How much money does it cost to go to Peru? - 2026 Guide

How much does it cost to go to Peru?

The average daily cost for a trip to Peru is approximately $108 per person. This daily budget covers expenses for:

• Accommodation
• Food and drink
• Local transportation
• Activities

Your final bill will depend heavily on how you like to travel. Where you go changes how much you pay; prices in major tourist hubs like Lima and Cusco are higher than in smaller towns.

You'll pay for almost everything in Peruvian Soles (PEN), so the exchange rate will affect your final cost.

What is the daily budget for backpackers?

If you're backpacking, Nomadic Matt estimates you can get by on a daily budget ranging from $26 to $80 USD. Hostels are a great way to keep lodging costs down, where dorm beds cost approximately $10 per night. Food and drink costs average $6 per meal when you choose street food or a menu del día.

Intercity buses and colectivos are significantly cheaper than flying, and student discounts drastically reduce entrance fees at major sites. Traveling during the off-season helps budget-conscious visitors save even more.

How much should mid-range travelers budget?

For a mid-range trip, expect to spend between $100 and $200 USD per day. This gives you a nice mix of affordability and relaxation, covering private rooms in guesthouses or 3-star hotels that average $60 per night.

You'll likely swap long bus rides for occasional domestic flights for efficiency. This budget allows for pricier travel methods like PeruRail services to Machu Picchu. Funds also cover professional tour guides, entrance fees, and dining experiences featuring sit-down meals and pisco sours.

What is the cost of a luxury vacation in Peru?

Luxury travelers can expect to pay daily costs starting at $210 USD per person. This level of spending gets you into top-tier hotels at 5-star resorts and historic boutique hotels in Cusco and Lima. Fine dining experiences often cost $100 USD or more per meal, featuring gourmet ceviche and extensive tasting menus.

Private tours let you explore the Amazon Rainforest and archaeological sites at your own pace. Transportation includes direct domestic flights and exclusive options like the PeruRail Hiram Bingham train to Machu Picchu. We recommend comprehensive travel insurance to cover the high costs if plans change.

How much do international flights and travel insurance cost?

Calculate pre-trip expenses for airfare and protection plans separately from your daily on-the-ground budget. International flights are the largest upfront expense. Round-trip tickets from the United States to Lima typically cost between $300 and $900. Flight costs vary widely based on the departure city, airline choice, and seasonality. Off-season travel often offers better deals compared to peak tourist months.

Travel insurance protects you from getting hit with massive bills if you face a medical emergency, altitude sickness, or theft. Policies range from $1.50 per day for basic coverage to $200 for a comprehensive plan covering a two-week trip. Citizens of the US, Canada, and the EU generally do not pay visa fees, though travelers from other regions might have to pay to enter.

What are the accommodation prices in Peru?

You'll generally pay less for accommodation in Peru compared to North American or European destinations, with an average daily cost of approximately $37 per person. Lodging prices depend heavily on comfort levels and the specific region.

• Budget travel options, such as hostels, offer dormitory beds for economical stays.
• Mid-range travel budgets typically accommodate private rooms in guesthouses or three-star hotels.
• Luxury travel accommodations, including historic properties in Cusco and oceanfront hotels in Lima, provide premium amenities.

Where and when you go matters, too. Major tourist hubs like Lima, Cusco, and the Sacred Valley cost more than smaller towns in the Andes or the Amazon. Rates peak during the dry season from May to October when demand is highest. However, traveling in the off-season is the best way to snag a deal and secure lower rates.

How much does transportation cost within Peru?

Plan to set aside around $17 a day for getting around the country. This budget changes depending on the speed and comfort required to cover the long miles between major hubs like Lima, Cusco, and Arequipa.

Navigating the popular Gringo Trail requires mixing up your transport methods, including domestic flights, intercity buses, and scenic train rides. While local public transit is cheap, tourist-specific services such as PeruRail drive up overall travel costs.

What is the price difference between domestic flights and intercity buses?

