
Playa Chinchorro
Arica's beloved urban beach, famous for its warm waters perfect for nighttime swims and a revitalized promenade.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Warm waters, local vibe

Playa Chinchorro
Best Time
Warm waters, local vibe

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Arica's beloved urban beach, famous for its warm waters perfect for nighttime swims and a revitalized promenade.
"Lovely, well maintained beach in Arica. It was very clean and almost empty, except this friendly stray dog."

🌙 Embrace the Night Swim
Locals love swimming at night due to warm waters. It's a unique Arica experience!
🚶♀️ Stroll the New Promenade
Enjoy the recently upgraded coastal path with playgrounds and scenic views.

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Nighttime Beach Experience
Enjoy warm waters and a unique local atmosphere as you swim and relax on the beach after sunset. A truly special Arica tradition.

Revitalized Coastal Promenade
Stroll along the newly improved promenade, featuring playgrounds and preserved historical elements. Perfect for families and leisurely walks.

Gentle Waves for Swimming
Experience pleasant waves ideal for swimming and enjoying the Pacific. A relaxing spot to cool off and soak up the sun.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Nighttime Beach Vibe
Coastal Development Enhancements
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🌙 Embrace the Night Swim
Locals love swimming at night due to warm waters. It's a unique Arica experience!
🚶♀️ Stroll the New Promenade
Enjoy the recently upgraded coastal path with playgrounds and scenic views.
☀️ Sunscreen is Key
The northern Chilean sun is strong. Protect your skin, especially during daytime visits.
🎶 Live Music & Dance
Check for free events like Bachata nights on weekends.
Tips
from all over the internet
🌙 Embrace the Night Swim
Locals love swimming at night due to warm waters. It's a unique Arica experience!
🚶♀️ Stroll the New Promenade
Enjoy the recently upgraded coastal path with playgrounds and scenic views.
☀️ Sunscreen is Key
The northern Chilean sun is strong. Protect your skin, especially during daytime visits.
🎶 Live Music & Dance
Check for free events like Bachata nights on weekends.
🍔 Food Trucks Galore
Grab a bite from various food trucks offering local and international flavors.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Playa Chinchorro is praised for its cleanliness, pleasant waves, and the unique experience of warm nighttime swimming. Visitors appreciate the well-maintained promenade and family-friendly atmosphere. Some reviews are brief, but the overall sentiment is positive, highlighting its appeal as a relaxing coastal spot.
"Lovely, well maintained beach in Arica. It was very clean and almost empty, except this friendly stray dog. Perfect please to chill and take in the sunset."
Shawn Hayes
"Really really clean beach"
Sandy Lemonde
"Nice waves!"
Ovidio Pozo
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Playa Chinchorro is easily accessible from Arica's city center. Taxis are readily available and affordable, with a ride costing around 7,000 pesos. Local buses also frequent the area, offering a budget-friendly option. Many hotels, like the Novotel Arica, are located very close to the beach, allowing for a short walk or jog.
The Chacayuta International Airport (ARI) is located a short distance from Arica. From the airport, a taxi is the most convenient way to reach Playa Chinchorro, taking approximately 15-20 minutes depending on traffic.
Yes, depending on your starting point in downtown Arica, walking to Playa Chinchorro is feasible. It's a pleasant walk along the coast, especially with the recently improved promenade.
Taxis are plentiful and a good option for quick trips. For exploring multiple beaches or attractions, consider renting a car if you prefer flexibility. Local buses are also an economical choice for getting around the city and to nearby areas.
While specific route numbers can change, most local buses heading north along the coast will stop near Playa Chinchorro. It's advisable to ask your accommodation or local information points for the most current bus routes.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Playa Chinchorro is a public beach, so there is no entrance fee to access the sand or swim. Enjoy the natural beauty and amenities without any cost.
The beach itself is accessible at all hours, but amenities like food vendors and the promenade are typically open during daylight and into the evening. Many locals enjoy the beach at night, especially during summer.
Generally, there are no specific restrictions for visiting Playa Chinchorro. However, it's always good practice to be mindful of local regulations, especially regarding noise levels and waste disposal, to help maintain the beach's cleanliness.
No, booking in advance is not necessary for visiting Playa Chinchorro. It's a public space open to everyone. If you plan to dine at specific restaurants or attend events, checking their individual booking policies might be wise.
While the beach is generally open, specific sections might be temporarily closed for organized events like music festivals or sports activities. It's best to check local event listings or social media for any announcements regarding closures.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can swim in the warm waters, relax on the sand, enjoy the gentle waves for surfing or bodyboarding, and stroll along the revitalized promenade. There are also children's play areas and often impromptu music or dance gatherings.
