Plizio Visual Lab

Morro de Arica

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Jun 2026Data Sources

Historical site

Weather…

Morro de Arica is a majestic coastal cliff rising approximately 139 meters above sea level, dominating the skyline of the northern Chilean city of Arica. This steep rock formation is far more than a geographical landmark; it is a site of profound national significance for Chile. On June 7, 1880, during the War of the Pacific, it was the location of the Battle of Arica, a swift and decisive engagement where Chilean forces captured the fort in just 55 minutes. This military victory solidified Chilean control over the region and led to the permanent incorporation of Arica into Chilean territory. Today, the summit houses an open-air historical museum featuring period weaponry, uniforms, and strategic maps from the war. A large statue known as 'Cristo de la Concordia' was erected in 1987 on the peak to symbolize peace and friendship between Chile and Peru. Visitors to the cliff edge are treated to dramatic panoramic views of the city, the harbor, and the vast Pacific Ocean. The site was officially designated a National Monument in 1971.

Location: Chile
Top sights: Morro de Arica · Cuevas de Anzota · Centro Cultural ex Cine Colón
Nearby: Putre (86 km)

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Apr, May, Dec.

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Avg °C	23	23	23	21	19	18	17	16	17	18	19	21
Rain mm	4	4	2	1	0	2	6	3	2	1	1	2

📋 Practical info

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Visiting

The hill is an open public space with pathways, monuments, and a military and historical museum at the summit, all of which are accessible to visitors.

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Typical hours

The outdoor areas and viewpoints can usually be visited at any time, but the museum at the top has standard daytime operating hours, often closing on Mondays.

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Photography

The summit provides incredible panoramic views over the city of Arica, the Pacific Ocean, and the nearby coastline, providing superb wide-angle photography options.

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Time needed

Expect to spend around 1 to 2 hours exploring the summit monuments, visiting the small museum, and taking in the expansive views from the observation points.

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Combine with

You can easily combine the hike or drive up the Morro with a visit to the nearby San Marcos Cathedral and the historic Customs House in downtown Arica.

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Getting there

The summit can be reached by a short, steep hike along a pedestrian trail starting near the city center, or by taking a quick taxi or driving up the paved road.

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Insider tip

For the most magical experience and the best lighting for photos, time your visit for late afternoon so you can watch a striking sunset over the Pacific Ocean.

Geography

Coordinates

-18.48000, -70.32360

Facts

The cliff reaches a maximum height of 139 meters above sea level.
The historic Battle of Arica took place here on June 7, 1880.
Chilean troops captured the fortified position in exactly 55 minutes.
The summit has hosted a Military History Museum since 1974.
Declared a National Monument of Chile on October 6, 1971.
The Christ of Concord statue was erected on the peak in 1987.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Port of Arica<1 km · NEExplore →

Tacna18 km · NEExplore →

Toquepala Mine56 km · SEExplore →

Quellaveco Mine60 km · SEExplore →

Port of Iquique67 km · WExplore →

Cuajone Mine70 km · SEExplore →

Moquegua83 km · SEExplore →

Putre86 km · NExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Start Destination Via (optional)

Overnight stops

Vehicle

Only stops with (optional): 💧 Water ♻️ Disposal 🔌 Power 🚻 Toilets 🚿 Shower

Sights in the town Morro de Arica (17)

Morro de Arica 🌿 nature

A dramatic viewpoint atop a coastal hill, offering sweeping panoramas over the Pacific Ocean and the city below.

Cuevas de Anzota 📍 landmark

This group of natural sea caves was carved by the Pacific Ocean and historically sheltered the ancient Chinchorro culture.

Centro Cultural ex Cine Colón 🎭 culture

Housed in the beautifully repurposed former Cine Colón building, this arts center hosts dynamic cultural exhibitions.

Mirador La Virgen 🌿 nature

An elevated lookout point marked by a statue of the Virgin Mary, offering sweeping coastal vistas.

Arganda Espacio Cultural 🎭 culture

An animated independent arts space dedicated to promoting contemporary cultural expressions and local artistic projects.

Galería de Arte San Marcos 🏛 museum

This dedicated art gallery frequently showcases works by regional visual artists in the heart of the city.

Museo Familiar Casa Redonda 🏛 museum

Housed in a distinctively circular building, this intimate family museum displays regional heritage artifacts.

🕒 Mo-Sa 10:00-14:00

Faro Península Alacrán 📍 landmark

Situated on a former island now joined to the mainland, this maritime lighthouse guides ships safely past the rocky Alacrán peninsula.

🕒 24/7

Playa La Lisera 🌿 nature

This scenic viewpoint has sweeping panoramas over the sheltered, sandy cove of Playa La Lisera on the Arica coast.

Playa Corazones 🎡 recreation

Set against dramatic coastal cliffs, this rugged beach is known for its distinctive shoreline south of Arica.

Playa La Liserilla 🎡 recreation

Tucked away on the coast, this secluded cove provides a quieter stretch of sand sheltered by natural rocky outcroppings.

La Casa del Tumbe 🎭 culture

This bustling cultural center is dedicated to preserving and celebrating the Afro-descendant Tumbe dance and local traditions.

Playa El Laucho 🎡 recreation

Featuring calm waters and golden sand, this popular urban beach is a favorite local spot for swimming and sunbathing right near the city center.

Fuerte Español 🏺 historical

These weathered stone remnants are all that survive of a colonial Spanish fortification built to defend the coastal settlement.

Monumento del Soldado Desconocido 📍 landmark

Standing solemnly on the prominent Morro hill, this memorial honors the unidentified soldiers who lost their lives in the War of the Pacific.

Museo Histórico y de Armas 🏛 museum

Opened in 1974 atop the famous Morro hill, this military museum displays weapons, uniforms, and artifacts from the pivotal War of the Pacific.

Capilla Madre Rosa Gattorno ⛪ religious

This modest Catholic chapel serves the surrounding neighborhood and is dedicated to the legacy of the beatified nun Madre Rosa Gattorno.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

What is the Morro de Arica?

A prominent cliff and historical battlefield located right by the sea.

Can you drive to the top?

Yes, there is a road leading up, but you can also walk.

Is there a museum there?

Yes, the 'Museo Histórico y de Armas' is located at the summit.

Does access to the summit cost anything?

Access to the viewpoint is free; only the museum charges an entry fee.

What is the Christ statue?

The 'Cristo de la Concordia' statue symbolizes peace between Chile and Peru.

Morro de Arica: where is it located?

Morro de Arica is located in Chile.

Morro de Arica: what is there to see?

Highlights include Morro de Arica, Cuevas de Anzota, Centro Cultural ex Cine Colón.

Morro de Arica: when is the best time to visit?

The most pleasant time to visit is Apr, May, Dec.

Morro de Arica: why is it worth visiting?

Morro de Arica is a majestic coastal cliff rising approximately 139 meters above sea level, dominating the skyline of the northern Chilean city of Arica.

View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →

Morro de Arica

Best time to visit & climate