Making the most of Talcahuano
Use these notes to shape a realistic day ashore, then confirm any time-sensitive information for the date of your call.
Arriving at the port
San Vincente is within walking distance of the docks, with Talcahuano a little farther south.
On February 27, 2010, the 8.8 magnitude 2010 Chile earthquake and following tsunami devastated Talcahuano. City government estimates put recovery from the quake and 2.5 m tsunami at 10 years.
Bring a printable map with you.
Talcahuano lies in the southern part of Chile’s central zone. Alongside ten other municipalities, it belongs to the Province of Concepción, itself one of the four provinces forming the VIII Region, or Bío-Bío Region.
Chile’s main naval base is in Talcahuano, home to the Huascár, a historic Peruvian ironclad captured in 1879 during the War of the Pacific. It also hosts the Chilean submarine fleet and the ASMAR shipyard.
Talcahuano sights include the Ventana al Mar seaside promenade, the National Monument Remolcado de Alta Mar Poderoso, the Huáscar Monitor, Ramuntcho and Rocoto beaches, the Hualpén Museum and Park, and the fish market.
Money
Small towns and communities have much lower credit-card acceptance, so take cash in the local Chilean peso when visiting them. 1 USD = 712 CLP, avoiding unpleasant surprises.
Staying connected
Chile’s official language is Spanish.
Chile’s so-called cyber-cafes are shops providing internet access, with charges varying between towns. An hour online costs approximately 4 dollars in Santiago and 6 dollars in Calama. Main hotels and lodging places also often provide their guests with internet access, in many cases at no extra charge.
Use these emergency numbers: 131 for Ambulance service, 132 Fire Brigade, 133 Carabineros (Chilean police), 135 Drug Enforcement, 136 Andean Mountain Rescue Squad and 137 Sea Rescue.
Opening Hours and
In Chile, business and trade establishments generally open to the public Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., with a 60 minute lunch break at 1 p.m. Saturday hours are 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.; malls operate Monday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.