22 kilometers of coastline are undoubtedly one of the most appreciated attractions by visitors to Arica. A coast with soft sands, different types of waves, and warm waters are characteristics that make "the city of eternal spring" a place in northern Chile you must visit.
Surrounded by the Atacama Desert and the Pacific Ocean, Arica is a paradise for nature lovers and water sports enthusiasts. Its beaches, like the famous Chinchorro Beach, are ideal for surfing, bodyboarding, and enjoying the sun. In addition, the proximity to the Morro de Arica, an imposing rock formation with a rich military history, offers opportunities to explore and learn about the region's past.
Chinchorro Beach and Culture
Chinchorro Beach is named after one of the oldest indigenous cultures that inhabited the northern coast of our country: the Chinchorro culture, whose members primarily focused on fishing and shellfish gathering.
Thus, Chinchorro Beach is one of the most recognized on the northern coast. One reason for its popularity is its accessibility. You can reach it by car or on foot from different points in the city center in just minutes.
This beach has a wide coastline, warm waters, and is suitable for swimming. Due to its waves, it is highly visited for surfing and other water sports such as bodyboarding, water skiing, windsurfing, and kayaking.
The temperate waters make it ideal for swimming and even diving year-round, which attracts enthusiasts who come from various places seeking the sun at any time of the year.
For those who love sunsets and beach sunsets, this beach offers a wide view of the sky, with unique colors and perspectives perfect for photography.
Due to its size and extensive coastline, Chinchorro Beach is great for long walks, and visitors will also find playgrounds, restaurants, ice cream parlors, and entertainment options for the evening.
La Lisera Beach and Its History
La Lisera is another must-visit beach in Arica, and its name comes from a type of fish called "lisas," which are abundant in its waters. This beach is located in a natural cove, surrounded by palm trees, fine white sand, and a calm environment.
One of the reasons La Lisera is so popular is its shape and size, smaller than other beaches. La Lisera has a circular shape, and unlike Chinchorro Beach, it doesn't have waves, making it ideal for swimming, rock fishing, shellfish gathering, and diving.
La Lisera is also well-liked for its location, as it is one of the beaches you can easily reach from the city center, either by walking or by car, in less than 30 minutes.
Surrounded by palm trees, grass, and vegetation, this beach is an ideal picnic spot. It is also fully equipped so visitors can spend an entire day there, with changing rooms, restrooms, gardens, parking spaces, food stands, ice cream shops, and playgrounds. In the resting area, free exercise machines are available for everyone.
Sunset at El Laucho Beach
If you are looking to relax in a quieter, less crowded beach, you cannot miss El Laucho Beach, just ten minutes from the city center.
El Laucho is one of the most highly-rated beaches in Arica. Although its waters aren't as warm as those of Chinchorro or La Lisera, it has other attractions.
This beach has almost no waves and is protected from strong winds, especially at sunset, thanks to its location at the foot of the Morro de Arica.
Another reason why El Laucho Beach is important in the region is its inclusive nature, as one of the 14 inclusive beaches in Chile. The beach is equipped with facilities to help people with mobility issues, such as amphibious chairs, walking sticks that don’t sink into the sand, and restrooms with stair lifts, providing better access and experience for visitors.
Located in a unique area of the city and next to a lively coastal promenade, El Laucho offers a variety of lively experiences, surrounded by active culinary and social life both during the day and at night.
MITTA Accompanies You to Explore Arica and Its Beaches
Both the mentioned beaches and the city of Arica can be easily and comfortably explored by car.
With MITTA's Rent a Car service, you can make the most of all the cultural and tourist opportunities that Arica offers its visitors.
Our branch is centrally located and close to the main accommodation, tourist, and commercial services in the city, so traveling between them will be quick and easy, even if you want to explore areas outside of Arica.
With one of our rental cars, you can visit not only the beaches but also the Historic Center, Morro de Arica, the Alacrán Peninsula, among other must-see places.