Silversea Luxury Cruises A ARICA

Experience the splendid beauty and marine life along the sandy coast of Arica during this picturesque, half-day nature trek.

Scenic Drive and El Morro de Arica Viewpoint

Depart the pier for the scenic drive to the El Morro de Arica Viewpoint. En route, pass by the renowned beach resorts of El Laucho and La Lisera. Upon arrival at the El Morro de Arica Viewpoint, take in breath-taking panoramic vistas of the city, ocean and port.

Coastal Walking Tour, Puntilla and Main Plaza

Next, your drive continues south along the coastal road to the starting point of your guided walking tour. Along the way, traverse the sandy hills and sidewalls of these sandy mountains, and explore caves, caverns and other fascinating natural sites. A brief stop is made at Puntilla to observe and photograph the sea lions and local birds in their natural habitat.

Afterward, walk back to the coach along the same trail and then commence the brief drive back to Arica.

Upon arrival, you may opt to return directly to the pier or be dropped off at the Main Plaza to explore the downtown area and return to the ship at your own expense.

Travel to the Azapa Valley and get to know the tastes and the traditions of the region and visit a local family. Discover the area products such as tropical fruit, olives and flowers. The area also is home to relics of the cultures that once populated the area.

The Asoagro Market

Leave the pier to the colourful Asoagro fruits and vegetables market. Here you will have the opportunity to learn about the local products that are cultivated in the Azapa and Lluta Valleys.

Hacienda Visit

After some time to walk through the stands and taste some products, proceed to share lunch with a local family. On the way, you will drive along the Azapa Road and take the old road for a short photo stop at the Tropilla geoglyphs.

During the visit to the local family you will have the opportunity to walk through the house and enjoy a typical lunch menu prepared with own recipes of our hosts. Learn about their family history and traditions and also how they have been adapted to live in this fertile oasis.

Town Highlights

After lunch, continue to Arica's "Colon Square", also known as the "Plaza de Armas" or "Plaza Colón". Lear about the monuments and buildings set around the square, including the Church of San Marcos. The prefabricated, wrought iron church was built as a replacement for the previous church that was swept away by a tidal wave in 1869. Erected in 1876, this Gothic-style construction stands proudly over the main square, and boasts a beautiful, wooden door made at the Gustave Eiffel et Cie. workshops. Lastly, visit the nearby market, where there are plentiful opportunities to pick up a souvenir.

At the conclusion of the tour drive back to the pier.

Learn about the flavours of the region during this half day outing. Leave the pier to drive directly towards the Azapa Valley. Enjoy the magnificent views while riding to an olive production farm.

Olive Farm

Upon arrival, walk amongst the olive trees as you learn about various kinds of olives and the process of their cultivation. Taste a variety of olives produced at the farm.

Market

Next, drive to the local colourful fruits and vegetables Market, where you walk through the stands and learn about the products grown in the Azapa and Lluta Valleys.

Handicraft Village

Afterwards, visit the nearby complete Handicraft Village. Browse around the workshops which offer a variety of products such as ceramics and pottery and carved stones. At the same place, enjoy a "Mango Sour", typical drink from the region, while a group of local dancers perform a Northern dances demonstration.

A final stop will be made at the main Plaza for independent sightseeing before returning to the ship.

Discover the picturesque beauty and historic landmarks of Chile's northernmost city during this half-day sightseeing excursion to Arica and its environs. Located at the mouth of Azapa River, Arica is Chile's northernmost city. The 'City of Eternal Spring' - a name given due to its year-round mild and sunny days - lies at the mouth of the Azapa Valley, a fertile oasis in the northern extreme of the Atacama Desert and a mere 11 miles (17.7 kilometres) from the Peruvian border.

Azapa Valley Geoglyphs

The tour commences driving along the coast, passing by the Lisera and El Laucho beaches towards Azapa Valley, well known for its olives production. On the way, seen from the distance are several geoglyphs that are unique drawings of human and animal forms created centuries ago by the native aboriginals, drawing over the sandy walls with unexplained figures. A short stop near Cerro Sombrero will be made allowing a closer view and photo opportunity of the geoglyphs.

Archaeological Museum

Continue to visit the San Miguel de Azapa Archaeological Museum, with an interesting display of artefacts and remains of the oldest on earth Chinchorro mummies dating 6,000-8,000 BC.

El Morro

Continue the tour driving back to Arica to reach El Morro de Arica, a massive promontory towering over the city, to enjoy a panoramic view of the city and the bay. The Morro is the northernmost peak of the Coastal Range and the site of the decisive battle in the War of the Pacific. Some free time will be allowed to visit the museum.

Plaza Colón

On the way back, stop at Plaza Colón for some time at leisure to stroll around. At agreed time return to the pier.

Experience the unique landscapes of this region and unique Codpa Village during this full-day tour. The Atacama Desert in Northern Chile is home to the world's most arid desert and its salt flats, hot springs and geysers as well as large deposits of copper and other minerals and mines in Chuquicamata, Calama and other parts of the altiplano. Codpa village is a surprisingly green oasis located in a deep canyon at an altitude of 1,850 metres (1.15 miles) above sea level. Benefitting from Chile's best climate, the village is renowned for its church, fruit culture, stone engravings and its "artisanal" wine called Pintatani.

Atacama Desert and Presencias Tutelares Sculptures

En route pass through the Atacama Desert, one of the world's driest deserts. The first stop is a photo opportunity to marvel and record the Presencias Tutelares Sculptures, giant sculptures created by Chilean sculptor Juan Díaz Fleming. Continue driving towards an area filled of cactus, where a stop will be made to take pictures, situated in the foreground of the Cordillera de Los Andes. After some minutes, proceed to Codpa Village.

Codpa Village

During the pre-Hispanic period, Codpa Village was the seat of the cacique of Altos de Arica, who governed the tribes of the region. The town is located on the headwaters of the River Vitor, which ensures a supply of extremely pure water, made more precious by being found in this extremely dry part of the planet. The land is very fertile, producing different kinds of fruits and the grapes from which the traditional Pintatani wine is produced.

Codpa Walking Tour and Shaman Ceremony

Upon arrival at Codpa Village, take a guided walking tour to admire the architecture. Next, attend to a ceremony performed by a medicine man or shaman, who blessed the mother-earth with coca-leaf while enjoy a drink of typical Pintatani wine.

Lunch will be served at a local restaurant, afterwards some free time will be made available before returning to the coach for the 1.5 hour drive back to the ship.