Playa El Laucho - Image 1
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Playa El Laucho

4.6
·6k reviews·Arica, Chile

Arica's gem, Playa El Laucho offers calm Pacific waters perfect for families and kayakers, recognized for its cleanliness and amenities.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekdays

Avoid weekend crowds

CrowdLow
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Playa El Laucho - Image 1

Playa El Laucho

Best Time

Weekdays

Avoid weekend crowds

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Arica's gem, Playa El Laucho offers calm Pacific waters perfect for families and kayakers, recognized for its cleanliness and amenities.

4.6
(6k reviews)

"One of the finest beaches in town, special for sunbathing and chill."

Vertical photo
TIP

Cleanliness Champion

Recognized as one of Chile's top beaches for cleanliness and management! :sparkles:

Family Favorite

Small waves make it great for kids. Enjoy a safe swim! :child:

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Calm Waters for Families

Calm Waters for Families

Main beach area

Gentle waves thanks to offshore barriers, perfect for safe family fun and swimming.

Beachfront Dining

Beachfront Dining

Along the shoreline

Enjoy drinks and snacks with your toes in the sand at the beachside restaurant.

Kayaking Paradise

Kayaking Paradise

Water sports area

Ideal conditions for kayaking due to the small, manageable waves.

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Planning Your Visit

Best Time to Visit Playa El Laucho

Visit during weekdays to avoid crowds, especially if you prefer a quieter experience. Weekends can get busy with local families enjoying the calm waters and amenities.

Family-Friendly Fun

Playa El Laucho is renowned for its calm waters, making it ideal for families with children. The presence of barriers offshore helps reduce strong swells, ensuring a safe environment for swimming and playing.

Best Times

When
Weekdays
Why
Avoid weekend crowds
Crowd
Low
When
Afternoons
Why
Perfect for sunbathing
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

📍 La playa El Laucho es una playa del océano Pacífico ubicada en la Región de Arica y Parinacota, Chile. Créditos para #marmota.f
rutaschilenas
123 likes • 2.4K views

Cleanliness Champion

Recognized as one of Chile's top beaches for cleanliness and management! :sparkles: Instagram

Family Favorite

Small waves make it great for kids. Enjoy a safe swim! :child: Reddit

Playa el Laucho ☕️🏖️🤩 En el año 2023 fue reconocida como una de las 10 mejores playas de Chile por su buena gestión, limpieza y disponibilidad todo el año 🏝️☀️ Te invitamos a volver a disfrutar de nuestra región ☀️🌊🏔️🏜️ . . . . . . #arica #chile #orangetravelarica #aricayparinacota
orange.travel.arica
5K likes • 80.1K views
🏖️Que lindo se ve playa El Laucho, la ex Isla el Alacrán desde lo alto del edificio Ayllu. 🏢 🌺La primavera llega oficialmente este sábado pero ya uno puede percibir el clima exquisito que tiene Arica. 😍 #aricaesbacán #aricayparinacota #chile #arica #aricachile
aricaesbacan_
4.8K likes • 113.5K views

Relax by the Sea

Grab a cold drink at the restaurant and chill on the sand. :beer: Reddit

Weekday Escape

Can get crowded on weekends, so weekdays offer a more peaceful vibe. :wave: Reddit

Bañistas disfrutan de Playa El Laucho 😎🏖️ Que rico está el día para un chapuzón 🌊 conversamos con algunos bañistas de hoy lunes y nos contaron que aman este balneario por su orden, limpieza y seguridad 🙌🏽 lo cual es parte de la administración de Corporación Municipal @costa.chinchorro que hace cinco años trabaja por dar un gran servicio a turistas y visitantes 💪🏽 Contamos con Baños, duchas, sala ...
costa.chinchorro
311 likes • 20.6K views

Tips

from all over the internet

Cleanliness Champion

Recognized as one of Chile's top beaches for cleanliness and management! :sparkles: Instagram

Family Favorite

Small waves make it great for kids. Enjoy a safe swim! :child: Reddit

Relax by the Sea

Grab a cold drink at the restaurant and chill on the sand. :beer: Reddit

Weekday Escape

Can get crowded on weekends, so weekdays offer a more peaceful vibe. :wave: Reddit

Scenic Views

Enjoy beautiful views from higher vantage points overlooking the beach. :camera: Instagram

What Travellers Say

4.6
(6k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Playa El Laucho is highly praised for its clean, well-managed environment and exceptionally calm waters, making it a favorite for families. Visitors appreciate the beachfront amenities and the relaxed atmosphere, though it can become quite crowded on weekends.

"Beach was good. Heavy Swell."

MD TAREK AZIZ

"Really good and clean beach 🏖️"

Ajay Chaudhari

"Beach with a wide variety of options for families with children. Waves are small, thanks to barriers aways out."

