Ok fellow expats... Heading to Arica this week.

[JJG1133]

First off thanks everyone for your help... I apologize I know a lot of this has been discussed here before and I read through all of the threads and some of them are a little outdated so just have a few specifics.
My travel is planned as follows...
Chose to fly Lima-Tacna roundtrip with Peruvian Airlines which ended up being $53 more than taking the bus, return flight next day (this is my first time so don't want to be rushed)
1. Does anyone know or suggest a place to stay overnight in Arica?
2. Finding good colectivos at airport, any suggestions?
3. I have overstayed my tourists visa and the last topic I read was really unclear and seemed like there was confusion on where to pay. Any advice?
Any other points, advice, etc feel free I would appreciate it. Hopefully everything will go smooth and upon return I'll share my experience.
Thanks again

[danjaker]

I once did exactly what your doing. Dont be surprised though if on your flight back, they hit you with an unexpected charge on top of what you already paid.. may, may not...
We stayed on the beach, dont remember where... Arica wasnt really anything special.
I was overstayed by a year or so, coming back over the border i just went with a friend and me and her told immigration we were getting married, which made it easier to get 6 months again. Always works.

[JJG1133]

Thanks so I guess I should just ask the taxi a good place to stay for the night then. I won't have any friend with me so we'll see how that works. I heard LAN did that on the charge for not being a Peruvian but Peruvian Airlines or Star didn't. I don't know I guess we'll see. About how much was your stay for the night? I want to take sufficient cash but not excessive. Thanks again

[danjaker]

Yea we stayed at Hotel Diego De Almagro, was about s/300 per night. And yes we did take a taxi over the border, wasnt too much, but cant remember exactly.

[JJG1133]

Thanks I just booked there! How long ago did you go?

[danjaker]

Oh, had to have been a little over a year ago i believe.

[JJG1133]

Thanks I appreciate your input