Near the city is the Azapa Valley, an oasis where vegetables and Azapa
olives are grown. Economically, it is an important port for Chilean ore,
and its tropical latitude, dry climate, and the city's beach, have made
Arica a popular tourist destination. It is also a center of rail
communication with Bolivia and has its own international airport. Arica
has strong ties with the city of Tacna, Peru; many people cross the
border daily to travel between the cities, partly because many services
(for example, dentists) are cheaper on the Peruvian side. Arica is
connected to Tacna in Peru and to La Paz in Bolivia by separate railroad
lines.
In 2011, Chile wants to privatise the Port of Arica, which, being the main sea outlet of Bolivia is not wanted by that country.
Chacalluta
International Airport is the main airport in Arica and is located 18.5
km to north of the city. In this terminal operates three domestic
airlines, LAN Chile, Principal Airlines and Sky Airlines to many Chilean
airports and also to Arequipa, Peru and La Paz,Bolivia
