HOW MUCH DOES IT COST TO TRAVEL TO PERU: THE COMPLETE TRUTH ABOUT PRICES (2025)

I’ll save you time: Peru can cost anywhere from $30 a day if you’re a hardcore backpacker, to $500+ a day if you want luxury. The difference is massive, and it totally depends on your travel style.

After 20 years organizing trips and seeing all kinds of budgets, I’ve learned something: the question isn’t “how much does Peru cost?”, but “how much do I want to spend in Peru?”. Because honestly, you can do the same circuit (Lima-Cusco-Machu Picchu) spending $800 or spending $5,000. I’m not exaggerating.

What I’m going to do here is give you REAL numbers, without inflating them or being overly optimistic. Prices you’ll actually pay in 2025, with specific examples of where you eat, where you sleep, and what you do. Because articles that say “Peru is cheap” or “you need $3,000 minimum” don’t really help.

Spoiler: Peru is cheaper than Europe or the United States, but more expensive than Bolivia or Ecuador. The mid-range is perfect for most travelers.

Before We Start: Exchange Rate and Currency

Currency: Peruvian Sol (S/.)
Approximate exchange rate (2025): $1 USD = S/. 3.45 – 3.60
(The exchange rate fluctuates but remains relatively stable)

In this article I’ll give prices in both currencies. Most places in tourist areas accept dollars, but you get a better rate paying in soles.

Tip: Exchange money at official exchange houses, not at the airport (worse rate) or with people on the street (risk of counterfeit bills).

The Three Budget Levels

I’m going to break this down into three real categories:

BACKPACKER / BUDGET

• Shared hostels or budget accommodations
• Food at markets and local restaurants
• Public transport or tourist buses
• Group tours (when necessary)
• Zero luxury, maximum authenticity

Profile: Young traveler, flexible, doesn’t mind discomfort, prioritizes experience over comfort

COMFORT / MIDDLE CLASS

• 3-star hotels or decent private hostels
• Mix of local and tourist restaurants
• Taxis/Uber when convenient, tourist buses
• Mix of group and some private tours
• Balance between price and comfort

Profile: Most travelers. Want to be comfortable without overspending

PREMIUM / LUXURY

• 4-5 star boutique hotels
• Quality restaurants, some fine dining
• Private transport, private guides
• Exclusive experiences, VIP access
• Maximum comfort, zero worries

Profile: Traveler who prioritizes comfort, time is money, wants the best without looking at price

Category Breakdown: Real Prices

INTERNATIONAL FLIGHTS

This varies A LOT depending on where you fly from and when you book.

From the United States (to Lima):

• Budget: $300-500 (with layover, low season)
• Normal: $500-800 (direct or with layover, advance booking)
• Expensive/Last minute: $800-1,500+ (high season or late booking)

From Europe (to Lima):

• Budget: $600-900 (with layovers, low season)
• Normal: $900-1,300
• Expensive: $1,300-2,000+

From Latin America:

• Chile/Argentina: $200-400
• Colombia: $250-450
• Mexico: $400-700

How to save:

• Book 2-3 months in advance minimum
• Flexible dates (Tuesdays/Wednesdays are usually cheaper)
• Low season (February-March, November) has better prices
• Price alerts on Google Flights or Skyscanner

DOMESTIC FLIGHTS

Peru is BIG. If you’re visiting multiple cities, internal flights save time.

Lima – Cusco (1h flight vs 20h bus):

• Budget: $60-90 USD (LATAM, Sky, JetSmart)
• Normal: $90-130 USD
• Last minute: $150-250 USD

Lima – Arequipa:

• $70-120 USD

Lima – Iquitos (no road access, flight only):

• $100-180 USD

Lima – Juliaca (to go to Puno):

• $80-140 USD

Tip: Buy domestic flights in advance. Prices rise dramatically close to the date. LATAM and Sky are the main airlines.

ACCOMMODATION (Per Night)

Prices vary A LOT between Lima/Cusco (expensive) and small towns (cheap).

