I'm planning at trip for next December. I'm debating between Peru and Costa Rica. It looks like there is more to see/do in Costa Rica. I am not interested in hiking the Inca trail and other than Macchu Picchu - I'm not seeing much else there to do. I like a mildly active vacation but I like having a few days to do nothing on the beach/in the mountains as well. Has anyone been to both countries and if so - which do you suggest?

We love Costa Rica; we've been 3 times and haven't come close to seeing and doing it all. Probably the most common itinerary for first-timers is a combo. of Arenal and Manuel Antonio. It would give you a beautiful beach, an active volcano, wildlife, river tours, ziplines, good food, waterfalls - loads to see and do and pretty affordable. Have not made it to Peru yet, but I hear good things.

I've been to both. Peru is much more interesting for its culture and history. The Amazon near Puerto Maldonado also has more varied wildlife than Costa Rica.

There's a heck of a lot more to see in Peru than just Machu Picchu!! I spent 2 weeks and Peru and there are things I missed. Aside from the Inca Trail and Machu Picchu I enjoyed visiting Lake Titicaca near Puno, I spent 2 days in Cuzco and I toured the Sacred Valley. But the icing on the cake was the Amazon jungle. We flew into Puerto Maldonado, then rode 4 hours by boat into the jungle. I only had 2 days in the jungle but I wish I had at least 3-4. Additionally I had a day in the MiraFlores district of Lima, but another day would have been great.

Then things I missed in Peru were the Colca Canyon and seeing the Nazca Lines. I hope to return someday and see those things.

Syclark, please do a bit more research on Peru and you will find there's a lot more to do than just the Inca Trail and Macchu Picchu. And if you have any questions, we're always here to help.

Haven been to both. Peru is the better choice -- hands down. Besides MP is the Amazon, Lake Titicaca, Uros, Cuzco, Sacred Valley, and much more. CR is lovely, but we found it a little too 'Americanized' for our taste. Peru is the choice. Happy is travels.

Have been to both and no comparision -- Peru wins -- much more interesting and varied. Also agree with kywood1955 in terms of CR having much more of an American feel to it.

The thing we love most about CR is the wildlife. We stayed at a place called Bosque del Cabo that's fairly isolated on the Osa peninsula, and we saw howler monkeys, capuchins, spider monkeys, squirrel monkeys, sloths, wild scarlet macaws, toucans, an anteater - such a thrill to see them in the wild and many of them from the front porch of our cabin. It's set on a cliff with a gorgeous view of the ocean. Parts of CR are very Americanized though; I think that appeals to some people because it's easy and most Ticos speak English. Also for us, it's just a 3-hour plane ride. Not much of cultural significance or ruins, so if you're looking for that, CR wouldn't be the spot for you, but we love its natural beauty. Since you're interested in beaches, have you thought about Belize at all?

I spent a month in Peru and have been to Costa Rica four times. Peru is a more mystical, other-worldly cultural experience - far more exotic than CR. Costa Rica is more relaxing and convenient (although getting to the remote parts, like the Osa, can be a challenge) - a good choice for nature and beach lovers, but not life changing like Peru.

volcanogirl: I spent ten days in Belize last year and I loved it too. Ok - so apparantly I need two vacations so I can go to both places. Thanks for all the input everyone.

I have been to both and I like them both for different reasons.

I like P_M answer, Peru is not just Macchu Picchu.

I also did the whole Scared Valley from Pisac to Macchu Picchu,and I stayed several days in Cusco.

Did the Amazon also both in Peru and in Brazil.

I hired a private tour guide and did Lima for two full days also.

Been to Costa Rica four times and I can sing its praises also...in fact I have sung its praises and still do.

skyclark , you are just going to have to take TWO holidays.

Percy