🇨🇷vs🇵🇪

Costa Rica vs Peru: which should you visit in 2026?

Both Costa Rica and Peru end up on the same shortlists, and the honest answer depends on what you're optimising for. Here is how they compare on the things that actually decide it: what a day costs, how safe each rates, when to go, and what each one is genuinely good at.

CheaperPeru, at about €45 a day against €70 — 36% less.
SaferCosta Rica, 78/100 against 65/100 — generally safe against worth some caution.
When to goboth are good in spring; only Costa Rica works in winter; only Peru works in summer.
Best forboth deliver nature and adventure; Costa Rica adds beaches; Peru adds mountains and culture.

Side by side

🇨🇷 Costa Rica 🇵🇪 Peru
Daily cost~€70~€45
Safety score78/10065/100
Best time to goWinter, SpringSpring, Summer
ClimateTropicalTemperate, Tropical
Best forNature, Adventure, BeachesMountains, Culture, Adventure, Nature
SuitsCouples, Groups of friends, Families, Solo travellersSolo travellers, Couples, Groups of friends
Budget levelMid-rangeBudget, Mid-range

What the difference actually costs

On-the-ground spending only — flights aren't included, and they often matter more than the daily rate.

Trip lengthCosta RicaPeruDifference
A long weekend (3 days)~€210~€135€75
One week~€490~€315€175
Two weeks~€980~€630€350

Which one is for you

🇨🇷 Choose Costa Rica if…

  • you want the higher safety rating (78/100 against 65/100)
  • you're going for beaches — a headline draw in Costa Rica, less of a focus in Peru
  • your dates fall in winter, which suits Costa Rica and not Peru
  • you're travelling with kids
See Costa Rica in full →

🇵🇪 Choose Peru if…

  • your budget is the deciding factor — you'll spend roughly €175 less over a week
  • you're going for mountains and culture — a headline draw in Peru, less of a focus in Costa Rica
  • your dates fall in summer, which suits Peru and not Costa Rica
  • a temperate climate is what you want
  • you're planning a budget trip
See Peru in full →

In a line each

🇨🇷 Costa Rica. Rainforest zip-lines, sea turtle nesting beaches and 25% of the country protected as national park.

🇵🇪 Peru. Machu Picchu, the Amazon, the world's best ceviche and Inca history around every corner.

Guides covering these

Best adventure travel destinations in 2026Read →

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