BACKPACKER / BUDGET:

Shared dorm (hostel):

• Lima/Cusco: S/. 30-50 ($8-13 USD)
• Small towns: S/. 20-35 ($5-9 USD)

Basic private room:

• Lima/Cusco: S/. 70-120 ($18-32 USD)
• Small towns: S/. 50-80 ($13-21 USD)

Real examples (Cusco):

• Pariwana Hostel (dorm): S/. 45 ($12 USD)
• Milhouse Cusco (basic private): S/. 100 ($26 USD)
• Budget hotel Downtown: S/. 90 ($24 USD)

COMFORT / MID-RANGE:

3-star hotel or decent boutique:

• Lima/Cusco: S/. 180-300 ($47-79 USD)
• Small towns: S/. 120-200 ($32-53 USD)

Real examples (Cusco):

• Casa Andina Standard: S/. 250 ($66 USD)
• Hotel San Agustín El Dorado: S/. 220 ($58 USD)
• Tierra Viva: S/. 280 ($74 USD)

PREMIUM / LUXURY:

4-5 star boutique hotel:

• Lima/Cusco: S/. 400-800+ ($105-210+ USD)
• Jungle lodges: S/. 800-1,500+ ($210-395+ USD)

Real examples (Cusco):

• Belmond Palacio Nazarenas: S/. 2,200+ ($580+ USD)
• JW Marriott: S/. 600 ($158 USD)
• Inkaterra La Casona: S/. 1,800 ($474 USD)

Jungle Lodges (all-inclusive 3 days):

• Budget: $300-500
• Mid-range: $500-900
• Luxury: $900-2,500+

FOOD (Per Day)

This is where you can save or spend a lot depending on your choices.

BACKPACKER / BUDGET:

Breakfast: S/. 8-15 ($2-4 USD)

• Market: juice, bread, eggs S/. 8
• Local café: coffee + toast S/. 12

Lunch: S/. 10-20 ($3-5 USD)

• Menu del día (soup + main + drink): S/. 12-15
• Market: typical dish S/. 10-15

Dinner: S/. 15-25 ($4-7 USD)

• Local restaurant: S/. 20
• Street food: S/. 15

Daily total: S/. 35-60 ($9-16 USD)

Example places (Cusco):

• San Pedro Market: Menu S/. 10
• Kusykay: Menu S/. 12
• Jack’s Café: Big breakfast S/. 25

COMFORT / MID-RANGE:

Breakfast: S/. 20-35 ($5-9 USD)

• Tourist café: Breakfast S/. 25-30

Lunch: S/. 35-60 ($9-16 USD)

• Mid-range restaurant: S/. 40-50

Dinner: S/. 50-90 ($13-24 USD)

• Good tourist restaurant: S/. 60-80

Daily total: S/. 105-185 ($28-49 USD)

Examples (Cusco):

• Cicciolina: Main course S/. 60-80
• Chicha by Gastón Acurio: S/. 70-90
• Limo: S/. 65-85

PREMIUM / LUXURY:

Breakfast: S/. 40-70 ($11-18 USD)

• 5-star hotel (included)
• Exclusive brunch

Lunch: S/. 80-150 ($21-39 USD)

• Fine dining restaurant

Dinner: S/. 150-300+ ($39-79+ USD)

• Fine dining, tasting menu

Daily total: S/. 270-520+ ($71-137+ USD)

Examples (Lima – best restaurants):

• Central (tasting menu): S/. 550 ($145 USD)
• Maido (tasting menu): S/. 600 ($158 USD)
• Astrid y Gastón: S/. 250-350

Typical Dishes Price Guide:

 How Much Does it Cost to Travel to Peru?

Transportation Within Peru

Long-Distance Buses

Lima to Cusco (20-22 hours):

• Economy (Cruz del Sur, Oltursa): $21-32 USD
• Comfort/Semi-Sleeper: $34-47 USD
• Premium/Full Sleeper: $53-74 USD

Cusco to Puno (7 hours):

• Economy: $8-13 USD
• Tourist Class (with stops, meals included): $32-42 USD

Lima to Arequipa (16 hours):

• Economy: $18-26 USD
• Premium: $39-53 USD

Local Transportation

Taxis:

• Short city ride: $2-4 USD
• Airport to Downtown Lima: $13-18 USD
• Airport to Downtown Cusco: $7-9 USD

Uber/InDriver (available in Lima, Cusco, Arequipa):

• Cheaper and safer than street taxis
• Average ride: $3-5 USD

Colectivos (shared vans):

• Cusco to Ollantaytambo: $3-4 USD
• Very economical but uncomfortable

Tours and Activities in Peru

This is where your budget can either explode or stay reasonable.

