Peru vs Bolivia vs Ecuador
Replies: 17 - Last Post: Jul 11, 2012 8:00 AM Last Post By: aslukas
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Hello!
My boyfriend and I are looking to go traveling South America next July and August (2013) and are wondering where we should go (we realize that july/aug is South America's winter). We are looking to go for about 7 - 8 weeks. Originally I had hoped to travel all three countries in that time but after further research, realise we will probably only be able to travel one or two. We both are hoping to go to Peru and hike the Inca Trail (or a alternative to it, likely the Salkantay trek) My question to yall is should we do Peru and Bolivia or Peru and Ecuador or just stay in Peru? Where would you reccomend going? And what are some cant miss things there?
Thanks guys!
My boyfriend and I are looking to go traveling South America next July and August (2013) and are wondering where we should go (we realize that july/aug is South America's winter). We are looking to go for about 7 - 8 weeks. Originally I had hoped to travel all three countries in that time but after further research, realise we will probably only be able to travel one or two. We both are hoping to go to Peru and hike the Inca Trail (or a alternative to it, likely the Salkantay trek) My question to yall is should we do Peru and Bolivia or Peru and Ecuador or just stay in Peru? Where would you reccomend going? And what are some cant miss things there?
Thanks guys!
3
Only about 3 times in each country and I'm settling in Bolivia ;-)MY favourite things doesn't have to be YOUR favourite things, do the research first. Most of the places has been discussed here extensively.
5
Peru Bolivia definitely. There are more things to do.Peru
Machupicchu is a MUST
Uros islands in Puno - beautiful islanders.
Nazca lines
See condors in Colca Canyon
Cusco is a beautiful city worth spending some time at.
Chan Chan
http://jkadventures.wordpress.com/2012/05/22/17th-may-machupicchu-one-of-the-new-7-wonders-of-the-world/
Bolivia
Salar de Uyuni - MUST (3 day tour)
Potosi (mine tour)
Sucre - go to Tarabuco market on a Sunday
La Paz
http://jkadventures.wordpress.com/2012/04/30/27th-april-3-day-tour-from-san-pedro-atacama-to-uyuni-in-bolivia/
I would start with Salar de Uyuni in Bolivia and work way up. Hope this helps and also have a look at our itinerary and budget for both countries all in british pounds.
7
2 weeks Ecuador (only the Sierra, the highland, add another week for Galapagos, if interested, the jungle is better in Peru and Bolivia)l, 4 weeks Peru and 2 weeks Bolivia.The by far best scenery are parts of the Avenida de los Volcanes in Ecuador. In the Sierra, the highland. So to skip Ecuador would be stupid and foolish. But you can skip the jungle and the coast in Ecuador if you don't have enough time.
3 weeks in Bolivia would be much better of course.
You will have a great, interesting and rewarding time.
8
Don't rush yourself.If I were you (admitedly, I am not. But if I were) I would stick mainly to Peru and then skip across the border for maybe 2 weeks in Bolivia before flying home. This will give you more time to slow down and really explore a few places, and still leave you time for most of what I imagine calls out to you in Bolivia (Salar, Death Road/Yungas, etc).
If you want to visit Lake Titicaca, do so from the Bolivian side. Isla del Sol is in Bolivia, Tiwanaku is in Bolivia, and just as a town Copacabana is a thousand times more pleasant than Puno.
9
7-8 weeks and only 2 weeks in Bolivia seems unjustified, distributing your time doesn't mean you will rush it, actually coming to Bolivia for only 2 weeks is rushing it.Peru really doesn't have so much to offer that Bolivia can't match, food and ruins are better, so is trekking in Huaraz (compared to eg Sorata), besides that you will find same or better jungle and mountains experience for less in Bolivia.
3-4 weeks in Peru (Cuzco + Sacred vallley, Arequipa. Huaraz) and rest of the time in Bolivia sounds about right.
Bolivia is MUCH MORE than Titicaca and Salar.
11
What would y'all consider to be some "must sees" in peru/Bolivia?12
I'm not trying to dis Bolivia, nor do I think you can "do" the country in 2 weeks. But for a newbie to South America who's looking for highlights and "must-sees," Peru is more accesible and has much better travel infrastructure. Bolivia is hugely rewarding, but you really have to make a time commitment if you want to get "under its skin."14
With 8 weeks you could do Buenos Aires Lima too. Peru, Bolivia and Ecuador are a bit similar while Argentina is certainly a bit different. It all depends on your interests obviously. Bolivia is a very interesting and adventurous country.The typical must sees are relative. Of course Machu Picchu and Cusco, saltflats of Uyuni, Lake Titicaca but often the most rewarding things are the unexpected. It is easier to combine Cusco with La Paz and the saltflats than going to Ecuador as long as you don´t fly. If you are interested in beaches, include Ecuador
