f r o m o u r a n c e s t o r s t o t h e h i g h e s t p e a k s w w w. a r i c a p a r i n a c o t a. t rave l

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1 f r o m o u r a n c e s t o r s t o t h e h i g h e s t p e a k s w w w. a r i c a p a r i n a c o t a. t rave l

2 A R I C A PA R I N A C O TA, f r o m o u r a n c e s t o r s t o t h e h i g h e s t p e a k s Arica, located in the extreme north of the world s driest desert - Atacama -, is a magic place of entertainment and relaxation. Beaches, sports, nature and culture fascinate every visitor coming to Arica. Founded by the Spaniards on April 25th in 1541 as the city of San Marcos de Arica, shortly after this the city obtained the title of the very famous and royal city of San Marcos de Arica. Throughout the year habitants and visitors alike may enjoy a variety of activities in this fertile and rich land which is characterized by a many-faceted landscape that will be presented in the present tourist guide. 2

3 L L U TA VA L L E Y Only fifteen minutes from Arica this fertile valley and principal producer for corn and onions offers important cultural testimonies for those interested in history and archaeology, such as the geoglyphs located between kilometer 10 and 15 and featuring among zoomorphic, anthropomorphic and geometric figures and forms the famous frog, an eagle and the Giants of Lluta, two human figures at a height of over 50 meters. The mountains at the entrance of the valley provide excellent conditions for paragliding thanks to the favorable wind and altitude conditions. This way the blue sky of the desert and the huge dimensions of the prehispanic figures can be observed best and at close range. All drawings date back to the time of the Inca dominance between 1450 and 1530 in the region. Within no more than 50 years the Inca influence became noticeable on the social and political level. Technological improvements were introduced for example in ceramics and metal as well as weaving with cotton. The incorporation of the region into the Inca empire took place by an incanization of the population and its governance was indirect. This way a domination over the Aymara highland masteries was achieved, such as the Lupacas, Carangas and Pacajes who maintained ethnic islands in the western valleys Lluta, Azapa, Codpa, Camarones, etc. 3

4 R I V E R M O U T H O F L L U TA About ten km from the city center the mouth of the river Lluta encompasses about 200 ha and offers birdwatchers an extra-ordinary opportunity to spot river and coastal birds. Given the diversity of species, plants and birds this sector is regarded a biodiversity conservation area. About 120 different bird species were observed at the river mouth of Lluta corresponding to 25% of in Chile occurring species, which in turn account for 36% of occasionally occurring birds, 34% of migratory, 17% of local and 13% of breeding birds. Among the outstanding bird species are the golden plover, semipalmated plover, peregrine falcon, sanderling, Wilson s phalarope, Franklin s gull which are all migratory birds. Among the local species there is the hummingbird of Arica, a bird not bigger than 8 cm, the snowy egret, the black-crowned night heron and the pelican. Distinguishing breeding birds are the common kestrel, the Peruvian red-breasted meadowlark, vermilion elycatcher and the northern house wren. Among the occasionally occurring species in this region are the jacana, the grey-headed gull, the tricolored heron and the blue-winged teal. 4

5 B E A C H E S L A S M A C H A S A N D C H I N C H O R R O One of the main attractions of the city is its coast line that is characterized by broad beaches in the north which offer perfect conditions for surfing and body boarding. This is why national and international sports competitions are held here and attract those who love this sport and other activities such as horseback riding, biking or kite surfing. The northern part of the beach Las Machas has been transformed into a camp ground during the last years. It offers parking lots, sanitary facilities and booths selling lures for sports fishing which can be performed at the coast of Arica. The beach south of Chinchorro is frequently used by sportsmen to practice water and beach sports of all kinds. Depending on the time of year, there are renting agencies for water ski, kayak, wind surfing and others at Chinchorro. 5

6 A Z A PA VA L L E Y Known as the Death Valley in the archaeological world because more than 300 gravesites (more than thousand years old prehispanic cemeteries) were discovered along the valley. The most important collection of pre-columbian cultures of the north of Chile can be visited in the Archaeological Museum of San Miguel de Azapa at kilometer 12. Four permanent expositions document the past and the present of the people inhabiting the dry coasts telling the story of how men and women lived in an agricultural environment, occasionally migrating into the Chilean highlands at 4000 m. The museum is a must-see for every visitor since its display cases harbor the world s most ancient mummies of the Chinchorro culture who are more than 6000 years old. Three thousand years before the Egyptians, small groups of fishers and collectors succeeded in maintaining their deceased in their every-day life, thus developing their knowledge about death with a remarkable practice which has preserved them up to the present day. 6

7 T H E M O R R O O F A R I C A Located right in the center and with an height of 110 m, the Morro constitutes an impressive mountain and the most important historic monument of the city. The Morro can be accessed by two entrances. The first is a 25 min. walk from Colón street up to the top offering a fascinating panorama of the city. The other access is over a completely paved road for mountain bikers who can combine a visit to the Morro with a tour from the coastal road up to the peak. The Morro is omnipresent and can be seen from all parts of the city. In the course of history many important events have taken place here. At the foot of the Morro there are various sites in which mummies from the Chinchorro culture had been discovered. Today museums are built on this site. As a silent witness of the battles between Chilean and Peruvian troops during the Pacific War the Morro harbors a museum for history and weapons which belongs to the Chilean Army. A great number of objects and display cabinets document the most significant dates and military actions on the war. 11

8 A L E X A N D R E G U S TAV E E I F F E L, f r o m P a r i s t o A r i c a A number of buildings represent the original city center, among them three buildings designed by the French engineer Eiffel. They were built during the time when the city was still under Peruvian rule and part of a reconstruction plan which came into force after the city was partly destroyed by the earth- and seaquake of Thirteen years before the famous Eiffel tower was built on July 2nd in 1876 the Cathedral San Marcos was inaugurated in Arica. The Cathedral is an iron construction in new gothic style. Located about a block from the Cathedral the new building of the provincial government was completed in the same year and was to be used as the official residence by the governors. The picture is completed by the current house of cultures Alfredo Raiteri Cortés. This building was constructed as a branch office of the former customs. Worth mentioning are the wall bricks which carry the seal of the French master builder. 12

9 F O R M E R I S L A N D E L A L A C R Á N, International Surf and Bodyboard Center The island El Alacrán is connected to the continent since It has become the center of attraction among surfers and bodyboarders from all over the world who come to participate in contests such as the Rip Curl Pro Search, Some Where in Chile de surf or Arica Chilean Challenge de bodyboard. Especially popular is the sector of the wave known as El Gringo. 13

10 B E A C H E S E L L A U C H O A N D L A L I S E R A South of the Morro of Arica there are ideal spots for paragliding which open spectacular views to the beaches south of the city. For those who prefer activities on the ground the mountain slopes are perfect for mountain biking and sand boarding. Both beaches have a basic infrastructure such as restaurants with a selected cuisine offering something for every taste and budget according to the guest who wish to relax and enjoy a day in the warm waters of the Pacific. 14

11 C AV E S O F A N Z O TA There are a variety of ways to get to this place which is characterized by an impressive cliff line. It can be accessed either by car or sportsmanlike by bike. The later is indispensable for discovering the paths leading along the impressive caves which were inhabited by coastal dwellers more than thousand years ago. A boat trip is definitely a must-do during a visit of this region. On a trip of about two hours the visitor learns to see the region from a different angle, always accompanied by hundreds of coastal and sea birds. Further south we even meet up with sea lion and Humboldt penguin colonies. 15

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