Autódromo de Tacna
Autódromo de Tacna at a glance
- Location
- Tacna, Tacna
- Type
- road course
- Length
- 3.422 km (2.126 mi)
- Surface
- asphalt
- Opened
- 1992
- Owner
- Automóvil Club de Tacna (ACT)
Track map and layout
Autódromo de Tacna sits in the Magollo district around 13-20 km south of Tacna city, close to the Chilean border, on desert terrain that gives the circuit gentle undulations distinguishing it from Peru's flatter coastal tracks. It was built with four configurations, two longer layouts and two shorter ones, that can be run in both clockwise and counter-clockwise directions, giving the Automóvil Club de Tacna flexibility for different categories and event formats. The two principal long configurations measure 3.422 km and 3.349 km respectively.
Configurations
| Layout | Length | Used for |
|---|---|---|
| Full course 1 | 3.42 km | — |
| Full course 2 | 3.35 km | — |
| Short course 1 | — | shorter club layout |
| Short course 2 | — | shorter club layout |
Events and race weekends
Tacna became Peru's second permanent circuit after opening in 1992 and has hosted regional championship racing, Formula Three visits, and the national Campeonato de Circuito Turismo Competición, including a round in 2015. It has twice hosted the Peruvian 6 Hours endurance race. The venue sees less regular use than the country's busier Autódromo La Chutana near Lima, but many Peruvian drivers rate its layout as the country's best, and it has seen a modest revival of activity in recent years.
Getting there and parking
The circuit is roughly 13-20 km south of Tacna city off the Carretera Panamericana, and is most practically reached by car or taxi from Tacna; the nearest major international airport is on the Chilean side of the border at Arica, with Tacna's own domestic airport closer for visitors flying within Peru.
- Coronel FAP Carlos Ciriani Santa Rosa International Airport (Tacna) (TCQ) · about 30 min drive
- Chacalluta International Airport (Arica, Chile) (ARI) · about 60 min drive
Given the desert setting, expect dust and strong sun; bring sun protection and water if attending a race weekend.
Hotels and camping near Autódromo de Tacna
Most visitors base themselves in Tacna city, which has the region's main range of hotels and is a short drive from the circuit; the Peru-Chile border city of Arica offers an alternative base for travellers crossing from Chile.
Where to look
Tacna city (main option, roughly 13-20 km from the circuit).
Track days, driving experiences and lap records
Tacna hosts club and regional racing organised by the Automóvil Club de Tacna across its four configurations; specific public trackday operators or ride-along access were not verified from available sources.
Spectator guide
The circuit has a large grandstand with views over the track plus additional spectator banks, built to serve national championship weekends and the Peruvian 6 Hours endurance race when it has been held there.
Seating
Main grandstand and spectator banks overlooking the circuit.
Weather
- Dec-Mar (summer): warm desert climate, highs typically around 16-30°C
- Jun-Aug (winter): cooler, highs typically around 10-20°C
History of Autódromo de Tacna
Peru's second permanent circuit
The Automóvil Club de Tacna (ACT), founded in 1962, spent decades organising races on temporary street and road circuits in Peru's far south before finally building a permanent home. Backed by local businessmen including Antonio De Col and Antonio Mazuelos, the club opened Autódromo de Tacna in August 1992 in the desert terrain of the Magollo district, south of Tacna city and close to the Chilean border, giving the region gentle elevation changes that set it apart from Peru's flatter coastal circuits.
Four layouts, national racing
The circuit was designed with four configurations, two full-length layouts of 3.422 km and 3.349 km plus two shorter courses, all capable of being run in either direction. It quickly became a fixture for regional championship racing and drew occasional Formula Three visits, and it has twice hosted the prestigious Peruvian 6 Hours endurance race, one of the country's showcase motorsport events. The national Campeonato de Circuito Turismo Competición also brought a round to the circuit in 2015.
Quieter years and a modest revival
Since the opening of Autódromo La Chutana near Lima in 2010, Tacna has seen less frequent use as Peru's motorsport calendar has concentrated around the capital, but the circuit has experienced a modest revival of activity in recent years and remains an active permanent facility. Many Peruvian drivers continue to rate its undulating desert layout as the country's best circuit, even as it plays a secondary role to the busier venue near Lima.
Frequently asked questions
Is Autódromo de Tacna still active?+
Yes, though it sees less frequent use than Peru's busier Autódromo La Chutana near Lima; it has had a modest revival of activity in recent years.
When did the circuit open?+
It opened in August 1992, built by the Automóvil Club de Tacna, making it Peru's second permanent racing circuit.
How long is the circuit?+
Its two principal full-length configurations measure 3.422 km (2.126 miles) and 3.349 km (2.081 miles); two shorter club layouts are also used.
Where is the circuit located?+
It's in the Magollo district, roughly 13-20 km south of Tacna city in far southern Peru, close to the Chilean border.
What events has Tacna hosted?+
Regional championships, Formula Three visits, the national Campeonato de Circuito Turismo Competición, and twice the Peruvian 6 Hours endurance race.
Other tracks nearby
- Autódromo La Chutana · 938 km · road course
Facts checked against 3 sources including the official circuit website. Last reviewed 2026-09-11.