Arica

Arica

Chile

Explore the mystical pre-Columbian mummies and textiles at the San Miguel de Azapa Museum, one of South America's finest archaeological collections.

Currency Chilean Peso (CLP)
Language Spanish
Time Zone CLT (UTC-3)
Best Time to Visit January and March for summer weather in the Southern Hemisphere, with mild temperatures and minimal rainfall.
Typical Duration 65-115 nights
Price Range From $3,349 pp
Port Type Port of Call
Tender Port No

Gateway to South America's Pacific coast, offering access to the Atacama Desert and serving as a departure point for extended world cruises exploring Asia-Pacific and Oceania.

Cruises that visit Arica

Build Your Day in Arica

Cruise calls are short. Set your ship's arrival time, pick the stops you care about, and we'll show whether they realistically fit before departure.

Ships typically depart around 6:00 PM
Usually about 10 hours ashore
Getting around:
Mall Plaza Arica Here you geht your SOAT for Peru and Chile cheaper Shopping mall · ★ 4.4 · 8k Open · Closes 9 PM
Playa Chinchorro Developed beach fringed with businesses Tourist attraction · ★ 4.5 · 8k Open
Terminal ASOCAPEC Great adventure if you know Spanish or go with a local or guide. Market · ★ 4.3 · 7k Open
Morro de Arica The monumental Chilean flag atop the hill is a must-see. Observation deck · ★ 4.7 · 7k Open
El Laucho Beach Public beach known for its modest waves Beach · ★ 4.6 · 6k Open
La Lisera Beach Beach · ★ 4.5 · 6k Open
Playa La Lisera Beach · ★ 4.5 · 6k
Archaeology Museum San Miguel de Azapa Fabulous exhibits of the indigenous People's of Arica Anne the mummies. Museum · ★ 4.8 · 4k Open
Morro Mall In-store shopping Shopping mall · ★ 4.1 · 3k Closed · Opens 9:30 AM Mon
Vicuña Mackenna Square Great square to take photos of big flag of Chile and the cathedral. Park · ★ 4.5 · 3k Open
Paris Arica Nice clothing stores with great discounts Shopping mall · ★ 4 · 3k Open · Closes 7:30 PM
Ripley Arica Nice clothing stores with great discounts Clothing store · ★ 4.2 · 2k Open · Closes 8 PM
Dimango Seemed popular with locals. Restaurant · ★ 4.2 · 2k Open · Closes 12 AM
Café Del Mar Restaurant frequented by locals , as we were the only tourists. Restaurant · ★ 4.3 · 2k Closed · Opens 9 AM Mon
Falabella Arica Delivery Department store · ★ 4.3 · 2k Open · Closes 8 PM
St. Mark's Cathedral, Arica Catholic cathedral · ★ 4.7 · 2k
Centenario Park Park · ★ 4.6 · 2k Open
Carlos Ibañez Del Campo Park Park · ★ 4.1 · 2k Open
Milkhouse Lácteos Lauca Dine-in·Takeout·Delivery Ice cream shop · ★ 4.6 · 1k Open · Closes 9 PM
Galpón de la economía Shopping mall · ★ 4.4 · 1k Open · Closes 12 AM
Rayú Restaurante Food top notch Restaurant · ★ 4.5 · 1k Closed · Opens 1 PM Mon
Vereda Boulevard Bolognesi Shopping mall · ★ 4.4 · 1k Closed · Opens 10 AM Mon
Restaurant Maracuyá Easily the best dining experience of Arica! Fine dining restaurant · ★ 4.3 · 1k Open · Closes 5 PM
Museo de Sitio Colón 10 This is a rare "in situ" museum -- everything is in its original place. Archaeological museum · ★ 4.6 · 1k Open
Akwa Peruano Japones Outdoor seating·Great cocktails·Kids' menu Restaurant · ★ 4 · 1k Open 24 hours
Restaurant República de Arica Outdoor seating·Private dining room·Great cocktails Restaurant · ★ 4.2 · 1k Open · Closes 12 AM
Restaurante Medina's The best food I’ve had in Chile so far. Restaurant · ★ 4.7 · 1k Open · Closes 10 PM
Costa Arica Shopping mall · ★ 4.5 · 1k Open · Closes 10 PM
Los aleros de 21 Our octopus starter and fish stew was one of the best meals I've ever had! Restaurant · ★ 4.6 · 1k Open · Closes 4:30 PM
Ex-Island alacrán Historical landmark · ★ 4.5 · 1k Open
Restaurante DON FLORO Great cocktails·High chairs Restaurant · ★ 4.4 · 1k Open · Closes 6:30 PM
Artisanal village Arica Tourist attraction · ★ 4.3 · 1k Closed
Restaurante El CHALÁN Alta Cocina Peruana Outdoor seating·Great cocktails·Vegan options Peruvian restaurant · ★ 4.5 · 1k Open · Closes 6 PM
Varo's Restaurant & Eventos The food was well presented and very enjoyable. Restaurant · ★ 4.5 · 0k Open · Closes 4:30 PM
