valparaiso restaurants hotels things to do

Valparaiso after the earthquake

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.

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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

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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.

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