Places / South America / Chile
Concepción
Not been yet
At a glance
- Country
- Chile
- Region
- Biobío
- Population
- 230,000
- Best time to go
- December to March
- Main airport
- Concepción Carriel Sur International (CCP)
- Coordinates
- 36.83°S, 73.05°W
Visited Still to go Click a pin or country to read more. Zoom with + and −, a double-click or a pinch.
Overview
Concepción sits near the mouth of the Biobío, Chile's widest river, at the heart of the country's second-largest urban area. It is a young, lively university city with a strong music scene, rebuilt several times after powerful earthquakes.
Few visitors stay long, but it makes a good base for the coast and the south. Nearby are the naval port of Talcahuano, the old coal-mining town of Lota and fishing villages serving superb seafood.
Things to see
-
Photo: LuisCG11, CC BY-SA 3.0 Presencia de América Latina
A vast, vivid mural by Jorge González Camarena in the city's Casa del Arte, celebrating Latin American identity.
-
Photo: UnFaroAlSur, CC BY 4.0 University of Concepción campus
A handsome campus with a landmark bell tower, gardens and the university's art collection.
-
Photo: LuisCG11, CC BY-SA 4.0 Cerro Caracol
A forested hill on the edge of the centre with walking trails and views over the city and river.
-
Photo: TomasVial, CC BY-SA 4.0 Plaza de la Independencia
The main square, where Chile's independence was proclaimed, surrounded by the cathedral and busy streets.
Things to do
-
Photo: Unknown author Unknown author, Public domain Board the Huáscar
The 19th-century ironclad warship moored at Talcahuano is now a fascinating floating museum.
Find tours -
Photo: Pablo Hernández Ormeño, CC BY-SA 3.0 Coal mines of Lota
Former miners lead tours down the old shafts, and the town's historic park overlooks the sea.
Find tours -
Photo: Nellorolleri, CC BY-SA 3.0 Seafood on the coast
Head to fishing villages such as Dichato or Tomé for fresh fish, shellfish and empanadas by the beach.
Where to stay
City centre
Practical and walkable, with business hotels near the main square and shopping streets.
Hotels in City centreBarrio Universitario
Lively student area near the campus, with cafés and good-value accommodation.
Hotels in Barrio UniversitarioSan Pedro de la Paz
Across the river, quieter and greener, with lagoons and modern hotels.
Hotels in San Pedro de la Paz
Getting around
Buses and colectivo taxis cover the city, and the Biotrén suburban railway links Concepción with Talcahuano and towns to the south.
Carriel Sur airport is around 20 minutes from the centre by taxi; long-distance buses arrive from Santiago overnight.
When to go
December to March is warm and mostly dry, ideal for the beaches. Winters are cool and very wet, with heavy rain between May and August.
Plan your trip to Concepción
Guide last checked October 2026. Opening times and prices change, so check before you go.