Arica is a port city in Northern Chile, and is the capital of Arica Province in Tarapacá Region. It has a population of approximately 200,000, and is known as the "city of the eternal spring".

Arica was the scene of one of the most famous actions of the War of the Pacific, the taking of the Morro de Arica in 1880. Until this time the city was part of neighbouring Bolivia.

Near the city is the Azapa valley, an oasis where vegetables and Azapa olives are grown. Economically, it is an important port for Chilean ore, and its tropical latitute, dry climate, and the city's beach, have made Arica a popular tourist destination. It is also a centre of rail communication with Bolivia and has its own international airport.

External link

Official website