The Altiplano - Sites of interest - Tradition and Culture - Rupestrian Art - Valleys and Oases - Arica - The climate - San Marcos Church - Morro de Arica Hill - Former customs house cultural center - Former Alacrán island and fortificatons - Casino - Colombus Square - Arica - La Paz Railway - The Governor´s House - Historical Weapons Museum - Northern Promenade - Bolognesi House - Chinchorro Resort.

ATTRACTIONS IN THE ZONE.
Chungara Lake - Chillaiza Petroglyphs - San Miguel de Azapa Archeological Museum - Pukara - Azapa Valley - Lluta Valley - Lauca National Park and Chungara Lake - Petroglyphs.

Tarapacá, a diverse and entertaining region.

The Tarapaca Region lies in the north of Chile.

It is a land full of contrast. The dryness of the desert, the astonishing landscapes of the "altiplano" (The High Plateau), the green oases and valleys and the warmth beach merge in it. Throughout history we find in Tarapaca many examples of mans effort to overcome nature, from the ancient prehistoric people to the hard working nitrate miners.

The Altiplano (High Plateau)

The Northern Altiplano is undoubtedly one of the most stunning locations.

Here the earth seems to reach out to the crystal-clear deep blue sky while the astonishing nights are brimming with stars or a gleaming moon.

Snow-capped peaks frame a landscape of lakes, hot springs and vegetation which is also a haven for wildlife.

Animals and birds turn this isolated spot into a must for nature lovers.

Sites of interest

Close to Arica  can be found Poconchile, Zapahuira, Socoroma, Putre (the capital of the Chilean highlands), Pacollo, Chucullo, the very beautiful Lago Chungará (a national park) and the Cotacotani lagoon.

Travelling along the main road heading inland, we come across the villages of Copaquilla, Chapquiña, Pachama, Belén, Saxamar, Ticnamar before reaching the Salar de Surire salt-flat. 

The Chilean highlands receive summer rains and snow in January and February, a climatic phenomenon known as the "Bolivian Winter". Here it is not the aridity but the altitude which governs life only the most robust flora and fauna can survive the difficulties of life at more than 3.500 meters above sea level.

Despite this, the landscape is home to a wide variety of life, much of which is protected in a series of national reserves and monuments in the national parks Lauca, Isluga and Salar de Surire. 

Huge and brightly coloured, dotted with lakes, wetlands, salt-flats and geysers and crowned with volcanoes, many more than 6,000 meters high, the highlands  are the link that ties Chile with the great cultures of the central Andes. Today the highlands are home to the traditional culture of  the Aymara people who roam among the volcanoes and swampy wetlands with their herds of llamas and alpacas.

Tradition and Culture 

Tarapaca is a region rich in interesting culture, Ancient people left vestiges of human presence that reflect in mummies, milenary settlements and the mysterious geoglyphs and petroglyphs.

Recent history is present through the peached ruins of nitrate mines,mute witnesses of a grandeur time. Colonial churches of the North represent unique manifestations of faith, which culminate in the most important moment at the mass religious celebrations that take place every year in the villages of La Tirana and Tarapaca, where traditional music and dances are merged with intense devotion.

Rupestrian Art

In the north of Chile we find archeological remains represented through drawings or engravings on hillsides (geoglyphs) and rock (petroglyphs). Some of hese reached grest proportions (there are geoglyphs of almost 100 mts long) Like the Atacama Giant. The purpose of these representations is unclear and the authors remain a mystery. The most accepted theory is related to traffic signs for travelling caravans from the altiplano to the coast.

Valleys and Oases

Fertile valleys and oases that permit human settlement interrupt the dryness of the territory.
Wet courses are propitious for developing agriculture, which provides produce for the big cities on the coast. These gardens, which interrupt the dry dominance, produce a contrast that symbolizes mans struggle to overcome the inhospitable desert.

