Over 2070 km from Santiago, Arica is known as the "north gate" of Chile or the "city of eternal spring." Its colder months not drop below 15 ° C average temperature. Generally Arica has misty dawns, but sun rises over the course of day and remembers the dry desert surroundings. Arica Has less than 1 mm of precipitation per year.

Arica is proud of its great attractions such as hotel, casino and nightlife. Note that its beaches are the best in Chile. Due to its water temperature and different waves of the coast you can surf or even swim at night. Arica and its beaches don't know the icy water fame that has the Pacific Ocean in Chile.

In the narrow Azapa valley is located San Miguel de Azapa. This valley produces tropical fruits such as guavas, olives and flowers. But also has relics of ancient cultures that inhabited the area. Peaceful, San Miguel de Azapa invites a picnic on a desert valley.

Iquique is a city whose inhabitants know how to live. Bordering the beach, see convertible sports cars passing along the waterfront is common. This is because since 1975 exist a free trade zone, transforming Iquique into an importan trade center between Mercosur countries and the Asia Pacific.

In the oasis of Pica and Matilla, south of Iquique, are plantations of guavas, oranges, grapefruits and lemons.

Mamina circuit is also one of the most recommended to meet the foothills. Includes hot springs and archaeological sites.

In honor of the History, Iquique has also rescued the old downtown restoring buildings with high architectural value and museums . Undoubtedly it is a city to escape a couple of days from routine environment.

How to get there

Arica

By plane. From Santiago, daily flights to Chacalluta Airport (2 hours 45 minutes, nonstop).

There are flights from Iquique and also from Lima, Peru.

In Bus. From Santiago, the trip takes just over 30 hours, so it is advisable to travel in bed room. From Iquique, however, the trip takes about 4 hours.

Bus departure from:

• Terminal Los Heroes: Tucapel Jimenez and Alameda, near the Metro station Los Heroes. Telephone: (56-2) 4200099
• Terminal San Borja (former North Terminal): San Borja and Alameda, near the Central Station railway station. Telephone: (56-2) 7760645

By Car. From Santiago, on Route 5 north (2,070 km).

Iquique

By plane. Daily flights from Santiago to Diego Aracena Airport (2 hours, 30 min).

Flights also depart from Arica (45 min).

In Bus. From Santiago (26 hours). Buses depart from:

• Terminal Los Heroes: Tucapel Jimenez and Alameda, near the Metro station Los Heroes. Phone: (2) 4200099
• Terminal San Borja (former North Terminal): San Borja and Alameda, near the Central Station railway station. Phone: (2) 7760645

From  north (Arica), buses also depart in about 4 hours travel the 307 km that separate both cities.

By Car. From Santiago, on Route 5 north through the Atacama Desert (1790 km).

From Antofagasta, on Route 1 (431 km). This road is on the headland coast, which corresponds to the Cordillera de la Costa, which reaches heights of over a 1700 meters and has its skirts literally on the beach. Quite a show.

Activities

To enjoy Arica and surroundings, go ready for adventure.

Its history is really exciting. In the Archaeological Museum of San Miguel de Azapa, are the Inca and Tiwanaku traces left on the first inhabitants, whose mummies are older than those of Egypt.

Nearby Arica you can find local fruits valleys, as the tumbo and olives, wich extra virgin olive oil is an unforgettable delight. Are Lluta, Azapa and Codpa valleys.

By the Altiplano, in town like Putre and Parinacota you can approach to Aymara culture, a native people, typical herding and small-scale agriculture life of Los Andes Altiplano.

Adventure sports and tours through Altiplano landscapes are captive at snowy Payachatas (6,000 meters) in Lauca National Park and the Salar de Surire (4,200 m), where birds and camelids species live. A journey that can not forget is to know the Chungara Lake, with its incredible range of colors, abundant wildlife and birds, in the silence of the highlands.

For tourists who love shopping, the Mall Zofri (Free Trade Zone) of Iquique is the place to buy everything from electronics, fine perfumes and liqueurs, to all kinds of vehicles.

Another scenario in Iquique is spending the day by the sea. The annual temperature average is 18 °C, and at "The Peninsula", between Cavancha and Playa Brava beaches, there are excellent restaurants where they prepare the delicious mango sour. This creamy tropical fruit  is one of the treasures of the region.

Mamina, which means "girl of my eyes," is named after a legend that involves the waters of this place that cured a blind Inca princess. Mamina is located about 125 km from Iquique and 2700 meters above sea level, this town is famous for its thermal baths. The place invites nothing but relax.

Towards pampa, the "saltpeter" abandoned as Humberstone, tells its mining past of, with its sacrifices and pleasures. Also Pisagua, nitrate port that still retains buildings from the golden age of exploitation of this mineral.