2 minute read
Locomotive Park
from Tacna
by Visit Peru
Tarata 88 km to the northeast of the city of Tacna (1 hr. 30 min by car). The Church of San Benedicto, built in 1741 in dedication to the patron saint of the province, is located in the main square, together with a cultural exhibition hall. The latter displays domestic objects and farming tools used by the ancient inhabitants of Tarata.
The Santa María Inca Trail and Tarata Terraces 3 blocks from the Tarata Main Square. On a tour along the Inca Trail, the visitor can see Pre-Hispanic terraces that are still in use for the cultivation of corn and potatoes. After a few minutes, the Santa María archeological site is reached, a settlement constructed by ancient inhabitants of the area. To finish the walk, the trail reaches the Qala Qala archeological site, which was used as a cemetery.
Ticaco Hot Springs 12 km to the north of the town of Tarata (15 min by car). Ticket entry. A thermal hot spring is the source for nine individual baths and a pool. Its waters reach a temperature of 51 ºC.
Candarave Province
Aricota Lagoon 154 km to the south of the town of Candavare (4 hr. 30 min by bus). Rainbow trout are plentiful in this large lagoon that lies at 2800 meters. It is also home to cormorants and the Andean goose.
Candarave 170 km to the northeast of the city of Tacna (6 hr. 30 min by car). The name of this peaceful town comes from Aymara and means “place of the condors”. At 3415 meters, it is an excellent location for viewing the flight of these majestic birds. Alfalfa fields are found at the foot of the Yucamani volcano. In 2018, the Anata de Camilaca dance, from the district of Camilaca, was declared a National Cultural Heritage.
The valley of Geysers 35 km away northeast of the city of Candarave (1 hr. 30 min. by car). The place is characterized by geysers with temperatures that exceed 86 °C (186 °F). On the way you can observe andenes of the area and enjoy an impressive view of the Yucamani Volcano, surrounded by an extensive queñuas forest. There are also two hot springs sources, one of them has a temperature of 37 °C and the other of 40 °C, both are known for their therapeutic properties to treat diseases such as arthritis and rheumatism.
