Planning a trip to Arica? This travel cost guide will help you understand what to expect before you go. Our Arica trip cost calculator uses average expenses from thousands of real travelers, including hotel rates, food and dining costs, sightseeing and entertainment prices, and transportation expenses. Arica is an exciting destination known for its beauty, culture, food, and exciting activities, and you shouldn't miss out on anything because you did't plan your budget.
How much does it cost to travel to Arica?
A typical traveler spends $106 (CL$95,403) per day on a trip to Arica. This is the average daily price for a vacation in Arica based on the expenses of other visitors.
Past travelers have spent, on average for one day:
- $52 (CL$46,556) on meals
- $19 (CL$16,974) on local transportation
- $74 (CL$67,010) on hotels
A one-week trip to Arica for two people costs, on average, $1,480 (CL$1,335,642). This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
All of these average travel prices have been collected from thousands of other travelers to help you plan your own travel budget.
-
One Week
Per person
$740
CL$667,821
-
2 Weeks
Per person
$1,480
CL$1,335,642
-
One Month
Per person
$3,171
CL$2,862,090
-
One Week
For a couple
$1,480
CL$1,335,642
-
2 Weeks
For a couple
$2,960
CL$2,671,284
-
One Month
For a couple
$6,342
CL$5,724,180
How much does a one week, two week, or one month trip to Arica cost?
A one week trip to Arica usually costs around $740 (CL$667,821) for one person and $1,480 (CL$1,335,642) for two people. This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
A two week trip to Arica on average costs around $1,480 (CL$1,335,642) for one person and $2,960 (CL$2,671,284) for two people. This cost includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
Please note, prices can vary based on your travel style, speed, and other variables. If you're traveling as a family of three or four people, the price per person often goes down because kid's tickets are cheaper and hotel rooms can be shared. If you travel slower over a longer period of time then your daily budget will also go down. Two people traveling together for one month in Arica will often have a lower daily budget per person than one person traveling alone for one week.
A one month trip to Arica on average costs around $3,171 (CL$2,862,090) for one person and $6,342 (CL$5,724,180) for two people. The more places you visit, the higher the daily price will become due to increased transportation costs.
Is Arica expensive to visit?
In Arica, budget travelers spend $45 (CL$40,293) per day on average, mid-range travelers spend $107 (CL$95,403) per day, and luxury travelers spend around $236 (CL$210,038) per day. These costs are calculated from the reported expenses of previous travelers to Arica.
Arica is a smaller destination that charms visitors with a variety of travel styles, expenditure habits, and budgetary considerations. Accommodation options range from budget-friendly hostels to mid-range hotels to high-end luxury properties.
While Arica can be quite expensive if you let it be, there are ways to lower your spending, such as looking for discounts and coupons.
Within South America, Arica is a moderately priced destination compared to other places. The overall cost of travel here is fair for the region and comparable to Easter Island or Brasilia.
For more details, and to find out if it's within your travel budget, see Is Arica Expensive?
How much money do I need for a trip to Arica?
The average Arica trip cost is broken down by category here for independent travelers. All of these Arica travel prices are calculated from the budgets of real travelers. Also, you can see more details at How much does a trip to Arica cost?
Arica on a Budget
|
Category
|
Budget
|
Mid-Range
|
Luxury
|
Accommodation1
For 1 person in double occupancy
|
$16
(CL$14,253)
|
$37
(CL$33,505)
|
$77
(CL$69,921)
|
|
Local Transportation1
|
$8
(CL$7,383)
|
$19
(CL$16,974)
|
$37
(CL$33,067)
|
|
Food2
|
$21
(CL$18,851)
|
$52
(CL$46,556)
|
$123
(CL$111,062)
|
|
Entertainment1
|
$9
(CL$8,375)
|
$21
(CL$19,021)
|
$39
(CL$35,563)
|
|
Alcohol2
|
$4-13
(CL$4,014-12,041)
|
$10-31
(CL$9,255-27,766)
|
$20-61
(CL$18,201-54,604)
|
Accommodation Budget in Arica
Hotel prices in Arica can vary significantly. Some hotels charge much higher rates but also offer more luxury and better amenities. During peak season, these prices rise even more. In the off-season, the average room costs around $55, while in peak season it jumps to an average of $103. Budget accommodations range from $41 to $159, but hostels are usually cheaper, especially in dorm rooms. Save money by traveling during the low or shoulder seasons, or by booking in advance and watching for deals.
