Arica y Parinacota Region

The Región de Arica y Parinacota ( or XV. Region ) is the youngest and most northerly of the current 15 regions of Chile. It is bordered to the north by Peru, on the east by Bolivia, on the south by the Región de Tarapacá and to the west by the Pacific Ocean.

It was created from the provinces of Arica and Parinacota, which had hitherto been part of the Región de Tarapacá and today the two provinces of the Región de Arica y Parinacota form. A corresponding law came into force on 8 October 2007. The new region has an area of ​​16,898.6 km ² and a population of 189 692 people (2006). Capital of the region is Arica.

Attractions

In the northwest, close to the border with Bolivia, the 1370 km ² national park Lauca is with high volcanoes and lakes.

Near the 6,000 meter high volcanoes Parinacota and Pomerape the Chungará Lake lies on 4,520 meters above sea level. The 21 km ² lake is one of the highest lakes in the world.

In the south of the National Park of the Great Salt Lake Salar de Surire lies on 4,245 meters with its thermal springs. Here you can watch flamingos, vicuna and llamas. The National Park Monumento Natural Salar de Surire was established in 1983 and covers approximately 175 km ².

The National Park offers an abundance of wildlife, including, for example, guanacos, Andean condors, pumas and Vizcachas.

The coastal city of Arica offers great beaches and many historical places like the Fort San Felipe del Morro, which was heavily fought over during the saltpeter.