⚖️ Comparisons

Peru vs Colombia: South America Entry Compared (2026)

Peru and Colombia represent two very different South American experiences — both accessible visa-free or with simple electronic processes for most nationalities. Peru is defined by Machu Picchu, the Sacred Valley, the Amazon, and Lima's world-class food scene. Colombia offers Cartagena's colonial Caribbean beauty, the Coffee Region's green hillsides, and the cosmopolitan energy of Medellín.
Peru Tourist Authorization
8.8
Free gov. fee
Apply for Peru Tourist Authorization
VS
Colombia eVisa
8.2
Gov. fee $55
Apply for Colombia eVisa

Behind this comparison

This comparison is based on official government data for both Peru Tourist Authorization and Colombia eVisa, supplemented by application experience data from our traveller feedback network. Processing times reflect medians from 8 data points collected over the past 6 months. Fees are based on published government rates as of April 2026. Where fees vary by nationality, we show the most common rate for English-speaking market applicants. Always check the current fee on the official government portal before applying.

Feature Comparison

Feature Peru Tourist Authorization Colombia eVisa
Entry requirement Visa-free 90 days (most) Visa-free 90 days (most)
Government fee Free (visa-free) Free (visa-free)
Altitude concern Serious (Cusco 3,400m) Moderate (Bogotá 2,600m)
Best heritage site Machu Picchu Cartagena Old City
Food scene Lima (world top 10) Medellín, Bogotá (up and coming)
Amazon access Iquitos, Puerto Maldonado Leticia
Safety Generally safe for tourists Improving rapidly

Our Verdict

Peru Tourist Authorization
Choose Peru for the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, the world's best high-altitude food scene in Lima, and the extraordinary Amazon basin — one of South America's most iconic multi-experience itineraries.
Apply for Peru Tourist Authorization
Colombia eVisa
Choose Colombia for Cartagena's walled colonial city, Medellín's dramatic urban renewal story, the Cloud Forest Coffee Region, and a country that has transformed into one of Latin America's hottest travel destinations.
Apply for Colombia eVisa

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I combine Peru and Colombia in one South America trip?+
Yes — a popular route combines both. Many travellers fly into Bogotá, explore Colombia (2 weeks), fly to Lima, and then spend 2–3 weeks in Peru before flying home. Direct flights between Bogotá and Lima take approximately 3 hours. Budget around 4–5 weeks for both countries done properly.
Is altitude sickness a serious concern in Peru?+
Yes — altitude sickness (soroche) is a real concern in Cusco (3,400m) and on the Inca Trail. The standard advice is to arrive in Cusco 2 days before your hike to acclimatise, avoid alcohol on arrival, stay well hydrated, and consider acetazolamide (Diamox) prescribed by your doctor if you are particularly susceptible.