Peru or China in September?

[Whitlandcarm]

I prefer Peru, but think it’ll be more expensive. I’d be a typical tourist and want to see Machu Pichu!

Will be going for 3-4 weeks

China seems interesting but I’m put off by a £151 visa

Anyone done both, which was better?

I've been to both! Although Peru was in 1998, and China was last year. If you choose China, make sure you are out by October 1 - it is Golden Week when the whole country goes travelling. If you have never seen all of China on the move, google Golden Week! Chinese attractions are very busy with local tourists at all times of the year, so I can imagine Golden Week would be a nightmare.

We went at Easter last year - my husband, myself, and two sons who were 11 and 8. We were living in Hong Kong at the time, so the culture shock was not really too bad. Our trip was only 2.5 weeks, self guided, and we traveled vast distances via the excellent Chinese train system. It's not cheap but it is to the minute reliable, clean, and safe. We had guides in lots of stops but for a few places we just traveled around on our own. In hindsight, it was one of the best trips we have ever done, but by the end of 2 weeks we were all absolutely whacked. It's an exhausting place to travel due to the crowds, but the things you will see are like nothing you ever dreamed of. You may be surprised how $$ it is. The Chinese have money now and they like to travel, so research costs if this is the basis of your decision. 3-4 weeks would tire you out IMO, unless you combined with Hong Kong as well... The visa process is a nightmare. You can get an agent to do it for you, I would recommend this!

Peru was 20 years ago so I am digging deep here. I was a backpacker and my friends and I stayed in flea bitten hostels the whole time. Back then, tourists weren't regulated like they are now and it was a bit of a free for all. We did a 5 day hike culminating in Machu Picchu, one of the best days of my life! There is definitely lots of other things to see too - Nazca Lines, Amazon basin, Lima, Arequipa and the Colca Canyon - but I would combine it with a trip to Ecuador maybe? Although there are some beach resorts in Peru so you could also perhaps head there.

Hope this helps!