Valparaiso or santiago?

These are two entirely different places. Santiago is a bustling metropolis; Valpo is a seaside town built partly on a hillside.

If you are interested in literature, you can visit one of Pablo Neruda's home in Santaigo , one in Valpo, and another on the way at Isla Negra.

If you have about $100 US to spare you can rent a taxi with English speaking driver to take you from one place to the other, making stops along the way to visit Chilean vineyards.

There is a great hotel in Santiago (Hotel Orly) which is situated near wonderful eateries and close to public transit. Hotels in Valpo are proportionately more expensive but have great views of the port.

Whenever we visit Chile we visit both places, for the totally different ambience in each. We like Valpo because of its artistic character, and Santiago because of its Joie de vivre. You will not go wrong by choosing either or both.

FYI, there are organized tours departing from either venue if you happen to like that sort of thing. We prefer to do things on our own and be masters of our time.