Tacna

Tacna is known throughout Peru as the city that proudly returned to its country after nearly 50 years of Chilean occupation. This deep patriotism is ever-present in the cityscape, especially at the imposing Monumento a los Héroes on Alto de la Alianza. The city itself is characterized by wide avenues and the impressive cathedral, built according to designs by French architect Gustave Eiffel. The palm-lined Alameda Bolognesi invites visitors for relaxing strolls. In addition to history, Tacna is a significant commercial hub, attracting many visitors for its duty-free shopping opportunities. The city also serves as a gateway for travelers crossing the border to Chile. Those wishing to explore the surroundings should visit the Miculla Petroglyphs, one of the largest collections of rock carvings in South America, located in the midst of a surreal desert landscape. Culinary-wise, Tacna has unique delicacies like Picante a la Tacneña, a hearty dish of tripe and potatoes, as well as sweet treats made from the camu-camu fruit. The region is also famous for its olives and excellent wines and Piscos produced in the fertile oasis valleys of the Atacama Desert. Arrival is easy by air from Lima or by land from Arequipa or Chile. The climate is dry and mild year-round, with plenty of sunshine. A visit on August 28th, the day of Tacna's return to Peru, is particularly moving when the entire city is decorated in red and white and the famous Procession of the Flag takes place. For those seeking relaxation, the nearby thermal springs of Calientes offer an excellent escape.

Nearby cities

Arequipa

Known as the 'White City'.

Puerto Maldonado

The capital of biodiversity in the southern Amazon basin and the gateway to the pristine Tambopata and Manu reserves.

Moquegua

An elegant colonial city nestled in a fertile valley, known for its world-class Piscos and sunny streets.

Urubamba

A peaceful town in the heart of the Sacred Valley of the Incas, surrounded by majestic Andean peaks.

Chivay

A picturesque Andean town and the main gateway to the breathtaking Colca Canyon.

History & landmarks

Basilica Cathedral of Arequipa

The most important Catholic church in Arequipa, famous for its white facade made of volcanic sillar stone.

Santa Catalina Monastery

A colorful, historical monastery in Arequipa that looks like a small city of its own with streets and plazas.

Nature

Cotahuasi River

The Cotahuasi River forms the Cotahuasi Canyon, considered the deepest canyon in the world, even deeper than the Colca Canyon.

More places

Misti Volcano

A cone-shaped stratovolcano whose snow-capped summit is the symbol of Arequipa.

Salinas and Aguada Blanca Reserve

A high-altitude protected area established to protect the habitats of vicuñas and flamingos.

Chachani

A massive volcanic complex near Arequipa, often considered the easiest six-thousander to climb due to the lack of glaciers.

Cerro Verde Mine

A massive open-pit copper mine located near the city of Arequipa.

Nevado Mismi

A glaciated mountain peak whose meltwater ultimately flows into the Atlantic Ocean after a long journey through the Amazon.

Pampa de La Joya

A desert plain in southern Peru, often used for space research due to its extreme aridity and Mars-like landscape.

Sabancaya Volcano

An extremely active, heavily glaciated stratovolcano near the Colca Canyon, often emitting ash clouds.

Mount Ampato

A dormant, ice-capped volcano in the Andes where the famous Inca ice mummy 'Juanita' was discovered in 1995.