San Marcos de Arica is a Chilean football club hailing from the northern port city of Arica, currently playing in the Liga de Ascenso. The team's home is the Estadio Carlos Dittborn, a historic venue named after a key World Cup organizer. Founded in 1978, the club's colors are red and white, and its name honors Saint Mark, the patron saint of the city. The club was established to provide a professional football outlet for the northernmost region of Chile. San Marcos has experienced periods in the top flight, with their most notable achievement being a runner-up finish in the 1981 Copa Chile, a feat that remains a high point in their history. The modern era sees the club as a consistent competitor in the second division, often battling for promotion back to the Primera División, relying on a mix of experienced campaigners and local talent. The fan base, though not massive, is incredibly passionate and regionalist, supporting their team as a symbol of Arica's pride. San Marcos de Arica remains a vital institution for football in the far north of Chile.