Peru vs Ecuador: Which Should You Pick For Your Next Trip?

With big-ticket destinations such as the Galapagos Islands and Machu Picchu, both Ecuador and Peru are on many travelers’ bucket lists.

But you have time to visit just one, which should you choose and why?

Ecuador’s big pull is the Galapagos Islands, although this unique destination is actually 900 kilometers (560 miles) off its coast.

However, there are many other reasons to visit Ecuador, including historic cities, glacier-clad volcanoes,  stunning beaches and wildlife-rich jungle

Further south and the majority of visitors are drawn to Peru by Machu Picchu, the mystical mountain-top citadel.

But Peru’s gastronomy, incredible mountain hiking, accessible and exceptionally biodiverse rainforest, world-class surfing, and other archaeological gems now attract a more varied crowd.

Read on to explore different aspects of travel in both countries to help you decide which one you should visit.

Best for archeological sites: Peru 

Both countries have a rich history and culture. However, Peru has some of the most significant and impressive archaeological sites in Latin America.

Machu Picchu is the obvious one, set in the clouds near the city of Cusco, and is a key reason most travelers visit Peru.

For those looking for less crowded, but equally impressive sites, Kuelap and Choquequirao don’t disappoint.

Peru has even more ancient sites too. Caral, north of Lima, is thought to be the oldest city in the Americas and one of the oldest in the world.

Chavin de Huantar, near Huaraz, is over 3,000 years old and boasts carved stone heads and a labyrinth of tunnels, and remarkably few visitors.

The Nazca Lines, perhaps the most mysterious sites in Peru, are also over 2,000 years old.

These massive geoglyphs are carved into the desert, so are best seen from the air. They depict various animals as well as weirder images like an astronaut.

Heading to Eucador? There are plenty of archaeological sites in Ecuador too, although most aren’t as well preserved/restored as their Peruvian counterparts.

With its perfectly carved walls and curved structures, Ingapirca, in the south of the country, is probably the most impressive.

Best for wildlife: Ecuador 

Both Peru and Ecuador are classified as megadiverse countries, thanks to their incredible biodiversity.

From long coastlines to deep Amazon rainforest and Andean highlands, including peaks of over 6,000 meters (19,685 feet).

Let’s start with the obvious: the Galapagos Islands. This archipelago of over 120 volcanic islands and islets, 900 kilometers (560 miles) off the coast of Ecuador, takes wildlife watching to the next level. 

Aside from the fact there are so many species packed into such a small area, it’s the uniqueness of many of them that draws wildlife watchers from all over the world. 

The giant tortoises are the main attraction, alongside the colorful red- and blue-footed boobies.

The marine iguanas, Galapagos penguins, flightless cormorants, playful sea lions, and giant frigate birds are other impressive sights.

Back on the mainland, there is little to separate these countries. They each have over 21,000 species of animals and plants, including thousands of endemic species.

There are distinctive camelids, like the alpaca, llama, and vicuña (although you see them more in Peru), spectacled bears, big cats – including pumas, jaguars, and ocelots – a plethora of reptiles and amphibians, and in certain spots, the pink river dolphin. 

Peru has more bird species than Ecuador, not that you’ll notice, since that number is upwards of 1,600! Hummingbirds range from the Amazon basin to the Andes, while the rainforest is full of brightly colored parrots. 

So, my pick for this category? Peru is incredible, but if you have the money for a trip to the Galapagos Islands, Ecuador is better.

Heading to Peru? One of the easiest places to spot Peru’s wealth of wildlife is in the Amazon Jungle, so spend a few nights in Tambopata Research Center.

This pioneering research lodge just outside Puerto Maldonado gives you a chance to participate in citizen science and spy creatures such as South American tapir and, if you’re lucky, jaguars.

Best for luxury travel: Peru and Ecuador

After Italy, Peru has the most Belmond hotels in the world, with four in the Cusco region (Monasterio,
Palacio Nazarenas, Sanctuary Lodge, Rio Sagrado), placing the country firmly in the luxury travel market.

Additionally, there are hundreds of other high-end accommodations in the main cities and tourist destinations.

Peru also boasts two luxury train services (also run by Belmond). The Hiram Bingham serves Machu Picchu and includes gourmet food and entertainment onboard.

