Arica, Chile cruise port
South AmericaChile › Arica

Arica, Chile

Arica, Chile

Port CityDesert CoastEternal SpringArchaeology
Currency
Chilean Peso (CLP)
Language
Spanish
Climate
Arid/Desert
Time Zone
GMT-4
📄 Take this port with you
A printable port guide — key info, things to do & tips. Includes an editable “My Day in Port” box for your ship times & booked excursions.
⬇ PDF (print)⬇ Word (editable)

Getting Ashore

Tender/Dock

Ships typically dock at the Terminal Portuario de Arica. Smaller vessels may tender into the port area. Most attractions are a short taxi ride from the pier.

  • 1
    Exit the shipWalk through the Terminal Portuario de Arica.
  • 2
    Taxi/TransportUse official port taxis to reach the city center or the beach.
  • 3
    Local GuidesCertified guides are often available at the pier.

💡 Pro move: Taxis are generally affordable and widely available.

Piers & Tendering by Cruise Line

Tender/Dock

Cruise LineTypical Berth / ArrivalDock or Tender
Terminal Portuario de AricaMain commercial and cruise port📍High
Tender PierAdjacent to the main dock📍Medium
Taxis are the most efficient way to navigate the city.Arica, Chile📍High
Taxis are the most efficient way to navigate the city.Arica, Chile📍High

Top Excursions

Tender/Dock

History

The Mummies of the Chinchorro

Visit the San Miguel de Azapa Archaeological Museum to see the world's oldest artificially mummified remains, predating the Egyptian mummies.

San Miguel de Azapa MuseumChinchorro MummiesArchaeology
Moderate →
Nature

El Morro de Arica

Ascend the coastal cliff for panoramic views of the city and the Pacific Ocean. Visit the historic fortifications and monuments from the Battle of Arica.

El MorroPanoramic ViewsFortifications
Easy →
Culture

Playa Chinchorro Promenade

Stroll the revitalized seaside promenade at Playa Chinchorro, enjoying ocean views, local seafood, and artisan markets along the shore.

Playa ChinchorroSeaside PromenadeArtisan Markets
Easy →
Nature

Azapa Valley

Explore the fertile green oasis of the Azapa Valley, known for its agriculture and local markets selling fresh olives and tropical fruit.

Azapa ValleyAgricultureLocal Markets
Moderate →

Self-Guided Walks & Hikes

Tender/Dock

City Center Stroll

City Center, Plaza de Armas, Local Markets

Walk from the port to the Plaza de Armas, exploring the local shops and the colonial architecture of the city center.

  1. StartEasy
📍 Open in Maps

El Morro Walk

El Morro, Coastal Cliff

Walk from the port to the base of El Morro and climb the stairs to the top for a view of the Pacific Ocean.

  1. StartModerate
📍 Open in Maps

Weather & Best Time to Visit

Climate normals for Arica, Chile (2014–2023 averages). Pack for the month you sail — highs, lows, and how many rainy days to expect.

MonthAvg HighAvg LowRainy DaysSunriseSunset
Jan80°F / 27°C68°F / 20°C17:17 AM8:23 PM
Feb81°F / 27°C69°F / 21°C27:34 AM8:15 PM
Mar80°F / 27°C68°F / 20°C17:44 AM7:55 PM
Apr74°F / 23°C63°F / 17°C16:51 AM6:30 PM
May69°F / 21°C60°F / 16°C57:00 AM6:14 PM
Jun65°F / 18°C57°F / 14°C47:11 AM6:12 PM
Jul64°F / 18°C55°F / 13°C47:13 AM6:20 PM
Aug64°F / 18°C55°F / 13°C27:01 AM6:30 PM
Sep66°F / 19°C56°F / 13°C17:36 AM7:35 PM
Oct68°F / 20°C58°F / 14°C17:11 AM7:42 PM
Nov72°F / 22°C60°F / 16°C06:56 AM7:55 PM
Dec76°F / 24°C64°F / 18°C16:59 AM8:13 PM

Source: Open-Meteo ERA5 (10-yr daily averages)

Insider Tips

  • map
    Map of Arica
  • clock
    Opening Hours
  • 📅
    calendar: Booking
  • info
    Local Tips
  • ⚠️
    warning: Safety

Getting Around

Transport options from the pier — taxis, shuttles, transit passes, and whether ride-share apps work here.

🚗 Ride-share: ✅ UberUber operates in Arica with upfront pricing. Local taxi drivers may fulfill UberX requests.🚍 Hop-on hop-off: ❌ No HOHO bus

🚶 Walk

Free

The port is about 1 km from the city center — a flat 10–15 min stroll. Many attractions including the Cathedral and central plaza are easily walkable.

🚕 Taxi

3,000–4,000 CLP (~$4–5 USD)

Taxis wait at the pier and are metered or fixed-rate for short city hops. Cash in Chilean Pesos recommended.

🚗 Uber

Varies (upfront fare shown in app)

Uber is confirmed active in Arica. Partners with local taxis, available 24/7 with app-based booking.

🚌 Colectivo (shared taxi)

~800 CLP (~$1 USD)

Shared taxis running fixed routes around the city — cheap and frequent. Cash only.

🚌 Public Bus

~800 CLP (~$1 USD)

Local city buses serve main routes. Cash only; no contactless payment. Good for budget travelers.

Cruises Calling Here

Upcoming cruises that call at Arica, Chile. Dates, prices, and ports of call change — always confirm with the cruise line before booking.

ms Nieuw Amsterdam
Holland America
Vancouver → Buenos Aires
⚓ Calls 30 Oct 08:00 - 17:00 (08:00–17:00) 202741 nights28 portsDeparts 2027-10-07
View itinerary · 28 ports
41 days, one-way from Vancouver to Buenos Aires
  1. 07 Oct 17:00Vancouver, BC Canada
  2. 10 Oct 08:00 - 21:00San Francisco, California
  3. 12 Oct 07:00 - 17:00San Diego, California
  4. 14 Oct 11:00 - 18:00Cabo San Lucas, Baja California Mexico
  5. 17 Oct 07:00 - 14:00Huatulco, La Crucecita, Mexico Riviera
  6. 18 Oct 10:00 - 20:00Puerto Quetzal, Guatemala
  7. 20 Oct 08:00 - 17:00Puntarenas, Puerto Caldera, Costa Rica
  8. 22 Oct 12:00 - 23 Oct 18:00Manta, Ecuador
  9. 25 Oct 07:00 - 16:00Salaverry-Trujillo, Peru
  10. 26 Oct 10:00 - 27 Oct 20:00Callao-Lima, Peru
  11. 28 Oct 07:00 - 18:00Pisco, Paracas-Puerto General San Martin, Peru
  12. 30 Oct 08:00 - 17:00Arica, Chile
  13. 01 Nov 08:00 - 16:00Coquimbo, La Serena, Chile
  14. 02 Nov 07:00 - 05:00San Antonio, Chile
  15. 04 Nov 08:00 - 17:00Puerto Montt, Chile
  16. 05 Nov 11:00 - 20:00Puerto Chacabuco, Coyhaique, Chile
  17. 06 Nov - 07 Nov 10:00Chilean Fjords, Patagonia
  18. 07 NovChilean Fjords, Patagonia
  19. 08 NovStrait of Magellan, Chile
  20. 09 NovChilean Fjords, Patagonia
  21. 09 Nov - 10 NovBeagle Channel, Glacier Alley, Chile Patagonia
  22. 09 Nov 06:00 - 18:00Punta Arenas, Chile Antarctica
  23. 10 Nov 12:00 - 20:00Ushuaia, Argentina
  24. 11 NovCape Horn, Chile Antarctica
  25. 12 Nov 08:00 - 17:00Port Stanley, East Falkland Island UK
  26. 15 Nov 08:00 - 18:00Montevideo, Uruguay
  27. 16 Nov 08:00Buenos Aires, Argentina
  28. 17 NovBuenos Aires, Argentina
Find this cruise to book →
$9,503from / pp
ms Nieuw Amsterdam
Holland America
San Diego → Buenos Aires
⚓ Calls 30 Oct 08:00 - 17:00 (08:00–17:00) 202736 nights26 portsDeparts 2027-10-12
View itinerary · 26 ports
36 days, one-way from San Diego to Buenos Aires
  1. 12 Oct 17:00San Diego, California
  2. 14 Oct 11:00 - 18:00Cabo San Lucas, Baja California Mexico
  3. 17 Oct 07:00 - 14:00Huatulco, La Crucecita, Mexico Riviera
  4. 18 Oct 10:00 - 20:00Puerto Quetzal, Guatemala
  5. 20 Oct 08:00 - 17:00Puntarenas, Puerto Caldera, Costa Rica
  6. 22 Oct 12:00 - 23 Oct 18:00Manta, Ecuador
  7. 25 Oct 07:00 - 16:00Salaverry-Trujillo, Peru
  8. 26 Oct 10:00 - 27 Oct 20:00Callao-Lima, Peru
  9. 28 Oct 07:00 - 18:00Pisco, Paracas-Puerto General San Martin, Peru
  10. 30 Oct 08:00 - 17:00Arica, Chile
  11. 01 Nov 08:00 - 16:00Coquimbo, La Serena, Chile
  12. 02 Nov 07:00 - 05:00San Antonio, Chile
  13. 04 Nov 08:00 - 17:00Puerto Montt, Chile
  14. 05 Nov 11:00 - 20:00Puerto Chacabuco, Coyhaique, Chile
  15. 06 Nov - 07 Nov 10:00Chilean Fjords, Patagonia
  16. 07 NovChilean Fjords, Patagonia
  17. 08 NovStrait of Magellan, Chile
  18. 09 NovChilean Fjords, Patagonia
  19. 09 Nov - 10 NovBeagle Channel, Glacier Alley, Chile Patagonia
  20. 09 Nov 06:00 - 18:00Punta Arenas, Chile Antarctica
  21. 10 Nov 12:00 - 20:00Ushuaia, Argentina
  22. 11 NovCape Horn, Chile Antarctica
  23. 12 Nov 08:00 - 17:00Port Stanley, East Falkland Island UK
  24. 15 Nov 08:00 - 18:00Montevideo, Uruguay
  25. 16 Nov 08:00Buenos Aires, Argentina
  26. 17 NovBuenos Aires, Argentina
Find this cruise to book →
$9,375from / pp
Oceania Sirena
Oceania Cruises
Callao-Lima → Punta Arenas
⚓ Calls 22 Jan 07:00 - 17:00 (07:00–17:00) 202814 nights10 portsDeparts 2028-01-19
View itinerary · 10 ports
14 days, one-way from Callao-Lima to Punta Arenas
  1. 19 Jan 17:00Callao-Lima, Peru
  2. 20 Jan 08:00 - 17:00Pisco, Paracas-Puerto General San Martin, Peru
  3. 22 Jan 07:00 - 17:00Arica, Chile
  4. 24 Jan 07:00 - 17:00Antofagasta, Chile
  5. 26 Jan 07:00 - 16:00Valparaiso-Santiago, Chile
  6. 28 Jan 09:00 - 18:00Puerto Montt, Chile
  7. 29 Jan 07:00 - 16:00Chiloe Island Chile, Castro
  8. 30 Jan 09:00 - 18:00Puerto Chacabuco, Coyhaique, Chile
  9. 31 Jan - 01 FebChilean Fjords, Patagonia
  10. 02 Feb 07:00Punta Arenas, Chile Antarctica
Find this cruise to book →
$8,821from / pp

Itineraries and prices change — always confirm with the cruise line before booking. Some links are affiliate links that may earn us a commission at no extra cost to you.