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| Image: Raphael Sierra P. - Diario Concepción |
The Biobío Region, often referred to by its former name, the "Octava Región" (Eighth Region of Chile), covers an area of 23,890 km² and has a population of just over 2,100,000. Its name comes from the river that flows through the region.
The regional capital is Concepción, the largest city in southern Chile and the second largest in the country. The population of Greater Concepción, which includes Talcahuano and other adjacent municipalities, reaches nearly one million.
Biobío is an industrial region, particularly in forestry and its derivatives, agribusiness, iron and steel production, oil refining, small-scale fishing, and tourism. The education sector is also well developed, as Concepción is home to many professional institutes and universities, both private and state-supported, that are highly regarded nationwide. Additionally, this region, located approximately 500 km south of Santiago, boasts remarkable natural beauty and attractions.
How to Get to Concepción
- Arrival can be made from Santiago or other major Chilean cities via various bus lines connecting to the region. This is the most traditional means of transportation, as most of the country's terminals have connections to Biobío.
- Alternatively, you can fly to Carriel Sur International Airport, located in the municipality of Talcahuano.
Important: In September 2018 was created the new region of Ñuble, which until then was part of Bio Bio. Its population is 480,000 inhabitants and its capital is the city of Chillan. Here is a list of places to visit in Bio Bio and Ñuble regions:
Cathedral of Concepción
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Inside the cathedral is the Museo de Arte Sagrado (Museum of Sacred Art), which houses an artistic and historical collection. This Catholic sanctuary serves both as a place of worship and a tourist attraction.
Ironclad Huáscar: A Historic Battleship Turned Floating Museum
A Legacy of the War of the Pacific
Built in 1863 by British shipyards, the Monitor Huáscar served as the flagship of the Peruvian Navy during the War of the Pacific. It gained notoriety in the naval battle of Iquique, where it sank the Chilean corvette Esmeralda. However, on October 8, 1879, Chilean forces captured the Huáscar in the Battle of Angamos, where Peruvian Admiral Miguel Grau, the nation’s most revered naval hero, was killed.
A Symbol of Naval Brotherhood
Today, the Huáscar is one of the oldest floating museums in the world. More than a war trophy, it stands as a symbol of Chilean-Peruvian naval history, officially recognized by the Chilean Navy as “the floating shrine of the naval glory of Chile and Peru.”
In 2010, the Huáscar endured the devastating tsunami that struck Chile on February 27, which displaced the ship 30 meters from its original position. However, it was soon returned to its anchorage in Talcahuano, one of the areas hardest hit by the disaster.
Plan Your Visit
🕒Opening hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 9:30 AM – 12:30 PM and 1:30 PM – 7:30 PM.
- Location: Talcahuano Port, Chile.
This unique maritime attraction offers visitors the chance to step aboard one of the world’s most famous ironclads and explore a key piece of South American naval history.
Museums in Concepción
- Museo de Historia Natural, address: 2359 Maipú St., Plaza Acevedo. Founded in 1902 by British naturalist Edwin Reed Brookman, this small museum showcases the geographical history of the Biobío region, Chile, and South America. The permanent exhibits are divided into several sections, including Los Coleccionistas; Espacio Regional; El Mundo de los Fósiles, featuring specimens from around 65 million years ago; Presencia del Carbón, which explores the geological history of coal and its significance to the region in both human and economic terms; and Objects from the Mapuche and Selknam ancestral cultures.
- Casa del Arte, located on the campus of the University of Concepción, in front of Plaza Perú, this art gallery houses the largest collection of Chilean paintings in the country, with over 2,500 works spanning nearly all periods of Chilean art. Upon entering, visitors are greeted by the mural Presencia de América Latina, painted in 1964 by Mexican muralist Jorge González Camarena.
- Galería de la Historia, address: Parque Ecuador, at the base of Cerro Caracol. This engaging exhibit highlights various historical aspects of Concepción through miniatures, accompanied by audio and legends that bring the history to life. The gallery also showcases handicrafts, silverware, instruments, clothing, and utensils from the indigenous Mapuche culture. Additionally, it features a collection of regional ceramics, donated by Gloria Herrera, which represent the peak of the regional ceramic industry in the 20th century.
- Museo de Arte Religioso, located next to the city’s cathedral, this museum was founded in 1995 and houses around 600 pieces of religious history, art, and tradition from the city and the archdiocese. Highlights include ancient liturgical vestments, Bibles from various periods and languages, precious objects such as an ivory Christ with silver inlays, a gift from King Felipe II to the Old Cathedral, as well as paintings, photographs, books, furniture, and memorabilia from Pope John Paul II’s visit to the city in 1987.
