Mission guide

Peru Tacna Mission

The Peru Tacna Mission serves in a desert region known as Peru’s Heroic City.

  • Spanish
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Peru Tacna Mission Heart Map design

Peru Tacna Mission shirts

Every style made for this mission, printed when you order.

Peru Tacna Mission T-Shirt in Solid White, front view

Peru Tacna Mission T-Shirt

$29.00

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Peru Tacna Mission Heart Map shirt in White: Peru outline with a red heart, front view

Peru Tacna Mission Heart Map Shirt

$29.00

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I Glory in My Jesus, in the language of this mission

2 Nephi 33:6 as it reads in the Book of Mormon for each language spoken here.

I Glory in My Jesus shirt in Spanish on White: “Me glorío en mi Jesús”, 2 Nefi 33:6

I Glory in My Jesus Shirt – Spanish

$29.00

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I Glory in My Jesus script shirt in Spanish, white ink on Dark Chocolate: “Me glorío en mi Jesús”, 2 Nefi 33:6

I Glory in My Jesus Script Shirt (White Ink) – Spanish

$29.00

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About the mission

The Peru Tacna Mission is based in Tacna, Peru, a city near the Chilean border in the Caplina River valley.

Spanish is the main language of the mission and the country.

At a glance

Country
Peru
Main city
Tacna (286,240 people in 2017)
Time zone
Peru Time (UTC-5)
Climate
Desert climate with very little rain
Church in Peru
648,045 members, 115 stakes, 797 congregations
FamilySearch Centers
207

A short history of the area

Tacna was established on June 29, 1541. The area was part of the encomienda system, and Lucas Martínez de Vegaso received 1,638 encomienda Indians. Tacna later became an important center in Peru’s struggle for independence. In 1811, Francisco Antonio de Zela began a push for independence from Spain.

In 1828, President José de La Mar named Tacna the Heroic City. Tacna was the capital of the Peru-Bolivian Confederation from 1836 to 1839. Chile captured the city in 1880, and Tacna returned to Peru on August 28, 1929, under the Treaty of Lima.

The Church here

  1. July 1956An official Latter-day Saint branch was organized in Peru.
  2. 1956Missionaries began preaching in August, and a Church building was purchased in November.
  3. 1959The Andes Mission was organized, with 300 members in five congregations.
  4. 1983The Tacna Peru Stake was created from the Peru Arequipa Mission.
  5. 1984The Tacna Peru Stake was reorganized with a new stake president.
  6. January 1988Seven stakes were created in Lima, bringing Peru’s total to 34 stakes.

Temples nearby

Arequipa Peru Temple

Dedicated December 15, 2019 · About 140 miles from Tacna

The Book of Mormon here

Missionaries in this mission share the Book of Mormon in these languages. Tap a cover to read it free.

Spanish Read it free →

Cover art is an illustration. Links open the free edition on ChurchofJesusChrist.org.

Before you go

Phrases to learn

  • HolaHello
  • Buenos díasGood morning
  • ¿Cómo está?How are you?
  • GraciasThank you

Foods to try

  • Ceviche (fish cured in citrus juice with onion and chili)
  • Lomo saltado (beef stir-fried with onions, tomatoes, and French fries)
  • Causa (layered potato dish with filling such as chicken or tuna)
  • Pachamanca (meat, potatoes, and other foods cooked in an earth oven)

Fun facts

  • Tacna is Peru’s tenth most populous city and lies about 35 kilometers north of the Chilean border.
  • Every August 28, people carry a large Peruvian flag through the city during the Paseo de la Bandera.
  • Tacna’s railway to Arica, Chile, used standard-gauge track and closed in 2012.

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