Introducing Concepción
Travel Alert: A strong earthquake hit the central Maule region of Chile at the end of February causing considerable damage to Concepción. An aftershock measuring 6.9 occurred south of Valparaíso on 11 March. Any travellers visiting the city should exercise caution and monitor news reports. Check Safe Travel for current government warnings, or the BBC for news on the situation.
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Industry, convenient energy resources, port facilities and universities have combined to make Concepción the second most important city in Chile after Santiago. Concepción is not a particularly scenic city, but it has an infectious hustle and bustle, and there are pleasant plazas, pedestrian malls and galerías (shopping malls). The nightlife is also rocking, a result of the town's large student population.
The inhabitants of Concepción are known as Penquistas after the city's original site at the nearby town of Penco.
Last updated: Mar 11, 2010
