Peru vs Bolivia, which country to choose?
Peru and Bolivia, both located in South America, attract travellers with their cultural riches, spectacular landscapes and ancestral relics. However, there are significant differences between the two countries that may influence your choice of destination.
Natural landscapes
Peru is famous for its varied landscape, from the mountains of the Andes to the coastal deserts and Amazon jungle. Iconic sites such as Machu Picchu, Lake Titicaca and the Cordillera Blanca attract millions of visitors every year.
Bolivia is also known for its impressive landscapes, including the Salar d'Uyuni, the world's largest salt desert, as well as its high plateaus, high-altitude lakes and volcanoes. Madidi National Park offers a unique experience in the Bolivian jungle.
Culture and history
Peru has a rich pre-Columbian, colonial and modern history. Archaeological sites such as Machu Picchu and the Nazca lines offer a fascinating glimpse into Inca civilization, while cities such as Cusco and Lima boast remarkable Spanish colonial architecture.
Bolivia also boasts a rich history and culture, with historic sites such as the ruins of Tiwanaku and picturesque colonial towns like Sucre and Potosí. Indigenous culture is also very present, especially in rural areas.
Activities and adventures
Peru offers a range of activities for adventure seekers, including hiking the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, trekking in the Cordillera Blanca, rafting in tumultuous rivers and wildlife watching in the Amazon jungle.
Bolivia is also a popular destination for adventurous travelers, with opportunities for trekking in the Andes, mountain biking along the death trails of La Paz, and of course, exploring the Salar d'Uyuni, which offers unique opportunities for photography.
Cost of living and tourism
In general, Peru tends to be a little more expensive than Bolivia for travelers, especially in tourist areas like Cusco and Machu Picchu. However, it is possible to travel at different budgets in both countries.
Bolivia has long been considered one of the cheapest destinations in South America, offering affordable accommodation, meals and activities.
However, be warned: Bolivia is a country with very few tourists, so there are few hotel, transport and sightseeing offers. If you travel locally (local buses, simple hotels, refuges...) Bolivia is indeed less expensive than Peru. If you want more comfort, with private tours and more comfortable hotels (as in the Lipez desert), this is not necessarily the case.
Accessibility:
Peru: Peru has a more developed tourist infrastructure network than Bolivia, with more frequent domestic flights and more comfortable bus connections.
Bolivia: Bolivia can be more difficult to explore, due to long distances and sometimes rudimentary infrastructures.
Which country to choose?
The choice between Peru and Bolivia depends on your priorities and travel style:
If you're looking for a trip rich in cultural and archaeological discoveries, with varied landscapes and a well-developed tourist infrastructure, Peru is an excellent choice.
If you're drawn to spectacular landscapes and outdoor adventures, Bolivia could be the ideal destination. Or better still, if time and budget allow, why not visit both?
Here are a few more tips for choosing your destination:
Interests: If you're passionate about history and archaeology, Peru is a must. If you love nature and high-altitude landscapes, Bolivia will seduce you.
Season: The dry season (May to October) is the best time to visit Peru and Bolivia, but prices are higher and there are more tourists. The wet season (November to April) offers lower prices and fewer people, but some sites may be inaccessible.
Length of trip: If you don't have much time, concentrate on the highlights of a single country. If you have more time, combine the two destinations for a complete experience.
Remember, the important thing is to choose the destination that best suits your desires and your budget. Whether you choose Peru or Bolivia, you're guaranteed an unforgettable trip!
Our trips to Peru
Our trips in Bolivia
No travels combined Peru & Bolivia
