Tacna, Peru - Polarsteps

Tacna, Peru: population: about 325,000. Tacna is a desert city in the far south of Peru. Tacna was founded in June 1855. The Tacna area has been occupied for many centuries by various indigenous groups. Around the year 800 the Incas came into the area and "settled" it. Then later, the Spaniards arrived and they "settled" it, again, in 1572. The first church was built in 1679. Over the years there had been many wars and battles between Peru and Chile and Tacna was typically right in the middle of them all. It wasn't until 1929 that the Tacna region was incorporated into Peru. Tacna produces 53% of Peru's olives and a large part of its economy is from agriculture. That is followed by dairy farming, sheep, fishing, and copper mining. At least six different dances originate from the Tacna area. Aside from the common holidays, there are also numerous festivals that are specific to the Tacna region, with two of them specific to farmers. And finally, Tacna has quite a list of places of interest to tourists including sites in the city and outside the city. So, my impressions: Tacna is an interesting small city and a good place to visit. There are many historical buildings and interesting architecture to learn about. The city center is clean and pleasant with lots of nice green space and parks. But, when you get out to the suburbs things change a bit - litter in the streets and less-than-great parks. It's not a place for me to consider as a new home, but well worth a visit.