The richness of the Camarones Valley

This destination stands out for its rich culture that we find in all its celebrations of festivals and carnivals, interesting valleys and villages and several archaeological sites that are interesting to know.

Camarones is attractive for its geography. This area that is part of Arica extends from west to east, bordering the Pacific Ocean and the commune of Putre. This difference in climate provides privileged soils for agriculture, especially the cultivation of grapes, citrus and exotic fruits such as guavas and prickly pears. Towards the east the geography changes and we find the altiplano, reaching heights over 4200 meters above sea level.

From the coastal area you can start by visiting the Caleta de Camarones, 105 kilometers from the city of Arica. Here you can go into the sea in fishing boats to learn some techniques of artisanal fishing and then taste the rich marine cuisine prepared together with other tourists and the inhabitants of the cove. We recommend you not to miss a fresh ceviche and the chinchorral, a preparation of seafood cooked on a disc.

In Caleta Camarones there is also a Museum of Interpretation where you will find replicas of mummies and pieces belonging to funeral ceremonies, vestiges of the ancient Chinchorro culture. This millenary civilization covered a territory from Peru to Antofagasta along the Pacific coast of the desert and is known for being considered the first in the world to mummify their dead. That is why in the area we find replicas of their mummies and a sculpture of more than 4 meters on the edge of a cliff. Another interesting archaeological site is the petroglyphs of Taltape and Huancare, which are located approximately 100 kilometers south of Arica and are a sample of the rock art of ancient peoples who inhabited the area. In Taltape we can find vestiges of anthropomorphic and zoomorphic figures very well preserved, and even in its surroundings you can find "colcas", or buildings where food was stored.

120 kilometers from Arica, in the same valley, we can visit the town of Codpa, which is characterized by its fertile soils and beautiful landscapes crossed by the crystalline waters of the Vitor River. It is famous for its tropical fruit crops such as guava and for producing a special type of wine called pintatani, with an intense and sweet flavor.

In Codpa you will find architecture dating from colonial times, such as the Church of San Martin de Tours, built in 1668 and has a beautiful carved stone portal. The religious feast of San Martin is held here on November 9, with a festival that demonstrates the syncretism between the Catholic faith and Aymara ceremonies, with processions and brass bands.

Another petroglyphs are located 7 kilometers from Codpa, those of Ofragia, which correspond to more than 400 engravings in rock with marked influence of the Incas. These plaques are located in Cerro Blanco and have different sizes, being a sample of the ancient rites and cultures of the area, which leave records from 2000 years before Christ.

80 kilometers from Arica, there are other geoglyphs, those of Chiza, with large zoomorphic and anthropomorphic figures in the Cuesta de Chiza using black rocks to form them. It is thought that they were used as part of ceremonies and also as route indications. These geoglyphs can be observed from the road as an impressive testimony of the inhabitants of the place between the V and VI centuries. Also 80 kilometers away is the Quebrada de Camarones, a long gorge 850 meters wide with a dry bottom that serves as an ecosystem for the typical flora of the Pampa del Tamarugal, such as cardón, cachiyuyo, quisco and candelabros.

The Camarones Valley ends in the town of Parcohaylla, at an altitude of more than 4200 meters above sea level. To get here, one must continue to the top of the Codpa Valley and travel along unpaved roads, some with no other indications than the "amontonamientos" or apacheta - that is, mounds of stones that are left as offerings to the pachamama (Mother Earth). This road is interesting because it takes us directly into the Altiplano and can be an alternative route to the Salar de Surire.

To get to the Camarones Valley from Arica, take the Panamerican Highway South 166 kilometers to the south and then head west or east. Remember to hydrate yourself very well due to the dryness of the climate and wear light clothing during the day and warmer clothes at night, due to the climatic variations of the desert environment.