Peru vs Guatemala
Peru has a population of 34.4M, compared to Guatemala's 18.1M. Peru is 1.9 times more populous than Guatemala. Economically, Peru ($289.2B) has a GDP 2.6 times larger than Guatemala's ($113.2B). Peru covers 1,285,216 km², 11.8 times larger than Guatemala's 108,889 km². Life expectancy in Peru stands at 77.7 years, 5.1 years higher than Guatemala's 72.6 years.
PeruGuatemala| Population | +90.0%34.4M | -47.4%18.1M |
| Area | +1080.3%1,285,216 km² | -91.5%108,889 km² |
| GDP | +155.5%$289.2B | -60.9%$113.2B |
| GDP Per Capita | +37.4%$8,452.372 | -27.2%$6,150.026 |
| Life Expectancy | +7.1%77.7 yrs | -6.6%72.6 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | -24.6%13.5 | +32.6%17.9 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | +96.5%5.1% | -49.1%2.6% |
| Capital | Lima | Guatemala City |
| Region | Americas | Americas |
| Languages | Aymara, Quechua, Spanish | Spanish |
| Currencies | PEN (S/ ) | GTQ (Q) |
Last updated: March 2026
All data sourced from World Bank Open Data (2025) and REST Countries API. Economic data may reflect most recent available year.
Population Comparison
Peru is 1.9 times more populous than Guatemala, with 34.4M residents compared to 18.1M. Peru is a nation of 34.4M people, while Guatemala is a nation of 18.1M people. In terms of population density, Peru averages 27 people per km² (sparse), while Guatemala averages 166 people per km² (moderate). Guatemala has grown at 1.65% annually over the past decade. Population growth data is not available for Peru.
Economy Comparison
Peru is classified as a upper-middle-income economy, while Guatemala is classified as a upper-middle-income economy. The Peru economy ($289.2B) is 2.6 times larger than Guatemala's ($113.2B). Peru's GDP per capita of $8,452.372 is 37% below the regional average of 13,500 for Americas. Guatemala's GDP per capita of $6,150.026 is 54% below the regional average of 13,500 for Americas. On a per-capita basis, residents of Peru are on average 1.4 times wealthier than those in Guatemala.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Peru is 77.7 years, compared to 72.6 years in Guatemala, a gap of 5.1 years. Peru (77.7 years) is 5.7 years above the global average of 72 years, while Guatemala (72.6 years) is 0.6 years above the global average of 72 years. At 17.9 deaths per 1,000 live births, Guatemala's infant mortality is 33% higher than Peru's 13.5.
Geographic Comparison
Peru (1,285,216 km²) is 11.8 times larger by land area than Guatemala (108,889 km²). Peru shares borders with 5 countries, while Guatemala borders 4 countries. Peru spans 1 timezone, compared to Guatemala's 1 timezone. Peru lies in South America, while Guatemala is located in North America. Both countries fall within the Americas region, though they occupy different subregions: South America and Central America.
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Peru and Guatemala is in land area: Peru's 1,285,216 km² compared to Guatemala's 108,889 km² represents a 92% gap. The most significant difference between Peru and Guatemala is in GDP: Peru's $289.2B compared to Guatemala's $113.2B represents a 61% gap. The most significant difference between Peru and Guatemala is in population: Peru's 34.4M compared to Guatemala's 18.1M represents a 47% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Peru's upper-middle-income economy and Guatemala's upper-middle-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Living Standards
Peru has a GDP per capita of $8,452.372, which is 1.4x that of Guatemala ($6,150.026). This gap reflects differences in economic development, industrial structure, and workforce productivity. In practical terms, average purchasing power in Peru is significantly higher, though cost of living differences partially offset the raw income gap.
Population Density
Guatemala is 6.2x more densely populated than Peru (166 vs 27 people per km²). Higher density typically correlates with more urbanization, greater demand for public transit, and higher housing costs. Peru's lower density suggests more rural land use and potentially lower urban congestion.
