Arica is Chile's northernmost city, just 12 miles from the Peruvian border. Arica, Chile Gay Cruises. Located in the Norte Grande, comprising the two regions of Tarapaca and Antofagasta, Arica has long been an important area. Arica, Chile Gay Cruises.
With its mild climate, water - a rarity in the Atacama desert - from Río Lluta supporting vegetation, Arica was an inhabited area from at least 6000 BC. Arica, Chile Gay Cruises. The area was inhabited by native tribes, who grew corn, squash and cotton, made pottery and were later part of the Tihuanaco culture of Bolivia and the Inca Empire which extended as far north as Quito, Ecuador. Arica, Chile Gay Cruises.
Gradually, the native culture rose and developed its own art forms and cultural traditions. Arica, Chile Gay Cruises. In Aymara, the word Arica means new opening, which is significant on various levels. Arica, Chile Gay Cruises. Later on, Don Diego de Almagro's expeditionary force came through on its arduous year-long trek to what is now Santiago, the capital of Chile. Arica, Chile Gay Cruises.
Trek the Inca trail or Patagonia, cruise the Amazon and much more. Arica, Chile Gay Cruises. Once part of Bolivia, and Bolivia's access to the sea to export silver from the mines in Potosí, Arica became Chilean territory in the War of the Pacific, whose naval victories are celebrated annually as the Glorias Navales. Arica, Chile Gay Cruises. Arica still functions as Bolivia's access to the sea, connected to Bolivia by train. Arica, Chile Gay Cruises.
Now, Arica is a developing seaside resort, with golden sand dunes, miles of seashore, duty-free shopping and lively nightlife. Arica, Chile Gay Cruises. Arica is also the gateway to inland ruins of ancient cultures, Lauca National Park with its many animal species including vicuña, alpaca, nandu and wild chinchilla, volcanos and the highest mountain lake in the world. Arica, Chile Gay Cruises.
