North Chile attractions

One of a few salt lagoons dotted along the arid plains of the Atacama Desert, the Ojos del Salar (Salt Eyes are so-called for their unusual appearance. The pair of small, perfectly round lakes appear like a pair of deep-blue eyes peering out from the desert floor and are one of the area’s most photographed sites.

Despite its altitude and aridity, the Atacama Desert has hosted human settlement for thousands of years. The ruins of the village of Tulor are one of the most tantalizing archaeological clues left behind by some of the earliest peoples in the region. As one of the oldest archaeological sites in Chile, it dates back to 300 BC, according to carbon dating.

Esmeralda Corvette Museum (Museo Corbeta Esmeralda) is a full-scale representation of the Chilean corvette Esmeralda, a small warship that was sunk in the 1879 naval Battle of Iquique during the War of the Pacific between Chile and a Bolivian–Peruvian alliance. A popular attraction, it offers visitors an immersion in Chilean history.

The world’s largest prehistoric anthropomorphic geoglyph is in Chile’s Atacama Desert. The 390-foot (119-meter) Atacama Giant is believed to represent a deity and to have been created sometime between AD 1000 and 1400 by pre-Columbian Indigenous peoples. Today, the Atacama Giant is a popular tourist attraction.

Built at the turn of the 21st century, the Third Millennium Cross (Cruz del Tercer Milenio) stands 272 feet (83 meters) above the Chilean city of Coquimbo. Perched on El Vigía Hill, the cross is believed to be South America’s tallest Christian monument—it’s even bigger than Brazil’s Christ the Redeemer statue.

Museo Arqueológico San Miguel de Azapa (San Miguel de Azapa Archaeological Museum) is an essential stop for history enthusiasts visiting the Arica region. The museum is home to some of the world’s oldest mummies, and excellent displays of local culture and archaeology. A visit to this museum provides insight into the area's rich history, including its Indigenous cultures.

Looming over the city, this 19th-century battle site is Arica’s most distinguishing feature. A one-time Peruvian stronghold, El Morro was captured by Chilean troops in 1880 during the War of the Pacific. Now a Chilean National Landmark, El Morro draws visitors with a combination of history and sightseeing.

San Pedro de Atacama’s most notable building is the Church of San Pedro de Atacama, which keeps watch over the town’s busy Plaza de Armas. Built in 1744, it’s a remarkable example of a Spanish colonial church, built using traditional adobe bricks and surrounded by a crenellated wall, all painted white.

San Francisco de Chiu Chiu, better known as Chiu Chiu, is a small oasis town in the Atacama Desert, just north of Calama. This quiet little town offers a more peaceful escape compared to the traveler hot spot of San Pedro de Atacama and easy access to the desert and Upper Loa Andean mountain range.

Surrounded by the Atacama Desert, one of the most arid regions in the world, Humedal del Rio Lluta is a vitally important wetland. The Municipal Natural Reserve and federally-designated Natural Sanctuary is an important resource for about 130 bird species and a top destination for nature lovers.

Founded by Jesuit missionary Father Gustavo Le Paige, the R. P. Gustavo Le Paige Archaeological Museum houses one of the region’s principal collections of pre-Colombian artifacts. With around 1,000 items on display, it provides insight into the history and cultural heritage of the Atacama Desert.

Playa La Lisera (La Lisera Beach) is a tranquil oasis just a short distance from the hustle and bustle of downtown Arica. This crescent-shaped beach is known for its calm waters and soft golden sands, which makes it an ideal destination to spend a laid-back day amidst the natural beauty of northern Chile’s coastline.

The rugged beauty of Nevado Tres Cruces National Park (Parque Nacional Nevado Tres Cruces) draws visitors to the high desert of Chile’s Atacama region. With soaring peaks— including Chile’s highest, Ojos del Salado—and lagoons, the park is home to an array of wildlife, such as flamingos in summer, vicuñas, guanacos, giant and horned coots, and, occasionally, condors and pumas.

In the remote highlands of northern Chile, Laguna Roja (Red Lagoon) is an otherworldly body of water with a deep crimson hue. Surrounded by rugged landscapes and shrouded in mystery, this unique natural phenomenon is a hidden gem. Visiting Laguna Roja lets you experience one of Chile's most enigmatic and surreal natural wonders, far from the beaten path.

History buffs will enjoy exploring the Museo Historico y de Armas (History and Weapons Museum) in Arica. Perched atop the Morro de Arica, the museum recounts the events of a key battle that took place on the same site in 1880 during the War of the Pacific.

Dive into the world beneath the waves at Arica’s Sea Museum (Museo del Mar de Arica). By showcasing the region’s rich maritime heritage, this small but fascinating museum offers visitors a glimpse into the history and culture of the sea, and its influence on Arica.

Corazones Beach (Playa Corazones) is a rocky and rugged destination south of the North Chilean city of Arica. The beach is known for its stunning ocean views, sea caves, and wildlife-spotting opportunities—and it reportedly has some of the best sunset views in the area.

The closest beach to the city center, Arica’s curve-shaped El Laucho Beach (Playa El Laucho) is known for its calm and inviting waters. A popular spot for both locals and tourists seeking relaxation away from the hustle and bustle of the city, El Laucho is the ideal destination for a quick beach escape while visiting Arica.