Tacna
The Tacna Department is located in the southernmost part of Peru, between the Pacific coast, desert valleys, and the High Andes. The region combines border history, agriculture, highland nature, and the capital city of Tacna.
Tacna at a glance
Tacna stretches from the arid coastal zone into the High Andes. The capital city centralizes the administration, trade, and transport of Peru's southernmost region.
Tacna in pictures
City architecture, pre-Hispanic traces, and highlands showcase the diverse landscapes of the Department.
Tacna is more than a border city
Between Tacna city, Valle Viejo, Miculla, Tarata, and Candarave, the region spans from dry valleys to high Andean landscapes.
History and Identity
Pre-Hispanic Connections
Ancient trade routes connected the coast and the Altiplano. The petroglyphs of Miculla serve as a reminder of this long settlement history.
War of the Pacific
The War of the Pacific and subsequent Chilean administration shaped Tacna for decades.
Return to Peru
On August 28, 1929, Tacna was reincorporated into Peru. This date continues to shape the regional identity to this day.
Cities and Places in Tacna
Currently, Tacna city is the published place page for the Department on PeruMagazin.
Tacna
The capital combines Paseo Cívico, cathedral, markets, museums, and its border location in the far south.
Open place pageLandscape and Nature
From the extremely arid coast, Tacna rises through desert valleys into the High Andes. The upper Andean region features lagoons, rivers, bofedales, and pastures.
Economy in Tacna
Border Trade
Proximity to Chile strengthens trade, gastronomy, transport, and services.
Agriculture
Olives, oregano, and grapes are among the important crops in the irrigated valleys.
Mining
Mining and livestock farming play a significant role, particularly outside the urban center.
Attractions in Tacna
Well-known destinations include Miculla, historical sites in Tacna city, Tarata, and the High Andes around Candarave.
Events in Tacna
Here you will find events for Tacna listed in the PeruMagazin event calendar.
News from Tacna
Current news tagged "Tacna" will be loaded from "PeruMagazin informiert".
Continue through Southern Peru
Within Peru, Tacna borders Moquegua and Puno. Links to these pages will be added once they are published.
PeruMagazin on WhatsApp
New travel destinations, events, and current news from Peru directly in the PeruMagazin channel.
FAQ about the Tacna Department
Where is Tacna located?
The Department is located in the southernmost part of Peru and borders Chile and Bolivia.
What is the capital called?
The capital is also called Tacna.
How many provinces does Tacna have?
Tacna consists of Candarave, Jorge Basadre, Tacna, and Tarata.
What is worth seeing in Tacna?
Important destinations include Tacna city, Miculla, Tarata, Candarave, and the high Andean landscapes.
How can one reach Tacna?
The city is accessible via the Panamericana Sur, the airport, and regional bus connections.
Sources and Image Credits
Factual Sources
- Instituto Nacional de Estadística e Informática (INEI): statistical data and population projections for Tacna.
- MINCETUR: National Inventory of Tourist Resources, Tacna Department.
- Gobierno Regional de Tacna: information on the Vilacota Maure Regional Conservation Area.
Image Credits
- Plaza de Armas Tacna: Vanished user j123kmqwfk56jd / StarbucksFreak, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0. Original and license.
- Cathedral of Tacna: DSan, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0. Original and license.
- Petroglyphs of Miculla: Angel Chata, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 2.5. Original and license.
- Church in Tarata: Ronaldi Padilla, Wikimedia Commons, CC0 1.0. Original and license.
- Yucamani Volcano: Renzo Burneo, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0. Original and license.
