As of November 12, 2026, El Salvador is cheaper than Peru for travelers: a mid-range day costs about $77 in El Salvador against $83 in Peru, a gap of 7.5%. Over the past year Peru has moved more in the US-dollar traveler's favor (+1.7% after inflation, against +1.1%). El Salvador carries the lower US advisory (Level 1 against Level 2). Peru is the easier of the two to travel.
| Measure | El Salvador | Peru |
|---|---|---|
| Mid-range day | $77 | $83 |
| Lean day | $36 | $35 |
| Comfortable day | $164 | $198 |
| Real change, 12 months | +1.1% | +1.7% |
| Exchange rate alone, 12 months | 0.0% | +1.7% |
| Versus 5-year average | +4.8% | −8.7% |
| US advisory | Level 1 · Normal precautions | Level 2 · Increased caution |
| Ease of travel | 3.3 · Workable | 3.9 · Well set up |
| Index score | 68 | 60 |
| Best months | Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr | May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep |
| Shoulder months | May, Oct | Apr, Oct |
The better figure in each row is in bold. Costs are modeled estimates per person, excluding international flights.
The fastest safety turnaround in the hemisphere, and a surf coast priced in dollars.
The catchDollarized, so no currency upside for dollar earners. The security gains came with a prolonged state of emergency.
Machu Picchu is the pricey part. Everything else is a bargain with a world-class kitchen.
The catchAltitude needs days, not hours. Political protests periodically close roads and rail in the south.
Source: Trip Arbitrage (triparbitrage.com), reading of November 12, 2026. How this is calculated.