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| Image: Raphael Sierra P. - Diario Concepción |
The Biobío Region, often referred to by its ancient name of "Octava Region" (Eighth Region of Chile), has an area of 23,890 km² and a population of just over 2,100,000 people, its name comes from the river that crosses the region. The regional capital is Concepcion, the largest city in Southern Chile and the second largest in the country. The population of Greater Concepcion, including Talcahuano and other adjacent municipalities, reaches nearly one million inhabitants.
Biobío is an industrial region, especially as it relates to forestry and derivatives, agribusiness, iron and steel production, oil refinery, small-scale fishing, tourism industry. The educational sector also has a good level of development, since in Concepcion are concentrated many professional institutes and universities, either private or state supported, of great importance nationwide. In addition, this region, located on average about 500 km. South of Santiago, is also rich in natural beauty and attractions.
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 Concepcion
.webp "Image: minube.com") |
| Image: minube.com |
Right in front of the Plaza de la Independencia, the historical and cultural heart of the city. Built between 1940 and 1950, it was officially inaugurated in 1964, replacing the original building, which was destroyed by a great earthquake in 1939, known as the "Chillan earthquake", which left 30,000 dead.
Inside the temple is the Museo de Arte Sagrado (Museum of Sacred Art), an artistic and historical collection. The Catholic Sanctuary is both a place of worship and a tourist attraction.
Ironclad Huascar
Historic nineteenth-century battleship, currently restored and converted into a floating museum, anchored in the port of Talcahuano, Chile's main naval base. More than once, this true relic has caused controversy between Chile and Peru. Built by British shipyards in 1863, the Monitor Huáscar was the flagship of the Peruvian Navy during the War of the Pacific. After the naval battle of Iquique, where the Huáscar encountered and sank the Chilean corvette Esmeralda, it was captured by Chile in the Battle of Angamos on October 8, 1879. In this battle died the Peruvian Admiral Miguel Grau, the greatest Peruvian naval hero.
The Huáscar, one of the oldest floating museums in the world, is more than a trophy of war, it is a symbol of brotherhood, defined by the Chilean Navy as "the floating shrine of the naval glory of Chile and Peru". After suffering the ravages of the tsunami that hit Chile on February 27, 2010, which moved the ship about 30 meters from its original position, the Monitor Huáscar was soon returned to its anchorage in the port of Talcahuano, one of the hardest hit by the waves. In 1995, the World Ship Trust awarded the Chilean Navy the Maritime Heritage Award for the excellent restoration of the Huascar and the invaluable historical testimony that this work represents for Chile and Peru.
Visiting hours: Tuesday to Sunday from 9:30 to 12:30 hrs. and from 13:30 to 19:30 hrs.
Museums in Concepción
* Museo de Historia Natural, Address: 2359 Maipú St., Plaza Acevedo. Founded in 1902 by the British naturalist Edwin Reed Brookman, this small gallery shows part of the geographical history of the Bio Bio region, Chile and South America. The permanent exhibition is divided into several sections, such as: Los Coleccionistas; Espacio Regional; El Mundo de los Fósiles, with specimens from about 65 million years ago; Presencia del Carbón: the geological history of this mineral and what it has meant to the region in human and economic terms; Objects from the Mapuche and Selknam ancestral cultures.
* Casa del Arte, art gallery located on the campus of the University of Concepcion, in front of Plaza Peru, city of Concepcion. The largest collection of Chilean paintings in the country, with more than 2,500 works, covering almost all periods. At the entrance is the mural Presencia de America Latina, painted in 1964 by the Mexican muralist Jorge González Camarena.
* Galería de la Historia, Address: Parque Ecuador, on the slopes of Cerro Caracol. This illustrative exhibition shows different historical aspects of Concepcion through miniatures, along with audio and legends that enliven the tour. It also includes exhibitions of handicrafts, silverware, instruments, clothing and utensils of the indigenous Mapuche culture. You can also see the collection of the best pieces of regional ceramics, donated by Gloria Herrera. The regional ceramic industry had a great apogee during the 20th century.
* Museo de Arte Religioso, Religious Art Museum next to the city's cathedral. Founded in 1995, it contains about 600 pieces of history, art and religious tradition of the city and the archdiocese. You can see ancient liturgical vestments, Bibles from different periods and languages, precious objects such as an ivory Christ with silver inlays donated to the Old Cathedral by King Felipe II, paintings, photographs, books, furniture and memorabilia from Pope John Paul II's visit to the city in 1987.
