Situated 16 km northeast of the city of Concepción in the bay of Talcahuano, it has a population of 277,752 and is a port in the Bay of Concepción and San Vicente. It is the main military, industrial and fishing port of this region of the country.

The main Chilean naval base is found in Talcahuano, close to the Naval Academy.

When in Talcahuano and around you should visit the seaside promenade Ventana al Mar, the Remolcado de Alta Mar Poderoso, declared a National Monument, the Huáscar Monitor, the beaches of Ramuntcho and Rocoto, the Hualpén Museum and Park, and the fish market.