The Andean Explorer runs between Cusco, Puno, and Arequipa offering luxury sleeper cars, gourmet meals, lounge and observation cars, and spa treatments on the move!

There are some lovely high-end lodges in the Amazon basin, including properties such as Inkaterra Reserva Amazonica, where a spa allows you to relax amidst the sounds of the rainforest, and modern bedrooms open directly onto the jungle and have their own plunge pools.

But no lodges have air-con, so if you’re looking to stay cool while heading deep into the Amazon – and to places few others go – you’ll want to take a cruise instead.

In Peru, Delfin Amazon Cruises and Aqua Expeditions depart from Iquitos.

In Ecuador, you’ll find Anakonda Amazon Cruises. All three run three-to-seven-night river cruises.

Heading to Ecuador? While there are no Belmond properties in Ecuador, there is plenty of luxury available! Quito has several luxury hotels including Casa Gangotena and the Plaza Grande Hotel. 

Outside the capital, properties such as the Hacienda Zuleta near Otavalo and the Mashpi Lodge in the cloud forest, offer high-end experiences including opulent accommodations and exclusive activities.

Luxury also abounds in the Galapagos Islands. From the exclusive Pikaia Lodge and glamping at the Safari Camp, to exclusive, high-end yachts, you can tour the islands in absolute luxury, whether you choose a land-based or cruise adventure. 

Best for hiking: Peru 

While there is undoubtedly great hiking in Ecuador, I have to pick Peru for this one! 

If you’re looking for Inca trails, high-altitude mountain treks, or hikes through the cloud forest, Peru has it all. 

The Classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is what usually comes to mind when Inca Trails are mentioned. But it’s not the only one!

There are hundreds of other sections of Inca trail throughout the country, including some beautiful sections near Huaraz, that were once part of the main road that traversed the Andes.

For mountain hikes, the Ausangate circuit and Salkantay Trail near Cusco and the Huayhuash circuit near Huaraz are hard to beat. 

Alternatively, Gocta Falls and Kuelap in the north, or Vitcos and Vilcabamba in the south take you deeper into the cloud forest. 

See our Best Hikes in Peru article for our recommendations.

Heading to Ecuador? The five-day Condor Trek is a spectacular way to enjoy Ecuador’s highlands, whilst the Quilotoa Crater Circuit is a stunning day hike. 

The Inca trail ending at the impressive site of Ingapirca is great for those seeking connection to history and there are many short, but beautiful hikes on the Galapagos Islands.

Best for beaches: Ecuador

With over 2,250km of coastline, it’s no wonder that Peru is a world-class surfing destination. In fact, some people believe that surfing may have been invented here!

However, because all of Peru’s coastline is desert, the beaches don’t have the tropical island beach vibe you might be looking for. 

This is where Ecuador comes in. Straddling the equator, Ecuador has much warmer seas than most of Peru and a more varied coastline.

From party beaches and water sports hubs to secluded, jungle-clad bays, Ecuador has something for everyone. 

And then we factor in the Galapagos Islands. Here, you can find Caribbean-esque white-sand beaches and others covered with volcanic black sand, all bordering crystalline turquoise waters.

The tropical climate and excellent snorkeling and scuba diving make this the island beach destination you’ve been dreaming of!

Heading to Peru? There are craggy bays south of Lima and seemingly never-ending stretches of sand in the north.

Many consider the best beaches to be around Mancora and Tumbes in the north, not least because the waters are much warmer.

Best for budget travel: Peru and Ecuador 

While Peru and Ecuador have many luxurious options on offer, they’re both great for budget travelers too.

Touristic cities and the capitals are more expensive than smaller towns, but dorm accommodation is available from $10 USD per night. In smaller towns, you can find local “hospedajes” offering basic private rooms (shared bath) for under $15 USD.

Basic food is also cheap in both countries. There are markets, supermarkets, and small shops everywhere, so if you have somewhere you cook, you can eat for under $10 USD a day.

You can also get decent meals in local restaurants or markets for under $5 USD.

Bus travel is cheap and relatively comfortable. It may seem more expensive in Peru, but since the distances covered are bigger, pricing is similar.

For example, the 1,000-kilometer (620-mile), 21-hour journey between Cusco and Lima costs as little as $20 USD.

