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Cruise The Churches Of Arica Parinacota
The Experience
Located on the borders of Peru and Bolivia, the Arica Parinacota region of Chile boasts a diverse natural landscape that includes deserts, lush green valleys, and the breathtaking vistas of the Andes. In addition to its natural beauty, the Arica Parinacota region in Chile has a diverse culture that is represented by thirty churches, most of which were constructed in the mid 16th century. These churches reflect a combination of traditional Andean culture with Spanish architecture and religion.
Conquerors from Spain travelled to Chile in the mid 16th century, and the influence of European culture is evident. Each church is unique, but they all feature an adobe dome, a bell, and a cross. All thirty churches were placed on the World Monuments Fund watch list in 2010.
When you travel to Chile to take in the Churches of Arica Parinacota, you will find the churches scattered across Chile’s diverse landscape. There are several local myths attached to Arica Parinacota’s churches, which reflect the indigenous Andean culture. The Churches of Arica Parinacota contain a legendary table that reportedly moves in the night and stops in front of the house of someone who is about to die. Some travellers have vouched for this phenomenon, claiming that the table was tied up but that it still moved. Regardless of these incidents, it is not believed to be haunted, and you will find several such legendary stories in the churches of Arica Parinacota. Another myth is that if you are single and you ring the bell, then you will never get married.
Perhaps the most famous church in this region is the Parinacota Church that was built in the 17th century. It features beautiful frescoes that were painted with watercolours in the interior of the structure, and is located in the small town of Parinacota, which sits at an altitude of 4,400 metres.
In addition to the Churches of Arica Parinacota, there are also many beautiful churches on the island of Chiloé. When you travel to Chiloé you will find churches constructed in a traditional wooden architecture, and sixteen such churches of Chiloé were listed as a World Heritage Site in 2000, and are primarily clustered in the central east of the island.
Even though Chile is engaged in a border dispute with Peru, much of the region is safe for tourists. This region is not highly commercial, and so it is best to expect your travels to focus on cultural heritage and exploration. Many people from this region have emigrated to other parts of Chile and South America to find work, and the climate in Arica Parinacota is primarily desert, so you should carry sunscreen, sunglasses, and light clothing at all times.
The churches are scattered around the region, so expect to travel between sites. Touring the Churches of Arica Parinacota offers a cultural history of the diverse landscape that you will find throughout your travels in South America.
Conquerors from Spain travelled to Chile in the mid 16th century, and the influence of European culture is evident. Each church is unique, but they all feature an adobe dome, a bell, and a cross. All thirty churches were placed on the World Monuments Fund watch list in 2010.
When you travel to Chile to take in the Churches of Arica Parinacota, you will find the churches scattered across Chile’s diverse landscape. There are several local myths attached to Arica Parinacota’s churches, which reflect the indigenous Andean culture. The Churches of Arica Parinacota contain a legendary table that reportedly moves in the night and stops in front of the house of someone who is about to die. Some travellers have vouched for this phenomenon, claiming that the table was tied up but that it still moved. Regardless of these incidents, it is not believed to be haunted, and you will find several such legendary stories in the churches of Arica Parinacota. Another myth is that if you are single and you ring the bell, then you will never get married.
Perhaps the most famous church in this region is the Parinacota Church that was built in the 17th century. It features beautiful frescoes that were painted with watercolours in the interior of the structure, and is located in the small town of Parinacota, which sits at an altitude of 4,400 metres.
In addition to the Churches of Arica Parinacota, there are also many beautiful churches on the island of Chiloé. When you travel to Chiloé you will find churches constructed in a traditional wooden architecture, and sixteen such churches of Chiloé were listed as a World Heritage Site in 2000, and are primarily clustered in the central east of the island.
Even though Chile is engaged in a border dispute with Peru, much of the region is safe for tourists. This region is not highly commercial, and so it is best to expect your travels to focus on cultural heritage and exploration. Many people from this region have emigrated to other parts of Chile and South America to find work, and the climate in Arica Parinacota is primarily desert, so you should carry sunscreen, sunglasses, and light clothing at all times.
The churches are scattered around the region, so expect to travel between sites. Touring the Churches of Arica Parinacota offers a cultural history of the diverse landscape that you will find throughout your travels in South America.
When to Go to Churches Of Arica Parinacota
Travellers should be prepared for unpredictable weather at any time of year. Most travellers to the Churches of Arica Parinacota consider the summer months, December through February, to be the best time to travel to Chile as these months boast the warmest temperatures.
Odds n' Ends
Tips are not usually required on any of the tours. However, it is customary in Latin America to offer a small tip for exceptional service, and some travellers report that US$2–$10 a day for your guide, and US$1–$3 a day for your driver, is common. Other travellers opt to bring small gifts from home to give to service providers along the way.
Places to Eat
- Le Bistrot
- Good food and great price. Traditional french bistrot without inflate prices. Please reserve room for La Folie du Chef! awesome dessert.
Places to Stay Nearby
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