David Hiller

What People Like

Clean and well-managed
Calm waters for swimming
Family-friendly atmosphere

What People Dislike

Can be crowded

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Playa El Laucho is conveniently located near Arica's city center. Many visitors take a short taxi ride or a local bus. Some even walk from nearby attractions like El Morro de Arica. Instagram

Yes, parking is generally available near the beach, though it can fill up quickly on busy weekends. Arriving early is recommended. Reddit

Absolutely! It's a pleasant walk from El Morro de Arica down to Playa El Laucho, offering scenic views along the way. Instagram

Local buses frequently service the route to Playa El Laucho from various points in Arica. Check local schedules for the most up-to-date information. Instagram

While the beach itself is sandy, access points and amenities can vary. It's advisable to check with local authorities or the beach administration for specific accessibility details. Instagram

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Playa El Laucho is a public beach, so there is no entrance fee to access the sand and water. Instagram

The beach is generally open year-round from sunrise to sunset. Specific facilities like restaurants may have their own operating hours. Instagram

No, advance booking is not required as it's a public beach. You can visit anytime during daylight hours. Instagram

Generally, visitors can bring their own food and drinks, but it's always good practice to clean up after yourself and respect the environment. Instagram

Yes, Playa El Laucho is known for its safety and good management, making it a popular choice for families. Instagram

📸 📸 Photography

Golden hour, just after sunrise and before sunset, offers beautiful lighting for photography. Midday can be harsh but offers clear shots of the beach activities. Instagram+1

Yes, drone footage captures stunning aerial views of Playa El Laucho and its coastline, showcasing its beauty. Instagram

Expect to capture images of families enjoying the calm waters, scenic coastal views, and vibrant beach life. Instagram+1

From certain vantage points, you can see the former Isla el Alacrán, offering unique photographic opportunities. Instagram

The beach itself, with its calm waters and surrounding landscape, is the main attraction. The view from higher ground, like the Ayllu building, is also popular. Instagram

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Yes, there is a restaurant located directly on the beach offering drinks and food, perfect for enjoying the view. Reddit

The restaurant typically serves a variety of drinks, including cold beers, and light snacks or meals suitable for a beach setting. Reddit

Generally, visitors are allowed to bring their own food and beverages. However, it's important to maintain cleanliness and dispose of waste properly. Instagram

Yes, Arica offers a range of dining options in the city center, a short distance from the beach, catering to various tastes and budgets. Instagram

Prices can vary, but it's generally considered a convenient option for beachgoers. It's always a good idea to check menus or ask for prices beforehand. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Playa El Laucho is a top choice for families thanks to its exceptionally calm waters, thanks to offshore barriers that minimize strong waves. This makes it a safe and enjoyable spot for children to swim and play without constant supervision. Reddit

Beyond the safe swimming conditions, the beach offers a relaxed atmosphere and amenities that cater to families. You can easily spend a whole day here, with options for snacks and drinks at the beachfront restaurant. The overall cleanliness and good management also contribute to a stress-free family outing. Instagram+1

☀️ Sunbathers & Relaxers

If your goal is to simply soak up the sun and unwind, Playa El Laucho is an excellent destination. The sandy shores provide ample space to lay out a towel and relax. The gentle sound of the waves and the pleasant climate make it ideal for a leisurely day. Reddit

For an enhanced relaxation experience, the beachside restaurant offers a perfect spot to enjoy a cold drink or a snack while gazing at the ocean. It’s the perfect way to extend your chill time without leaving the beautiful coastal scenery. Reddit

🚣‍♀️ Kayakers & Water Sports Enthusiasts

The gentle, predictable waves at Playa El Laucho make it a fantastic location for kayaking. Unlike more turbulent beaches, the calm conditions allow for a smooth and enjoyable paddling experience, whether you're exploring the immediate coastline or venturing a bit further out. Instagram

While it's primarily known for calm waters, the beach's setup is conducive to various water activities. It’s a great place for those who prefer a more serene water experience rather than high-energy surfing. Instagram

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Understanding the Calm Waters

Playa El Laucho is celebrated for its unusually calm waters, a significant draw for families and less experienced swimmers. This tranquility is largely due to strategically placed offshore barriers. These natural or man-made structures act as breakwaters, significantly reducing the impact of ocean swells and strong currents that are common along the Pacific coast. This makes the beach a safe haven for children to play and for visitors to enjoy a relaxed swim without the worry of powerful waves. Reddit

The calm conditions also make Playa El Laucho an excellent spot for water activities like kayaking. Unlike more exposed beaches, the gentle lapping of waves allows for a more stable and enjoyable paddling experience. Visitors often rent kayaks to explore the coastline or simply enjoy the serene environment from the water. Instagram

This unique characteristic sets Playa El Laucho apart, transforming it from a potentially intimidating ocean beach into a welcoming aquatic playground for all ages and skill levels. It’s a key reason why it was recognized as one of Chile's top beaches. Instagram

A Beach with Amenities and Community Spirit

Playa El Laucho isn't just about the sand and sea; it's also about the experience and the community that cherishes it. The beach is noted for its cleanliness and good management, a testament to the efforts of local administrations like Corporación Municipal @costa.chinchorro. This focus on upkeep ensures a pleasant visit for everyone. Instagram

Visitors can enjoy the convenience of a beachfront restaurant, perfect for grabbing a refreshing drink or a bite to eat while soaking in the ocean views. This amenity adds to the overall comfort and relaxation, allowing people to spend more time enjoying the beach without needing to leave the premises. Reddit

The beach also plays host to local events and celebrations, such as the vibrant Carnaval, showcasing the lively spirit of Arica. These events add an extra layer of cultural richness to the visitor experience, highlighting the beach as a central hub for community life. Instagram+1

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