TACNA

GENERAL DATA

Location: The department of Tacna is situated in the extreme south of Peru, on the border with Chile.
Area: 16 076 km2
Capital: Tacna (562 masl)
Altitude: 318 masl (Ite) Lowest town.
3 415 masl (Candarave) highest town.
Average annual temperature: 18,6º C (22º C maximum and 10º C minimum).
Rainy season: Rain is unsusul but the season with most humidity is from May to August.

ACCESS ROUTES

By land: Lima-Tacna (1 293 km) on the South Pan-American Highway, about 18 h by car.
Air: Daily flights from Lima to Tacna (flying time about 1 h and 35 minutes).

HISTORICAL OVERVIEW

The oldest traces of humanity in Tacna date back to 9 000 BC, proved by the rupestrian paintings found in Toquepala. Subsequently, this area was populated by groups from the Collao Plateau. The first Spaniards arrived in 1 537. The population of Tacna collaborated closely with the emancipation of Peru, from the very first liberation movements that began in 1 811 with Francisco Antonio de Zela. The great sense of patriotism of these people was acknowledged by Parliament when the settlement was raised to the category of a Villa or town in 1 823. On May 26th 1 928, President Jose La Mar issued a law awarding the town the title of Heroic City. On May 26th, 1 880 it was occupied by Chile after the Stop the Alliance Battle. Based on the Ancon Treaty, Tacna regained its Peruvian status on August 28th, 1 929.

ATTRACTIONS IN THE CITY OF TACNA

Cathedral

Opposite the Civic Center on the Main Square.
Visits: Monday to Sunday 7:00-12:30 and 15:00-19:30.
Located in the city center, with a neo renaissance style and very fine architectural lines. Built with stones obtained from a quarry in the Intiorko and Arunta hills, the contract to build this church was signed with the French firm Alejandro Gustavo Eiffel during the government of Jose Balta.

Ornamental Fountain

Located in the middle of the Civic Center, this fountain is 6 m high and 6 m in diameter. On the granite base is the first group of classic Greek style sculptures symbolizing the four calendar seasons and on the large fountain, another group of sculptures of four naked children holding hands. The fountain was designed by D'Len Hard, a sculptor from Simpson, the English foundry.

Zela House

Calle Zela 542.
Visits: 8:00-12:00 and 15:00-19:00.
This is the home of Francisco Antonio de Zela y Anzana, hero of the independence who on June 20th 1 811 gave the first cry of freedom. The house with a quarry stone façade, preserves its viceroy influence and the pureness of its architecture. It was declared a Historical Monument on July 26th 1 961. One room is now an Archaeological Museum which displays various items of pottery, textiles, woodwork and metalwork, basketwork and fishing tackle.

Railway Museum

Av. Coronel Albarracin 402, Tacna.
Visits: Monday to Sunday 9.00-5:00.
Of great historical and architectural value because 90% of its elements are original. It provides a good idea of the historical process of the railway and is considered one of the best of its kind in South America.

History Museum

Calle Apurimac 202.
Visits: Monday to Saturday 9:00-13:00 and 15:00-17:00.
Located in the city center, half a block from the Municipal Palace. It was created in 1 957 and the building houses the branch office of the National Culture Institute.

Parabolic Arch

Situated in the Civic Center, Designed by German technicians, the 18 m tall arch is made of a pinkish quarry stone and was built in honor of our Pacific War heroes Miguel Grau and Francisco Bolognesi.

Alameda Bolognesi

Two blocks from the Civic Centre, this promenade is considered to be one of the most beautiful, romantic and picturesque parts of the city. It dates back to the middle of last century. The Capilina river flows underneath the middle of this promenade, through proper channels. In view of its location, this is the most frequented part of the city.

Legal House

Calle Zela 716.
Site of the signature of the first Act of Acceptance of Tacna by Peru on August 28th 1 929. The building houses the Re-incorporation Museum, the Tacna Art Gallery and the Historical Departmental Archives.

Locomotive Park

Av. Grau s/n.
Built for the sole purpose of housing the Nº 3 Locomotive that, last century, carried the troops and supplies for the epic defense of the Arica headland.

OUTSKIRTS OF THE CITY OF TACNA

Alto de la Alianza Monument and on-site Museum

Alto de la Alianza Field (at the entrance to Tacna 8 km from the city).
Visits: Monday to Sunday 8:00-17:00.
Situated on the plains northwest of Mount Intiorko, about 15 minutes by car. This was the site of the “Alto de la Alianza” Battle on May 26th 1 880. A monument in honor of national patriots was built on this same site. The on-site museum is a circular building containing weapons from that period, rifles, sabers, gala uniforms of the main battle commanders, letters, documents and a very descriptive scale model of the battle.

Pocollay

Situated 5 km northwest of the city, a 10 minute drive. At 613 masl, the climate is excellent and the area is surrounded by beautiful countryside. Traditional restaurants serve typical regional dishes.

Calientes

Located 22 km east of the city, 30 minutes by car. The fountain of healthy thermal waters is frequented by tourists. The medicinal waters are said to prevent gout, rheumatism and other diseases.

Boca del Río Resort

Boca del Rio is the most popular beach resort near Tacna. It is situated 50,5 km from the Coastal Highway detour in the Santa district, about 45 minutes by car.

Calana

Located 12 km from the town of Yaras, 15 minutes by car. A countryside district of Tacna characterized by its mild, dry climate.

San Francisco de Miculla Petroglyphs

22 km From the town of Yaras, about 30 minutes by car. A complex of ancient stone carvings of various sizes on the surface of the limey or reddish siliceous rocks, covering approximately 16 km2.

Toquepala Cave

Situated 13 km Southeast of the Toquepala Mining Center, which is 165,9 km from the city of Tacna, a 2 h drive. These rupestrian paintings in the Toquepala mining area are considered to be the most ancient artistic expressions in Peru (9 000 BC).

Tarata

At km 89, 3 h by car. A charming Andean village with picturesque scenery and terraces of a pre-Inca origin. (3 070 masl).

Locumba

At km 78, 1 ½ h by car. A fertile, inter-Andean valley where local people are strongly devoted to worshipping the Lord of Locumba. Hundreds of worshippers make a pilgrimage to this area on September 14th each year.

GASTRONOMY

Typical dishes:

• Corn and cheese (Tender boiled corn served with fresh cheese and hot chili peppers).
• Fried pork with toasted corn.
• Patasca or tripe soup (Soup made of tripe, spearmint and giblets) .
• Picante a la Tacneña (Hot stew made with giblets, dried or salted meat, potatoes and oregano).
• Cuy chactado (Guinea pig fried in a pan underneath a heavy flat stone).
• Pastel de choclo (A fresh corn dish which can be salty, filled with pork stew, or sweet with raisins).

Traditional beverages:

Tacna Sour, peach or strawberry liqueurs and local wines.

FESTIVALS

Homage to the Alto de la Alianza Garrison (May)

A Civic parade and special program carried out in the Alto de la Alianza Field.

San Juan Night and Expedition to Valle Viejo (June)

A millenarian ritual (payment to Pachamama or Mother Earth). A festival of artistic and cultural shows.

Return of Tacna to Peru (August)

Civic parade when the Flag is paraded through the streets of Tacna.
Lord of Locumba Festival (September)
A festive, cultural pilgrimage attended by local and foreign worshippers.

SERVICES

• Airport
• Land Transport
• Railroad Transport
• Health Centers
• Police Stations
• Handicrafts Markets
• Post Office
  

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