Arica: 5 Apr 2009 to 8 Apr 2009

This seaside oasis among golden sand dunes is Chile's northernmost city, located just 18 km (11 miles) from the border with Peru. A mild climate, with year-round temperatures of 21-24º C (70-75º F), results in inviting gardens and parks brimming with luxuriant flora, earning Arica the nickname "City of Eternal Spring."

Arica's most prominent site is El Morro, rising steeply above the city. This towering promontory was the scene of a great victory by Chile over Peru in the War of the Pacific on June 7, 1880. At the foot of El Morro is Plaza Colón with the cathedral of San Marcos, built in iron by Gustave Eiffel, famous for a certain tower In Paris. Not far from the city lies the Azapa Valley and the Archaeological Museum of San Miguel. The museum houses an important collection of fine textiles, baskets and pottery, as well as several Chinchorro mummies (the world's oldest), mummified by a unique sand technique. The Atacama Desert and Bolivia’s Luaca National Park are also within easy reach.