In Chile you find the best skiing opportunities in Latin America. Professional skiers from the Northern hemisphere find their thrills during Chilean winter but amateur snow lovers also trap on boards and skis. From Valparaiso it only takes about 2 1/2 hours to reach beautiful slopes and well equipped resorts. Where else then in Valparaiso to have breakfast with ocean view in the morning, a full day in the Andes and after ski diner or drinks in a Valparaiso bar or restaurant?
Michael from Valposki organizes ski trips with guaranteed departure on Saturdays. Groups get special rates of course.
Category Archives: about chile
Sails South America 2010
Chile is celebrating its 200th birthday with an array of events, one of them is an international sailing race. On Tuesday the 13th of April, 11 participants of the 2010 Sailing Race will moor in Valparaiso. The meeting and race is organized by the Chilean and Argentinian Armada, while participants Colombia, Venezuela and Mexico also look back on their recent history. (Foto: Velas Sudamerica website)
Valparaiso after the earthquake
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Last Saturday, Chile was hit by a mayor earthquake and Valparaiso was very very lucky. Slowely life is taking it’s normal pace again in the Fifth Region. It will take longer in the South of the country and we send all are strength to everybody suffering the consequences of the earthquake. Travelling in Chile is safe, there will always be tectonic activity, but nothing to worry about. Here in Valparaiso you will find no problems in getting around, admiring the urbanic landscape, having a nice diner, visiting a cafe or doing whatever visitors did before in Valparaiso.
Traditional Tea at Cafe Con letras
Chileans traditionally have their tea, also known as onces, around 7pm. Cafe Con Letras is a cosy, quiet place to try a typical Chilean tea, including a sandwich, pie, coffee or tea. The place offers a dozen tables surrounded by bookstands, feel free to browse through them. In 2009, they won the prize for the best once patrimonial in Valparaiso for the second time. For CLP3.500 you have coffee or tea, homemade pie, crunchy sopaipillas and a sandwich. Our personal favourite at Cafe Con Letras is a steaming hot chocolate with an incredible kuchen de manzana, best described as a reversed apple crumble, outside at the tiny terrace.You find Café con Letras on the corner of Almirante Montt where Cerro Alegre and Cerro Concepción meet. Check www.cafeconletras.cl
restaurant tips and (dirty) tricks
Something has been drawing my attention the latest weeks in Valparaiso. Several restaurants add a (credit card) note with a 10% extra on top of the normal bill. They then return the change that corresponds to this note and not to the real amount of the check. When I look at other people’s checks, or better Chilean people checks, this does not occur. My conclusion is that in some restaurants staff try to take their 10% tip, whether I like it or not, and because I look European/Gringo. Do not accept this if it happens to you because it is illegal. Always ask for the right change and then leave the tip you wish to leave. Do not feel embarrassed to explain this in your ‘horrible’ Spanish because that is what some people are counting on. Just stay friendly and calm, ask for the right change, and this extra note practice will disapear as fast as it came.
Note: Waiters and waitresses in Chile have a very low basic salary. Half of their income is depending on your tips. If you are happy with the service, a voluntary 10% tip is standard. You can always leave more of course.
Rene and Carolina’s Valpo experiences
Rene and Carolina run the friendly Bed and Breakfast La Nona. They are very keen on taking their clients to the best spots and experiences in the region so that’s why I asked them what their ‘Valparaiso top 3′ is.
1. A visit to the Casablanca wine valley. Casablanca is known for its whites but is building a reputation on red wines. 25 vineyards at a short drive from Valparaiso.
2. Horseback riding in Ritoque. To Rene and Carolina this is the best way to connect with the natural beauty of Chile’s fifth region. Ritoque´s dunes, a soft sea breeze and a blue sky are the perfect setting for a ride on men´s second best friend.
3. Lunch at Deportistas. This family run restaurant, hidden in Valparaiso´s Cerro O´Higgins is only known by insiders. You can have chicken or fish but people come for the meat. The owners are proud to serve Uruguay´s best quality meat. Lunch at Deportistas is abundant, high quality and a social experience.
More information at info@bblanona.com