Estación Arica Arica–La Paz Railway
Experience the majestic Andes aboard a historic railway, offering breathtaking vistas and a journey through South America's dramatic landscapes.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Maximize scenic views
Estación Arica Arica–La Paz Railway
Best Time
Maximize scenic views
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Experience the majestic Andes aboard a historic railway, offering breathtaking vistas and a journey through South America's dramatic landscapes.
"The views from the train windows are simply breathtaking. The Andes Mountains rise majestically."
💧 Stay Hydrated
Bring a refillable water bottle; staying hydrated is key, especially for hikes at stations.
🍽️ Taste Local Flavors
Don't miss trying charque or humitas for an authentic gastronomic experience.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Andean Mountain Vistas
Breathtaking views of majestic, snow-capped Andes mountains and vast high plateaus.
Historic Railway Experience
Ride a piece of history on the Arica-La Paz railway, offering a unique travel perspective.
Local Gastronomy
Savor authentic local delicacies like charque and humitas at various stations.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Journey, Not Just the Destination
Arica's Heritage Gem
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
💧 Stay Hydrated
Bring a refillable water bottle; staying hydrated is key, especially for hikes at stations.
🍽️ Taste Local Flavors
Don't miss trying charque or humitas for an authentic gastronomic experience.
🕰️ Embrace the Pace
This is a scenic journey, not a race. Enjoy the slow travel and stunning landscapes.
📸 Capture the Views
The Andean scenery is spectacular; keep your camera ready for unforgettable shots.
Tips
from all over the internet
💧 Stay Hydrated
Bring a refillable water bottle; staying hydrated is key, especially for hikes at stations.
🍽️ Taste Local Flavors
Don't miss trying charque or humitas for an authentic gastronomic experience.
🕰️ Embrace the Pace
This is a scenic journey, not a race. Enjoy the slow travel and stunning landscapes.
📸 Capture the Views
The Andean scenery is spectacular; keep your camera ready for unforgettable shots.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Travelers praise the Arica-La Paz Railway for its absolutely breathtaking Andean mountain views and the unique experience of traversing historic routes. The opportunity to savor local delicacies like charque and humitas is also a highlight. However, some reviews note that the Arica heritage station is unfortunately in a dilapidated state, which may detract from the overall presentation.
"The views from the train windows are simply breathtaking. The Andes Mountains rise majestically, with their snow-capped peaks seemingly reaching the sky. As you cross the high plateaus, the immensity of the landscape takes your breath away. Don't forget to bring a refillable water bottle to stay hydrated, especially if you plan to hike during the train stations. As for food, I recommend trying local delicacies like charque (charque) or humitas (humitas). They're a true gastronomic experience!"
Fernando Rosel
"Beautiful place, nice cars, comfortable and safe. Ideal for touring parts of this beautiful region."
Sebastian Quezada Mercado
"Excellent venue for events"
Daniel Salgado
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The primary starting point is the Arica train station. While specific TikToks focus on the bus from La Paz to Arica, for the railway itself, you'll want to head to the historic Arica station. Taxis are available in Arica to reach various points, including potentially the station area.
Historically, the Arica-La Paz Railway connected these cities. While direct passenger service might be limited or seasonal, the route itself is iconic. Some travelers mention bus services from La Paz to Arica as a more common option.
Yes, the Tacna-Arica railway connects Chile and Peru. TikToks show this route, with travelers mentioning the train arriving in Arica from Tacna. This is a separate but related historic line.
Taxis are a common way to get around Arica, with one traveler mentioning a 7,000 peso fare to a hostel. Public transport options might also be available, but taxis offer direct access to key points like the station.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Ticket prices can vary. One TikTok mentioned a bus from La Paz to Arica costing 120 Bolivianos, purchased the day before. For the Tacna-Arica line, a ticket was reported as 20 soles. It's advisable to check current prices at the station.