* Museo Geológico Profesor Lajos Biro Bagoczky, Geological Museum of the University of Concepcion. The gallery displays more than 30,000 pieces of minerals, petrified trunks, fossils and rocks, some of which are millions of years old. Online Tour Here.
Port City of Talcahuano
Founded in 1764, the port of Talcahuano, with a population of approximately 160,000, is a historic city strategically located on the bay of the same name, approximately 10 km north of Concepción, Chile's second largest city. Talcahuano suffered significant damage during the 2010 earthquake and tsunami, but has shown great resilience and determination to rebuild.
The city stands out as one of the most important port and maritime centers of the country, which includes the development of the Chilean Navy and its participation in important naval events.
The Port of Talcahuano offers a wide variety of tourist attractions, including its beautiful bay, maritime heritage, and delicious seafood gastronomy. Some other tourist attractions include the Marina del Sol Casino, a popular entertainment destination with games, restaurants and shows, Caleta Tumbes (Tumbes Cove), the Artisanal Fishing Terminal, the La Tortuga Municipal Coliseum, the Naval Museum and the Compañía de Acero del Pacífico Stadium.
Talcahuano is also an important commercial and manufacturing center, with industries such as fishing, flour milling, oil refining, steel production, shipyards and all activities related to the sea, which have contributed to its economic vitality.
Visitors can enjoy beautiful maritime landscapes, nearby beaches and a varied gastronomic offer based on fresh seafood. The Port of Talcahuano is one of the most important in Chile, which makes it an interesting place to learn about the dynamics of the port and maritime activities.
The city's historical heritage is reflected in its old buildings, such as the church of San Francisco, which dates from the 18th century. In addition, the Huáscar Museum presents the history of the Chilean Navy and its role in the War of the Pacific.
Talcahuano is also known for its welcoming atmosphere and the warmth of its people. Its strategic location and maritime importance make it an interesting destination for those who want to explore the cultural and historical richness of Chile, as well as enjoy the natural beauty of the region.
Isla Mocha (Mocha Island)
Located 35 km. from the coast on the border of the regions of Biobío and La Araucanía. Discovered in 1550, it has 14 km. long and an average of 6 km. wide, its central part covered by a lush forest. The island was a refuge for English and Dutch corsairs such as Sir Francis Drake, Olivier van Noort and Joris van Spilbergen. Many ships have sunk around its shores in ancient times, some of them laden with treasures.
Its main attraction is the Reserva Nacional Isla Mocha, managed by CONAF (National Forest Corporation). The main tourist activities are guided trekking tours of varying difficulty, horseback riding, horse-drawn carriage rides, mountain biking, scuba diving, exploring the shipwrecks around the island, bird-watching, and observing the abundant marine life, especially the spectacular colonies of sea lions. You can also enjoy water sports such as windsurfing and sport fishing.
Salto del Laja (Laja River Falls)
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| Salto del Laja Falls |
Balneario de Dichato (Dichato Beach)
Small town of just over 3,000 inhabitants located in the commune of Tomé, 37 km. N. of Concepcion, whose infrastructure was badly damaged by the tsunami of February 27, 2010, Today it has resumed its normal life and the authorities have placed special emphasis on recovering the tourist flow the town always had. The bay of Dichato has a half-moon shape, being a very closed bay with calm waters, suitable for water sports and very popular in summer. During the summer there is a wide range of entertainment, including a major music festival, while the gentle surf of its sheltered bay allows the safe practice of all kinds of water sports. The offer of hotels and services is wide and available all year round.
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
With its serene atmosphere and abundant wildlife, Laguna Llacolén is a must-see destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts visiting Concepción. Llacolén, or Laguna Chica, is a picturesque freshwater lagoon in Concepción, nestled amidst lush greenery and surrounded by rolling hills, this natural gem offers a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of city life.
Visitors can enjoy various recreational activities such as boating, kayaking and fishing in the crystal clear waters of the lagoon. The scenic trails around the lagoon offer breathtaking views and are perfect for leisurely strolls or picnics. It should be noted that Laguna Llacolén was the site of many of the nautical competitions of the 2023 Pan American Games held in Chile.
