Mexico or Peru? Or can you do both in three weeks? We're a family of four with two teenagers 15 and 17 travelling in August. We're happy to tour around and make the most of the history and culture.
133 DAYS AGO
Mexico and Peru are two of my favourite countries and have some fascinating parallels – from the extent and sophistication of their ancient empires to the excellence of their cuisine – as well as vivid contrasts of landscape and character.
If you wish to you can indeed see both countries within three weeks – in fact we have a suggested itinerary online that packs it all into just two! Take a look at our Incas and Mayas holiday to get an idea of how you might combine the highlights of the two countries. With an extra week you could either spend more time exploring Peru, for example visiting Lake Titicaca, Arequipa and the Colca Canyon with its soaring condors, or if you chose to extend your time in Mexico you could add in some of the country's stunning colonial cities such as Oaxaca, Puebla or Guanajuato, visit Baja California and/or the Copper Canyon, or simply spend time relaxing on the Pacific coast.
August however is a rainy month in Mexico, particularly on the Caribbean coast (visited on days 10-14 of the Incas and Mayas itinerary). See our Mexico Essentials page for climate charts. So if you enjoy beach time as well as history and culture it might be better to save Mexico for another trip – the Easter or Christmas holidays are ideal times to visit.
Peru on the other hand enjoys fine, dry weather in August (see Essentials), and with so much rich culture and heritage there is plenty to occupy you for the full three weeks. Using our Highlights of Peru holiday as a starting point, I would suggest adding on either the Inca Trail or a stay in the Amazon, which is easily reached from Cusco and enormously rewarding. You could even cross into Bolivia to visit the fascinating capital city, La Paz – not far away from Lake Titicaca. And of course while you are in Arequipa, don't miss the nearby Colca Canyon.
If you give me a call I would be delighted to create a tailor-made itinerary based on your exact requirements and interests. My number is 020 8622 8312, or you can email me: megan.parkinson@journeylatinamerica.co.uk
Megan Parkinson
Travel Consultant, Tailor-Made Holidays