Things To Do
in Concón
Concón is a coastal city in central Chile, part of the Valparaíso Region, just north of Viña del Mar. Its long sandy beaches, striking sand dunes, and rugged sea cliffs shape a relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere. The town is famed for fresh seafood, sea views, and sunset silhouettes along the costanera.
Visitors can combine beach days with easy access to nearby towns and vineyards along the coast.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Touch down in Concón and settle into your seaside accommodation with sweeping ocean views. Enjoy a fresh Chilean coffee and local pastry while you plan your first steps along the coast. Feel the gentle breeze as you walk onto the golden sands of Playa Amarilla.
Walk the shore toward the ceramics shops and sample freshly caught ceviche at a beachfront café. Let the rhythm of the waves set the pace as you discover hidden tide pools and colorful shells. Pause to take panoramic photos of the rugged coastline.
Sip a pisco sour at a terrace bar overlooking the sunset-kissed waters. Listen to live music drifting from nearby pubs as locals gather for apéro hour. Savor a seafood dinner at a renowned restaurant, tasting the day’s catch alongside crisp Chilean Sauvignon Blanc.
Rise early to beat the heat and head to the imposing Concón sand dunes for a guided sandboarding session. Feel the thrill as you glide down velvety slopes framed by the sparkling Pacific. Recharge afterward with empanadas and a fresh jugo natural under a shaded dune edge.
Join an off-road buggy tour that climbs the dunes and offers bird’s-eye views of the bay below. Stop for a picnic lunch with artisan bread, local cheeses, and charcuterie from the nearby markets. Snap photos of the dramatic contrast between golden sand and deep blue sea.
Unwind with a beachside yoga class at golden hour, the dunes glowing in the last light. Savor grilled shellfish at a casual chiringuito while chatting with local surfers. End the night with a bonfire on the sand, roasting marshmallows and sharing travel stories under the stars.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $8-12 |
| ☕Coffee | $2-4 |
| 🚌Public transit ticket | $0.80-1.50 |
| 🏨1 night in a mid-range hotel | $60-120 |
| 🍷Dinner for two at a mid-range restaurant | $25-40 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Strong seafood scene and beach access
- Close proximity to Viña del Mar and Valparaíso for day trips
- Relaxed, family-friendly vibe with coastal views
- Lower crowds and prices compared to bigger cities
- Limited nightlife compared to larger cities
- Some services and attractions may be seasonal
- Weather can be windy and cool outside summer
- "Hola" - Hello
- "Gracias" - Thank you
- "¿Cuánto cuesta?" - How much does it cost?
- "¿Dónde está el baño?" - Where is the bathroom?
- "Una mesa para dos, por favor." - A table for two, please.
- "Sin carne, por favor." - Without meat, please.
- "¿Puede recomendar un plato local?" - Can you recommend a local dish?
Places to Visit in Concón
Visit one of these nice places.
Wide sea views with dramatic Pacific sunsets and occasional public art installations.
Extensive sand dunes with wind-sculpted shapes and sea horizons, ideal for wide-angle shots.
Elevated spots offering dramatic cliff and wave photography as the sun sets.
Food in Concón
Concón Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A creamy crab pie baked in a pastry crust; best enjoyed at seafood restaurants near the coast.
Must-Try!
A rich seafood stew with clams, fish, and shellfish in a savory broth; great for sharing at beachfront eateries.
A hearty fry-up of potatoes, onions, and beef or chicken; a popular, social dish to share at casual spots.
Baked or fried beef empanadas with onions and olives; common street-food and bakery items.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Casual stalls along the costanera offering fresh seafood, snacks, and quick bites.
A small municipal market with fishmongers, fruit stands, and prepared dishes to sample.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
A polite handshake or a friendly “hola” with eye contact is common when meeting someone new.
Chilean people value politeness; avoid loud public confrontations and be patient in service contexts.
Ask for permission if photographing people, especially in intimate settings; a smile and thank you goes a long way.
Tipping is appreciated but not always mandatory; follow local cues and your service experience.
Safety
Tipping in Concón
Ensure a smooth experience
In restaurants, a tip of 10% is customary if service is not included; rounding up the bill is common for casual places.
Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in restaurants and shops; cash is handy for markets and street vendors.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Warm days with strong sun; expect crowded beaches and longer evenings; bring sunscreen and water, and plan outdoor meals by the sea.
Milder temperatures with cooler evenings; sea breezes persist; great for coastal walks and photography without peak crowds.
Cool and windy with a higher chance of rain; waves can be rough on some beaches; perfect for seafood cravings and indoor cafés.
Mild, increasing daylight; beaches become livelier again; ideal for dune walks and discovering local markets.
Concón at Night
Hiking in Concón
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A short drive away in Olmué/Quillota region; rugged trails through diverse vegetation and wildlife, with scenic viewpoints.
Near Valparaíso region; lakefront trails, birdwatching, and forested paths with gentle to moderate hikes.
Hill and ridge trails offering coastal views and surrounding valleys near the coast; suitable for day hikes.
Airports
How to reach Concón by plane.
Santiago’s main international gateway, about 120-150 km from Concón; access via car or bus/transfer to the coast.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Predominantly Chilean families and retirees living along the coast, with a steady stream of seasonal visitors.
Visitors from Santiago and other parts of Chile and abroad, drawn to seafood and beaches.
Seasonal hospitality and fishing sector workers contribute to the local economy.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
One of the most popular activities along Concón’s beaches; you’ll find surf schools and rental gear.
A common recreational activity on the sand with locals and visitors alike.
A beloved sport across Chile; you may catch a local match in town or in nearby stadiums.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Concón.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Many restaurants offer vegetarian options; look for salads, grilled vegetables, or empanadas with cheese and spinach. If unsure, ask for 'sin carne' (without meat) or 'sin gluten' if needed; plenty of sides like potatoes and vegetables are available.