City of Chillán
Chillán is a city in Chile with a history marked by numerous challenges and reconstructions over time. Characterized by a constant struggle against adversity, whether from natural disasters or human conflicts, it has developed its identity and resilience over the centuries.
Despite these challenges, Chillán has maintained its status as an important commercial and cultural center in the region, with a vibrant hospitality and culinary tradition, in addition to its historical significance.
Nevados de Chillan
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| Hotel Alto Nevados |
Nevados de Chillán is a renowned mountain resort that stands out as a premier ski destination in Chile and internationally, offering thrilling skiing experiences in a privileged natural setting.
Located 82 kilometers from Chillán and 194 km. from Concepción, this ski resort is surrounded by a picturesque native forest. It is distinguished by excellent snow conditions and a variety of amenities, including mountain-style hotels, spa services, 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 |
City of Los Ángeles
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.
For those interested in local culture, the Municipal Market is a place not to be missed. Here you can find local products such as fruits, vegetables and handicrafts. There is also a wide variety of restaurants offering typical dishes of the region. The gastronomic offer is remarkable, with a variety of traditional Chilean dishes available in the city's restaurants. Tourists can try delicacies such as pastel de choclo (corn pie), empanadas and fresh seafood. As for nightlife, Los Angeles has a large number of bars and nightclubs.
Parque Nacional Laguna del Laja
* Laguna del Laja National Park, of 11,600 hectares, is located in the Andean foothills of the Biobio region, in the municipality of Antuco, 93 Km. from the city of Los Angeles and very close to the border with Argentina. The nature of southern Chile is wonderful and this park is no exception, inside there are several trails you can walk to enjoy the scenery. The main activities are sport fishing, climbing, trekking, wildlife observation. Within its boundaries lies the Laguna del Laja, the largest natural dam in the country, formed thousands of years ago by the eruption of the neighboring Antuco volcano, another attraction of the park. The Antuco volcano is about 10,000 years old and is one of the most famous volcanoes in Chile. At the foot of the volcano is the memorial with the names of the 45 Chilean army conscripts who died as a result of a blizzard in May 2005 during a military exercise. Nearby is the Sierra Velluda stratovolcano, a lesser known name but even more imposing than the Antuco volcano, this mountain has two main peaks, whose northern peak, at 3,585 meters, is the highest mountain in the region.
Another attraction of this national park is the Rio Laja, which rises in the lake of the same name and, after traveling 148 kilometers westward, gives rise to the famous Salto del Rio Laja. Near the Laguna del Laja National Park, 25 km. East of Antuco are also El Velo de la Novia and Salto Trubunleo, beautiful cascades of considerable height that form a gentle mist, at a distance of about 100 mts. from each other.
Lago Lanalhue
* Lanalhue, or "Place of lost Souls" in the native Mapudungun language, is a small 32 km2 lake between the towns of Cañete and Contulmo, on the western slope of the Nahuelbuta Range. in the Province of Arauco, Biobío Region. There is good infrastructure of tourist services to enjoy the place.
It is surrounded by native Coihues and Mañíos forests, where you can enjoy nature, water sports, go hiking, horseback riding, mountain biking and observe the birdlife, abundant in Black-Necked Swans that a few years ago moved to these waters to make them their home.
It is also worth mentioning the Valle de Elicura (Elicura Valley) near Contulmo, with a large number of Mapuche communities, called Lafkenche ("people from the coast"). Many of these communities have opened their doors to tourism, with the possibility of knowing their Rukas (typical Mapuche houses), tasting their gastronomy or listening to their legends.
It is also worth mentioning the Valle de Elicura (Elicura Valley) near Contulmo, with a large number of Mapuche communities, called Lafkenche ("people from the coast"). Many of these communities have opened their doors to tourism, with the possibility of knowing their Rukas (typical Mapuche houses), tasting their gastronomy or listening to their legends.
IMPORTANT UPDATE: Due to recent incidents of violence affecting the area of Lago Lanalhue and surroundings, we advise against visiting these locations for the time being. However, the government and the National Defense Command have launched a plan to ensure safety in the province of Arauco during the summer of 2023-2024. This plan includes Lake Lanalhue, situated between the municipalities of Cañete and Contulmo.
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