Think of the choice between domestic flights and intercity buses as the classic 'money vs. time' equation: you can pay with your wallet to fly in an hour, or pay with your time to save cash on a 21-hour bus ride. I’ve done the long-haul bus rides, and while cheap, they can be exhausting. Flights are the most efficient option for covering long distances like Lima to Cusco, cutting a 21-hour trip down to just over one hour. One-way airfares typically cost between $38 and $150 depending on the airline and how early you book.

Intercity buses are much cheaper for budget travel, with tickets ranging from $5 to $100 based on the service class. Lower fares generally apply to basic semi-cama seats, while higher prices secure VIP cama suites with fully reclining seats and meals. Mid-range travelers often prefer flying to maximize sightseeing time, whereas backpackers take overnight buses to save on both transportation and accommodation expenses.

How much do taxis, Ubers, and colectivos cost?

Local transportation costs depend heavily on the vehicle type and negotiation skills. Taxis in Peru typically operate without meters, requiring you to agree on a fare before entering the vehicle. Pro tip: ask your hotel receptionist what the standard rate should be before you hail a cab. Short rides within major cities like Lima and Cusco generally cost between 5 and 15 Peruvian Soles ($1.35 to $4 USD). Uber is a popular choice in urban hubs, offering fixed pricing and safer rides for travelers who prefer to avoid negotiation.

Colectivos are the cheapest way for local transport. These shared vans or sedans follow specific routes, with fares ranging from 1 to 5 Soles ($0.27 to $1.35 USD). While way cheaper than private taxis, the journey takes longer due to frequent stops.

Why is an eSIM recommended for travelers in Peru?

Using an eSIM cuts down travel costs by eliminating expensive international roaming charges imposed by home carriers. Digital SIM profiles give you local mobile data rates, often saving travelers substantial amounts compared to traditional roaming plans.

Reliable connectivity is essential for navigating Lima's sprawling districts or finding your hidden hostel in Cusco's winding, unmarked alleyways via Google Maps or booking rides through Uber. Trust me, getting lost in those maze-like streets is easier than you think. Constant internet access keeps you safer by allowing immediate communication in emergencies or when translating Spanish menus and signs. Digital activation also saves you from the hassle of physically swapping SIM cards.

What is the average cost of food and drink?

Budget around $18 per person each day. This budget depends on whether you stick to local joints or splurge on high-end gastronomy. Affordable options like a menu del día offer a cost-effective way to sample local cuisine. Dining in major tourist hubs like Lima and Cusco is pricier compared to residential neighborhoods.

Luxury travelers can enjoy gourmet ceviche and tasting menus at premium rates. Popular beverages such as Pisco Sours add between $5 and $8 to the bill. Keep in mind that service charges often apply in upscale venues.

How much does a meal cost at a restaurant vs. street food?

The price difference between a local lunch and a fancy dinner is substantial. Budget travel is all about the menu del día, a set lunch option that typically costs around $6 (22 PEN) for a starter, main dish, and drink. In my opinion, these lunch specials are the absolute best value you will find in the country. Street food provides an even cheaper alternative, where quick bites like anticuchos cost under $3.

On the other hand, fine dining in Lima is a splurge, with tasting menus at world-class venues frequently exceeding $100 USD. Restaurant prices for specific dishes also vary widely; a plate of ceviche ranges from $3 at a market stall to over $15 in a standard sit-down restaurant. This choice makes a big difference to your total food budget.

How much do popular tours and activities cost?

For entertainment and culture, you'll likely spend an average of $36 per person daily. Activities and entrance fees will eat up a large chunk of your budget because Peru is packed with world-class sites. Prices vary depending on travel style; exploring the Sacred Valley or Colca Canyon independently is cheaper, whereas hiring professional tour guides makes things easier and more informative.

Full-day excursions to Lake Titicaca or Rainbow Mountain range from budget-friendly group options to exclusive private services. Visiting the Amazon Rainforest or Machu Picchu generally costs a lot more compared to local museums. Students can significantly reduce these expenses by using discounts that save up to 50% on official ticket prices. Booking essential tours in advance is crucial for securing spots during peak seasons.

