About the Port
Arica sits at Chile's northern edge, where the Pacific Ocean meets the fringes of the Atacama Desert, one of the driest places on Earth. The city's skyline is anchored by El Morro de Arica, a dramatic headland that once played a decisive role in the War of the Pacific and now offers sweeping coastal views. Below, the compact downtown holds San Marcos Cathedral, an iron-framed church attributed to Gustave Eiffel, along with lively markets selling Andean textiles and local produce.
The pier lies within easy reach of the old town, making it simple to explore on foot before venturing farther afield. Arica also serves as a practical launch point for excursions into the high desert and altiplano, where salt flats, volcanoes, and small Andean villages reveal a starkly beautiful landscape far removed from the coast.
Pavlus Recommendations
How our planners would spend a day in Arica.
Climb El Morro de Arica
A short taxi or steep walk from downtown leads to this clifftop fort and war memorial, with panoramic views over the city, harbor, and desert coastline.
Explore San Marcos Cathedral
Step inside this prefabricated iron church, shipped from Europe and linked to Gustave Eiffel's workshop, just a few blocks from the pier in the heart of downtown.
Venture into the Altiplano
Book ahead for a full-day excursion toward Lauca National Park, where high-altitude lagoons, volcanoes, and vicuña herds sit at elevations above 14,000 feet.
Cruise Lines That Call Here
Cruises That Visit Arica
| Departs | Cruise Line | Ship | Itinerary | Nights | From |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan 5, 2027 | Cunard | Queen Anne | 90 | $12,709 | |
| Jan 6, 2027 | Silversea | Silver Nova | 76 | $58,700 | |
| Jan 10, 2027 | Cunard | Queen Anne | 82 | $11,209 | |
| Jan 14, 2027 | Azamara | Azamara Journey | 74 | $29,549 | |
| Jan 22, 2027 | Cunard | Queen Anne | 56 | $8,859 | |
| Feb 17, 2027 | Azamara | Azamara Journey | 40 | $16,979 | |
| Feb 28, 2027 | Cunard | Queen Anne | 19 | $3,099 | |
| Feb 28, 2027 | Cunard | Queen Anne | 33 | $4,769 | |
| Feb 28, 2027 | Cunard | Queen Anne | 36 | $5,429 | |
| Mar 5, 2027 | Silversea | Silver Nova | 18 | $12,530 | |
| Mar 10, 2027 | Azamara | Azamara Journey | 19 | $4,579 | |
| Mar 10, 2027 | Azamara | Azamara Journey | 8 | $1,919 | |
| Oct 7, 2027 | Holland America | Nieuw Amsterdam | 26 | $3,309 | |
| Oct 7, 2027 | Holland America | Nieuw Amsterdam | 41 | $4,724 | |
| Oct 12, 2027 | Holland America | Nieuw Amsterdam | 36 | $4,249 | |
| Oct 12, 2027 | Holland America | Nieuw Amsterdam | 21 | $2,784 | |
| Jan 5, 2028 | Oceania | Oceania Sirena | 65 | $22,349 | |
| Jan 15, 2028 | Silversea | Silver Ray | 77 | $58,500 | |
| Jan 15, 2028 | Silversea | Silver Ray | 33 | $23,300 | |
| Jan 19, 2028 | Oceania | Oceania Sirena | 14 | $4,699 |
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