Peru, Argentina, or Ecuador? What country should I visit?

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TravelOn

Definitely Argentina.

Iguazu Falls is one of the most beautiful parks I've ever visited. Or go to Salta and take a drive through the beautiful landscape (plus get really nice and inexpensive llama wool and alpaca clothing, blankets, etc). The best place of all is lovely Buenos Aires - the music, dancing, wine, food and beautiful people everywhere!

You won't regret it.

chepeloni

Listen here, I'm from Ecuador, and unlike the other people that has answered this question, I won't tell you go to Ecuador just because I'm from there. True, my country has a lot to offer, and so the other countries. If I would have the money, I would go to Peru, just because I would like to be in Machu Picchu, pictures Iâ€™ve seen of that place are so great and it looks so peaceful. Argentina is also a great place to visit, Iâ€™ve seen pictures of their beaches, their women, and of course, since Iâ€™m a soccer fan, nothing would be greater than being in Monumental Stadium or Bombonera in the middle of a classic soccer game between River Plate and Boca Juniors. Nightlife I guess is awesome everywhere as long as you go with a great group of friends, so don't take that into consideration when you decide where to go. Someone says Argentina has different weathers and landscape, well, this person doesnâ€™t know anything about Ecuador for example, we do also have 4 different regions:

1 the coast, hot most of the time, beautiful beaches as Salinas, MontaÃ±ita (this is a hell of place, lots of fun), Bahia de Caraquez, Manta (great place since the Americans have a military base there), Atacames, just to name a few. Other cities like Guayaquil, this one has changed a lot in the last 10 years, there is a lot to do and see, but, honestly, it's just like any other cosmopolitan city, I don't mean is ugly, I just don't know exactly what kind of travel you like.

2 the mountains, aka sierra, nice weather, you'll find the capital city, Quito, and few minutes away from there, the middle of the world, it's the only place in the earth where the equatorial line pass through a place you can visit. Ambato, if you go right now, you will presence a volcano ready to go boom, just don't get to close he he, Tungurahua is the name. If you like climbing, then you have Chimborazo, Cotopaxi to name a few. Cuenca, beautiful city, it's like a little piece of Spain in South America, if you decide to go north, the lakes area, like San Pablo, you'll think you are in heaven. There are others like Yaguarcocha (lagoon of blood), Cuicocha, etc.

3 Amazon, well, the name says it all. never been that close before, but for what Iâ€™ve seen on TV, it might be the adventure of your life.

4 insular, where you find Galapagos Islands, our best presentation card, nowhere in the world, you'll find a place like this one. Animals and vegetation that you can't find anywhere else, white sand beaches where you can swim with sharks and whales, etc etc .......

So if I were you and would have the money, Iâ€™d go to all three places. Now, in my case, being from Ecuador, living somewhere else but from Ecuador, Iâ€™d choose Machu Picchu first, and then Argentina. just my personal opinion, the rest of Peru doesnâ€™t catch my attention, it's not like I think the place is awful, no way, but I find it similar somehow to my country, and I would like to go to a "different" place, and that's exactly what machu picchu is.

Again, if you like nature, definitely Galapagos Islands is your best choice, and forget about the rest of Ecuador if you want to, although you will have to go to Guayaquil first and then the islands.

Todd

I spent 9 months in South America and I did enjoy Argentina and Peru but the Galapagos Islands were awesome. If you are a nature lover it is amazing and I would not miss that.

jay

I spent three months in Ecuador and a few weeks in Peru. I would DEFINITELY check out the Galapagos! It was amazing! I loved it. I would recommend staying on a cruise ship not in a hotel and remember, you are not permitted on 99% of the Galapagos without a certified tour guide. Most guides speak fairly good english but it helps if you speak a bit of spanish. Ecuador has some nice beaches that aren't too touristy (check out Esmeraldas but I am sure there are better ones too). Ecuador has a lot of cultural and architectural history to offer but not much in the way of luxury. Peru was really nice. Lima felt like an old Spanish city. The architecture was beautiful. Machu Picchu was really cool. I really enjoyed Cuzco (this is where most people stay while they visit Macchu Picchu). It was fairly touristy but had an old peruvian small city feel. There was traditional food, music, wares. It is definitely a trip that I recommend to my friends and family.

Traveller

Peru remains our very favorite destination. The rain forest if you like nature, Cuzco and Machu Picchu if you like fascinating ancient ruins, native crafts (we think much better than Ecuador), and "magic."

Ecuador is charming also. And the Galapagos are a must if you're a nature lover. It's getting over-traveled so you may not want to wait.

We have not been to Argentina, but our impression is that it's the least "South American" on the continent, with its eyes more toward Europe. Also, wonder how friendly they are to Americans these days. But still would like to visit it some day.

And, don't rule out Chile, a land of real variety, plus Easter Island.

