainfall. Its climate is moderated by the Humboldt Current and the coastal fog known as camanchaca, which can extend inland. Temperatures typically range from the mid-teens to mid-20s Celsius, with hot summers and cool winters. The Morro de Arica overlooks the harbor.

History and culture: The area is associated with the Chinchorro culture, whose mummies are among the oldest in the world; the Chinchorro mummy site near Arica is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Arica developed as a port during the colonial era and was a focal point in the War of the Pacific; after the war, it became part of Chile under the 1883 Treaty of Ancón.

Economy and infrastructure: Arica’s port handles cargo and fishing, serving northern Chile and neighboring regions. It is a gateway for trade with Peru and Bolivia and is connected by the Pan-American Highway. The city is served by Chacalluta International Airport, which provides domestic and international flights.

Demographics and culture: The city has universities and cultural institutions and a population in the hundreds of thousands. Local culture blends Indigenous, colonial, and modern influences, with tourism focused on historical sites, beaches, and nearby desert and valley landscapes such as the Lluta Valley.