Tacna

Tacna, city, southern Peru, on the Caplina River at 1,844 feet (562 m) above sea level, in the arid Andean foothills. A land of unique scenery, with deserts and fertile valleys, between the coast and the mountains. Its history dates back to the rock paintings of the Toquepala Caves. Nearer to the present day, this region bore witness to important events, such as the War of the Pacific. The sea along its beaches is calm, and it has hot springs and lakes in the lower reaches of the Andes.

The city is an agricultural processing centre. Crops include tobacco, grapes, cotton, and sugarcane; tanning, fruit canning, wine making, and liquor distilling are major activities, its extensive vineyards produce a large amount of wine and Pisco for export. Tacna also counts with an airport and is linked with Arica, 40 miles (60 km) south, by rail and the Pan-American highway. Roads also lead eastward to Andean settlements.