Cusco and Surroundings

Cusco City Tour (half-day):

• Group tour: $18-26 USD
• Private tour: $66-105 USD

Sacred Valley (full-day):

• Group tour: $26-39 USD + $18 tourist ticket
• Private tour: $105-158 USD

Rainbow Mountain – Vinicunca:

• Group tour: $21-32 USD
• Horse rental (if needed): $24 USD additional

Machu Picchu Costs

Option 1: Train + Tour (most common)

• Expedition Train (tourist class): $70-90 USD round-trip
• Vistadome Train (panoramic windows): $120-150 USD round-trip
• Hiram Bingham Train (luxury): $500-600 USD round-trip
• Machu Picchu entrance: $40 USD
• Bus up/down: $24 USD
• Guide (optional but recommended): $16-26 USD group rate

Total Machu Picchu day trip (budget): $170-200 USD
Total Machu Picchu day trip (comfort): $250-300 USD
Total Machu Picchu day trip (luxury): $600-800 USD

Option 2: Classic Inca Trail 4D/3N:

• Price: $600-800 USD (all-inclusive: permits, meals, equipment, porters, guide)
• Booking: 6 months in advance for high season

Option 3: Alternative Treks:

• Salkantay Trek 5D/4N: $400-600 USD
• Lares Trek 4D/3N: $450-550 USD
• Inca Jungle 4D/3N: $350-500 USD

Other Destinations

Nazca Lines (overflight):

• $80-120 USD (35 minutes)

Ballestas Islands (Paracas):

• Boat tour: $9-13 USD

Colca Canyon (Arequipa, 2 days/1 night):

• Group tour: $50-80 USD
• Private tour: $200-300 USD

Amazon Jungle – Puerto Maldonado:

• Budget lodge 3D/2N: $300-450 USD
• Mid-range lodge 3D/2N: $500-700 USD
• Luxury lodge 3D/2N: $800-1,500 USD

Lake Titicaca (Puno):

• Uros + Taquile Islands (day trip): $18-26 USD
• 2 days with homestay: $39-53 USD

Entrance Fees and Permits

Cusco Tourist Ticket:

• General (16 sites, 10 days): $34 USD
• Partial circuit I or II: $18 USD

Machu Picchu:

• Adult foreign visitor: $40 USD
• With Huayna Picchu: $53 USD
• With Machu Picchu Mountain: $53 USD

Museums (average):

• $3-8 USD each

Sample Peru Travel Budgets: 7, 10, and 15 Days

BACKPACKER BUDGET – 10 DAYS

Itinerary: Lima (2 days) – Cusco (3 days) – Machu Picchu (1 day) – Sacred Valley (1 day) – Puno (2 days) – Arequipa (1 day)

Includes: Flights, shared/budget accommodation, local food, basic group tours
Does not include: Souvenirs, alcohol, extra tips, premium tours

🏨 COMFORT BUDGET – 10 DAYS

Same itinerary, better category.

✨ PREMIUM BUDGET – 10 DAYS

Same itinerary, maximum comfort.

Quick Comparison Chart

Does not include international flight from your home country

Hidden Costs Nobody Tells You About

These are expenses many people forget that really add up:

Bottled Water

• $0.30-0.80 per small bottle
• Over 10 days: $8-16 USD
• Solution: Buy large bottle and refill, or use filter/purification tablets

Public Restrooms

• $0.30-0.50 per use
• Many tourist sites charge
• Over 10 days: $4-8 USD

Tips and Gratuities

• Restaurants: 10% (optional but expected)
• Tour guides: $5-13 USD per day
• Inca Trail porters: $21-39 USD total
• Tour drivers: $3-5 USD
• Hotel housekeeping: $1.50-3 USD per day