Arica

An important Chilean port close to the Peruvian border, Arica is considered the gateway to our country. The impressive Morro dominates the entire city, which is a mixture of ancient and modern architectonic elements. Arica has beautiful beaches, hotels, gastronomy and variety of entertainment activities like the Casino. The Azapa Valley, which stretches inland from the city, is rich in agriculture. Arica was the center of tje milenary Chinchorro culture,whose mummies are among the oldest found in the world.

The climate

The climates of the Tarapacá region follows the relief of the landscape. Four different climates can be identified.
In the highlands, the climate is marked by wide extremes in temperature and seasonal rains, product of the so-called ´Bolivian winter´.
On the eastern side of the Andes mountains, the high altitude desert sees very little precipitation.
The plains on the eastern side of the coastal mountain ranges are also extremely dry.
On the western side of the Andes mountains and in the coastal plains, temperatures are more homogenous due to the effects of the sea and the ´camanchaca´ mists.
The city of Arica enjoys a dry, temperate climate with small variations throughout the year. It is especially beneficial for the elderly or those suffering from illness.
The lack of rains and the regulating effect of the Humboldt Current make it a place without extremes of temperature and very pleasant to live in.

San Marcos Church

The La Matriz church was destroyed by a tsunami in 1868. The standing San Marcos church was built in its place. Its most notable characteristic is that it was built entirely of metal. The church was designed and built by the French engineer Gustave Eiffel. It owes its gothic basilic style to a period in French architecture where iron was used to reproduce antique styles. The church shares its name with the city´s patron saint.

Morro de Arica Hill

Arica´s most famous landmark sits next to the sea. Some 110 meters high, the hill offers a paranomic view of the port and the city. It can be reached by vehicle on Sotomayor street or by foot along Colon street. The summit is home to the city´s Historical Weapons Museum which records the events of the Pacific War as well as a viewpoint which overlooks the city and its valleys. At its highest point, the Christ of Concord opens its arms, marking the 1929 treaty signed between Chile and Peru. The hill consists of sedimentary rocks and lavas formed in the Jurassic Age.

Former customs house cultural center

This building was pre-fabricated in the workshops of Gustav Eiffel et Cie. The customs house is one of the few buildings in Arica that dates back to before the Pacific War. Construction work began on December 10th 1871. The plans were designed by the French engineer Gustave Eiffel. It has been designated a National Monument and is now used as a cultural center, regularly housing art exhibitions and cultural activities. The second floor balconies, reached via a spiral staircase, offer splendid views of the Morro de Arica hill. Like other buildings in Arica, the edifice was fabricated in the workshops of Gustave Eiffel et Cie in Paris and brought to Chile in pieces.

Former Alacrán island and fortificatons

It has been designated a national monument and its three hundred year old fotifications are remain in a good state. It was a natural island until construction work united it with the mainland in 1964. During the seventeeth and eighteenth centuries, the island was used as a fortress by the Spanish to defend the port and city from attack by pirates and corsairs.

Casino

The region´s largest and newest entertainment centerExcellent food in an agreeable atmosphereThe very latest in slot machines, roulette wheets, craps as well as card games such as blackjack, Arica poker, Mini-Baccarat, Punto and Banca.

Colombus Square

This square dates back to the founding of the city San Marcos de Arica and despite several renovations of the city it has remained in the same location.
Since its founding, it has been the center of the city´s social and commercial life.
It includes several important buildings like the San Marcos cathedral and the governor´s house as well as some newer buildings.

Arica - La Paz Railway

This infrastructure project was a product of the Peace, Trade and Friendship treaty signed by the governments of Bolivia and Chile on October 20th 1904. The line was inaugurated on May 13th 1913. The railway is 457 kilometers long, 206.4 kilometers of which lie in Chile.

The Governor´s House

Located on the corners of Arturo Prat and San Marcos, this is the third of three buildings built in the city by the French engineer Gustave Eiffel.

Historical Weapons Museum

Located on top of Morro de Arica hill, the museum can be reached via Sotomayor street. It shows clothing, weaponry, books, photographs and various objects used by the Chilean and Peruvian armies in the battle for the city.

Northern Promenade

The Northern Promenade runs the length of the city´s coast, beginning at the Morro de Arica hill and passing the former Alacrán island.
And the Yacht Club, before arriving at the El Laucho, La Lisera and Playa Brava beaches.

Bolognesi House

Formerly the Peruvian Consulate, the house was restored in 1994 and again in 1996.
Today the building is used for a variety of artistic and cultural activities.

Chinchorro Resort

This popular seaside resort offers the tourist numerous attractions, including restaurants, pubs and other entertainments suitable for a day on the beach such as renting beach bikes or a giant water toboggan.
Taking in 1,700 meters of coast with a seaside promenade that allows appreciation of the natural wonders of the Chilean coast. With gentle waves and clean sands, the area is suitable for various sports including bodyboarding and water bikes.

ATTRACTIONS IN THE ZONE

Chungara Lake

Located in the region of Putre, inside the Lauca National Park, at 4,517 meters above sea level. The reflection of the Payachatas volcanos add to the beauty of the scene. It also home to a wide variety of birdlife who bathe in the waters.

Chillaiza Petroglyphs

At Chillaíza, in the Camiña Canyon, a great variety of petroglyphs and pictographs can be seen. Set in a valley whose abundant agriculture contrasts strongly with the brightly coloured hills that surround it, it makes for an entertaining trip.

San Miguel de Azapa Archeological Museum

Located 12 kilometers up the Azapa Valley. Their displays visually recount 10,000 years of history and culture. Outside there is a petroglyph park while inside a chronological display tells the region´s history from the first pre-Chinchorro hunters and fishermen.

Pukara

The Pukara are fortified villages located on high promonotories. They were difficult to access, offered great visibility and dominated the surrounding area. They were built between 700AD and 1000AD, reflecting a cultural change as the Tiwanku culture in the Azapa valley ceded to the rise of the Arica culture that occupied coastal regions. The Pukara of San Lorenzo is located 12 kilometers up the Azapa valley. The village of cane buildings is built upon artificial terrances. The area is surrounded by a perimeter wall which defended the village from attack and is built on the edge of a sharp drop from where it dominates the valley.

Azapa Valley

The Azapa Valley extends from the city inland to the south east and enter the high plains through a canyon created by the San José river . The first 3 km are mostly urban with some luxury residences recreational centers, restaurants and discos.
The rural sector begins where Olives and Tomatoes are grown. Olives from the Azapa Valley are known for their quality and represent a major export for the zone.
In the small village of San Miguel de Azapa you will find the important San Miguel de Azapa Archeological Museum, which is run by the University of Tarapacá.
Farming land stretches several km up the valley to El Paradero de Ausipar, the starting point for the trek the Las Peñas sanctury.
From the remote times the Azapa Valley has been an area of human settlement and there are plenty of archeological sites such as pukaras, geoglypics and the ruins of ancient villages.

Lluta Valley

	Located 10km to the north of Arica and carved out by the river of the same name which runs throughout the year. Huge geoglyphs have been carved into the sides of the hills on the right-side of the valley.

LAUCA NATIONAL PARK AND CHUNGARA LAKE

This World Biosphere Reserve takes in foothills and high pains in the extreme northeast of the Tarapaca region. Some of its main attractions are the wonderful Lake Chungara - at 4,517 meters above sea level, it is one of the highest in the world - which lies at the base of the twin volcanoes Payachatas and Cotacotani lagoons the highest peak in the area include the volcanos Parinacota (6,342 meters above sea level) and Pomerape (6,282m) (known together as the Payachatas); Guallatire ( 6,060m) and Acotango (6,050m). Parinacota is crowned with a 300m diameter crater and a glacier which stretches down to 5,200m. The volcano is thought to have erupted around 16,000m covering much of the surrouding area.

Petroglyphs

Experts from San Miguel de Azapa Archeological Museum indicate that most of the petroglyphs are religious in nature. This can be seen in the figure of the condor which represented man´s pretensions to capture its ability to fly and dominate territory.