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Choosing between Mexico and Peru isn’t easy, but this guide is here to help.
I spent more than four months living, working, and traveling in Peru, and more than 10 months in Mexico. In Peru, I spent time in Lima, Cusco, Arequipa, and Huaraz, and in Mexico I’ve lived in Playa del Carmen, Mexico City, Puebla, Oaxaca, San Miguel de Allende, Puerto Vallarta, Queretaro, and more.
I got to know both countries pretty well, and now I’m comparing them in the ultimate Mexico vs. Peru showdown – only one will come out on top.
Tourist Destinations
Let’s start with Peru because it has one of the most famous sites in the world: Machu Picchu. Other top sites and popular experiences in Peru include:
- Cusco, the heart of the ancient Inca empire
- The Sacred Valley
- Rainbow Mountain
- Lake Titicaca (the highest navigable lake in the world)
- Colca Canyon (the second deepest canyon in the world)
- The Nazca Lines
- Huacachina Oasis
- Santa Cruz Trek
- Laguna 69
- Nightlife in Lima
- Colorful markets
- Amazon rainforest
And many more hikes, ruins, museums, restaurants, and experiences that make Peru so special. In four months I honestly feel like I barely scratched the surface of my Peru bucket list.
Climbing Rainbow Mountain in Cusco, Peru
But, Mexico certainly gives Peru a run for its money because the Chichen Itza ruins rival Machu Picchu – both sites were named one of the seven new wonders of the world by Travel Channel.
Beyond that, more exceptional experiences in Mexico include:
- Fantastic beaches in Playa del Carmen and Tulum
- All-inclusive resorts
- Scuba diving (Cozumel has the second largest reef in the world)
- Cenotes (underground caves you can swim in)
- Hiking among active volcanoes at Izta-Popo National Park
- The Coba ruins, with a Mayan pyramid you can climb
- Partying in Cancun
- Colonial towns like Oaxaca, San Miguel, and Taxco
- Museums and culture in Mexico City
- Laguna Bacalar
- Lucha Libre wrestling shows
- Swimming with turtles at Akumal Beach
- The ultra-modern Biblioteca Vasconcelos library
And much, much more. Honestly, both countries are powerhouses in the tourism industry and this category is much tougher than usual to decide. But, despite what Travel Channel says, Machu Picchu is better than Chichen Itza and this point ultimately goes to Peru.
Mexico vs. Peru Tourism Winner: Peru
Mexico from above
Infrastructure
How easy is it to get around in Mexico and Peru?
Both of them have ok infrastructure, with buses connecting most destinations (I recommend ADO in Mexico and Cruz del Sur in Peru) and Uber in the capital cities. You can also get cheap domestic flights on budget airlines in both countries.
Luckily I never had to use health care services in either country (and hopefully you won’t either) but the World Health Organization released a list of every country ranked by their health system performance. Mexico came in at #61 while Peru trailed behind at a dismal #129.
Finally, Mexico has better grocery stores because they have Walmart, which generally provides a wider selection and cheaper prices than anywhere I shopped in Peru. Because of that (and the whole health care thing) Mexico edges out ahead in this round.
Mexico vs. Peru Infrastructure Winner: Mexico
Nightlife
As you can see in my Lima vs. Mexico City breakdown, the two capital cities are tied in the nightlife department. Both are giant and throw wild parties, so let’s just get that out of the way.
Cusco also has a pretty decent nightlife for its size with some nice bars, craft beer, and a few clubs that go all night long. This is probably due in part to the wide availability of cocaine in the country – Peru’s production reached a 25 year high in 2018. Obviously, I recommend avoiding the drug while you’re there.
In Mexico, the Riviera Maya is one big party. Cancun is the most famous beach town, but Playa del Carmen boasts a long strip of bars and clubs as well. Plus, nothing beats drinking on the beach. Craft beer in Mexico also outshines the industry in Peru, which I appreciate.
The capital cities may be tied but the Cancun nightlife definitely outshines Cusco, so Mexico wins this round.
Mexico vs. Peru Nightlife Winner: Mexico
Day drinking and rooftop pools: a match made in heaven in Playa del Carmen
Nature and Hiking
Hiking is the thing to do in Peru. I’ve never gone on a backpacking trip in my life, but in Peru I did two.