Calculated from travelers like you
The average price paid in Arica for two people for a typical double-occupancy hotel room is $74 (CL$67,010). For one person sharing a room, the average price paid for a hotel room is $37 (CL$33,505) per night. These costs are from the reported spending of actual travelers.
Looking for a hotel in Arica? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options.
If you plan your trip outside of and during the low or shoulder season, you'll find better accommodation rates and fewer tourists.
Transportation Budget in Arica
Calculated from travelers like you
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On average, past travelers have spent $19 (CL$16,974) per person, per day, on local transportation in Arica. The cost of a taxi ride or rideshare service (Uber/Lyft) in Arica is significantly more than public transportation.
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Transportation1
Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
$19
CL$16,974
Numerous buses arrive daily from Chile's main cities further south, including San Pedro de Atacama, Calama, Iquique and Santiago. Daily buses come in from Bolivia, directly from La Paz, Cochabamba and Oruro with a transfer in Patacamaya. Colectivos, which are shared taxis or mini-vans, arrive and depart continually from Peru, taking passengers from the International Terminal in Arica to the International Terminal in Tacna, Peru. Walking will get you most places in town, although numerous buses run along the major avenues for those in a hurry. They are also handy for getting to and from the bus station, usually for no more than USD$1.
Some of the standard transportation options and hotel transfers include:
- Private Transfer from Arica Cruise Port to Arica city hotels for $62 details
- Private Transfer from Arica City hotels to Arica Cruise Port for $62 details
- Private Transfer from Arica Cruise Port to Arica Hotels for $68 details
How much does it cost to go to Arica? Naturally, it depends on the dates. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all airlines.
The price of renting a car in Arica will depends on dates, the type of car, the location, and your age. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all car rental companies.
Below, you'll find common transit prices in Arica, gathered from real traveler experiences. These numbers offer a general sense of transportation expenses. It's important to note that your costs may vary depending on your transportation choice, with taxis and other hired vehicles usually costing significantly more than public transit.
Food Budget in Arica
Tasting the local cuisine is a key reason for travel, so be sure to sample the unique dishes offered in the area.
Calculated from travelers like you
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While restaurant and meal prices in Arica can vary significantly, the average cost of food in Arica is $52 (CL$46,556) per day, per person, based on the spending habits of previous travelers.
-
Food2
Meals for one day
$52
CL$46,556
When dining out, the average daily cost for food in Arica is around $52 (CL$46556) per person, with previous travelers spending from $21 to $125. Generally, breakfast and lunch cost less than dinner, but this will depend on the type of restaurant and what you order.
Typical meal prices in Arica are as follows:
- Breakfast: $5 to $16
- Lunch: $8 to $21
- Dinner: $16 to $37
- Coffee: $4
- Fast Food or Street Food: $8
Cuisine in Arica is very influenced by Peruvian cooking. Try the classic bread with olives of Azapa. Arica is not a big producer of meat so you will mostly find frozen meat coming from Argentina. However the fish is absolutely delicious; try the congrio, lenguado, reineta or palometa. There are good and cheap fruits for juices or simply to be eaten: mango, guava, melon, citrics, all fresh and produced in the surrounding valleys.
Many hotels include breakfast in their pricing structure, while some charge additional fees for it. The quality and cost can vary significantly by hotel. Knowing this in advance can help you decide whether to allocate more money. It might be worth paying for the delicious hotel buffet, or you could go to a local bakery or cafe that's less expensive.
