Peru to Chile: How to Cross the Border
Looking on how to cross the border from Peru to Chile? This quick overview is a step-by-step guide on how to cross from Tacna, Peru to Arica, Chile. Find tips, tricks, cost, time, and what to expect on the border cross between Peru and Chile.
Simply reverse this itinerary for the border crossing from Arica, Chile to Tacna, Peru
Table of Contents
- Tacna, Peru
- The International Bus Terminal in Tacna Peru
- Tips on the Border Crossing from Peru to Chile
- Arica, Chile
- Summary: How to Cross the Border from Tacna, Peru to Arica, Chile
Tacna, Peru
It’s easy to cross the border from Tacna, Peru to Arica, Chile. It can be done all via public transportation.
Tacna is easily accessible from Cusco, Puno, and Arequipa. In fact, most buses that depart from Cusco will always stop in Puno, the gateway to Lake Titicaca.
Buses run frequently to Tacna from Cusco’s main terminal.
Quick Practical Info: Cusco to Tacna
- Buses Depart from Cusco’s main terminal
- Multiple Bus Company’s run to Tacna.
- I found the company Julsa reliable and fairly priced
- Duration of Bus Trip:
- Departure at 15:30 and arrival in Tacna at 7:30 am, the next day
- Almost 16 hours
- Ticket Price: 70 PEN, plus exit tax of S/ 1.50 ($21 USD)
Keep in mind, there’s an option to spend a day or two in Puno. Sleeping here can break up the long bus ride.
Arrival in Tacna, Peru
In Tacna, buses can arrive at one of the two following international Bus stations.
- Terminal Terrestre Collasuyo
- Address: on the corner of Emancipacion and Sanchez Cerro, in Tacna (23002).
- Terminal Los Incas
- Address: Circunvalacion Nte, Tacna 23001
There are no buses that cross the border from Peru to Chile at either of these stations. Next, transfer to the International Bus Terminal. Buses and collectivos depart from the following station:
- Terminal Terrestre Internacional Manuel A. Odria
- Address: Tacna 23001
It’s convenient and cheap to take a taxi to this station.
- Taxi Cost: 5 PEN from either station ($1.50 USD)
- It should be S/ 4 , but never more than S/ 5
- Time: under 5 minutes
The International Bus Terminal in Tacna Peru
The nearest Chilean city to cross the border from Peru is Arica, Chile. There are a few buses to Santiago and other major destination, but collectivos and buses run frequently to Arica. From there, it’s easy to transfer to more popular destinations.
There are two ways to cross the border from Peru to Chile, either by public bus or collectivo. No matter what method you choose, it is necessary to pay the 2 PEN (60¢) exit tax. Pay the fee and make sure to collect the receipt. This receipt is used to enter to where the public buses and collectivos are waiting to fill and depart for Chile.
Public Bus to Chile
- Ticket Cost: 20 PEN ($5.40 USD)
- Chilean Pesos are also accepted
- Frequency: Every 20 minutes or so
- Bus occupancy: Around 50 people
Purchase the bus ticket directly from the driver. All you need is to verify your exit tax receipt to reach the bus area. Next, they will take your passport and hold it until you reach the border crossing. There is also a form to fill out while riding the bus.
The bus ride to the border crossing location is around 30 minutes. With a full bus, plan on around 45 minutes to clear customs.
Useful Tips
- Bring a pen to fill out the customs form.
- The border crossing location for the from is Chacalluta
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Collectivo to Chile
- Ticket Cost: 25 PEN ($6.75 USD)
- Frequency: Depart when full
- Occupancy: 10-15 people
- Have the exit tax receipt to leave the bus terminal
The collectivo ride is under 30 minutes to the border crossing. A bonus of the collectivo is with less people, it is quicker to clear customs.
Tips on the Border Crossing from Peru to Chile
Don’t forget!
- No bottles of Pisco (liquor) can cross the border along with any type of fruit.
- It’s essential to grab your luggage and drop it off for inspection
- THERE IS A 2 HOUR TIME DIFFERENCE WHEN ARRIVING IN CHILE (Add 2 hours)
Arica, Chile
After clearing customs, it’s a short bus ride into the International Bus station in Arica. This bus ride should take just under 30 minutes.
- Address: Nicolys Hidalgo 1951-1983, Arica
Overall, the border crossing from Tacna, Peru to Arica, Chile should take no more than 2 hours.
Directly across the street is the domestic bus stations which connect to destinations like the coastal town of Iquique or the capital city of Santiago.
Most people rush directly out of Arica, but the Cuevas de Anzota are worth a visit and help break up a long couple days of travel.
Summary: How to Cross the Border from Tacna, Peru to Arica, Chile
In conclusion, it’s fairly direct and easy to cross the border from Peru to Chile
- The locations for border crossings are Tacna, Peru and Arica Chile
- Plan on around 2 hours to cross between the borders of Peru and Chile
- Take either a collectivo or public bus to cross this border.
- It’s cheap to cross the border via public transportation.
- My total to cross the border was 19 PEN ($5.50 USD) in 2020, but prices have been updated as of February 2024
Have you crossed the border by public transportation from Peru to Chile, or vice versa? Are there any updates that I should know about? Let me know in the comments below!
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Another way to cross the border from Tacna to Arica — and a way different adventure — is to take the international train which runs twice daily.
Interesting, I think I remember seeing that. Wasn’t it was quite expensive? Sadly, I think many of the land borders in South America remain closed.
No, it isn’t quite expensive. In fact, it is much cheaper than the bus! It is a local train, used mostly by Chileans (going to Tacna for shopping or a dentist appointment) and Peruvians going to work for the day in Arica. Very few foreigners ever take that train. Immigration and customs are performed at the Tacna and Arica stations.
As of this writing (20 March 2022), many of the borders have reopened in South America, though some countries — like Chile and Argentina — only have a select few crossings open.
Where is the station located and do you know the times of the trains?
Using your article to make the crossing from Peru to Chile, it’s been very helpful thank you
Thank you!
Hello there thanks for your amazing blog. I was wondering how recently you crossed from Tacna to Arica? Is it safe? Kind thanks
Hey Molly-
Sorry for the delayed response.
I crossed from Tacna to Arica at the very end of 2019. I had no issues safety wise as a solo female travler, but it’s good to always check in on current information. I used this border crossing as I had male friends who had issues crossing at the Desaguadero border at Lake Titicaca. Of course, situations can always happen and things change with time. Always trust your gut and current travel information.
If you crossed the border I’d love to hear how your recent experience was.
Safe travels.
Megs
Hey Megs,
Nice blog.
Thanks a lot, that really helped.
It’s nice to know in advance what to expect to.
Some updates for February 2024:
A bus costs 20 soles.
A colectivo 25 soles.
Exit ticket is still 2 soles.
Another tip – if you come with Flores Hnos bus, their terminal is next to the internacional terminal. Only 2 min walk.
Thank you so much for the pricing updates and for taking the time to write to me Nir! I’ll go in and update it. 🙏
Where did you catch the Flores Hnos bus from?
Happy Travels,
Megs
Cruz Del Sur from Cusco arrive at the international terminal, so all you need to do is exit, cross the road into the other bus terminal and then head out to the taxis. The taxi man will take the money for the exit fee and the money for the trip, alongside your passport and sort it all for you.
Hey Katie! Thanks so much for this information! I’ll add your comment to help future travelers. Safe travels!