Peru or Chili? A complete comparison to help you choose your South American destination: budget, landscapes, culture, itineraries, and practical tips for backpackers.
Peru vs Chili: which country should you choose for your South American adventure?
On a budget: where can we travel for less?
This is the number one factor for many backpackers, and the answer is clear: Peru is significantly cheaper than Chili. On average, a budget-conscious traveler will spend around 15 to 20 euros a day in Peru (covering accommodation, food, transport, and activities), compared to 20 to 40 euros a day in Chili.
Peru | Chili | |
Hostel dorm bed | 5-10 euros | 12-25 euros |
Budget double room | 15-25 euros | 25-50 euros |
Local meal (menu of the day) | 2-4 euros | 8-15 euros |
Local beer | 1-2 euros | 3-5 euros |
Long-distance bus (5-8h) | 8-15 euros | 20-40 euros |
Activity / day trip | 15-40 euros | 40-100 euros |
In Peru, the menu del dia (menu of the day) is a true institution: you get soup, a main course, a drink, and sometimes dessert for just 8 to 15 soles (2-4 euros). In Chili, eating out costs around 10,000 to 15,000 Chilean pesos (10-15 euros) for a simple dish. Chili's cost of living is closer to Southern Europe, which makes it a bit tougher on tighter budgets.
Landscapes and nature
Peru: Andean verticality
Peru offers an incredible diversity of landscapes packed into a relatively compact territory. Within just a few days, you can go from the desert Pacific coast to snow-capped peaks rising over 6,000 meters, before dropping down into the Amazon rainforest. The natural must-sees: the Colca Canyon (twice as deep as the Grand Canyon), the rainbow mountain Vini Cunca, Lake Titicaca and its floating islands, the Sacred Valley of the Incas and, of course, the Peruvian Amazon.
Chili: extreme in length
Chili stretches over 4,300 km from north to south, giving it a climate and geographical diversity that is unique in the world. The Atacama Desert in the north is the driest on the planet, featuring bubbling geysers, multicolored lagoons, and some of the clearest starry skies you will ever see (perfect for stargazing). In the center, you'll find lush vineyards and the coast. Down south await the volcanoes of the Lake District, deep fjords, the scenic Carretera Austral, and finally Chilean Patagonia home to Torres del Paine, one of most beautiful national parks on Earth.
The landscape verdict: if you want concentrated diversity that is easy on the wallet, Peru wins. If you are looking for extreme, wild landscapes and that genuine end-of-the-world feel, Chili is unbeatable.
Culture and heritage
Peru is a cultural giant. The Inca Empire left monumental remains all over the country: Machu Picchu, Cusco, Ollantaytambo, Sacsayhuaman, the Nazca Lines, and Chan Chan. But the pre-Inca heritage is just as fascinating: the Nazca mummies, the temples of Chavin de Huantar, and the fortress of Kuelap. Peru boasts 13 UNESCO World Heritage sites. Its living culture is also very much alive, from colorful festivals and traditional music to bustling markets and indigenous communities keeping ancestral traditions going strong.
Chili has fewer archaeological ruins but makes up for it with a vibrant contemporary culture. Valparaiso is a real open-air museum, Santiago features a dynamic culinary and cultural scene, and the Easter Island (Rapa Nui) offers a truly unique heritage with its mysterious mysteries. In the south, Chili also has a fascinating Mapuche heritage, which is less touristy and feels incredibly authentic.
Food & Drink
Peruvian food is easily some of the best in the world, and that's not just marketing hype. Lima is consistently ranked as the top culinary destination on the planet. From ceviche and lomo saltado to pollo a la brasa, aji de gallina, anticuchos, and causa... the variety is absolutely endless. Best of all, you can eat incredibly well for next to nothing. A plate of ceviche in a great local neighborhood spot will only run you about 20-30 soles (5-7 euros).
Chile has a less flashy food scene, but it's packed with fantastic fresh ingredients: Pacific seafood, classic empanadas de pino (stuffed with beef, onions, egg, and olives), comforting pastel de choclo, and traditional curanto (a feast slow-cooked in a pit in the ground). Chile's real ace up its sleeve is the wine: the Casablanca, Maipo, and Colchagua valleys produce outstanding bottles at very reasonable prices.
The foodie verdict: Peru wins hands down. If you live to eat, this alone is a good enough reason to choose Peru.
Getting around & transport
In Peru, navigating the bus network can be a bit more of a puzzle, but it is incredibly cheap. Companies like Cruz del Sur, Oltursa, or Movil Tours offer very comfortable buses (with semi-cama and cama reclining seats) which are perfect for overnight trips between main cities. Domestic flights are also quite affordable (30-60 euros from Lima to Cusco). The only real downside is that mountain roads can be slow and winding, and getting off the beaten track to smaller towns can feel like a bit of an adventure.
In Chili, the buses are also excellent (Tur Bus, Pullman Bus) with well-organized terminals in every city. Keep in mind that distances here are massive: going from Santiago to San Pedro de Atacama means a 22-hour bus ride, or you can opt for a 50-100 euro flight. From Santiago to Patagonia, a flight is pretty much essential (taking about 3-4 hours). Because of its long, narrow shape, traveling through Chili requires a bit more of a transit budget and some patience, but every single stop along the way is incredibly rewarding and easy to navigate.
Suggested itineraries
2 weeks in Peru
Lima (2d) -> Arequipa and Colca Canyon (3d) -> Lake Titicaca / Puno (2d) -> Cusco and Sacred Valley (4d) -> Machu Picchu (5d with the Salkantay) -> back to Lima. Total budget: 500-700 euros excluding international flights.
2 weeks in Chili
Santiago (2d) -> Valparaíso (2d) -> Vicuña (2d) -> Caldera (2d) -> San Pedro de Atacama (3d) -> Salar de Uyuni (2d) -> Flight to Santiago -> Return.
The Peru + Chili combo (4-5 weeks)
Lima -> Cusco -> Machu Picchu -> Puno -> crossing Lake Titicaca to Bolivia (Copacabana) -> La Paz -> Uyuni -> San Pedro de Atacama (Chili) -> flight to Santiago -> Valparaíso. This is the classic itinerary that combines both countries, with Bolivia thrown in as a bonus. The overland crossing between Peru, Bolivia, and Chile is seamless and the landscapes are simply extraordinary.
Our verdict: who is this for, and which country?
Choose Peru if you're traveling on a tight budget, you absolutely love culture and history, you're a major foodie, you want to connect deeply with the locals, you dream of Machu Picchu, and you love high-altitude treks. Peru offers what is probably the best value for your money in South America.
Choose Chili if: you prefer wide-open spaces and untouched wild landscapes, you want a well-organized country with great infrastructure, you dream of Patagonia or the Atacama Desert, you appreciate a good wine, you're looking for top-notch safety, and you have a more comfortable budget.
And if you can't decide: combine both. The Peru-Bolivia-Chili route is one of the most stunning journeys in South America and can easily be done in 3 to 4 weeks. You’ll start in Peru (culture, food, and budget-friendly), cross through the mind-blowing landscapes of Bolivia, and end in Chili (Atacama and modern vibes). It's truly the best of both worlds.
On the road: wifi, finding a place, and the backpacker vibe
Peru is a paradise for backpackers: hundreds of hostels, a massive traveler community, free walking tours in all the major cities, and a great party vibe in the tourist spots. You'll find decent Wi-Fi in most accommodations and cafes, and it’s incredibly easy to pair up with fellow travelers to share excursions or split the cost of rides.
Chili offers a higher level of comfort. Hostels are a bit pricier but often better equipped. The Wi-Fi is excellent everywhere, even in the more remote areas. Santiago has a vibrant nightlife scene, and Valparaiso is a fantastic hub for artists and bohemian souls. Down in Patagonia, the refuges are expensive (expect 40-60 euros a night for a basic refuge) but they are very well run.
If you are planning a longer trip, we highly recommend getting an E-Sim. It's become much more convenient and cost-effective than buying a local SIM card in every country.
Trekking and hiking
Both countries are outstanding for trekking, but they offer quite different experiences. In Peru, the most famous treks are the Inca Trail (4 days, with limited access and pricey at 600-800 USD all-inclusive), the Salkantay Trek (5 days, more budget-friendly at 200-400 USD), the Huascarán circuit in the Cordillera Blanca, and the Ausangate trek. The altitude is your main challenge here, with most treks taking place between 3,500 and 5,000 meters above sea level.
Over in Chili, the iconic hike is the Torres del Paine W Trek (4-5 days)—it's easily one of the most stunning in the world, but keep in mind it's also one of the priciest (between refuges, transfers, and park entry, expect a budget of 500-800 euros). The Carretera Austral offers endless opportunities for rugged, off-the-beaten-path hiking, while the Atacama Desert is perfect for high-altitude treks around volcanoes soaring past 5,000 meters. Chili also boasts excellent trails in the Lake District (Pucon, Villarrica).
Money, cash withdrawals, and paying for paying
In Peru, the currency is the sol (PEN). ATMs are everywhere in tourist areas, dispensing both soles and dollars. Bank fees vary: BCP and Interbank are usually your best bet (charging around 12-15 soles per withdrawal). Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted in hotels and touristy restaurants, but cash is still king in local markets, colectivos, and smaller towns. Always keep some small change on you, as many vendors won't be able to break a 100-soles note.
In Chili, the currency is the Chilean peso (CLP). The country is much more modern: card payments are accepted almost everywhere, even in small shops, and contactless payments work like a charm. Retrieving cash is pricier than in Peru (around 3,000-5,000 CLP per withdrawal, or 3-5 euros). Look out for Banco Estado ATMs, as they tend to charge the lowest fees. Chili is easily one of the most "cashless" countries you'll visit in South America.