ATM Fees

• $4-7 USD per withdrawal
• Solution: Withdraw large amounts at once

Internet/SIM Card

• Prepaid chip with data: $5-13 USD for 10 days
• Many hotels have free WiFi

Souvenirs

• Budget $26-79 USD if you want to buy things
• Bargaining is normal at markets

Medications

• Altitude pills: $4-8 USD
• Ibuprofen, anti-diarrheal: $3-5 USD
• Better option: Bring basic first-aid kit from home

Device Charging

• Some long tours charge for charging: $1.50-3 USD

Total hidden costs: Add an extra $53-132 USD to your budget.

How to Save Money Without Sacrificing Experience

Smart Savings

1. Flights:

• Set price alerts 3-4 months in advance
• Fly Tuesday/Wednesday (cheaper)
• Consider connections (cheaper than direct)

2. Accommodation:

• Less touristy neighborhoods in Lima/Cusco are cheaper and more authentic
• Hostels with private rooms > cheap hotels (better value)
• Negotiate if staying 3+ nights

3. Food:

• “Menú del día” = gold. Complete local meal for $3-4 USD
• Eat breakfast at your hotel/hostel (usually included)
• One nice meal per day + rest budget-friendly (balance)
• Local markets > tourist restaurants (half the price, same quality)

4. Tours:

• Group tours in Cusco/Valley are good quality and affordable
• Machu Picchu IS worth a guided tour (you’ll understand so much more)
• City tours can be done solo with free walking tours + tip

5. Transportation:

• Overnight buses save one night’s accommodation
• Uber/InDriver > street taxis (half the price)
• Walk city centers (Lima Miraflores, Cusco downtown are walkable)

6. Extras:

• Reusable water bottle saves $16 on bottled water
• Eat before/after tours (don’t buy expensive food at tourist sites)
• Discount apps: TuApparta (hotels), PedidosYa (food delivery)

❌ Where NOT to Skimp

Don’t cut corners on:

• Travel insurance (if you get altitude sickness, hospitals are expensive)
• Train to Machu Picchu (the Vistadome is worth the upgrade)
• Machu Picchu guide (you’ll get 10x more out of it)
• Decent hotel in Cusco (you need good rest for the altitude)
• Inca Trail with reputable agency (your safety is worth it)

Best Time to Find Deals

Flights

• Book: 2-3 months in advance
• Low season: February-March, November (30-40% cheaper)
• Avoid: July-August, Christmas/New Year (very expensive)

Hotels

• Deals: Low season, you can negotiate directly
• Apps: Booking.com (free cancellation), Airbnb (apartments for groups)
• High season: Book 2-3 months ahead or pay premium

Tours

• Inca Trail: The sooner the better (sells out 6 months in advance)
• Rest: 1-2 weeks ahead is fine
• On-site in Cusco: You can find last-minute deals but it’s risky

All-Inclusive Packages

• Agencies like ours offer better prices than booking everything separately
• Low season: 20-30% discounts
• Groups of 4+ people: group discounts available

COMPARISON: DIY VS PACKAGE TOUR

Example: 10 Days Lima-Cusco-Machu Picchu-Puno

PLANNING ON YOUR OWN:

Pros:

• Total flexibility
• Can save money if you’re very organized
• You choose every detail

Cons:

• Time researching (20+ hours easily)
• Risk of mistakes (dates, connections)
• Stress coordinating everything
• If something goes wrong, you fix it yourself
• Not always cheaper (you don’t get corporate rates)

Average cost for comfort level: $2,800-3,200

WITH AGENCY/PACKAGE:

Pros:

• Everything coordinated (zero stress)
• Corporate rates (better than you’d get solo)
• 24/7 support if something goes wrong
• Optimized itinerary (no wasted time)
• One payment, everything solved

Cons:

• Less flexibility
• You have to trust the agency

Average cost for comfort level: $2,500-2,900

Bottom Line: For complex trips (multiple destinations, limited time), packages are usually worth it. For backpackers with time and flexibility, DIY works great.

