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| Salto del Laja, one of south-central Chile's most iconic waterfalls |
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), home to an important artistic and historical collection. Today, this Catholic sanctuary functions both as an active place of worship and a significant tourist attraction.
The Huáscar is a 19th-century ironclad turret ship, fully restored and preserved as a floating museum in the port of Talcahuano, Chile’s main naval base. Built in the mid-1860s in England, it originally served as the flagship of the Peruvian Navy during the War of the Pacific.
The ship is best known for its role in the 1879 naval Battle of Iquique and for its capture by Chilean forces later that year at the Battle of Angamos, where Peruvian Admiral Miguel Grau—Peru’s most revered naval hero—was killed. These events have made the Huáscar a lasting symbol of shared and often contested Chilean–Peruvian naval history.
Today, it is considered one of the oldest ironclad warships still afloat and open to the public. More than a war relic, the Huáscar is officially recognized by the Chilean Navy as a symbol of the naval heritage of both nations.
The ship survived the devastating 2010 earthquake and tsunami, which displaced it from its moorings, and was later returned to its original position. In 1995, the World Ship Trust awarded the Chilean Navy its Maritime Heritage Award for the vessel’s exceptional restoration.
Located in the Port of Talcahuano, the Huáscar offers visitors a unique opportunity to explore a key chapter of South American naval history.
Visiting Information
The Huáscar is open to the public Tuesday through Sunday, generally during morning and afternoon hours. It is closed on Mondays, and schedules may vary on holidays, so visitors are advised to check official sources before planning their visit.
- Museo de Historia Natural — 2359 Maipú St., Plaza Acevedo. Founded in 1902 by British naturalist Edwin Reed Brookman, this museum presents the natural and cultural history of the Biobío region and South America. Its permanent exhibits include sections such as Los Coleccionistas (telling the museum’s history), Mundo de los Fósiles with fossils dating back about 65 million years, displays on the region’s ecosystems, and Presencia del Carbón, which explores the geological history of coal and its importance to local communities and industry. Many natural science, archaeological, ethnographic, and historical objects are on display.
- Casa del Arte — On the campus of the University of Concepción, facing Plaza Perú.
This art museum houses one of the most comprehensive collections of Chilean paintings outside Santiago, with works spanning many periods of Chilean art. A highlight is the mural Presencia de América Latina, painted in 1964 by Mexican artist Jorge González Camarena, located in the entrance hall.
- Gallery of History (Galería de la Historia) — Parque Ecuador, at the base of Cerro Caracol.
Opened in 1983, this museum uses dioramas and displays to tell key episodes in the history of Concepción, its metropolitan area, and the Biobío region. It also features exhibitions of Mapuche crafts, tools, clothing and other historical artifacts. Additionally, it includes a regional ceramics collection.
- Museum of Religious Art (Museo de Arte Religioso) — Next to Concepción’s cathedral (Caupolicán 441).
Administered by the Universidad Católica de la Santísima Concepción, this museum preserves a collection of religious art and artifacts related to the Catholic Church and archdiocese. The collection includes liturgical vestments, sacred objects, paintings, and memorabilia relating to local church history.
- Professor Lajos Biró Bagoczky Geological Museum (Museo Geológico Profesor Lajos Biró Bagoczky) — University of Concepción campus, Barrio Universitario.
This geological museum features a large collection of minerals, fossils, petrified wood, and rocks that illustrate Earth’s geological history. It is considered one of the most important geological collections in the Biobío region.
Talcahuano is a historic Chilean port city founded in 1764, located about 10 km north of Concepción. It has approximately 150,000–160,000 residents and is one of the country’s most important maritime, industrial, and naval centers.
Although the city suffered severe damage during the 2010 earthquake and tsunami, Talcahuano has since recovered and remains a key contributor to Chile’s economy and port activity.
Major attractions include the Monitor Huáscar museum ship at the Naval Base, Caleta Tumbes, the Artisanal Fishing Terminal, and scenic views of the bay, all reflecting the city’s strong maritime identity.
Today, Talcahuano is also internationally recognized for the work of ASMAR (Astilleros y Maestranzas de la Armada), whose shipyards have gained significant global relevance in naval construction, ship repair, and large-scale maritime engineering projects, reinforcing the city’s position as a leading hub in the naval industry.
Located about 35 km off the coast between the Biobío and La Araucanía regions, Mocha Island was discovered in 1550 and is known for its dense forests and rich maritime history, including corsair activity and historic shipwrecks.
Its main attraction is the Isla Mocha National Reserve, where visitors can enjoy hiking, birdwatching, and observation of sea lion colonies, as well as activities such as diving, sport fishing, and other outdoor adventures.
Salto del Laja (Laja River Falls)
One of the top attractions in the Biobío Region, Salto del Laja is located between the cities of Los Angeles and Chillán, just off Route 5 South (Panamerican Highway), 479 km south of Santiago.
The falls feature four stunning waterfalls, ranging from 40 to 55 meters in height. While climate change has caused fluctuations in water levels, Salto del Laja remains a must-see destination in southern Chile. The surrounding area offers a wide range of tourist services for visitors.
Balneario de Dichato (Dichato Beach)
Dichato is a small coastal town of just over 3,000 residents, located in the commune of Tomé, about 37 km north of Concepción. The town was severely affected by the February 27, 2010 tsunami, but has since recovered and rebuilt its infrastructure, reviving its traditional tourism activity.
Set around a crescent-shaped bay with calm, sheltered waters, Dichato is an ideal destination for water sports and summer recreation. The town hosts a popular music festival and offers a wide range of accommodations and services available year-round, making it a welcoming seaside resort for visitors.
Explore more nearby attractions, Caleta Lenga and other beaches in Biobio
San Pedro de La Paz
San Pedro de la Paz is a municipality of around 150,000 residents, located southwest of the Biobío River, and is known for its strong ecotourism appeal. Its natural setting makes it ideal for activities such as water sports, birdwatching, hiking, gastronomy, and religious tourism.
Key attractions include the historic Railway Bridge, built in 1889 to link Concepción with the coal-mining areas of Lota and the port of Coronel; Laguna Grande, a shallow glacial lake used for sailing, rowing, and kayaking, where local rowing clubs have achieved international success; Laguna Chica, surrounded by beaches, sports facilities, and nautical clubs; the San Pedro Amphitheater and Cultural Center, which hosts live performances; and the mouth of the Biobío River, the region’s largest river 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.
Nevados de Chillán
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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.
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| Itata River Falls |
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—often translated from the native Mapudungun language as “Place of Lost Souls”—is a tranquil lake covering approximately 32 km², nestled between the towns of Cañete and Contulmo on the western slopes of the Nahuelbuta Range, in Arauco Province, Biobío Region. The area offers a good range of tourist services, making it an appealing destination for both relaxation and outdoor adventure.
Surrounded by lush native forests of coihues and mañíos, the lake provides opportunities for activities such as hiking, horseback riding, mountain biking, and water sports. It is also a notable spot for birdwatching, particularly for black-necked swans, which have increasingly made the area their habitat in recent years.
Nearby, the Elicura Valley—located close to Contulmo—is home to several Mapuche Lafkenche communities (“people of the coast”). Many of these communities have incorporated community-based tourism, inviting visitors to experience traditional rukas (Mapuche houses), taste local cuisine, and learn about ancestral stories and traditions.
Travel Note: As with any destination, visitors are encouraged to stay informed about current local conditions and follow official travel recommendations when planning a visit to the Lake Lanalhue area.
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