In this article, the main characteristics of prostitution in the Chilean city Arica during the 1920s are being analysed. The phenomenon is looked at from the perspective of juridical sources, particularly criminal records. Methodologically, testimonies of sex workers and clients of the brothels were chosen to represent the "voices" of these subjects. It is being proposed that cohabitation was conditioned by the illegality of the social practices, distinguishing relations mediated by alcoholism, theft and violence. The conclusions reflect on the constitution of a "perverted" everyday life of the brothels and, subsequently, on the importance of diversifying as much the periods of analysis as the historic sources in regard to this business.