First, I strongly recommend hiking the five-day Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu. From Cusco you can also take easy day trips to the unbelievable rainbow mountain, the Huchuy Qosqo ruins, Chacan Cave and the Temple of the Moon, and the Kinsa Cocha lakes.
The town of Huaraz in the north is nicknamed the Switzerland of Peru because the jagged Cordillera Blanca mountain range runs through the nearby Huascaran National Park. Here we did the four-day Santa Cruz Trek, climbed Nevado Mateo, and trekked to Laguna 69 and Wilcacocha lake.
In Arequipa, we climbed 19,000 ft. up El Misti Volcano (I don’t recommend this unless you’re very experienced, I truly thought I was going to die) and spent two days hiking through Colca Canyon.
If you love nature, you will absolutely love Peru.
Mexico puts up a good fight, but ultimately the country can’t compete. We hiked next to an erupting volcano at Izta-Popo National Park outside Mexico City, which was spectacular, but other nearby day trips like Tepoztlan and Cumbres del Ajusco National Park don’t live up to Peru’s standards.
In Mexico’s Rivera Maya there is a lot of natural beauty like the beaches, underground cenotes, and Laguna Bacalar (also known as the Lake of Seven Colors), which are all great. I guess what I’m saying is that there’s good nature and hiking in Mexico, but it’s just not as good as Peru.
It’s as simple as that.
Mexico vs. Peru Nature and Hiking Winner: Peru
Climbing Nevado Mateo in Huaraz, Peru
Remote Work
Dan and I do long term stays in each city we visit, renting out Airbnb apartments, settling in (a bit), cooking meals, and working 9 to 5 during the week. So, there are some extra things we look for in each country that a typical vacationer might not.
Most important, of course, is the internet. And in Peru, the internet sucks.
We regularly had blackouts in Cusco and experienced pretty terrible speeds throughout the country. In Huaraz, my international data just didn’t work at all, for the entire month. Mexico has much better internet – in 2018 it was ranked the 85th fastest in the world while Peru came in at 113.
The cost of living in Peru is a little bit higher than Mexico and the internet is a little bit worse, so Mexico comes out ahead. (Plus, they have Walmart.)
Mexico vs. Peru Remote Work Winner: Mexico
Safety
It’s no secret that Mexico is fighting a pretty massive drug war. There are definitely parts of the country that are unsafe for visitors to go. Due to Peru’s cocaine production, there are also areas of the country you should definitely avoid.
In 2018 the US Department of State classified Peru as Level 1: Exercise Normal Caution and classified Mexico as Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution. So statistically, you may be safer in Peru than in Mexico. But if you’ve got some street smarts and some common sense, traveling in both is fine.
(You can also book multi-day tours through both countries to go with a group and finish your travel planning in one click!)
Mexico vs. Peru Safety Winner: Peru
Food
When trying to decide between Mexico or Peru, the food is incredibly important.
Mexico City is well-known as one of the food capitals of world and Lima is beginning to pick up steam as well. Both have top-rated chefs and world-famous restaurants, so let’s take a wider look at the cuisines as a whole.
Subjectively, I like Mexican food better than Peruvian food. And subjectively, I think most other travelers will as well. Mexican food includes tacos, burritos, sopes, enchiladas, guacamole, spectacularly spicy salsas, quesadillas, chilaquiles, huevos rancheros, tortas, and so many more tasty delights.
Peruvian food is not quite as diverse and is mostly beans, rice, meat, and fish. It’s good, but nothing to write home about. On the other hand, I’m still daydreaming about the meals I enjoyed in Mexico. For me, this round is a no-brainer.
Before you come at me in the comments (I’ve been fielding hate mail for this for years now), traditional Mexican food is literally a UNESCO cultural designated cuisine and Peruvian food isn’t I REST MY CASE.
Mexico vs. Peru Food Winner: Mexico
Fact: there’s no such thing as too many tacos
And the winner is…
Mexico! In a narrow four to three victory, Mexico just barely comes out ahead.
If you’re trying to choose between Mexico or Peru, the honest answer is that they’re both amazing countries and it really just depends on what you’re looking for.
If you’re a nature lover, Peru is the obvious answer. If you want to travel more long term and live and work abroad, Mexico is a better choice.
For vacations, both are pretty even – history buffs will love Cusco and Machu Picchu while Mexico is better for all-inclusive resorts, partying, and relaxing on a beach.
Only you can decide between Peru or Mexico, but I hope this guide helps you find the right country for your trip!
Ready to go?
