Tacna is located in the extreme south of the country, in a peaceful and sunny valley at 552 m.a.s.l. (1,811 ft). Its territory expands between the Coast and Sierra regions. The climate is dry and pleasant with sun all year round. The average temperature fluctuates from 10ºC (50ºF) to 22ºC (71.6ºF).
Officially called San Pedro de Tacna, it has gained a reputation for patriotism, with many monuments and streets named after heroes of Peru's struggle for independence (1821-1824) and the War of the Pacific (1879-1883). Residents of Tacna are known in Spanish as tacneños.
The oldest traces of humanity in Tacna date back to 9 000 BC, proved by the rupestrianpaintings found in Toquepala. Subsequently, this area was populated by groupsfrom the Collao Plateau. The first Spaniards arrived in 1 537. The population of Tacna collaborated closely with the emancipation of Peru, from the very first liberation movements that began in 1 811 with Francisco Antonio de Zela. The great sense of patriotism of these people was acknowledged by Parliament when the settlement was raised to the category of a Villa or town in 1823. On May 26th 1 928, President Jose La Mar issued a law awarding the town the title of Heroic City. On May 26th, 1880 it was occupied by Chile after the Stop the Alliance Battle. Based on the Ancon Treaty, Tacna regained its Peruvian status on August 28th, 1 929.
It is interesting to visit:
- The Cathedral
- Square of Arms
- House of Zela
- Municipal Theater
- Railway Museum
- Historical Museum
- Parabolic Arch
- House of Basadre
- Bolognesi Boulevard
- Judicial House
- Locomotive Park
