Boca del Río and Other Beaches

Location:
Tacna, Peru

Beach Types:
Beach

By Lorraine Caputo

Tacna has its own beaches to which its denizens escape the sweltering summer months. The air may be hot, but the water of the Pacific along this coast is cold. A dip into the surf is refreshing. During the rest of the year, almost no-one comes, providing a peaceful get-away for travelers needing a big chill. A paved road connects Tacna with Boca del Río, Los Palos and other beaches.

Boca del Río, 52 kilometers (31 miles) away at the mouth of Río Sama, is the most popular of the resorts. Along the broad band of sand heaps of boulders form shallow pools in which to soak. Drop a line in, as fishing is said to be good. Boca del Río has the most developed services for the tourist, with simple hotels and restaurants, as well as grocery shops, a medical post and gas station.

Los Palos is closer to the city, 41 kilometers (25 miles) to the south. Both the Panamericana Sur and the coastal road go there. Olive groves and fruit orchards embroider the edge of this blanket of fine sand washed by gentle waves. Services are limited to a few bungalows to let and restaurants.

Quebrada de Burros, 75 kilometers (45 miles) from Tacna, is of ecological important, with a number of endemic and endangered species. Archaeological digs here also show the area was inhabited by fishing hamlets 6000-9800 years ago.

Other, more isolated, beaches along the coast are Santa Rosa (the southernmost in Peru), La Yarada, Llostay, Puerto Colorada Vila Vila, Caleta Sama ad Caleta Meca.

Getting There
From Terminal Bolognesi catch a bus to any of the major beaches (6 a.m.-1 p.m., last back to Tacna 4 p.m., $1.70, 30-45 or more, depending on distance). Some, like Quebrada de Burros, are only accessible in private vehicle. Several tour agencies in Tacna offer all-day excursions to discover these beaches ($30).

Travel Tips: In the off-season (April-December) services are limited, but room prices are much lower.

Price Description: Free.

Relative price: Free

Travel Skills: None

You Need to Bring: Bring water and snacks if making a day trip of it; if staying overnight, you may want to take some food and water supplies with you. Swim gear for dipping into the cold sea, binoculars for bird watching. If day tripping, do not take valuables.

The museums and sightseeing in Tacna; taking the train to Chile.

Currencies accepted
Nuevo Sol