Explore unique stays on Airbnb – like this cozy cabin in the woods and this study in beachfront minimalism – and the top hotels on Booking.com to plan your trip to Mexico!
Then, check out more food, culture, and outdoors activities in the country to round out your itinerary (or, book a multi-day Mexico tour with Intrepid to finish your travel planning in one click!).
This article is part of the Latin America Smackdown Series. Read the rest below:
Colombia vs. Peru: Which Should You Visit?
Mexico vs. Colombia: Which Should You Visit?
Mexico vs. Honduras: Which Should You Visit?
Ecuador vs. Bolivia: Which Should You Visit?
Or, explore more from around the world in the complete Country Comparison Series.
Did you know every time you read an article on Slight North, you're also planting trees for the monarchs in Mexico? Start here to learn more about our mission and how to get the most out of the site!
Hello! Nice post! Personally Peru was more enjoyable for me. I liked the nature and history in Peru more than Mexico, especially Machu Picchu and Chichén Itzá, but is Peru actually safer than Mexico.? I knew both did have dangerous crime rates, but I can’t find websites that say safety in Peru compared to safety in Mexico. Is Peru safer than Mexico? Thank you
The nature and hiking in Peru is insanely beautiful, I agree! That was probably the toughest comparison between the two countries. As for safety, I usually use the travel advisories from the US State Department to research safety in a country. Right now both countries are rated as Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution. So they are about equal on the whole when it comes to the places where tourists travel, but Mexico is more dangerous outside of them – some states have Level 4: Do Not Travel warnings. Google Mexico and Peru travel advisories for more details on both.
Peru is named one of the world’s best for culinary tourism. Peru should’ve won in my opinion.
Do you have a link? I’d love to read more and include it in the article
Sure, Perú has recently won for 8th time the Prize as the WORLD’S LEADING CULINARY DESTINATION (since 2011) because of the variety of dishes and flavours, I am surprised that you said we don’t have such variety of dishes as Mexico because here in Latin America the rest of the countries are getting in love with peruvian food because of the variety of dishes like causa rellena, choritos a la Chalaca, ceviche, lomo saltado, papa a la huancaina, escabeche de pollo, pollo a la brasa, tiradito, leche de tigre, arroz con pato, rocoto relleno, jalea, ají de gallina, anticuchos, tacacho con cecina and hundreds of other dishes (there are at least 491 typical dishes known until now, and most of them are not made with beans or fish . Anyway, thank you for giving your opinion. I give you the link you asked for and another one about the ammount of dishes. Have a good year 🙂
https://andina.pe/agencia/noticia-peru-worlds-leading-culinary-destination-for-eighth-consecutive-year-776743.aspx
https://www.google.com/amp/s/cocina-casera.com/comida-platos-tipicos-de-peru/amp/
That all may be, but Mexican food has a UNESCO cultural designation (2010) and Peruvian food doesn’t, so I must stand by my argument that Mexican food is better.
Mexico, tiene tanto para ofrecer en materia de turismo no tiente competencia en latinoamerica, selva en el sur, clima templado y bosques en el centro y desiertos con sierra en el norte y gran variedad de playas hermosas en todo el territorio, la CDMX es hermosa con su gran caos pero es una megaciudad que por si sola tiene una economia muy fuerte, su centro historio es impresionante y sus edificios super grandes y modernos en Paseo de la Reforma y Santa fe y ni se diga de la provincia que tiene un gran numero de ciudades patrimonio cultural de la humanidad decretados por la UNESCO solo superada por algunos paises europeos y creeo que China, por su parte Peru siempre sera interesante conocer un pais con una cultura milenaria y creeo que tambien tiene en general un clima de seguridad mejor que en Mexico, gracias por informarnos tus experiencias en ambos paises hermosos.
Your welcome! And I totally agree, Mexico is just incomparable. I didn’t know that it has one of the highest numbers of UNESCO sites in the world but I’m not surprised, every time I turn a corner in this country I feel like I run into another one!!
I don’t want to overlook Mexican food, but by you claiming that Unesco cultural designations, just says that you know very little how things work with Unesco.