To check out our trips to South America, http://jackmaryetc.com/

Luis A

I am peruvian and i don't want to tell you "come to my country because is the best"
I haven't been in Ecuador nor in Argentina but what i can tell you about Peru is that i recomend you if you likes culure. My country is mostly for turists that likes culture, and see lots of things in few time. The most important thing in Peru is Machu Picchu but there is so much more to see in here such as a modern capital (Lima) colonial cities (Arequipa and Cusco), an awesome gastronomy, 5000 years of history (Incas are not the only culture that lived here! they only lived from 1300 to 1535 but there is 5000 years of culture before that), lovely and warm people and a mixture of nature.
From what i have heard, Argentina can be ecomend if you are looking for big modern cities and Ecuador if you are looking for a raw nature and culture.

pablo_dmc

Go to Peru..psh..the other countries do not have that great amazon baisin as Peru does. You can try macchu Pichhu, which Peru is famous for. You can try Lake Titikaka which is the highest lake naviable in the world. You can try Lima as well, they have such a great nightlife. Oh! well it's really up to you, but geezus! there's too much things to do in Peru that i need a whole essay to tell you..good luck!

deep_blue_navy

Of course.... PerÃº:

Why? We have the number one Modern Wonder of the World: Macchu Picchu, and then Choquequirao (the new Macchu Picchu); the Gocta Falls -- the third highest in the world; jungle experience at Manu National Reserve (incredible!); Colca Canyon in Arequipa, the deepest in the world; Huaraz and the White Mountains -- the peruvian Swiss--- and more!
PerÃº is considered now the gastronomical capital of South America (don't miss our cebiches, huancainan potatoes, chupe de camarones -- river shrimps--, peruvian chinese food, wow!). Nice people everywhere, incredible variety of fresh fruit and vegetables, the best fresh fish anywhere in the world, cheap, you'll enjoy it here!.
You can buy alpaca (the finest and wormest fiber ) wear, silver and golden jewels cheaper. No one can beat PerÃº now!

Pam

As long as you plan your trip in the best way possible, any country will be a good destination. You will have your own opinions once you experience yourself. Every country has its wonders and very nice places to visit and if someone tells you something bad about a country is because they may not even know the country itself. It always happens, you have a bad experience and you think the same thing will happen to everybody.
Check out the following websites:
http://www.vivecuador.com/html2/eng/home.htm
http://www.go2peru.com/
http://www.turismo.gov.ar/eng/menu.htm

These are the corresponding websites from the government entities in each country. What better that each country to tell you what they will offer to their visitors?
Hope you have a nice trip wherever you decide to go.

angeles

I was in all three countries and it really depends on your interests. In my opinion Ecuador was the the least interesting, it has natural beauty, but so do Peru and Argentina. If you are interested in learning about about history and indigenous cultures then Peru is a fascinating place, do the Inka trail to Macchu Picchu, not only do you see incredible ruins but the Andes are amazing! You can also visit the Peruvian Amazon, I hear that its even nicer than the Brazilian Amazon. Cusco is a nice place to visit, its a real tourist trap and the locals are not as friendly as in other regions of Peru, but its a good place to jumpstart your tours and shop for local crafts.
Argentina is also a very fascinating city, the people are are really outgoing and its a great place to shop, the food is great and so is the nightlife. You can also take the super-first class buses to Foz de Iguazu or Tierra del Fuego.
Both countries are amazing, but two completely different experiences.

orkut

In my opinion argentina.

Ted Drake

go to Argentina for a more cosmopolitan visit. Go to Peru for Machu Piccu.

Bren

Argentina is fabulous!

austin_long

I can't speak for Ecuador. As far as Peru, yes Machu Piccu would be worth visiting, but it takes several days to get there and back. Why waste those days in a bus when you could be site seeing.

But here's the real answer. You need to visit CHILE.

Chile has the driest desert in the world, all the way down to the antartic. it's got Easter Island. It's a beautiful place that you'll truly fall in love with. Don't count out Chile!

Either way you go, have a lot of fun.

IndySteve1563

Anything I state here is from a personal and professional point of view(fellow traveller and Owner of a Travel Agency). Certain things come to mind:

1- When do you plan to travel?(The weather may be a factor)
2- For how long?
3- Looking to explore on your own? Looking for a Tour?
4- Air/Hotel? An "All-Inclusive"?

Speaking for myself, I like Peru. And it has nothing to do with Machu Picchu. It is all about the Peruvian culture, the scenery, the diverse food offerings(Spanish influences prevail). If you just want to be a tourist, then Argentina's your best bet.

Saronrosse

why not chile????

Erci

Hi. You are right: PerÃº has Machu Pichu and Ecuador has the GalÃ¡pagos, two great destinations. However, Argentina has much more to offer if you are thinking of a long trip. We have all the climates and landscapes. In the northeast, we have the IguazÃº Falls in Misiones province, a marvel surrounded by tropical forests. In the northwest, we have mountains of hundred colours and some historical cities from times of the Spanish colony. To the south, we have the huge Patagonia where you can visit, either the majesty of the Andes mountains and their reminiscence of the Swiss Alps, or the never ending Atlantic coast (whales watching around October), along which you will reach the most suthern city of AmÃ©rica, Ushuaia, also with lakes and great views. In spite of the fact you will have long distances to cover, everywhere here is worth visiting. If you want to know more or ask about any specific place, just let me know and I will find links for you to have a look at our touristic places. Regards. Ercilia

A.S.IP.W.F.D.

you want to see a completly diferent civilization, then peru.....you feel romantic argentina.....ecuador, what are you crazy??? dont go there

Meranda

what EVER u do don't go 2 equador...itz a waste of time and money!! $$!! Go to argentina if u want to b kinda cold...if u want something hot then go to peru!! Itz VERY pretty!!!

boricua_girl14

Don't visit one of those. Visit Puerto Rico. There are great places in my homeland,..... like... El Morro, El Yunque (forest),....etc. .....

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