- Museo Geológico Profesor Lajos Biro Bagoczky, located at the University of Concepción, this geological museum displays over 30,000 pieces, including minerals, petrified wood, fossils, and rocks, some of which are millions of years old.
Port City of Talcahuano
Founded in 1764, Talcahuano is a historic port city with a population of around 160,000. Strategically located on the bay of the same name, it lies about 10 km north of Concepción, Chile's second-largest city. Although Talcahuano suffered significant damage during the 2010 earthquake and tsunami, the city has displayed remarkable resilience in rebuilding itself.
As one of the most important maritime and port centers in Chile, Talcahuano plays a crucial role in the development of the Chilean Navy and has been a key participant in notable naval events.
The Port of Talcahuano is home to a wide range of tourist attractions, including its stunning bay, rich maritime heritage, and renowned seafood cuisine. Visitors can explore the Marina del Sol Casino, a lively entertainment hub with gaming, restaurants, and shows. Other must-see destinations include Caleta Tumbes (Tumbes Cove), the Artisanal Fishing Terminal, La Tortuga Municipal Coliseum, the Naval Museum, and the Compañía de Acero del Pacífico Stadium.
In addition to its cultural and recreational offerings, Talcahuano is a significant commercial and industrial center. Its economy thrives on industries such as fishing, flour milling, oil refining, shipbuilding, and all activities related to the sea.
The city boasts breathtaking maritime landscapes, nearby beaches, and a vibrant culinary scene featuring fresh seafood. As one of Chile's busiest ports, Talcahuano offers a unique opportunity to learn about the dynamics of port operations and maritime activities.
Talcahuano's historical heritage is evident in its colonial-era buildings, including the 18th-century Church of San Francisco. The Huáscar Museum also provides insight into the Chilean Navy's history, particularly its role in the War of the Pacific.
Mocha Island (Isla Mocha)
Located 35 km off the coast, at the border of the Biobío and La Araucanía regions, Mocha Island was discovered in 1550. The island spans 14 km in length and an average width of 6 km, with its central area covered by dense forest. It once served as a refuge for English and Dutch corsairs, including Sir Francis Drake, Olivier van Noort, and Joris van Spilbergen. Throughout history, many ships laden with treasure have sunk off its shores.
The island's main attraction is the Reserva Nacional Isla Mocha, managed by CONAF (National Forest Corporation). Visitors can enjoy a variety of activities, including guided treks of varying difficulty, horseback riding, horse-drawn carriage rides, mountain biking, scuba diving, and exploring the shipwrecks scattered around the island. Birdwatching and observing the abundant marine life, particularly the stunning sea lion colonies, are also popular. For those seeking adventure on the water, windsurfing and sport fishing are available as well.
Salto del Laja (Laja River Falls)
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| Salto del Laja Falls |
Balneario de Dichato (Dichato Beach)
Dichato is a small town with a population of just over 3,000, located in the Tomé commune, 37 km north of Concepción. The town's infrastructure was heavily damaged by the February 27, 2010 tsunami, but it has since recovered and resumed normal life. Authorities have focused on restoring the town's once-thriving tourism. The bay has a half-moon shape, with calm waters ideal for water sports, making it a popular summer destination. Visitors can enjoy a variety of entertainment, including a major music festival, while the sheltered bay provides safe conditions for all types of water sports. The town offers a wide range of hotels and services, available year-round.
Explore more nearby attractions, Caleta Lenga and other beaches in Biobio
San Pedro de La Paz
Municipality with great tourist potential based on ecotourism, with lagoons suitable for sports tourism, gastronomic offer, bird watching, hiking, religious tourism, etc. It is located southwest of the Bio Bio River and has a population of about 150,000 inhabitants.Among its attractions stand out the Puente Ferroviario (Railroad Bridge), built in 1889 to connect the city of Concepción with the coal mines of Lota and the port of Coronel; Laguna Grande, a small lake of glacial origin, of shallow depth. Not suitable for swimming, but where you can practice water sports such as sailing, rowing and kayaking, members of the local rowing club have achieved important triumphs even internationally; Laguna Chica, around this lagoon there are beaches such as the Balneario Municipal, sports centers of both public and private character and nautical clubs; Amphitheater of San Pedro de la Paz, next to the Cultural Center, in a privileged setting where live shows are performed; Mouth of the Bio Bio River, the largest watercourse in the region and the second longest in Chile.
Laguna Llacolén
City of Chillán
Chillán, a Chilean city that has faced numerous challenges and reconstructions throughout its history, has built a resilient identity despite enduring natural disasters and human conflicts. Today, it remains a vital commercial and cultural hub, renowned for its lively hospitality, culinary traditions, and historical significance.
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| Hotel Alto Nevados |
Located 82 kilometers from Chillán and 194 kilometers from Concepción, the resort is surrounded by a picturesque native forest. It features a range of amenities, including mountain-style hotels, a spa, thermal pools, restaurants, a discotheque, a gym, golf and tennis courts, convention halls, and more.
Salto del Itata
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| Itata River Falls |
Salto del Itata is a stunning 75-meter waterfall on the Itata River, previously little known but offering the quintessential beauty of Southern Chile's rural landscape. Located 18 km from Yungay, in the Ñuble Province of the Biobío Region, the site is open year-round, perfect for hiking, swimming, and photography. The area is surrounded by lush native vegetation, including trees, shrubs, and wildflowers.
Continuing along the Itata River, you'll find the smaller but equally charming Saltillo del Itata waterfall. This spot features a natural pond, abundant native flora, picnic areas, camping, and excellent fishing opportunities.
City of Los Ángeles
The Chilean city of Los Ángeles is a city known for its rich history, natural beauty, colonial architecture and pleasant climate. For tourists, there are many things to do and see in Los Ángeles.
With a population of just over 220,000, it is located 510 kilometers south of Santiago, the country's capital, and 127 kilometers northeast of Concepción, the regional capital.
One of the most popular attractions is the Laguna del Laja National Park. This park features an impressive waterfall, hiking trails and beautiful natural scenery. There is also a wide variety of birds and animals to observe.
Tourists interested in history and culture can visit the Municipal Historical Museum, which displays artifacts and exhibits related to local history. In addition, the city's representative architecture, including the Cathedral of Los Angeles and other historic buildings, gives visitors the opportunity to immerse themselves in the region's cultural heritage.
Another popular attraction is the Museo de la Alta Frontera. This museum tells the history of the region and its importance in the fight for Chilean independence. There are also many artifacts and historical objects on display.
Parque Nacional Laguna del Laja
Spanning 11,600 hectares, Laguna del Laja National Park is located in the Andean foothills of the Biobío Region, in the municipality of Antuco. It is 93 km from Los Angeles and near the Argentine border. The park showcases the stunning nature of southern Chile, with several trails offering scenic views.
Popular activities include sport fishing, climbing, trekking, and wildlife observation. Within the park lies Laguna del Laja, the country’s largest natural dam, formed thousands of years ago by the eruption of the nearby Antuco Volcano—another park highlight. Antuco Volcano, approximately 10,000 years old, is one of Chile’s most renowned volcanoes. At its base, there is a memorial honoring the 45 Chilean Army conscripts who tragically died in a blizzard during a May 2005 military exercise.
Also nearby is the Sierra Velluda stratovolcano, less well-known but even more imposing than Antuco. Its northern peak, at 3,585 meters, is the highest mountain in the region.
Another attraction of the park is the Laja River, which originates in the lake of the same name. After traveling 148 kilometers westward, it forms the famous Salto del Río Laja waterfall. Just 25 km east of Antuco, visitors can also explore the El Velo de la Novia and Salto Trubunleo waterfalls. These striking cascades, located around 100 meters apart, create a gentle mist.
Lago Lanalhue
Lanalhue, meaning "Place of Lost Souls" in the native Mapudungun language, is a tranquil 32 km² lake nestled between the towns of Cañete and Contulmo, on the western slopes of the Nahuelbuta Range in Arauco Province, Biobío Region. The area offers excellent tourist services, making it an ideal destination for relaxation and adventure.
Surrounded by lush native forests of Coihues and Mañíos, visitors can enjoy a range of outdoor activities such as hiking, horseback riding, mountain biking, and water sports. The lake is also a haven for birdwatching, particularly Black-Necked Swans, which have made this area their home in recent years.
Nearby, the Elicura Valley, located close to Contulmo, is home to several Mapuche communities known as Lafkenche ("people of the coast"). Many of these communities have embraced tourism, offering visitors the chance to experience their traditional Rukas (Mapuche houses), sample local cuisine, and hear ancient legends.
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