In order to be recognized by Unesco, all you have to do is fill out a form, pay a fee, send some recognition letters by states and you are in. But the trick is that the fee is pretty high, is not based on any contest whatsoever – you just have to pay the fee. Ever wondered how the Statue of liberty is recognized by Unesco in the same level as Hollyhock House? Yeah, guess what – someone paid the fee. To be fair and square you can also add your site to be recognized by Unesco, go look at the criteria site by Unesco to be recognized. And the fee is the hard part to come around, the first fee is $70k dollars and then monthly payments in consideration of the size. What is the catch? That you get to put it up on your site to travelers “UNESCO recognition” – Did you knew that tacos were actually invented in 1940’s-1960’s by a Lebanese immigrant? And then you wonder “What is so Unesco about this” There’s the catch.
Wow that’s every interesting. I never knew that! Thanks for sharing!
You lost me at food. How on God’s green earth can you say that Peruvian food is not diverse compared to Mexican food which is the most repetitive culinary in the world. Don’t get me wrong I love Mexican food but there isn’t much difference between a taco and a burrito. Both are tortilla based and Mexican food compared to Tex Mex or New Mexican has very little in the way of seasoning lest for a crap ton of cumin. Peru has over 500 national dishes. Their food is influenced by their Chinese, Japanese melting pot. Rice and beans? You must be confusing Peru with Cuba. You should go back and actually spend time sampling the food throughout Peru, four months won’t suffice. I would much rather have Peruvian Ceviche or Lomo Saltado over a burrito or chimichanga any day.
James CANTERO, if doing an application and paying a fee is enough to get UNESCO cultural designation than why are so many countries in waiting list for years and decades to get a recognition? Do you know Peru has been trying to get his gastronomy recognized by UNESCO for over 10 YEARS NOW. The reason they have not been recognized is because most of the dishes are not authentic. The food is excellent but they are modified dishes from other countries, specially Asia. In the other hand Mexico traditional dishes have strong roots of pre-hispanic history and some pre-hispanic and Spanish mix showing the fusion of cultures. Tacos have been in Mexico for thousands of years by pre-hispanic cultures even before they were named Tacos. If you are referring about Tacos al pastor +seasoned marinated pork_, that is the only taco that Mexico shares with Lebanon and only because the machine known as “trompo” that is used to slowly cook and keep the meat warm was brought by Lebanese immigrants to Mexico. Thats it! Tacos are not Lebanese but only the machine is used to cook the meat. Where are you getting this info? I suggest you get well informed before you post false information on the internet. Tacos invented in the 1940 and 1960″s!! dude dude DUDE!! WHAT ARE YOU TALKING ABOUT!! The troops from Mexico during the American invasion were already eating tacos 1800’S! The Mexican revolution soldiers of the 1910-1920 were eating tacos! My grandfather fought that revolution. Like I said, tacos tacos before they even known as tacos were in Mexican culture before the Spanish arrival by the Olmecas and other cultures.
Hello, I have to honestly say that I was extremely surprised to see that you consider that Mexican food is
actually more diverse than the Peruvian gastronomy. I am French Canadian but my mother was from Peru and so I know very well the Peruvian Food not only through my mother doing the food at home but also because I used to go every year to Peru during my years of youth and so I know how is the food in Peru. The food in Peru is not only incredibly good in the diverse restaurants that you have in Lima for example but it is also extremely good in any home were you could be invited to eat. The Peruvians just have this wonderful talent of preparing good food. On the other hand I have lived in the city of Guadalajara Mexico for 5 years and I have married a Mexican women and so I also know how is the food in the restaurants of Guadalajara and in the homes were you could be invited to eat. For my part there is absolutely no comparison between the two gastronomy’s, The Peruvian food is so superior that I consider that the Mexican one is not even a rival for it. The Mexican food is famous around the world only as a kind of fast food like the Tacos and Burritos were as the Peruvian food is known for its dishes and it is certainly one of the best gastronomy’s of the world.
There is no comparison in my opinion, both countries are very different. Peru is a country working to improve their infrastructure, I visited Peru and infra was not really good, this is affecting tourism. Mexico is a country that has been investing a lot in infra since decades. As an overall, Mexico has a lot to offer. In most of the cases, foreigners just visit the famous places in Mexico, I mean, only the beaches and Mexico City but other places like Baja California are really nice. The peruvian food is amazing no doubt. Regarding history, I mean, Mexico is also outstanding, it was the ancient New Spain, the main center of Spain in America so you should expect to see more beautiful cities and also because the country has a bigger population in comparison to Peru. In general, Peru is a country to enjoy nature but, as you mentioned, Mexico is for long-term living because of the quality of the services and because people are really friendly.