Stay hydrated with a water bottle instead of purchasing drinks everywhere. It's also great for the environment.
While planning your tour, it's essential to know which meals are included. You may find yourself paying for some meals, which can add to your travel budget.
Sightseeing and Activities Budget in Arica
Calculated from travelers like you
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Sightseeing activities, entertainment, and entrance tickets in Arica typically cost an average of $21 (CL$19,021) per person, per day based on the spending of previous travelers. This includes fees paid for admission tickets to museums and attractions, day tours, and other sightseeing expenses.
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Entertainment1
Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
$21
CL$19,021
Go to El Morro de Arica for a great view over the city. This lofty rock that looms 110m over the city was the site of a crucial battle in 1880, a year into the War of the Pacific, when the Chilean army assaulted and took El Morro from Peruvian forces in less than an hour. Visit the Gothic-style Catedral de San Marcos, which was designed by celebrated Parisian engineer Alexandre Gustave Eiffel, before his success with the Eiffel Tower. The entire church is made of stamped and molded cast iron, coated with paint. Eiffel also designed the Casa de la Cultura de Arica or Ex-Aduana, a former customs house that now hosts a smattering of exhibitions and has an impressive 32-step wrought-iron spiral staircase. Prefabricated in Paris, it was assembled on site in 1874, with walls made of blocks and bricks stacked between metallic supports. Get out of the city to the Cuevas de Anzota, only 10 km south of the center. Discover the caves that were used by the Chinchorro culture some 9000 years ago. A new coastal walk takes you through the area, with staircases leading up to lookout points, and fine vantage points over the dramatic coastline. Keep an eye out for sea lions, a marine otters and marine birds. Leave on a tour or receive information from the tourist center within Arica on how to visit on your own by taxi or rental car La Tropilla Geoglyphs. Just outside of Arica and before the town of San Miguel de Azapa, discover the ancient symbols on the rocks that rise up on each side of the road. The geoglyphs, which have survived hundreds of years, are only still visible and preserved due to the lack of precipitation in the area. Towards the Bolivian border, you will find the Parque Nacional Lauca, which will provide you with some of the most raw, impressive scenery in all of Chile. To get there, enjoy a 2h30 ascending drive with sweeping corners and amazing views. If you want to spend a night close to the park, stay in Putre, a very traditional town located at 3500 meters above sea level and surrounded by spectacular views, as it sits at the base of the Taapaca Volcano Complex.
Tourism in Arica largely focuses on the city's sandy beaches, popular with surfers and beach-lovers. However, there are a few other activities available in town. Visit the Museo de Sitio Colon 10. See the 32 excavated Chinchorro mummies at this tiny museum below El Morro. They were discovered when an architect bought this former private home with the intention of converting it into a hotel. Head to the Museo Historico y de Armas for a good explanation of the key battle that took place atop Morro de Arica, back in 1880 during the War of the Pacific. There is also a collection of 19th and early 20th-century weaponry. Travel in time on the Ferrocarril Arica-Poconchile. One part of the old rail line that linked Arica with La Paz, Bolivia, has been restored, allowing you to ride a tourist train that runs once a week between Arica and the Lluta Valley town of Poconchile, some 37 km to the northeast. The 1950s vintage train cars currently depart Saturdays at 10h30 and arrive back in Arica at 15h30, after a one-hour stop in Poconchile. Head out of the city into the peaceful Azapa Valley, to visit the town of San Miguel de Azapa, and its Archaeological Museum, which explains the history of the Chinchorro people who occupied this region some 3500 – 9000 years ago, and has the oldest discovered mummified human remains in the world on site to marvel at. For adventure seekers, climb the perfect cone-shaped Parinacota Volcano. Test your ability to find oxygen on the thin air of the Parinacota Volcano's peak, found 6,300 meters above sea level and in the Bolivian territory. If you are not up for the task of climbing the Paranicota Volcano, but you would still like to see it, visit the beautiful lake of Chungara that acts as a mirror reflecting the Parinacota Volcano on clear days. On your way down Parinacota, near the entrance to the park, step inside the hot springs of Las Cuevas de Lauca. You can also head to the Jurasi Hot Springs, which offer an outdoor pool and two indoor pools in a gorgeous scenery.
