Arica, Chile

Arica
ARICA

Arica, near the northern border of Peru, is an excellent tourist centre. It has good beaches and the famous San Marcos Cathedral. Conditions in the area are ideal for deep-sea fishing. It is also know to be located in the most rainless area of the world. Many People who live there can never remember seeing it rain. It is said that it rains two or three times every 100 years. If you take a tour or rent a car you can drive up the Green Lluta valley. in this area.

While you are in Arica, you may want to see the famous fort up the hill, EL MORRO. The view is breathtaking. This dates from the War of the Pacific, when Chile won the war against Peru and Bolivia.

You can also visit the Valle de Azapa, about 20 mins away, and see 8000 year old mummies from the Chinchorro people. There is a museum there.

if you want to venture east, consider driving toward the city of Putre and further out to the Parque Nacional Lauca. This is high desert at its best. You will see beautiful snow covered mountains, crystal clear blue skies, and beautiful Lago Chungara, an lake higher than Lake Titicaca in Peru. You will also see llamas, vicunas, and alpacas.

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