This industrial center in southern Chile has a population of 791,521 and houses major universities. The 2010 earthquake reshaped parts of this historic city founded in 1550.
Concepción, Chile's second-largest city, lies along the Pacific coast in the Biobío Region. You can explore the University of Concepción's 2,000-piece art collection, walk among life-sized dinosaur models at the Natural History Museum, or catch local rock bands at venues around Plaza Perú. The city's surroundings include former coal mines extending under the ocean in Lota and the 19th-century Huáscar warship in the Talcahuano naval base.
Getting to Concepción
Buses run every 30 minutes from Santiago, with the journey taking about 6 hours. Two express services, EME Bus and Pullman Tur, make the trip without stops. You can also fly to Carriel Sur International Airport in neighboring Talcahuano, or take a train to Chillán and connect by bus to Concepción.
University District and Cultural Sites
Walk through the University of Concepción campus to see its clock tower and visit the Casa del Arte museum. The museum houses nearly 2,000 artworks, including the striking "The Presence of America" mural by Mexican artist Jorge González. At the Natural History Museum next to Plaza Acevedo, you'll find fossil collections and an outdoor park with life-sized dinosaur models.
Rock Music and Entertainment
Local bands like Los Tres and Los Bunkers helped establish Concepción as Chile's rock music center. Each year, the Rock en Conce festival fills Parque Bicentenario with free concerts. Head to the streets around Plaza Perú to find music venues like Malpaso and El Averno, where bands play most nights.
Parks and City Views
Take the walking paths up Cerro Caracol through native forest to reach the Mirador Alemán, a German-style lookout tower with panoramic city views. Below, Parque Ecuador stretches along the hillside with walking paths, playgrounds, and a waterfall. For longer hikes, follow the trails through native forest at Nonguén National Reserve on the city's edge.
Historical Sites and Museums
Visit the Huáscar, a 19th-century Peruvian warship captured by Chile, now anchored at Talcahuano's naval base. The Hualpén Museum occupies a coastal mansion filled with world traveler Pedro del Río Zañartu's collected artifacts. Take a guided tour of Lota's former coal mine, 40 kilometers south, to explore tunnels that extend beneath the Pacific Ocean.
Coastal Areas
Eat fresh seafood at the waterfront restaurants in Caleta Lenga, a small fishing village. Take a 30-minute bus ride to Tomé, where locals gather at the beach during summer. Continue along the coastal road to reach Colcura beach, where you can watch fishing boats come in with their daily catch.
Getting Around
Local buses and shared taxis run throughout the metropolitan area. The Biotrén commuter rail connects Concepción with nearby towns. You can walk to most central attractions from Plaza de Armas.