What is the total cost to visit Machu Picchu?

The total price to visit Machu Picchu depends on how you get there and how you like to travel. It is a bucket-list item for a reason, so don’t be afraid to prioritize your budget here. A standard independent trip typically costs between $200 and $300 USD per person, covering:

• PeruRail train tickets
• Shuttle bus from Aguas Calientes
• Official entrance fees

The entry ticket alone is approximately 152 PEN ($41 USD) for adults via the official ticketing site, though student discounts can reduce this price by nearly 50%.

Transportation is the biggest expense, with round-trip train fares from Cusco or the Sacred Valley ranging from $100 to over $500 depending on the service class. Or, all-inclusive treks like the Inca Trail cost between 3,000 and 6,000 PEN ($800–$1,600 USD) but include professional tour guides, porters, and meals.

Is the Cusco tourist ticket (Boleto Turístico) worth the price?

Most travelers consider the Cusco Tourist Ticket (Boleto Turístico) a necessary expense if they want to explore the region's history. This ticket is mandatory for entering the most popular archaeological sites around Cusco and the Sacred Valley, as individual entrance fees are not sold at the gates of ruins like Sacsayhuaman, Pisac, or Ollantaytambo.

The full ticket costs 130 PEN (approx. $35 USD) according to COSITUC and remains valid for 10 days, granting access to 16 different attractions including museums and ruins. For travelers with limited time or funds, partial tickets are available for 70 PEN ($19 USD), covering specific circuits like just the Sacred Valley sites or city ruins. While the upfront cost seems high, it is worth it because it covers multiple days of activities. Visitors planning to see more than two major historical sites will find the pass essential, as it is the only legal method to access these landmarks. Without it, tour guides cannot take you inside the main complexes.

How much are tours for Rainbow Mountain and the Amazon Rainforest?

Rainbow Mountain and the Amazon Rainforest have very different price tags and duration. Rainbow Mountain is an affordable trip for budget travel, with tours typically costing between $38 and $150 per person. The lower end of this range covers large group buses departing from Cusco, while higher prices secure private tour guides and oxygen supplies.

However, visiting the Amazon Rainforest requires a bigger budget due to complex logistics and accommodation needs. A standard 3-day package generally ranges from $300 to $500, covering boat transport, meals, and activities. Luxury travel options at premium eco-lodges often exceed $1,000 for similar durations. While the mountain is a low-cost add-on, the Amazon is a big undertaking involving higher travel costs for immersive excursions.

How do currency and tipping affect your spending?

Understanding local currency and tipping is key for budgeting. The official currency is the Peruvian Sol (PEN), which is preferred for most daily transactions including street food, taxis, and market purchases. While US dollars are accepted in larger hotels, using Peruvian Soles stops you from getting a bad exchange rate often applied by vendors.

Gratuities can add up, particularly for those taking guided activities. A 10% tip is standard practice in restaurants for food and drink service if a service charge is not already included. Tour guides and porters on multi-day treks expect gratuities, often ranging from 20 to 40 PEN per day per person. Budget travel plans should account for these cash expenses to avoid shortages in remote areas like the Sacred Valley.

When is the cheapest time to visit Peru?

To get the best prices, visit Peru during the rainy season, which runs from November through April. The months of January, February, March, and early December offer the most significant discounts on accommodation and activities. Off-season travel trades wet weather for big savings.

Hotels and tour agencies in tourist centers like Cusco frequently reduce rates by up to 40% to attract visitors during these quieter periods. Although rain is common, savvy savers benefit from fewer crowds at major sites like Machu Picchu. Flexibility is essential, as flights and transport into the Amazon or highlands face occasional delays due to weather. While the Inca Trail closes for maintenance in February, other archaeological sites remain accessible. Visiting during these months is simply the best way to maximize the value of your Peruvian adventure.

Sources

• https://www.nomadicmatt.com/travel-blogs/peru-travel-costs/
• https://www.machupicchu.gob.pe/online-tickets/?lang=en
• https://cosituc.gob.pe/tarifario/