A nice way to explore destinations in Arica is with local tours that last just a few hours. This way you can see as much as possible in an efficient way with knowledgable guides. Prices vary by the type of activity or tour, the dates, and the size of the group. Here are a few of the highest rated tours by previous visitors:
- Half day Panoramic City Tour for $49 details
- Chungará Lake & Lauca Park Tour from Arica with Lunch for $260 details
- Arica Private Sightseeing Tour for $171 details
Nightlife Budget in Arica
Calculated from travelers like you
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The average person spends about $21 (CL$18,510) on nightlife and alcoholic beverages in Arica per day. The more you spend on alcohol, the more fun you might be having despite your higher budget.
-
Alcohol2
Drinks for one day
$21
CL$18,510
Nights out are fun, but limiting your alcohol consumption can help keep your travel costs in check.
Travel cost data last updated: May 4, 2026
Traveling in Arica
Arica, Chile
A mixture of coastline, desert and high Andean plateau, Arica is a seaside resort town, known for its surfing beaches located at the tip of Northern Chile. Arica boasts that it is "the land of the eternal spring," but its temperate climate and beaches are not the only reason to visit this small city. Arica's tourism is still principally geared toward domestic visitors and those from southern Peru and La Paz, who flock to its beaches mid-December through February. It is very easy to spend a few days in Arica in the sand, or seeing the sights in town, at a slow pace but the city also offers plenty of fun activities and exciting day trips.
Realistic Expectations for Your Travel Budget
Setting realistic expectations for your travel budget is important. While some think they can visit Arica with minimal expenses, most people don't enjoy traveling that frugally. Consider what you prioritize on vacation. Do you prefer luxury hotels or budget stays? Hostels or hotels or vacation rentals? Are fun activities and dining out important to you? Your overall budget will depend on all of these questions.
What Defines a Budget Traveler?
You might consider yourself a budget traveler, but if you're not ready to give up some comforts, prepare to spend a lot more than the $45 per day that younger budget travelers manage.
Backpackers will usually stick to this shoestring budget by staying in hostel dorms, dining at the cheapest spots such as fast food places, using public transit, and mostly visiting free attractions.
Arica is home to plenty of hostels, including Hostal Sunny Days and Raymi House Hostel. In hostels like these, you can snag budget-friendly dorm beds and enjoy a social environment, but be prepared for basic amenities.
So, are you average?
If you're traveling for leisure as a couple or family, you'll probably prefer a mid-range hotel, dine at well-known restaurants, and explore the major museums and attractions that charge entry fees. Most travelers to Arica will be eager to explore the key attractions, museums, sights, and landmarks. Remember, most activities come with a cost. Therefore, it's reasonable to anticipate that your daily budget will be around $107 per person, per day.
Want to Experience a Luxurious Trip?
If your ideal trip includes every luxury and top-tier service, be ready to budget around $236 per day. A stay at nicer hotels, meals at prestigious restaurants, fancy excursions, and getting around the destination with taxis or private drivers will cost you more. Many high-end visitors also prefer unique experiences such as Private Transfer from Arica City hotels to Arica Cruise Port - offered by Viator.
We've been gathering travel costs from tens of thousands of actual travelers since 2010, and we use the data to calculate average daily travel costs for destinations around the world. We also systematically analyze the prices of hotels, hostels, and tours from travel providers such as Kayak, HostelWorld, TourRadar, Viator, and others. This combination of expenses from actual travelers, combined with pricing data from major travel companies, gives us a uniqe insight into the overall cost of travel for thousands of cities in countries around the world. You can see more here: How it Works.
