Concepcion

For other places with the same name, see Concepción (disambiguation) .

Concepción is Chile 's second largest city with a population of almost 227,000 (out of Concepción province's 946,000) as of 2016. It is a city rich in culture, history and beauty on the coast of Southern Chile . The commune is home to historical bridges, murals, parks and lagoons, and to important cultural centers such as the Biobío Theater, the House of Art, the Natural History Museum and the University of Concepción Theater. A variety of bars and entertainment venues provide an active nightlife to the city.

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Carriel Sur International Airport

( CCP

IATA ).

( updated Jul 2023 )

Three airlines serve Concepción:

JetSmart flies from Antofagasta , Arica , Balmaceda, Calama , Iquique , Lima , Puerto Montt , Punta Arenas , Santiago

LATAM flies from Antofagasta , Lima , Punta Arenas , Santiago

Sky Airline

flies from Antofagasta , Calama , Santiago

The Gran Concepción is the name that receives the whole metropolitan area, which includes Talcahuano, Hualpen, San Pedro de la Paz, Chiguayante, Hualqui and Penco.

By public transport

The transportation system has buses and shared taxis services that reach every single place in the metropolitan area. there is a commuter train service (BioTren) that reaches the surrounding areas.

The following is the list with the public transportation services in The Gran Concepcion:

Talcahuano (through Concepcion-Talcahuano Highway) Vía Láctea (Line 10), Via Futuro (Line 11), Via Siglo XXI (Line 13), Chig

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Universidad de Concepción

( University of Concepción ).

A beautiful university with big gardens. Must see La Pinacoteca.

( updated Jul 2023 )

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Parque Pedro del Río Zañartu

( 10 min from downtown. The only way to get into this place is by car or taxi, do not pay more than 10,000 pesos for a single ride—ask the taxi driver for "Museo Hualpen". ).

It offers beauty natural landscapes and recreational places. 5 minutes farther you can see the join of Bio Bio river and the Pacific Ocean. The following museums are available here:

( updated Jul 2023 )

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Museo Hualpén

( Museo Pedro del Río Zañartu ).

A beautiful old house that was converted to a museum holding the collection of Mr. Pedro del Rio Zañartu, a world traveller.

( updated Jul 2023 )

Hualpén Museum and the Desembocadura

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Marina del Sol Casino

( 5 min from the Airport and 15 min from Concepción ).

A new establishment for gambling and entertainment. It offers a big variety of games and shows for adults and kids.

( updated Jul 2023 )

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Península of Hualpén .

Visit an old whale factory in Chome, a white sanded bay called Ramuntcho, or the Nature Sanctuary.

( updated Jul 2023 )

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Lenga

( 15 min from Concepcion by car and 35 min by bus (Puchacay, Line 71); the bus will take much longer as it doesn't take the highway, but is cheaper (US$0.80) ).

Go and eat seafood in this seaside town. Try some seafood

Guatemalan staples such as tamales, pepián, and chiles rellenos are available at local comedores and restaurants in Concepcion. Street food options include garnachas, tostadas, and elotes locos. Fresh tropical fruit juices and horchata are widely available. Dining options are modest but offer authentic local flavours at affordable prices.

Local cafes and comedores in Concepcion serve coffee, soft drinks, and fruit juices throughout the day. Guatemala is renowned for its highland-grown coffee, and a cup of locally sourced brew is a must-try. Gallo is the most popular local beer. Fresh fruit licuados (blended drinks) are also widely available. Bottled water is recommended for visitors.

Accommodation options in Concepcion are limited but adequate for travellers passing through. Small hotels and hospedajes (guesthouses) may be available in or near the town centre. For a wider selection of lodging, the departmental capital or larger neighbouring towns offer more choices. Advance planning is recommended during local festivals and holiday periods.

Concepción is not a touristic city so if you are looking for cheap and cheerful souvenirs you will have to use your imagination.

Mall Plaza Trebol .

On the highway to Talcahuano. Take a bus from Concepción centre or a colectivo. A large North American inspired shopping mall complete with food court, cinema and amus

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Neighbouring towns and the Sololá departmental capital are reachable by bus or microbus. The region offers opportunities for further exploration of Guatemala's diverse landscape. Check local transport schedules for onward connections to other departments and major cities.