Side by side
Curaçao vs Colca Canyon
Curaçao
30 positive (88%) · 2 mixed (6%) · 2 negative (6%)
Trust + time weighted: +82%
AI summary — not a quote
Curaçao is highly regarded as a vibrant and safe Caribbean destination that excels in shore snorkeling, diverse beaches, and a rich culinary scene. Unlike typical resort-heavy destinations, it offers a more authentic, "low-key" experience, particularly for those willing to rent a car and explore the historic streets of Willemstad or the hidden coves in the north. While it is praised for being outside the hurricane belt, visitors should be prepared for intense heat and a culture that favors independent exploration over all-inclusive luxury.
Pros
- Exceptional shore snorkeling and diving with high visibility and accessible marine life
- Diverse beaches ranging from hidden coves to vibrant turquoise waters
- Located outside the hurricane belt, making it a safer bet for late summer and fall travel
- Rich food scene and multicultural atmosphere compared to other Caribbean islands
Cons
- Extreme heat and humidity can be overwhelming for some travelers
- Ocean water can sometimes be too warm to feel refreshing
- Willemstad can become very crowded when cruise ships are in port
- All-inclusive resort options are generally considered inferior to boutique or non-AI hotels
Top excerpts
Curacao is the island tailored towards the Dutch.
Curaçao is really nice but it depends a bit where on the island you’d stay, if you see something up at Lagun or in the north on the beach that’s ideal; I’d stay away from any resort in the Jan Thiel area (it’s all fake sand constructed beaches there - Curaçao has amazing beaches but not in Jan Thiel).
Curacao would be great for Caribbean, but not AI. The food scene there is good, and the non-AI hotels are better than AI options there.
If you are willing to sacrifice a bit on the resort and a more low key explore the island experience I’d go Curaçao.
Snorkeling in Curaçao was way better than Cancun.
Colca Canyon
16 positive (89%) · 2 mixed (11%) · 0 negative (0%)
Trust + time weighted: +90%
Top excerpts
Since you will be so long in Arequipa a day bus tour through colca canyon is a must.
On the other side, its a good itinerary to travel from Arequipo with one bus to the Colca Canyon for a short touristy trip and continue the trip from there to Puno.
besides the obvious, the Amazon and Arequipa and surrounding Colca Canyon were some of my favorites.
Or if you want to see the Colca Canyon, then I think just one full day in Arequipa is not enough. You could add a day there and cut one from Lima.
Colca Canyon, 100%. It is SPECTACULAR.