Puente Chilina
A towering road bridge offering breathtaking panoramic views of Arequipa and the Misti volcano, a vital yet sometimes challenging part of the city's l...
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Beat the traffic jams
Puente Chilina
Best Time
Beat the traffic jams
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A towering road bridge offering breathtaking panoramic views of Arequipa and the Misti volcano, a vital yet sometimes challenging part of the city's landscape.
"Amazing views, but very dangerous because of lacking sidewalks."
🚗 Beat the Rush Hour
Traffic can be intense. Visit early morning or late evening for smoother passage and better views.
📸 Capture Stunning Vistas
Bring your camera for incredible panoramic shots of Arequipa and the Misti volcano.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Panoramic City Views
Along the bridge
Soak in breathtaking, sweeping vistas of Arequipa's white city and the majestic Misti volcano.
Architectural Marvel
The bridge itself
Admire the impressive engineering of this towering road bridge, a significant landmark in Arequipa.
Sunset Spectacle
Bridge viewpoints
Witness the sky ablaze with color as the sun sets over the valley, casting a magical glow.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Navigating the Chilina Bridge
Safety and Respect
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Beat the Rush Hour
Traffic can be intense. Visit early morning or late evening for smoother passage and better views.
📸 Capture Stunning Vistas
Bring your camera for incredible panoramic shots of Arequipa and the Misti volcano. 
🚶♀️ Walk with Caution
Sidewalks are lacking, making walking potentially dangerous. Be extra vigilant.
⛰️ Explore the Valley
Consider visiting the older, more scenic Puente del Valle Chilina for a different perspective.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Beat the Rush Hour
Traffic can be intense. Visit early morning or late evening for smoother passage and better views.
📸 Capture Stunning Vistas
Bring your camera for incredible panoramic shots of Arequipa and the Misti volcano.
🚶♀️ Walk with Caution
Sidewalks are lacking, making walking potentially dangerous. Be extra vigilant.
⛰️ Explore the Valley
Consider visiting the older, more scenic Puente del Valle Chilina for a different perspective.
🧡 Be Mindful of History
The bridge has a tragic history. Approach with respect and awareness.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Puente Chilina for its stunning panoramic views of Arequipa and the surrounding mountains, calling it an impressive feat of engineering. However, many note significant design flaws, particularly the lack of sidewalks, making it dangerous for pedestrians and contributing to traffic congestion. The bridge's tragic history also casts a somber shadow over its beauty.
"No fireworks and very dangerous because of lacking sidewalks"
Hans Müller
"Nice bridge, very poorly designed entrance ways for the traffic."
Lane H.
"Nice view of the city."
Allan Lopez
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
You can reach Puente Chilina by taxi or local bus. Taxis offer a direct route, while buses might require a transfer depending on your starting point. Some TikToks show routes from specific areas like Selva Alegre and Cayma.
Yes, local buses serve the area around Puente Chilina. It's advisable to check with locals or use a navigation app for the most current bus routes.
To avoid the heavy traffic, aim to cross the bridge during off-peak hours, typically early mornings or late evenings on weekdays.
The regional government is developing the Vía del Loncco, a new bridge aiming to alleviate traffic on Puente Chilina and improve connectivity.
While technically possible, walking across Puente Chilina is not recommended due to a lack of proper sidewalks and heavy vehicle traffic, making it dangerous.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Puente Chilina is a public road bridge, so there are no entrance fees to cross it or access its viewpoints.
As a public road, Puente Chilina is accessible 24/7. However, visiting during daylight hours is recommended for safety and better views.
No, no advance booking is required as Puente Chilina is an open public infrastructure.
There are no specific visitor restrictions, but due to safety concerns, pedestrian access is limited and caution is advised.
Yes, Puente Chilina is open 24/7. However, nighttime visits might be less safe due to poor lighting and lack of pedestrian facilities. +1
📸 📸 Photography
The best photo opportunities are from the bridge itself, capturing the panoramic cityscapes and the Misti volcano. Drone shots also offer unique perspectives.
Yes, drone photography is popular here, offering stunning aerial views of the bridge and the surrounding valley. Ensure you comply with local drone regulations.
Sunset is particularly magical, with the golden hour casting a beautiful light over Arequipa. Early mornings also offer clear views and fewer crowds.
Don't miss the sweeping views of the 'white city' of Arequipa and the imposing presence of the Misti volcano in the background.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive views. A telephoto lens can be useful for isolating details of the city or the volcano.
🎫 ⚠️ Safety & Concerns
While offering great views, Puente Chilina has a concerning history of suicides. Visitors should be aware of this and exercise caution, especially near the edges.
Efforts are being made to improve safety, including plans for installing safety netting along sections of the bridge to prevent suicides.
Yes, pedestrians should be extremely cautious as there are very few sidewalks, and vehicle traffic is heavy and fast-moving.
If you witness someone in distress or considering self-harm, contact local emergency services immediately.
Some locals and online content suggest paranormal activity and lingering spirits due to the bridge's tragic past. +2
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider focusing on the panoramic views as a brief stop rather than an extended activity. If you're looking for family-friendly outdoor activities in Arequipa, exploring the Plaza de Armas or visiting the Santa Catalina Monastery might be more suitable.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
+3Experiment with wide-angle lenses to encompass the vastness of the scene, or use a telephoto lens to focus on the city's details or the volcano's grandeur. Sunset is a prime time for capturing breathtaking shots, but early mornings can offer clearer skies and fewer crowds. Drone photography is also popular here, providing unique aerial angles.
+2❤️ Couples & Romantic Getaways
While the bridge itself can be busy, finding a quiet spot to admire the view together can be a special moment. Consider a picnic in a nearby park with a view of the bridge, or enjoy a scenic drive across it as the day ends.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The History and Significance of Puente Chilina
However, the bridge's significance is tragically intertwined with its reputation as a site for suicides. Since its inauguration, a considerable number of lives have been lost. This has led to community concern and calls for enhanced safety measures, including the planned installation of safety netting.
+1Despite its somber history, Puente Chilina also offers breathtaking panoramic views of Arequipa, often referred to as the 'white city' due to its sillar stone architecture, and the iconic Misti volcano. This duality makes it a place of both admiration for its structure and solemn reflection on its past.
+1Navigating Arequipa's Traffic and Connectivity
To address this, the regional government is developing new infrastructure projects, such as the Vía del Loncco. This new bridge aims to significantly reduce traffic on Puente Chilina and improve overall connectivity within Arequipa, promising better tourism and economic development.
For visitors, understanding Arequipa's traffic patterns is key. Opting for travel during off-peak hours or utilizing alternative routes when available can greatly enhance the experience. While taxis offer directness, local buses are a more budget-friendly option, though they may involve transfers.
The 'Other' Puente Chilina: Valle Chilina
This older bridge is nestled within the Chilina Valley, providing a picturesque setting that contrasts with the urban bustle of the main Puente Chilina. It's a spot that appeals to nature lovers and those seeking a more serene connection with the landscape.
Exploring the Puente del Valle Chilina can be an adventure in itself, with some suggesting it's a hidden gem for those wanting to discover more of Arequipa's natural charm away from the main thoroughfares.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit