Costa Rica is a popular tourist destination because it has many beautiful beaches, mountains, and rivers. It also has many parks where you can go hiking or horseback riding. Additionally, Costa Rica is known for its coffee, chocolate, and tropical fruits.
Additionally, the lush nature of Costa Rica is similar to that of Europe or Asia, with its lush mountain ranges, rain forests, and tropical beaches. The country is also home to several volcanoes, including Arenal, which is only a few hours away from San Jose.
While Peru is a large country with many different climates and cultures, it is near the Pacific Ocean in South America. The capital city is Lima, which the Incas built in AD 500-1000. You can also visit Machu Picchu, which the Incas also built around the same time, or visit Lake Titicaca, which natives built in AD 1000-1100.
Peru is one of the most culturally diverse countries in Latin America. Spain and Portugal influenced Peru, which left their mark on the language and cuisine. That heritage is still evident today in Lima and Cusco, but you’ll also find influences from other cultures throughout Peru.
Costa Rica
According to Forbes magazine, the country’s capital city, San Jose, is one of the world’s most livable cities. It is home to plenty of tourist attractions and historical sites and has an impressive number of hotels and hostels catering to tourists. It’s also one of the safest countries in Central America.
Costa Rica is a country of contrasts. From the northern region, which has an abundance of lush rainforests and tropical beaches, to the southern part, with its volcanic mountains and Caribbean-like climate, there is much to see and do.
Costa Rica offers excellent opportunities for both business and leisure travelers alike. The country has many hotels, resorts, and apartments that can accommodate all types of customers. The cost of living is low, so that you can save money on your trip.
What Makes Costa Rica Unique
Astonishing Beaches
The country has some of the best beaches in Central America, including Playa Tamarindo and Playa Carrillo in Guanacaste Province, Playa Negra in Alajuela Province, and Playa Grande in Puntarenas Province.
Besides the beaches, Costa Rica is also known for its amazing wildlife. The country has some of the best ecotourism opportunities in Central America, including whale-watching trips to Isla del Coco and Manuel Antonio National Park.
If you’re planning on spending several days at your destination, you should consider renting a house or condo with access to the beach. Renting will allow you to spend more time relaxing in privacy.
The cost of water activities on Costa Rica’s beaches can range from 80 to 100 USD (50000 to 62000 CRC) depending on the activity, location, amenities, and duration.
Captivating Volcanoes
The best volcanoes to hike in Costa Rica are Arenal Volcano, Turrialba Volcano, and Poás Volcano. These popular tourist destinations have many hiking trails, including a 4-hour round-trip summit hike — this tour costs around 150 USD (94000 CRC) per person. Additional fees may be incur depending on the location and the tour’s inclusions.
Arenal Volcano (3,744 meters or 2.3 mi) – This is the highest summit in Costa Rica and offers a panoramic view of the country’s Pacific coast and Lake Arenal. There are many activities you can do besides hiking the volcano. Tour packages provide water activities near the volcano, like rafting and cruises.
Turrialba Volcano (1,668 meters or 1.0 mi) – This is one of the most active volcanoes in Central America, with over 80 eruptions since 1500 AD. It is accessible by hiking trails that go through cloud forests or forested areas.
Poás Volcano (2,949 meters or 1.8 mi) – One of Costa Rica’s most popular tourist destinations because of its beautiful surrounding area with cloud forests and waterfalls that provide various activities. There are also restaurants near the volcano that serve local cuisine for you to indulge in during your trip.
Preserved National Parks
Costa Rica is famous for its beaches and rainforests preserved by conservation efforts over the years. These efforts have helped make Costa Rica one of the most ecologically sensitive countries today.
The country has one of the highest rates of biodiversity on earth, with more than 400 species of birds, 50 different types of mammals, 730 species of plants, and 646 species of reptiles.
The best national parks and reserves in Costa Rica are Manuel Antonio National Park, Corcovado National Park, Tortuguero National Park, and the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve, Central America’s largest tropical cloud forest. The country’s national parks offer visitors a chance to see toucans, monkeys, sloths, and other animals adapted to Costa Rica’s rich ecosystem.
The average cost of a tour in Costa Rica’s nature reserves or national parks is 100 USD (62000 CRC) per person. This price includes transportation, entrance fees, and park admission.
Exquisite Local Cuisine
Costa Rica is one of the best coffee-growing countries in the world, and it offers some of the best coffee in the world too. If you’re a fan of strong coffee, you’ll love Costa Rica’s small family farms that grow beans for roasting.
But Costa Rica isn’t only about coffee — it’s also known for its fantastic seafood and tropical fruits. If you want to try something new, here are some of Costa Rica’s local cuisine:
Tostones or Patacones – these are fried plantains that are served with meat or fish. They’re kind of like French fries but more flavorful and crunchy. They can be made with chicken or pork, but they’re traditionally eaten with beef at breakfast.
Fish tacos – these are crispy corn tortillas filled with fish like tilapia or snapper, topped with slices of avocado, cilantro, and diced tomato sauce. You can get them at almost any Mexican restaurant worldwide, so it’s easy to find them in Costa Rica too!
Arepas – corn flour pancakes stuffed with cheese or other fillings like eggs or chicken; they’re usually served as an appetizer at restaurants, but they make a great breakfast too!
Peru
Peru is not just a beautiful country; it has a rich and exciting history. You can visit the Inca Trail, which was built by the Incas and is one of their most important heritage sites. The trail leads up to Machu Picchu at an altitude of 3,380 meters (11,999 ft). This site is considered sacred because it was where they worshiped their gods.
You can also visit places like Lima or Cusco, famous cities in Peru. Some of these sites include the Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu, the city of Cusco, the Historical Centre of the City of Arequipa, and many more.
Besides having many educational, and historical locations, Peru has a rich history as far as food goes. It’s said that some of the oldest foods on Earth originated in Peru. As such, it’s no surprise that so many different types of food are available here today.
Peru is one of the most important countries in South America. The country has a lot to offer to its visitors. It’s where you can be surrounded by nature like you’re in the middle of nowhere and bask in the beautiful landscapes and the full range of South America’s indigenous cultures.
What Makes Peru Unique
Peruvian Delicacies
Peru is not only home to a rich, diverse history and culture but also to a wide variety of foods. It’s hard to find a cuisine that doesn’t have some sort of Peruvian influence in it.
Many different cultures have influenced Peru over the years. In addition to being a melting pot of populations (Inca, Spanish, African, Asian), it has also been influenced by other countries: Chile and Ecuador have contributed their unique dishes to Peruvian cuisine.
There are many different types of food found in Peru that you should try when you visit. First, there is Ceviche — raw fish marinated in citrus juices or spices and served with rice and corn on the cob or Aji de gallina — fried chicken served with rice and beans. Whether you want traditional food or not, there’s a dish for you in Peru.
The Ancient City of Machu Picchu
Machu Picchu is an ancient Inca city in the Andes mountains of Peru. It is on a high plateau and is one of South America’s most famous tourist destinations. UNESCO declared Machu Picchu a World Heritage Site in 1981, and it is also the crown jewel of Inca culture and history.
The Incas built Machu Picchu, they ruled Peru from 1438 to 1532 AD. Spanish conquistador Pizarro conquered the Incas in 1532 and left the city until Hiram Bingham rediscovered it in 1911. Machu Picchu is a tourist attraction and attracts thousands of visitors yearly.
Machu Picchu is at an altitude of about 2,500 meters (1.6 mi) above sea level, with its peak over 3,000 meters (1.9 mi) above sea level. Mountains surround Machu Picchu except for one side, which faces a valley. The valleys surrounding Machu Picchu have terraces used for agriculture during the Inca Empire period.
The Historic Centre of Arequipa
Arequipa is a city that is in the Arequipa Department, Peru. Francisco Pizarro founded it in 1540, and it is one of the oldest cities in the country. UNESCO declared the city a World Heritage site in 1980.
The city offers many opportunities for tourists, including museums, architecture, and festivals. It is also home to one of South America’s largest markets, where you can find everything from food to handicrafts.
Buildings from colonial times and the 19th and early 20th centuries fill the historic centre of Arequipa. Many of these buildings have been restored several times since their construction. The most famous ones are La Catedral del Salvador (the cathedral) and La Iglesia del Carmen (the church).
The Incan City of Cusco
The city of Cusco is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and it is also one of the most popular tourist destinations in Peru.
The town has many ruins, museums, monuments, and churches dating back to Inca times. The most famous is Sacsayhuaman, built around AD 1000 by the order of Huayna Capac.
Another important site is Ollantaytambo situated at an altitude of 3,868 meters (12,540 ft) above sea level; it was one of the Inca administrative centers during their expansion into the Andes Mountains.
Another great feature of Cusco is its natural beauty. There are many places where you can go hiking or camping. You will find plenty of parks and reserves within an hour’s drive from the city center, which is perfect for this purpose.
Should I Go to Costa Rica or Peru?
Costa Rica has been a favorite vacation spot for many years but has become more popular in the last decade. There are many different places to visit and explore in Costa Rica. If you want to get away from the big city life, this is the place for you.
In addition to its natural beauty, Costa Rica has many tourist attractions. There are many different things that you can do while you are there. You can go horseback riding, hiking, or swimming on some of the best beaches in the world. If you want to learn about nature, you should consider going to Costa Rica because you’ll discover many different types of fauna and flora that aren’t found anywhere else.
While Peru is a land of rich natural beauty, with endless outdoor activities and gorgeous beaches. The country’s colonial vibe makes it an exciting place to visit, but it’s also got more than its share of the world’s great museums, art galleries, and archaeological sites.
In Peru, you can explore the Inca ruins at Machu Picchu, hike the Inca Trail or even kayak down Lake Titicaca. This country is also known for its diversity, with both the Amazon and Andes regions offering their own unique experiences.
Both countries are great vacation destinations depending on what you’re looking for in your vacation and your budget range. Costa Rica leans more into outdoor activities, while Peru is more educational with its culture and history.
FAQs
Which Is Safer – Costa Rica or Peru?
Both countries are safe, but Costa Rica is safer than Peru. Costa Rica has been called “the Switzerland of Central America.” This beautiful country, with its tropical climate, natural beauty, and friendly people, attracts plenty of tourists each year from around the world. While Costa Rica isn’t without crime or violence, it’s lower than other Latin American countries.
Is Costa Rica in Peru?
Both countries are Latin American countries. Costa Rica is in Central America, while Peru is in South America.
Both countries are popular tourist destinations. Costa Rica is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in the world, while Peru has incredible Inca ruins and Machu Picchu. Costa Rica is also known for its rainforests and cloud forests, which comprise much of its territory.
Is Costa Rica Near Peru?
Costa Rica is far from Peru. Costa Rica is in the Central American region known as the Americas. It is between North and South America, Mexico, Panama, Colombia, and Ecuador. While Peru is in South America. It is between Ecuador, Colombia, Bolivia, and Chile.
How Far Is Costa Rica From Peru?
The distance between Costa Rica and Peru is 1,500 miles apart (2,414 km). The northern border of Costa Rica is in the Pacific Ocean, to which it borders Nicaragua and Panama, while the southern border is in the Caribbean Sea, with which it borders Belize and Mexico. The Central American isthmus includes many jungle rivers that flow into the Gulf of Tehuantepec.
Where Is Costa Rica From Peru?
Costa Rica is around 1,500 miles (2,414 km) northwest of Peru. That’s a long way to go for a vacation, but it’s worth it.
How Do I Get From Peru to Costa Rica?
The Panamericana Sur highway is the most direct route from Lima to San Jose. The highway runs along the coast through the middle of Costa Rica, passing through many cities and towns.
If you are traveling by bus or car, you may consider taking a bus that goes through Panama City or another town before reaching San Jose. This path will allow you to pass through Central America’s largest city before continuing your journey toward Costa Rica’s capital city.
You can also travel via boat or train from Costa Rica to Peru, but this is a much more time-consuming journey. The boat ride takes about 10 hours, while the train takes about 3 to 5 days, considering the stops. You’ll also need to ensure enough time between your runs from Costa Rica to Peru.
Although the most common mode of transportation between Peru and Costa Rica is by plane, several airlines fly between them, such as LATAM Airlines and Aeromexico.
