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.
Valparaiso after the earthquake
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We did not update the site for a while but we have a good excuse.
As Chileans are proud citizens , their national independent day does not take just one day but several days of partying. Around the 18th of September friends and family have spontaneous asados (barbecues) or join a more ‘organized’ popular event called Ramada or Fonda Guachaca. Squares are taken in by chairs, stands, barbecues and dance floors. Huasos (the traditional Chilean cowboys) show off their skills as do the drunks and the Cueca is being danced by young and old.
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.
There is way to see and understand the basics of Valparaiso’s unique geography in one day: the ‘O’.
We added Porto Viejo to our all time Valparaiso restaurant favourites. Why? Because they serve the Chilean fish classics in a no nonsense way with fresh products. Because of the correct and fast service. And because they bring new quality in an old setting, the Barrio Puerto: Valparaiso´s most traditional area and UNESCO world heritage.