Pica
An oasis town in the Atacama Desert with orchards, known for its tangy Pica limes, mangoes, and guavas, and featuring hot spring pools and an old church.
Pica lies about 115 kilometers southeast of Iquique by road, at an elevation of about 1,300 meters. Its orchards are watered by groundwater and an ancient aqueduct tunnel system. The area produces Pica limes, mangoes, guavas, and citrus. Along the streets you can drink freshly squeezed juice and buy mango jam and fruit cake. The town center has the Church of San Andrés and a small square. Nearby, the Los Baldes hot springs are a must-see for visitors. Pica is often combined with Matilla, La Tirana, and Humberstone as a day trip, or you can take a bus there.
Opening hours
All day
Nearby sights
- Cocha Resbaladero
- Matilla
- Sanctuary of La Tirana
- Pintados Geoglyphs & Pampa del Tamarugal Reserve
- Humberstone Saltpeter Works
- Santa Laura Saltpeter Works
- Atacama Giant
- Cerro Dragón