Playa Brava Beach · ★ 4.4 · 0k
Rio Lluta Humedal Wildlife refuge · ★ 4.6 · 0k Open
Rinconada de Azapa Outdoor seating·Great cocktails·Vegetarian options Restaurant · ★ 4.3 · 0k Open · Closes 6 PM
Sunset Rooftop seating·Great cocktails·Live performances Disco club · ★ 4.3 · 0k Closed · Opens 9:30 PM Fri
RUKY'S ARICA The fish sandwich is 10/10, and I would also recommend the micheladas 🙌🙌 Restaurant · ★ 4.5 · 0k Open · Closes 9 PM
Arica Restobar Beer and cocktails were great. Bar · ★ 4.7 · 0k Closed · Opens 7:30 PM
Coca-Cola Logo in Chile Tourist attraction · ★ 4.6 · 0k Open
El Tambo Restaurant Very traditional and family friendly. Restaurant · ★ 4.5 · 0k Open · Closes 4:30 PM
Corazones Beach Beach · ★ 4.7 · 0k
Las Machas Beach Beach · ★ 4.5 · 0k
Coya Restaurante Highly recommended if you find yourself in Arica. Peruvian restaurant · ★ 4.6 · 0k Open · Closes 4:30 PM
Feria Dominical Shopping mall · ★ 4.3 · 0k Open · Closes 8 PM
SOHO Nightlife Arica Great cocktails·Live music·Dancing Disco club · ★ 4.1 · 0k
Restaurante Isidora Outdoor seating·Great cocktails·Kids' menu Restaurant · ★ 4.4 · 0k Open · Closes 11:30 PM
RESTAURANTE ALBERTINA CHILE US person here, great food, great service, 100% recommended. Restaurant · ★ 4.5 · 0k Open · Closes 5 PM
Terrazamestiza Rooftop seating·Outdoor seating·Great cocktails Bar · ★ 4.3 · 0k Open · Closes 12 AM
La Negra Restaurant Outdoor seating·Great cocktails·Kids' menu Restaurant · ★ 4.2 · 0k Open · Closes 5 PM
Veinte&Veinte Rooftop seating·Outdoor seating·Great cocktails Cocktail bar · ★ 4.2 · 0k Open · Closes 11 PM
Café Lefkada Really good iced latte. Cafeteria · ★ 4.7 · 0k Closed · Opens 7:30 AM Mon
Lounge by Rayú Great service ... Nice atmosphere and great music Bar · ★ 4.5 · 0k
Hey, latte Great service, nice coffee! Espresso bar · ★ 4.5 · 0k Open · Closes 10 PM
Arenillas Negras Beach Playground · ★ 4.2 · 0k Open 24 hours
Restaurant el Abuelo Arica Very fresh ingredients and even some fancy presentation for the price. Restaurant · ★ 4.8 · 0k Open · Closes 12 AM
Amalfi Trattoria Bar They have a terrace with a comfy environment that makes it unique... Italian restaurant · ★ 4.7 · 0k Open · Closes 4:30 PM
Los Republicanos - Fuente de Soda Restaurant The best lunch in 5000 miles. Chilean restaurant · ★ 4.7 · 0k Open · Closes 5 PM
Mirador Playa Las Machas Scenic spot · ★ 4.7 · 0k
Don Buffalo Restaurant Parrilla Outdoor seating·Kids' menu Restaurant · ★ 4.4 · 0k Open · Closes 12 AM
Pub karaoke Dicoteque Terrazas Outdoor seating·Karaoke·Dancing Pub · ★ 4 · 0k
JC Restaurante Great cocktails Restaurant · ★ 4.8 · 0k Open · Closes 5:30 PM
1988 Korea BBQ Outdoor seating Restaurant · ★ 4.6 · 0k Open · Closes 8 PM
Sugar Coffee Dine-in·Takeout Coffee shop · ★ 4.3 · 0k
Alborada Restaurant The service could use a bit more refinement, but it's still decently good. Restaurant · ★ 4 · 0k Open · Closes 12 AM
LA SANTA TERRAZA RESTAURANT Dine-in Restaurant · ★ 4.3 · 0k
Bar 514 Great cocktails Bar · ★ 4.4 · 0k
Tea House Arica Dine-in·Drive-through·No-contact delivery Espresso bar · ★ 4.7 · 0k Closed · Opens 9 AM Mon
La Liserilla Beach Playground · ★ 4.6 · 0k Open 24 hours
Fusión Medina's The best value for 5 star food I've had on 5 continents! Peruvian restaurant · ★ 4.7 · 0k Open · Closes 5:30 PM
Imperio Chifa Boulevard Great restaurant, dont miss it in your pass through Arica 🙌🏾 Restaurant · ★ 4.9 · 0k Open · Closes 5:30 PM
Machas BeachDrive In Beach · ★ 4.1 · 0k
Café Baruc Very nice little cafe. Cafe · ★ 4.8 · 0k Closed · Opens 10 AM Mon
Boro Bar Dine-in Bar & grill · ★ 4.9 · 0k Open · Closes 5 PM
Boulevard City Center On-site parking Shopping mall · ★ 4.3 · 0k Open · Closes 2:30 AM
Cervecería la ruta Dine-in Bar & grill · ★ 5 · 0k
Cafe Gallo This is one of the great coffee shops in Arica. Espresso bar · ★ 4.8 · 0k Open · Closes 4:30 PM
Playa El Gringo Beach · ★ 4.4 · 0k
Restaurant El Riquísimo Dine-in·Takeout·Delivery Restaurant · ★ 4.9 · 0k Open · Closes 10 PM
Emuná Café Espresso bar · ★ 5 · 0k Closed · Opens 8 AM Mon
Playa Arenillas Negras Beach · ★ 4.3 · 0k