Absolutely! The improved promenade features new children's play areas, and the warm, calm waters are generally safe for supervised swimming. Families are frequently seen enjoying the beach.
The beach offers public access with improved promenade areas, including children's playgrounds. Restrooms and changing facilities may be available, particularly near the Novotel hotel. Food vendors and trucks are also common.
Yes, nighttime swimming is a popular local activity at Playa Chinchorro due to its unusually warm waters. Many people enjoy the beach after dark, creating a unique and vibrant atmosphere.
While specific rental shops aren't always highlighted, you might find opportunities for renting surfboards or other equipment, especially during peak season. It's advisable to inquire locally or check with nearby hotels.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
You'll find a variety of food trucks and stalls set up along the promenade and near the beach, offering everything from local snacks to international cuisine. Restaurants are also available nearby, including options within hotels like the Novotel.
With the diverse range of food trucks, you're likely to find vegetarian and vegan options. Some vendors specialize in these choices, so it's worth exploring the offerings.
While many smaller vendors close in the evening, some restaurants and food establishments, particularly those in hotels or larger complexes, remain open later. The 'Mall Chinos' and retail stores like Paris and La Polar are known to stay open late.
Prices can vary, but food trucks generally offer affordable options, making it a budget-friendly place to eat. Expect to pay reasonable prices for snacks, meals, and drinks.
The Novotel Arica hotel has dining options like @elgallocojo, which is praised for its food. Exploring the various food trucks and stalls along the promenade also offers a great culinary adventure.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture stunning shots along the revitalized promenade, with the Pacific Ocean as a backdrop. The sunsets are particularly beautiful, and the unique nighttime beach scene offers a different photographic perspective.
Yes, Playa Chinchorro is known for its beautiful sunsets. The golden hour light reflecting off the ocean and the coastline creates a picturesque scene perfect for photography.
Landscape photography, sunset shots, and lifestyle photography capturing people enjoying the beach and promenade are popular. The nighttime beach scene also offers unique opportunities for photographers.
While Playa Chinchorro itself is the main attraction, the iconic Morro de Arica can often be seen in the distance, providing a dramatic backdrop for photos. The Novotel hotel also offers scenic views.
The golden hours around sunrise and sunset offer the most dramatic and beautiful lighting. However, the unique nighttime atmosphere also provides excellent opportunities for creative photography.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Parents can enjoy peace of mind knowing the beach is well-maintained and the promenade offers a pleasant space for leisurely walks. The availability of food trucks nearby also makes it easy to grab snacks and meals for the whole family. Consider visiting during weekday afternoons for a more relaxed experience with fewer crowds.
💰 Budget Travelers
Many of the enjoyable activities, like swimming, sunbathing, and strolling the promenade, are completely free. Keep an eye out for any free community events, such as dance nights, which add to the entertainment value without any cost.
couples
Enjoying a casual dinner from one of the many food trucks or a drink at a beachfront establishment can be a delightful experience. The unique opportunity to swim in the warm waters at night adds an extra layer of intimacy and adventure to a romantic getaway.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Unique Appeal of Nighttime Beach Visits
This nighttime culture transforms the beach into a lively hub after dark. Visitors can experience a different side of Arica's coastal life, enjoying the gentle waves and the camaraderie of locals. It's an experience that many travelers find surprisingly delightful and memorable, offering a chance to connect with the local way of life.
Coastal Development and Amenities
Further development, such as 'Conservación Borde Costero Playa Chinchorro Etapa II', is planned to continue these improvements along Avenida Raúl Pey. These projects aim to preserve the pedestrian walkway and enhance the public space, ensuring Playa Chinchorro remains a well-maintained and attractive destination for both residents and tourists. The proximity to hotels like the Novotel also benefits from these upgrades, offering guests easy access to improved beachfront facilities.
Culinary Delights by the Sea
Popular choices include vendors like @papatasarica and @espiro.papas, which offer unique and tasty treats. Whether you're craving savory snacks or something sweet, the variety ensures there's something for every palate. Many of these vendors accept card payments and are open from late afternoon into the evening, perfect for a sunset dinner or a late-night snack.



Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit