the best coworking spaces and wi-fi cafes in concepción (as told by a slightly chaotic digital nomad)
okay, so concepción. i didn't expect much. i thought it'd be another dusty chilean city where the wi-fi dies every time it rains. but surprise, surprise-it's got some solid spots for working remotely, and the coffee scene? not half bad. i'm talking about the kind of places where you can actually get shit done without wanting to throw your laptop out the window.
*the weather here is a mood. one minute it's sunny, the next it's drizzling like the sky's having an identity crisis. but that's part of the charm, right? also, santiago and valparaíso are just a short flight or bus ride away if you need a change of scenery or a break from the chaos.coworking spaces that won't make you regret your life choices
1. cowork concepción
this place is legit. fast wi-fi, decent coffee, and the vibe is more "we're all in this together" than "i'm silently judging your life choices." rent is about $200/month for a hot desk, which is a steal compared to santiago. the only downside? sometimes the aircon sounds like it's plotting a coup.2. hub concepción
if you're into the whole "startup energy" thing, this is your spot. it's got that open-plan, let's-disrupt-something energy, but without the pretentiousness. wi-fi is solid, and they have free snacks. yes, free snacks. i'm not saying i stayed an extra hour just for the chips, but i'm not not saying that either.wi-fi cafes that won't make you want to cry
1. café del centro
this place is a gem. the wi-fi is fast enough to stream netflix without buffering, and the coffee is actually good. like, not-the-watered-down-liquidy-stuff good. the only downside is it gets crowded around lunchtime, so get there early if you want a seat with an outlet.2. pan y café
if you're a bread person (and let's be real, who isn't?), this is your spot. the wi-fi is decent, the pastries are chef's kiss*, and the staff doesn't give you the side-eye for staying too long. just don't forget to order something every now and then-they're not running a charity here.
random facts about concepción (because why not)
- rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center is around $400/month. not bad, right?
- the unemployment rate is about 7%, which is slightly higher than the national average, but there's a growing tech scene if you're into that.
- safety-wise, it's not the most dangerous city in chile, but don't go wandering around alone at 3am with your phone out. use your brain.
overheard gossip and drunk advice
"don't go to that one café on the corner of aníbal pinto and barros arana. the wi-fi is slower than a sloth on tranquilizers, and the barista once gave me decaf instead of espresso. i'm still not over it."
"if you need a break, check out the bio bio river. it's not exactly a hidden gem, but it's a nice spot to clear your head. just don't fall in-the water's colder than your ex's heart."
final thoughts
concepción isn't perfect, but it's got a lot going for it if you're a digital nomad or just someone who needs a decent place to work. the coworking spaces are solid, the cafes are decent, and the cost of living won't make you want to cry into your avocado toast. just bring a raincoat and a sense of humor, and you'll be fine.
check out cowork concepción on tripadvisor
find more cafes on yelp
join the concepción digital nomads facebook group
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