Costa Rica or Peru???

[AKchristmasqueen]

Hi!

I am looking at planning a trip with my son next year. He will be 13. Which if these 2 trips would you recommend and why?

 

[Bobo912]

I've done both of these ABD trips with my son. I would say it depends on what your DS likes to do. Both trips are active but in a different way. There is a lot of hiking through Incan ruins on the Peru trip and a very mild rafting trip. The Costa Rica trip has more of a variety of outdoor activities - zip lining, rafting (better than in Peru), swimming. Also, if your DS is interested in wildlife, you'll see many more animals, birds, etc., in Costa Rica. Machu Picchu is amazing, but unless your son is really interested in the Incan civilization or llamas, I would say Costa Rica is probably the better choice. Also, if you're lucky enough to see the Arenal volcano erupt, that is an awesome sight.

 

[dizneekrazee]

Hi!

I am looking at planning a trip with my son next year. He will be 13. Which if these 2 trips would you recommend and why?

I have traveled to both places, although, I have not yet taken an ABD, so you may wish to not take my recommendation.

First of all, it does really depend on your son. I have 3 boys myself, ranging from almost 8 to 14. I think all 3 of my boys would prefer Costa Rica over Peru. They are both very adventurous places, but, totally different. Costa Rica has more thrill seeking adventures, where Peru is more hiking/walking. Neither of these trips was with a tour group for me, we did it all on our own. I honestly do not remember seeing very many kids in Peru, other than those who were residents. The few I did see at Machu Picchu, were exhausted.

However, if I were to return to either of these places, there is no way I would go to Peru again without somebody making all the arrangements for me. It was our first intercontinenal trip, and it was a headache and a half getting things booked.

Hope that helps!! Whichever you choose, I am sure you will both love it!!

 

[AKchristmasqueen]

Thanks for the info! DS is not into history of any sort & is very active so it sounds like Costa Rica is the best choice. So excited!!

 

[Bobo912]

It's been a few years since I did the Costa Rica trip, and I didn't do a trip report but if you go to the sticky at the top of the main forum page, the last two trip reports (at the moment) are my Peru trip and Gonecruisin's Costa Rica trip. We both traveled this past March. Reading those might give you more confidence in your choice, or it may be more than you want to know.