CONCEPCIÓN IN 24 HOURS.
Concepción, Chile. This beautiful coastal town flies under the radar a bit, thanks to other better-known Chilean destinations such as Santiago, Viña del Mar, and of course Punta Arenas. However, the Chilean capital of rock & roll, affectionately known as Conce, is well worth a visit. Here are the top five things to see and do if you only have 24 hours in town, like I did.
Full disclosure: I had about 27 hours here. But, "Concepción in 27 Hours" just sounded weird. I digress.
HIKE TO MIRADOR ALEMÁN
Okay, so the path to this viewpoint alternates between cobblestone and dirt roads, so it’s not really a hike. It is, however, worth the initial climb directly from the eastern part of town and the 6 kilometers roundtrip that follow. You’ll pass no less than 3 magnificent viewpoints that afford you panoramic vistas of Concepción’s growing skyline, and wind your way through surprisingly towering trees and old-growth forests. Finally, you’ll arrive at Mirador Alemán, a recently reconstructed German-style lookout tower that affords you more views as well as a glimpse into history.
The path is well signed, and even features bathrooms along the way. Great mountain biking trails are nearby, as well as paths to small waterfalls and ample picnic areas. In the middle of a sea of evergreens, the sounds of the city below are drowned out and you'll find plenty of places, and moments, to reflect.
On a side note, I did see a plump, furry tarantula on this hike, so keep your eyes peeled.
VISIT MEMORIAL DE 27F
Yes, Google reviews state that this place is poorly taken care of, and locals advised me that it's not in the best part of town. However, this avant-garde monument to those who lost their lives in the Feb. 27, 2010 earthquake and subsequent tsunami that struck Concepción is an emotive, unique set of pillars that is particularly beautiful at sunset, since it neighbors the Bío Bío River to its west.
STROLL THE CAMPUS OF UNIVERSIDAD DE CONCEPCIÓN
Visiting a university campus seemed odd to me as well. But the front desk guy at my hotel insisted it was worth it. He was right. This university's immaculate campus features an iconic clock tower, a duck pond, a huge arch (the Arco de Medicina) built into a building, and a variety of sculptures. All of these sights are in close proximity to each other. When I visited, I also saw a lot of people my age ostensibly doing the tourist thing as well, so don't worry. Regardless of how many trips around the sun you've taken, you won't be the only creepy old person there.
HEAD TO PLAZA ACEVEDO FOR THE DINOSAURS
Online reviews said that this city park, which boasts nearly life-size dinosaur sculptures, was poorly taken care of, much like Memorial de 27F. To be fair, graffiti abounded, but this is par for the course for much of Chile. Regardless, I loved this park. Giant theropod footprints, a series of hatching dino egg sculptures, a "flying" pterodactyl, and my personal favorite, three sauropods playfully wrestling with each other. This place really gives you a sense of the sheer size of these amazing creatures that once walked the Earth. Plus, entry is free, just like everything else on this list!
HANG OUT IN PARQUE ECUADOR
This park is cooler than your city's best park. Unless, of course, you live in Mexico City. However, Parque Ecuador, adjacent to the start of the path to Mirador Alemán, has it all. Playgrounds. Bouncy houses. Sculptures. Giant trees. Bike paths. Skate parks. A small waterfall. Take your time strolling through this long, narrow green space, then stop by the ruins of Teatro Enrique Molina Garmendia, a 19th-century theater right across the street, on your way out. Got more time? Grab a pint of local craft beer and some delicious food at Latitude 42, which also borders the park.
HONORABLE MENTIONS
No trip to the majority of cities in Latin America would be complete without visiting the Plaza de Armas. Concepción's doesn't disappoint, and boasts an enormous fountain, a variety of sculptures, and a happening vibe.
Great eats can be had near Plaza Perú and down the Diagonal Pedro Aguirre Cerda. In search of craft beer? Head to La Pinta and Kunstmann Craftbar. There's also lots of great live music in Conce, so grab a show at Malpaso or El Averno if you have time!
All in all, Concepción has a little of everything. A touch of the grittiness of Santiago, a little of the peaceful, relaxed vibe of Concón, a dash of the natural beauty of Southern Chile. Throw in great food and friendly people, and this is a city that you'll definitely want to spend more than 24 (or even 27) hours in.