Healthcare and Longevity
Citizens of Peru live an average of 5.1 years longer than those of Guatemala (77.7 vs 72.6 years). This gap reflects differences in healthcare access, nutrition, public health infrastructure, and environmental factors. This is a substantial gap that suggests significant differences in healthcare systems and overall living conditions.
Economic Momentum
Guatemala's economy grew at 3.7% compared to Peru's 3.3%. Both countries show healthy growth, though Guatemala has a modest edge in economic dynamism.
Travel Comparison
Peru vs Guatemala for Families
For family travel, Peru generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (13.5 vs 17.9 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Guatemala offers its own advantages, including a more compact geography that is easier to navigate with children. Both countries have family-friendly attractions, though Peru's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
Peru vs Guatemala for Budget Travelers
Guatemala is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $6,150.026 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Guatemala can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Peru. However, Peru may offer better value in specific categories such as intercity transport or package deals. Shoulder season travel in either country helps reduce costs further.
Peru vs Guatemala for Retirees
Peru's life expectancy of 77.7 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Guatemala may offer a lower cost of living, which stretches pension income further. Key considerations for retirees include visa and residency requirements, healthcare access, climate preferences, and proximity to international airports. Both countries have established expat communities, though the specific visa options and healthcare quality vary by region within each country.
Peru vs Guatemala Cost of Living
Peru's GDP per capita is 1.4x that of Guatemala, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Peru, while Guatemala offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly by city within each country. Major urban centers in Guatemala can approach or exceed average costs in Peru's smaller cities.
Peru vs Guatemala for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Peru and Guatemala, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Peru spans 1 timezone while Guatemala covers 1. Guatemala's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching remote income. Both countries have growing digital nomad communities, though specific visa requirements for remote workers differ and should be verified before committing to a longer stay.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is bigger, Peru or Guatemala by population?
Peru is larger by population, with 34.4M residents compared to Guatemala's 18.1M. Peru is 1.9 times more populous than Guatemala.
Which country has a higher GDP, Peru or Guatemala?
Peru has the higher GDP at $289.2B, compared to Guatemala's $113.2B. Peru's economy is 2.6 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Peru and Guatemala?
Peru has a higher life expectancy at 77.7 years, compared to Guatemala's 72.6 years. The gap between the two countries is 5.1 years. Peru's life expectancy is 5.7 years above the global average of 72 years, while Guatemala's is 0.6 years above the global average of 72 years.
Which country is larger by area, Peru or Guatemala?
Peru is larger by land area, covering 1,285,216 km² compared to Guatemala's 108,889 km². Peru is 11.8 times larger than Guatemala.
What languages are spoken in Peru and Guatemala?
Peru recognizes the following languages: Aymara, Quechua, Spanish. Guatemala recognizes: Spanish. Both countries share at least one common language.
Which country has lower inflation, Peru or Guatemala?
Peru has lower inflation at 2.0%, compared to Guatemala's 2.9%. Peru's inflation is within the 2-3% range considered stable by most central banks, while Guatemala's rate is within the 2-3% range considered stable by most central banks.
Is Peru or Guatemala better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Peru generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (13.5 vs 17.9 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Guatemala offers its own advantages, including a more compact geography that is easier to navigate with children. Both countri...
Is Peru or Guatemala cheaper to visit?
Guatemala is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $6,150.026 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Guatemala can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Peru. However, Peru may offer better value i...
Is Peru or Guatemala better for retirement?
Peru's life expectancy of 77.7 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Guatemala may offer a lower cost of living, which stretches pension income further. Key considerations for retirees include visa and residency requirements, healthcare access, climat...
Is Peru or Guatemala more expensive to live in?
Peru's GDP per capita is 1.4x that of Guatemala, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Peru, while Guatemala offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly b...
Is Peru or Guatemala better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Peru and Guatemala, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Peru spans 1 timezone while Guatemala covers 1. Guatemala's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching remote inco...