Arica is the northernmost city in Chile (only 18 km /11 miles) south of the Peruvian border and the capital of the Arica and Parinacota Region. The area was occupied by native peoples (including the Chinchorro culture) as far back as 10,000 years ago; the modern city was founded by the Spanish on 25th April 1541 and was the main export port for shipping much of the silver extracted from Cerro Rico in Potosí (now Bolivia) from the 16th-18th centuries. The city became part of the newly founded Republic of Peru in 1821 after the Wars of Independence until it was captured by Chilean forces on 7th June 1880 during the Battle of Arica, one of several during the War of the Pacific. It became part of Chile with the signing of the Treaty of Ancón on 20th October 1883. It is an important port (especially for Bolivian imports and exports) and resort town that is often known as the "City of the Eternal Spring" due to its mild climate all year round. More images are available and will be added shortly, if you cannot find what you are looking for or want to see more images of a certain location / subject please get in touch!