Concepción

Overview

Concepción, Chile is located along the Bio Bio river next to the Pacific coast,  Concepción is the second largest city in Chile with a  population of over 1,000,000 when combined with its  neighboring cities Talcahuano. 

Here you will find one of the main ports of Chile, some of the  biggest coal mines, and a large Naval base.  If you visit the naval base you can take a tour on the peruvian battleship  "Huascar"  that defeated Arturo Prat, a great Chilean Navy hero during the Pacific War.

Some of the main things to do in Concepción would be to visit  a few of the museums and see the beautiful campus of the University of Concepción.  Definately visit the "Pinacoteca", at the University of Concepcion's art gallery.  Housed there as you walk in is the mural Presence of Latin America by Mexican muralist Jorge Gonzalez Camarena.

If you like nature you'll want to rent a car, get out of town and  see the natural beauty of the area. You can drive along the beautiful coast, stop and explore the beaches or go hiking in the national parks that are nearby.  You can also easily hop on a bus up or down the coast for a day trip.

Chile-travel.com has provided a few links for you to visit which  should make your trip to Concepción, whether for business or  pleasure, more enjoyable

History

Concepción was founded by Pedro de Valdivia in 1550 north of the Bío-Bío River, at the site which is today known as Penco. At that time it was given the name Concepción del Nuevo Extremo. More than once the city has been destroyed by earthquakes and tsunamis. One in 1570, another on the 25 of May, 1751, at which point it was decided to move Concepción further from the sea to its present location in the Mocha Valley. Today Concepción is the second largest city of the country. The Universidad de Concepción, founded in 1919, and with its main campus in the city became the first private university in Chile. The neighbouring harbour of Talcahuano holds the largest naval base in the country.