Rock tunnel
A coastal path.
Selagam — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Yoyijorquera — CC BY-SA 3.0 · Selagam — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Chileartists — CC BY-SA 4.0
Sea caves and rock formations at the foot of the coastal cliffs south of Arica, carved by waves and wind over thousands of years in brown and grey rock into arches, caves and rock towers on which Pacific waves break in white spray. Visitors follow a path with handrails and steps through a tunnel cut into the rock, then along the shore between caves and boulders, with views of the waves and natural arches. Some caves open into wide hollows where sunbeams slip in. The site teems with sea life: sea lions on the rocks, pelicans, cormorants and gulls, and sometimes dolphins offshore. This shore was home to ancient fishing peoples for thousands of years. The path is fairly easy but rocks near the water are slippery, so keep away from the waves. There is little shade, so go in the morning or just before sunset. The northern desert sun is very strong even on hazy days, so carry water, a hat and sunscreen.
A coastal path.
And Pacific waves.
On the rocks.
Coast south of Arica, about 10 km from the centre
Fairly easy with steps, handrails and a tunnel, but rocks near the water are slippery, so stay on the path and away from the waves.