Arica has mostly been a place for practical matters, although there has been a few other highlights. Arica is the most northern city of Chile, with a large port and a close connection to both Peru and Bolivia. I found myself doing the 2nd service of the bike here, and enjoyed a few slow and relaxing days before going up into the mountains and onward to Bolivia.
In the northern part of Chile, Cazuela (traditional Chilean food), is very commonly served as lunch and dinner. In Arica, you pay not more than C$ 2,500 (US$ 5) for a soup with meat, potato, and some veggies (La Cazuela), bread, and a full main dish of your choice. I was amazed to eat home cooked food for such a cheap penny, and happy of the change from empanadas and other fast foods. And there are lots of places serving La Cazuela, (a.k.a. "El Menú por favor!" as you would order it).
I bought my "International Insurance" with Magallanes Seguros, a document that is required to cross the border with a Chilean vehicle (along with other important documents, depending on whether you bought a used or a new bike). This did not take me more than 10 min from stepping into the office, to walk out with my International Insurance from Magallanes Seguros in hand.
Arica was actually part of Bolivia before the War of the Pacific between Chile on one side and Peru and Bolivia on the other. Along with a history museum, you will find a marine museum. I recommend visiting the tourist office, from which I left with all the information I could ever ask for, for my trip to Lauca, also Arica, and all the other places worth visiting in Chile. It is located on the main square, along with the old church (pic below).
Although there is a long beach, a supposedly good night life and a number of museums, I mainly enjoyed the great food, accommodation with internet and some rest, while preparing for the trip to Lauca park, and then Bolivia!
1 comment:
Good info, well written. As always! Very interesting to read. Keep up the awesome work!!!
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