Arica is an oasis, literally. Bordered by desert sand dunes and fertile valleys fed by the melting and life-giving snows of the Andes, this city is located in the heart of some culturally fascinating attractions. The Plaza Colon, Eiffel's iron cathedral of San Marcos, is one such point of interest. Another is the archeology museum in the nearby Azapa Valley. There you'll find pre-Columbian weavings, carvings and mummies from the Chinchorro culture dating back to 10,000 BC.