Puente Llacolén, Road bridge in San Pedro de la Paz and Concepción, Chile

The Puente Llacolén is a road bridge in Chile that spans the Biobío River, linking San Pedro de la Paz on the south bank to Concepción on the north. It carries four vehicle lanes and a separate path reserved for pedestrians and cyclists, lined with benches along the way.

The bridge was built to meet growing demand for an additional crossing between Concepción and the south bank of the Biobío River. A major earthquake in 2010 damaged part of its roadway, and for a period it became the only usable link between the two sides.

The name of the bridge honors a Mapuche leader and his daughter, a reference that most people in the region recognize when they cross. Near its southern end, a small lake connects the site to old stories from Mapuche tradition.

The bridge is easy to reach from both sides of the river, and the dedicated pedestrian and cyclist path offers a crossing away from vehicle traffic. Wind and rain can make the on-foot or cycling crossing more demanding, so checking the weather before setting out is a good idea.

At the midpoint of the bridge, on the boundary between San Pedro de la Paz and Concepción, stand two large statues facing travelers: on the right side heading toward San Pedro de la Paz, one represents Saint Peter welcoming the commune; on the right side heading toward Concepción, the other represents the Immaculate Conception welcoming the city center.