Tacna is mostly popular with Chilean tourists who drive across the border for shopping sprees, since prices on just about everything are lower in Peru. Consequently, Tacna has a fantastic market and lots of shopping malls. The region produces lots of grapes and olives, but be aware that most of the wine produced is very sweet. For dry wines, go to Ica.

The Plaza de Armas and cathedral are beautiful and should be your first stop. There are tour agencies around the plaza, but few have English-speaking guides. Tacna attracts mostly Chilean and Peruvian tourists for its shopping, wineries, hot springs, and beaches only 40km (25 miles) away.

Miculla Petroglyphs

Tacna also has the fascinating Miculla Petroglyphs. They’re a half hour drive northeast of the city. You can take public transportation or go with a guided tour, both are readily available in Tacna. To get to the petroglyphs you’ll walk across a rope bridge similar to the Q´eswachaka bridge near Cusco.