A note on bus comfort The intercity buses in Peru and Ecuador are generally rather a lot more comfortable than those in the UK; US and Europe. Seats tend to be bigger, more padded, and recline more. Pricier overnight services have seats that recline 160° with loads of legroom. However, road conditions greatly affect comfort, particularly in Peru. The mountain roads are very winding and full of potholes. This can disrupt sleep on overnight journeys and sometimes cause motion sickness in people who usually aren’t affected. On cheaper bus services, legroom is likely to be reduced and seats or other amenities may be broken. You’ll likely have to contend with extreme temperatures (as cooling/ heating systems are inefficient) and bad music at full volume.

In general, domestic flights can be a little cheaper in Peru, costing from $40 USD one way. However, prices vary in both countries depending on the route, time of day/year, airline, and how far in advance you book.

Organized tours and activities tend to be more expensive in Ecuador. For example, a day tour to the Quilotoa Lake from Quito costs from $60 USD, while similar hiking tours in Peru, for example to Rainbow Mountain in Cusco or Laguna 69 in Huaraz, start at $20 USD.

The Galapagos Islands is not a budget destination. Even trips labeled as “budget” will set you back at least $800 USD. Return flights and the park entrance fee alone cost $400 USD. 

Machu Picchu is another destination that feels pricey, but you can do a two-day trip for under $120 USD. See our Machu Picchu on a Budget article for details.

Best for gastronomy: Peru 

While Ecuadorians might not be happy about this, Peru wins this category hands down. Peruvian food was ranked as the tenth-best world cuisine by the Taste Atlas for 2024. 

Ceviche – made from raw fish, marinaded in lime juice, and with spicy rocoto chili pepper – is a nationwide favorite. Lomo saltado is another flagship dish that combines Peruvian and Asian flavors.

For the more adventurous, the Andean dish of cuy (roasted guinea pig) is a must-try (in fancier restaurants, they’ll even take the head and feet off for you!).

Alpaca is another exotic meat on offer, which is deliciously tender and mild.

The ingredients are a big part of what makes Peruvian food so good. Being so large and biodiverse, Peru produces almost any kind of food you can think of, including thousands of varieties of potatoes.

A new interest in coffee among locals means you can get an excellent, Peruvian-grown brew in the major cities.

Peruvian restaurants figure consistently in the World’s 50 Best Restaurants list. Central, arguably the country’s best restaurant, is now part of an exclusive list of just ten: the Best of the Best.

Heading to Ecuador? That’s not to say you won’t eat well in Ecuador of course. Make sure to try the national dish bolon verde – deep-fried, stuffed plantain balls – and Ecuador’s version of ceviche, which combines shrimp with a tomato sauce.

Ecuadorian coffee and chocolate are top-notch too.

Best if you don’t speak Spanish: Peru

This is a tricky one. It’s definitely easier to travel in most Latin American countries if you are able to speak at least some Spanish (or another local language).

That said, you will find people who speak tourism-focused English in major destinations in both countries. 

If you stick to the tourist trail in Peru, you might find little need to speak any Spanish at all. Most booking websites (with the notable exception of the Machu Picchu ticket site) are in English and Spanish.

The staff of most tour companies, hotels, and more touristy restaurants will be able to speak some level of English, many surprisingly fluently. 

Menus in restaurants in the main tourist destinations are automatically offered in English if you look vaguely foreign. Look out for amusing translations such as “jumped beef” for lomo saltado at cheaper eateries!

Heading to Ecuador? English is slightly less widely spoken in Ecuador, but you will still find you can get by.

Ecuadorians are very friendly and helpful, so a little sign language and a few words of Spanish will get you a long way.

So which country should you choose?

As with everything, which country you pick depends on exactly what you’re looking for.

But unless you specifically want to visit the Galapagos Islands or have a tropical beach experience, I would suggest Peru.

Ok, so maybe I’m biased, having lived in Peru for over a decade. But, even though there are lots of similarities, Peru has everything on a bigger scale.

The depth of history, the cultures and traditions, and the stunning landscapes are not to be missed.

If you have more time, why not visit both? A 14-day itinerary will give you a good taste of each country and two to three weeks in each will create a much more in-depth experience.

---

If you’re looking for more inspiration for your trip to Peru, discover the 24 most incredible places to visit in the country here. Not quite decided on your itinerary? Here are my top suggestions on how to spend one week to one month in Peru. Looking to venture further afield? Discover the top 31 places to visit in South America.