This attraction was very clean and educational. It was worth the ride up the mountain. Very well done by the museum creators.
We drove up to the top of el morro because it was a pretty hot day... but when it cools down I would love to make the hike.Seeing Arica from up high makes you fall a little bit more in love with the city.The museum was a little boring for me– I'm not much of a war buff, and there weren't that many informative plaques or anything. Definitely a good idea for those who like history (particularly war-related) and already have a good grip on the artifacts and other such information.
El Morro is located right in town. It is a historical memorial of the battle between Peru and Chile. To start the climb you walk up hill about 3 blocks, turn right and walk up a steeper hill about another 2 blocks to reach the base of the rock. There are stairs to a view point, not very high. Continue up hill. It is a fairly steep climb and if you take it easy it isn't that difficult. It is a good climb. Once on the top you get a great view of the city, coast line and beaches. There is also several memorials on sight along with a museum about the war. There is a small chapel on sight with services one day a week.Now come the tricky part, coming back down. With the steep incline, you may have a tendancy to walk faster but don't try it, you will lose you balance real quick. Take you time and enjoy the day.The climb was worth the workout!
El Morro is just a pleasant thing to discover. You can walk up (although a steep climb) and enjoy the views over the city, the sea, the birds (vultures) that circle around. I wouldn't visit the army museum which lies on top again. We had to because included in our tour, but it really is a big propaganda for Chilean nationalists as they conquered El Morro from the Peruvians. Not too informative and too bragging.
We hiked to the top in a hot day but it was still worth it to see the expanse of the city of Arica and it's surroundings. And especially the port which is huge.
You can drive but it is better to take the path up from south of the cathedral. This is the site of a famous battle won by the Chileans (which is why you are now in Chile not Peru) and was also a famous refuge from the giant tsunami in 1900.
This promontory, the decisive battleground of the 1880 war, dominates Arica both physically and symbolically. The view is great, the history is compelling. The museum could be much better with a diorama, more tourist-friendly. Take the 20 minute hike up from the city.
You reach el morro by walking up for about 10 to 15 minutes. Then you have a great view over arica and you also see the ocean. On top, there is a museum and a nice statue.
A giant Jesus, several war memorials and a war museum, great views along the coast and across town - it's worth the walk up, but you probably won't stay long, or go back a second time.
Worth the 10 minutes or so to get to the top for great views of the city. It looks tougher than it is. At the top there is a Christo Redeemer lookalike and you can get good photos of Arica, particularly where the desert meets the sea