Playa Las Machas
A vast, pet-friendly beach in Arica, perfect for strolls, sports, and sunset views, with nearby birdwatching opportunities.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Enjoy the scenery and safety
Playa Las Machas
Best Time
Enjoy the scenery and safety
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A vast, pet-friendly beach in Arica, perfect for strolls, sports, and sunset views, with nearby birdwatching opportunities.
"A loooooong beach special for chill and jog. Good place to run and visit with pets or kids."
🌅 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.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
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
Northern end of the beach
Discover a unique ecosystem teeming with migratory birds. A nature lover's paradise.
Spectacular Sunset Views
Western horizon
Witness breathtaking sunsets painting the sky with vibrant colors over the Pacific.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Visit for the Best Experience
Embrace the Natural Beauty and Activities
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🌅 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.
👟 Great for Sports & Jogging
The long, flat beach is ideal for running, beach volleyball, or other activities.
🐦 Birdwatching at Rio Lluta
Explore the nearby swamp for a chance to see diverse migratory birds.
Tips
from all over the internet
🌅 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.
👟 Great for Sports & Jogging
The long, flat beach is ideal for running, beach volleyball, or other activities.
🐦 Birdwatching at Rio Lluta
Explore the nearby swamp for a chance to see diverse migratory birds.
⚠️ Avoid Night Visits
Reviews suggest it's not recommended to visit after dark for safety reasons.
What Travellers Say
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
What People Dislike
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.
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.
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.
While specific parking details aren't always highlighted, the beach's accessibility suggests that parking is generally available, especially during daylight hours.
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.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Playa Las Machas is a public beach, and there are no entrance fees. Enjoy the natural beauty and amenities for free.
As a public beach, it's generally accessible during daylight hours. However, it's advisable to avoid visiting at night based on traveler feedback.
No, advance booking is not required as it's a public access beach. You can visit spontaneously.
The main recommendation from visitors is to avoid visiting after dark. Otherwise, it's an open public space.
Absolutely! It's a perfect spot for a day trip, offering space for relaxation, sports, and enjoying the coastal scenery.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
You can enjoy walking, jogging, playing sports like beach volleyball, birdwatching at the nearby Rio Lluta swamp, and watching beautiful sunsets.
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.
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.
Daylight hours are recommended for the best experience and safety. Late afternoons are particularly popular for enjoying the sunset.
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.
📸 📸 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.
Yes, drone footage of Playa Las Machas showcases its vastness and scenic beauty, making it a popular subject for aerial photography.
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.
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.
Early morning for sunrise and late afternoon for sunset offer the most dramatic lighting for photography.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
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.
🐾 Pet Owners
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
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.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Coastal Development and Accessibility
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.
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.
Nature and Wildlife at Rio Lluta
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.
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.
Community Events and Sports
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.
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.



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