Opening hours are indicative — always confirm before you go. Travel times are estimates from Google Maps.

Next Departures from Arica

About Arica

Arica stands as one of South America's most intriguing cruise ports, perched at the northern tip of Chile where the Atacama Desert meets the Pacific Ocean. This vibrant port city serves as a fascinating stopover for discerning travelers embarking on some of the world's most extraordinary voyages. With four prestigious cruise lines—MSC Cruises, Oceania Cruises, Silversea, and Swan Hellenic—regularly calling here, Arica has established itself as an essential waypoint for those seeking immersive, extended journeys through the Pacific and beyond.

As primarily a port of call, Arica welcomes cruisers on lengthy itineraries that traverse some of the globe's most coveted destinations. Passengers typically experience extended voyages of around 115 nights, with many cruises routing through iconic ports including Callao, Cairns, Ha Long Bay, Sydney, and Papeete. These longer sailings allow travelers to truly savor the journey, making Arica an ideal embarkation or disembarkation point for those ready to commit to an unforgettable adventure.

What makes Arica particularly special is its unique position as a cultural and geographical crossroads. The port itself is modern and efficient, while the city beyond offers visitors a compelling blend of colonial architecture, world-class museums, and proximity to natural wonders. Whether you're boarding for an epic Pacific crossing or simply enjoying a brief shore excursion, Arica delivers the authentic South American experience that cruise travelers crave. Peak travel months of January and March offer ideal conditions for exploring this remarkable destination.
Explore

Reasons to Visit

1

San Marcos Cathedral's Iconic Architecture

Marvel at Arica's stunning iron church, a 19th-century masterpiece designed by Gustave Eiffel himself. This striking red and yellow structure dominates the Plaza Colón and showcases remarkable engineering that has withstood earthquakes for over a century. It's a must-see architectural gem just steps from the cruise terminal.

2

Fresh Ceviche and Pacific Seafood

Savor authentic Peruvian-influenced ceviche and grilled fish at waterfront restaurants near the port. Arica's location on Chile's northern coast means incredibly fresh catches prepared daily. Local markets burst with exotic fruits and fresh juices—perfect for sampling regional flavors during your port day.

3

Chinchorro Mummies Museum Discovery

Explore the world's oldest mummies at the Museo Arqueológico San Miguel de Azapa, dating back 7,000 years. These remarkably preserved remains offer profound insights into pre-Columbian cultures. The museum's excellent collection rivals major international institutions and provides fascinating context about the region's ancient civilizations.

4

Vibrant Artisan Markets and Local Crafts

Browse colorful markets filled with handwoven textiles, alpaca products, and traditional Andean crafts. The Feria Artesanal near the waterfront showcases local artisans selling authentic souvenirs at reasonable prices. Perfect for finding unique gifts while supporting Arica's creative community.

5

Dramatic Desert Meets Ocean Views

Experience where the Atacama Desert dramatically meets the Pacific Ocean along Arica's stunning coastline. The Morro de Arica headland offers panoramic vistas and hiking trails with breathtaking photo opportunities. This unique geographical convergence creates one of South America's most visually striking landscapes.

Cruise Lines at Arica

Cruises Departing From Arica

Cruises Visiting Arica

Ship Schedule at Arica

Arica Location

Other Cruise Ports in Chile