For popular routes or specific services, booking in advance is often recommended. One traveler mentioned buying bus tickets for the La Paz-Arica route a day prior. For the historic railway, checking local schedules and booking options at the station is best.
The Arica train station itself is a heritage building. While some reviews suggest it's dilapidated and could be a museum, there's no explicit mention of entry fees for the station area itself. Access to specific museum exhibits, if available, might have a fee.
Operating hours can be inconsistent for historic lines. Early morning departures are common for long journeys. It's best to confirm the current schedule directly with the Arica station or local transport authorities.
For international travel, like the Tacna-Arica line, you'll need to fill out an affidavit for entry into Chile. For domestic travel on the Arica-La Paz route, standard identification should suffice, but always check current border requirements if applicable.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
The best way is to embrace the journey itself. Enjoy the stunning Andean scenery from the train windows, and take time to explore the unique landscapes and local culture at the various stations along the route.
Some stations offer opportunities for exploration and experiencing local culture. Reviews mention hiking during train stops and the chance to try local delicacies. The Arica station itself is a heritage site.
Expect breathtaking views of the Andes Mountains, with snow-capped peaks and vast high plateaus. The immensity of the landscape is a major highlight of this journey.
Reviews suggest the Arica heritage building is unfortunately in a dilapidated state. While it holds historical significance, don't expect modern facilities or pristine conditions.
The atmosphere is one of historical significance and scenic beauty. It's a journey that offers a comfortable and safe experience through a remarkable region, ideal for those who appreciate heritage and natural landscapes.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
You should definitely try local delicacies like charque (dried meat) and humitas (a type of tamale). These offer a true taste of the region's gastronomy.
Information on onboard dining is limited. It's advisable to pack your own snacks and water, and plan to eat at stations where local food is available.
While larger stations might have more options, smaller stations often offer opportunities to sample local food. Be prepared for simpler offerings and embrace the authentic experience.
📸 📸 Photography
The majestic Andes Mountains, snow-capped peaks, and vast high plateaus offer incredible photographic potential. Capture the immensity of the landscape and the historic trains themselves.
Yes, it is generally safe to take photos from the train windows. However, always be mindful of your surroundings and avoid leaning out of the train, especially when it's in motion.
Daytime offers the best light for capturing the dramatic Andean landscapes. Early mornings or late afternoons can provide beautiful golden hour lighting, but ensure you can still see the scenery clearly.
There are no specific restrictions mentioned for general photography on the train or at stations. However, always be respectful of local customs and ask permission before photographing individuals.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive landscapes, while a telephoto lens can be useful for details of the mountains or the train. A good quality camera or smartphone with a decent zoom will suffice for most travelers.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
💰 Budget Travelers
🏛️ History & Heritage Enthusiasts
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Historic Arica-La Paz Railway
While some TikToks highlight the bus journey from La Paz to Arica as a more common travel method, the allure of the historic railway persists. Reviews often praise the breathtaking views from the train windows, describing snow-capped Andes mountains and immense high plateaus. This scenic aspect is a primary draw for travelers seeking an immersive experience rather than just a quick transit.
It's important to note that the Arica train station itself, while historically important, is described by some as being in a dilapidated state. This means visitors should manage expectations regarding the station's condition but appreciate its heritage value. The journey is more about the experience of traversing the Andes and the unique perspective it offers, rather than the modern amenities of the station.
Navigating the Tacna-Arica Railway
Travelers using the Tacna-Arica line need to be aware of border control procedures. One user mentioned filling out an affidavit to enter Chile and going through controls to ensure no illegal items were being carried. This underscores the importance of being prepared for customs and immigration processes when crossing international borders by rail.
The cost of tickets for this line is also mentioned, with one traveler reporting a fare of 20 soles. This makes it a potentially affordable option for those looking to travel between these two cities. The experience is often described as a unique way to see the landscape and experience a piece of shared history between Peru and Chile.





Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit