Playa Las Machas - Image 1
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Playa Las Machas

4.5
·313 reviews·Arica, Chile

A vast, pet-friendly beach in Arica, perfect for strolls, sports, and sunset views, with nearby birdwatching opportunities.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Daylight hours

Enjoy the scenery and safety

CrowdMedium
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Playa Las Machas - Image 1

Playa Las Machas

Best Time

Daylight hours

Enjoy the scenery and safety

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A vast, pet-friendly beach in Arica, perfect for strolls, sports, and sunset views, with nearby birdwatching opportunities.

4.5
(313 reviews)

"A loooooong beach special for chill and jog. Good place to run and visit with pets or kids."

Vertical photo
TIP

🌅 Catch the Sunset

The sunsets here are stunning! Perfect for a romantic evening or a peaceful moment.

🐾 Pet-Friendly Paradise

Bring your furry friends along for a run on the spacious sands.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Expansive Sandy Shores

Expansive Sandy Shores

Entire length of the beach

Miles of pristine sand perfect for walking, jogging, and sports. A true coastal gem.

Rio Lluta Swamp Birdwatching

Rio Lluta Swamp Birdwatching

Northern end of the beach

Discover a unique ecosystem teeming with migratory birds. A nature lover's paradise.

Spectacular Sunset Views

Spectacular Sunset Views

Western horizon

Witness breathtaking sunsets painting the sky with vibrant colors over the Pacific.

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Planning Your Visit

Timing Your Visit for the Best Experience

Playa Las Machas is a long, spacious beach perfect for strolls and sports. While beautiful year-round, consider visiting during daylight hours. Some reviews suggest it's not recommended by night, hinting at potential safety concerns or a less vibrant atmosphere after dark. Plan your visit to maximize daylight for enjoyment and safety.

Embrace the Natural Beauty and Activities

This beach is ideal for a leisurely walk, a jog, or engaging in sports. It's also a fantastic spot for families and pet owners. Don't miss the opportunity to visit the nearby Rio Lluta swamp for birdwatching, offering a unique natural experience alongside your beach day.

Best Times

When
Daylight hours
Why
Enjoy the scenery and safety
Crowd
Medium
When
Late afternoon
Why
Golden hour for sunsets
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

#machas #playa #arica #vacaciones
@masintencion
3.5K likes • 837K views

🌅 Catch the Sunset

The sunsets here are stunning! Perfect for a romantic evening or a peaceful moment. Reddit

🐾 Pet-Friendly Paradise

Bring your furry friends along for a run on the spacious sands. Reddit

Arica siempre arica 🏝️☀️#Arica #playalasmachas #elmejorpaisdechile #parati #streetwourkout
@jeanjoo97
2.9K likes • 49.8K views
#aricachile🇨🇱 #playalasmachas #findeverano #findeplayita
karenn_rojas_collao
39 likes • 647 views

👟 Great for Sports & Jogging

The long, flat beach is ideal for running, beach volleyball, or other activities. TikTok

🐦 Birdwatching at Rio Lluta

Explore the nearby swamp for a chance to see diverse migratory birds. Reddit

🌊♻️ Playa Las Machas nos necesita En el marco del Día Internacional de Limpiezas de Playa, como ONG Arica Unidos por el Mar volvemos a unir fuerzas por nuestro mar. Durante años hemos limpiado este lugar: la Playa Las Machas, sector norte del humedal del río Lluta, un ecosistema único que recibe a cientos de aves migratorias cada temporada. La municipalidad y distintas autoridades han intentado...
ong_aupm
541 likes • 25.7K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🌅 Catch the Sunset

The sunsets here are stunning! Perfect for a romantic evening or a peaceful moment. Reddit

🐾 Pet-Friendly Paradise

Bring your furry friends along for a run on the spacious sands. Reddit

👟 Great for Sports & Jogging

The long, flat beach is ideal for running, beach volleyball, or other activities. TikTok

🐦 Birdwatching at Rio Lluta

Explore the nearby swamp for a chance to see diverse migratory birds. Reddit

⚠️ Avoid Night Visits

Reviews suggest it's not recommended to visit after dark for safety reasons. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.5
(313 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Playa Las Machas is widely praised as a beautiful, spacious beach ideal for relaxation, sports, and family outings. Visitors love its long sandy shores, pet-friendly atmosphere, and the opportunity for birdwatching at the nearby Rio Lluta swamp. However, some advise against visiting after dark.

"A loooooong beach special for chill and jog. Good place to run and visit with pets or kids. You can get to Rio Lluta's swamp birdwatch from there. Not recommended to visit by night. It can get "fast & furious", If you know what I mean."

Víctor Manuel Merida Huerta

"Nice place to watch the sunset"

Gary Gonzalez

"Cool 🏖💙"

ʜᴀʟᴄᴏɴɢɪᴀɴ

What People Like

Spacious and beautiful beach
Great for walking and sports
Pet-friendly environment

What People Dislike

Not recommended by night

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Playa Las Machas is located in Arica, Chile. You can typically reach it by car or local bus services. Many visitors find it accessible from the city center, with some mentioning it's part of the coastal road development. Instagram+1

Yes, it's a well-known beach in Arica and is part of the coastal infrastructure, making it accessible for tourists looking for a day out. Instagram

The area is well-connected by road, making it suitable for driving. Local buses also serve the coastal areas, providing an option for those without private transport. Instagram

While specific parking details aren't always highlighted, the beach's accessibility suggests that parking is generally available, especially during daylight hours. Instagram

Given its location along the coast and the development of the 'Borde Costero', it's likely a pleasant route for walking or cycling, especially from nearby areas. Instagram

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Playa Las Machas is a public beach, and there are no entrance fees. Enjoy the natural beauty and amenities for free. Instagram

As a public beach, it's generally accessible during daylight hours. However, it's advisable to avoid visiting at night based on traveler feedback. Reddit

No, advance booking is not required as it's a public access beach. You can visit spontaneously. Instagram

The main recommendation from visitors is to avoid visiting after dark. Otherwise, it's an open public space. Reddit

Absolutely! It's a perfect spot for a day trip, offering space for relaxation, sports, and enjoying the coastal scenery. Reddit

🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience

You can enjoy walking, jogging, playing sports like beach volleyball, birdwatching at the nearby Rio Lluta swamp, and watching beautiful sunsets. TikTokReddit

Yes, it's a great place for families. The spacious beach is safe for children to play, and it's a pleasant environment for a family outing. InstagramReddit

Playa Las Machas is pet-friendly, making it an excellent choice for dog owners who want to let their pets run and play on the sand. Reddit

Daylight hours are recommended for the best experience and safety. Late afternoons are particularly popular for enjoying the sunset. Reddit

While not explicitly detailed in all sources, the mention of 'well-equipped' and coastal development suggests that some facilities might be available, especially in developed sections. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The entire stretch of the beach offers great photo opportunities, especially during sunrise and sunset. The coastal road and the nearby Rio Lluta swamp also provide unique backdrops. Instagram+1

Yes, drone footage of Playa Las Machas showcases its vastness and scenic beauty, making it a popular subject for aerial photography. Instagram+1

Expect stunning landscape shots of the beach, ocean, and sky, especially during golden hour. You can also capture action shots of sports or wildlife if you visit the swamp. Instagram

The expansive coastline itself is the main attraction. The developing coastal edge and the natural landscape of the Rio Lluta swamp offer diverse photographic subjects. Instagram

Early morning for sunrise and late afternoon for sunset offer the most dramatic lighting for photography. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Playa Las Machas is an excellent choice for families. Its vast, open sandy areas provide ample space for children to play, run, and build sandcastles. The beach is generally considered safe for family outings during daylight hours. Reddit

Consider bringing beach toys, snacks, and plenty of water. The nearby Rio Lluta swamp also offers a gentle introduction to nature for curious young minds, though supervision is key. Reddit

🐾 Pet Owners

This beach is a dream for pet owners! Playa Las Machas is known for being pet-friendly, allowing your dogs to roam and play freely on the expansive sands. It's the perfect spot for a long walk or a game of fetch with your canine companions. Reddit

Remember to bring waste bags to keep the beach clean and ensure your pet has access to fresh water, especially on warmer days. Enjoy the freedom your pets will have here!

🏃‍♀️ Active Individuals & Athletes

For those who love to stay active, Playa Las Machas is a prime destination. The long, flat stretch of sand is perfect for running, jogging, and long-distance walks. TikTokReddit

It's also a popular spot for beach sports like volleyball and beach tennis. You might even catch local tournaments or events happening here, offering a chance to participate or spectate. Instagram

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Coastal Development and Accessibility

Playa Las Machas is part of a broader coastal development initiative in Arica, aimed at enhancing public spaces and promoting tourism. The 'Borde Costero' project has significantly improved the accessibility and overall experience of the beachfront. This development includes infrastructure that makes the beach more enjoyable for walking, sports, and general recreation. Instagram

These improvements mean that visitors can expect a well-maintained and accessible coastline. The development also aims to benefit local communities by fostering tourism and providing better quality of life. Whether you're arriving by car or looking for a pleasant walk along the coast, the infrastructure supports a positive visitor experience. Instagram

While the beach is vast, the developed sections offer easier access points. This makes it a convenient destination for a day trip, allowing visitors to easily enjoy the natural beauty of Playa Las Machas and its surroundings. Instagram

Nature and Wildlife at Rio Lluta

Adjacent to Playa Las Machas lies the unique ecosystem of the Rio Lluta swamp. This area is a vital habitat for numerous bird species, particularly migratory birds that frequent the region. For nature enthusiasts and birdwatchers, this offers a compelling reason to visit the northern end of the beach. Reddit

The swamp provides a stark contrast to the open beach, offering a more secluded and biodiverse environment. Visitors can observe a variety of avian life in their natural habitat, making it a rewarding experience for those interested in wildlife photography or simply appreciating nature's diversity. Reddit

Combining a visit to Playa Las Machas with birdwatching at the Rio Lluta swamp provides a well-rounded experience of Arica's natural attractions. It's a chance to see both the coastal beauty and the inland ecological richness of the region. Reddit

Community Events and Sports

Playa Las Machas is not just a place for casual visits; it also serves as a venue for community events and sports activities. The spacious nature of the beach makes it ideal for organizing tournaments and gatherings. Instagram

For instance, the beach has hosted events like the 'Tenis Playa' (Beach Tennis) tournament, attracting participants and spectators for a day of free, family-friendly entertainment. These events highlight the beach's role as a community hub and a space for promoting sports and active lifestyles. Instagram

Keep an eye out for local event listings, as participating in or witnessing one of these activities can add an extra layer of excitement to your visit to Playa Las Machas. Instagram

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