Can I Fly From Costa Rica to Peru?
You can fly from Costa Rica to Peru via a connecting flight at one of the country’s international airports. There are several major international airports in Costa Rica, including Juan Santamaria International Airport (SJO) and Daniel Oduber Quirós International Airport (LIR).
Peru to Costa Rica Flights
A plane ticket from Peru to Costa Rica costs around 635 USD (13,000 MXN). A direct flight will only cost you about 570 USD (12,000 MXN), while an indirect flight may cost more than 1,500 USD (35,000 MXN).
Costa Rica to Peru Flight Time
The distance between Costa Rica and Peru is about 2,300 miles (3,701 km). The flight from Costa Rica to Peru takes about 6 hours. Despite the flight duration, you’ll be able to see the Andes Mountain Range and the Machu Picchu ruins.
What Airlines Fly From Costa Rica to Peru?
Aeromexico and LATAM Airlines are the two recommended airlines that operate flights from Costa Rica to Peru.
Aeromexico is one of the most popular airlines in Latin America and has been serving since 1926. The company has its headquarters in Mexico City, and most of its flights are also operated there.
Additionally, Aeromexico has a good reputation for its safety and punctuality. Airline companies must pay taxes on all their flights, giving them an incentive to provide high-quality service. They also ensure that their planes are always in good condition to allow passengers to fly safely.
LATAM Airlines is another option you should consider because it has been serving since 1996 and offers several destinations in South America, such as Peru, Brazil, Chile, and more.
Lastly, LATAM Airlines has also been known for its good quality of service and punctuality. In addition to being safe, this airline ensures that its planes are always well-maintained and ready.
Costa Rica to Peru by Train
You can travel from Costa Rica to Peru by train, but you must transfer from train to train since there are no direct services connecting both countries. The view is scenic despite the inconvenience of moving trains.
The cost of commuting by train from Costa Rica to Peru depends on the ticket you buy. If you only want to travel within one country, then the price will be lower than if you are traveling between countries. The most affordable option is an economy class ticket, which is purchasable for 15 USD (4500 COP). But, these tickets do not guarantee a seat and only provide access to the general area where passengers stand during travel.
Costa Rica to Colombia by Boat
The Pacific Ocean separates Costa Rica and Peru, meaning can take a boat if you want to travel from one country to another, but it’s not recommended. There are no direct services between these two countries, so you must make at least one stop along the way and pay for additional transportation and accommodation. The best way to get from Costa Rica to Peru is by plane.
If you’re looking for a more adventurous way to get around, you can take a ferry or boat from either country’s coastline and consider hiring a boat captain and crew to make the trip with you.
Driving From Costa Rica to Peru
It is possible to drive from Costa Rica to Peru. Driving will let you take your time and give you breaks whenever necessary. You can take a few different routes, but it is advisable to take one that goes through Panama. This route will allow you to see some fantastic landscapes and cultures. You can also visit Panama city while taking this route.
Costa Rica to Peru by Bus
You can travel from Costa Rica to Peru by bus. But, you need to change buses at least once to make the journey from Costa Rica to Peru since the two countries do not have direct transportation connections, and there are no bus operators that provide international travel between the two nations.
It will be a long and tiring journey, but it’s also one of the cheapest options. There are many options for getting from Costa Rica to South America via other countries.
How Long Does It Take to Get to Peru From Costa Rica?
The travel time will depend on the mode of transportation you choose. You can fly directly from Lima to San Jose in under 3 to 6 hours. It will take around 3 to 5 days if you commute via train. It will take approximately 10 hours to travel from Peru to Costa Rica by boat. Lastly, commuting via bus will take about 20 to 27 hours.
It is advisable to choose flying via plane over the other modes of transportation, as it saves you expenses and time during traveling.
Costa Rica to Peru Visa
Costa Rica does not need visas for citizens of most countries. However, if you plan to stay in Peru for more than 90 days or work there, you will need a visa before entering the country.
You can get this visa at the border or in advance, but if you opt for the latter, make sure you leave enough time for processing. You will also need proof of accommodation, such as a hotel reservation or a letter from someone who lives in Peru. To get one, visit the Peruvian Embassy in San Jose.
