Pica – Thermal Baths, Starry Skies and History

Pica combines unique experiences of nature with a distinctive cultural history: the city is home to the Iglesia de San Andrés and Cocha Resbaladero, while the nearby Salar del Huasco highlands lie within easy reach. There are also guided stargazing sessions and a festival that begins each year on November 28. As you plan your trip, you can consider whether you want to discover Pica primarily for its thermal baths, culture, astronomy or landscapes.

Church, city history and a festival in honour of San Andrés

The Iglesia de San Andrés stands opposite the Plaza de Armas. It is considered the city’s most important urban, heritage and architectural landmark. Construction of the monumental building began around 1880 and was completed in 1888. The church preserves old religious artworks, including a life-size depiction of the Last Supper and the Holy Sepulchre. Visitors interested in sacred art and the history of the town will find a notable cultural landmark here during their stay in Pica.

A local tradition also shapes the calendar: the Destape de la Chicha kicks off the festival in honour of Saint Andrés in Pica each year on November 28. Participants share glasses of chicha with neighbours and visitors. The celebration and the church’s religious artworks represent different aspects of local culture – from a communal custom to religious heritage.

The former Casa del Socorro, also known as the former hospital of Pica, is located in the central part of the city. As a historical landmark, the building reflects the social development and political changes of the oasis. Together with the Iglesia de San Andrés, it offers another perspective on Pica’s history, one that extends beyond individual religious artworks.

Thermal waters and starry skies

Cocha Resbaladero is a thermal bathing site between two natural cavities in volcanic rock. The water temperature ranges from 27 to 30 °C. The Municipality of Pica manages the site, which is fully equipped and offers tourist assistance. You can reach Cocha Resbaladero via Avenida General Ibáñez, heading southwest. This makes the thermal baths an attraction in their own right during a trip to Pica, alongside cultural sights and activities related to the night sky.

San Andrés de Pica was named the world’s fourth Pueblo Starlight and the first in Chile and South America in 2022. Astrotourism activities include guided stargazing, night photography and stories about Andean astronomy. These experiences offer a different focus from a visit to the church or thermal baths: they centre on observing the sky and interpreting the stars. If you are looking for a holiday apartment in Pica, these different interests can help you decide what to focus on during your trip.

Highland nature and discoveries at the town entrance

The nearby Salar del Huasco National Park is located in the highlands of the Municipality of Pica. It is designated both a Ramsar site and a Nature Sanctuary. Numerous Andean bird species use the park as a refuge and nesting ground, including Chilean, Andean and James’s flamingos. For nature lovers, this habitat complements the cultural and bathing experiences closer to town with a distinct focus on landscape and wildlife. The flamingos are concrete examples of the bird species that find shelter and nesting sites in the area.

At the entrance to Pica, Valle de los Dinosaurios features six life-size dinosaur species. Signs beside each figure provide information about its scientific name, height, weight, diet and the place where its bones were found. The life-size models and the factual information on the signs make this a different kind of discovery from the historic church or the highland nature reserve. Pica therefore offers a range of interests side by side: cultural history, thermal waters, stargazing, birdlife and dinosaur models.

When choosing a holiday apartment in Pica, you can first consider what matters most to you on your trip. The city offers opportunities to explore its culture and thermal baths, while astrotourism and the highlands add night skies and nature to the mix. If you would also like to compare other destinations, you can find Huara, Pozo Almonte, Colchane and La Tirana here.

For the broader travel overview: Tamarugal.