HOW MUCH CASH TO BRING (CASH VS CARD)

PRACTICAL RECOMMENDATION:

Bring in cash:

• $200-400 USD for emergencies
• Exchange at currency exchange office upon arrival for soles

Use your card:

• Hotels, tourist restaurants, tours (accept Visa/Mastercard)
• Withdraw soles from ATMs as needed

For an average 10-day trip:

• Backpacker: $500-700 USD in cash/card (in addition to already-paid flights/tours)
• Comfort: $800-1,200 USD
• Premium: $1,500-2,500 USD

Areas where you NEED cash:

• Markets
• Taxis/shared vans
• Small local restaurants
• Tips
• Public restrooms
• Handicrafts

Avoid:

• Carrying EVERYTHING in cash (risk)
• Not bringing any cash (ATMs sometimes fail)

DETAILED BUDGET EXAMPLE: 15 DAYS COMFORT LEVEL

Complete itinerary: Lima (2) – Paracas (1) – Nazca (1) – Cusco (4) – Machu Picchu (1) – Sacred Valley (1) – Puno (2) – Arequipa (2) – Lima (1)

Daily budget: $291 USD/day (all inclusive)

COMMON MISTAKES THAT COST YOU MONEY

❌ MISTAKE 1: Buying everything last minute Inca Trail, high-season hotels, flights… everything goes up 50-100% if you wait.

❌ MISTAKE 2: Exchanging money at the airport You lose 5-10% on bad exchange rates.

❌ MISTAKE 3: Taking airport taxis without negotiating They charge you double. Use Uber or negotiate price before getting in.

❌ MISTAKE 4: Eating only in tourist zones Plaza de Armas Cusco: ceviche S/. 60. Two blocks away: S/. 25, same quality.

❌ MISTAKE 5: Not haggling at markets Haggling is expected. Don’t be abusive, but you can reduce 20-30% from initial price.

❌ MISTAKE 6: “Cheap” street tours Many are scams or terrible quality. Save $10, lose the experience.

❌ MISTAKE 7: Not having travel insurance A hospital visit for severe altitude sickness can cost $500-1,500. Insurance costs $50-80 for 15 days.

❌ MISTAKE 8: Exchanging money little by little Each exchange loses commission. Exchange $100-200 at once.

SUMMARY: HOW MUCH DO YOU REALLY NEED?

Honest answer:

EXTREME BACKPACKER: $40-60/day (without international flights)

COMFORTABLE BACKPACKER: $60-90/day

MIDDLE CLASS: $120-180/day

HIGH COMFORT: $200-300/day

LUXURY: $400+/day

For 10 days in Peru (all inclusive from your country):

• Budget: $1,500-2,000 USD
• Comfort: $2,500-3,500 USD
• Premium: $5,000-8,000 USD
• Ultra-luxury: $10,000+ USD

QUICK MENTAL CALCULATOR

Simple formula for your budget:

BUDGET = International flight + (Days × Daily spending) + Special tours

Daily spending = Accommodation + Food + Local transport + Extras

• Budget: $50-70/day
• Mid-range: $100-150/day
• High-end: $250+/day

Example:

• International flight: $600
• 10 days mid-range: 10 × $125 = $1,250
• Special Machu Picchu: +$280
• Total: $2,130

Add 15-20% buffer for unexpected expenses.

THE FINAL TRUTH

Peru can be as cheap or as expensive as you want. I’ve seen backpackers travel 2 weeks on $800, and couples spend $8,000 in one week.

What matters is:

1. Define your priority: Budget? Comfort? Experience?
2. Be realistic with your limitations
3. Don’t stress about every sol spent (you’re on vacation)
4. Invest in what’s important: good tours, Machu Picchu, exceptional food
5. Save on what doesn’t matter: beds, short taxi rides, bottled water

My advice after 20 years: Come with a mid-comfort budget ($2,500-3,500 for 10 days). It’s the sweet spot where you enjoy without money stress, but don’t overspend unnecessarily.

And remember: Peru isn’t about how much you spend, but what you experience. Some of the best travel moments cost S/. 12 (a daily menu at a local market with authentic conversation) and some of the worst cost $500 (empty, bland tourist restaurant).

Spend smart. Travel happy. Peru is waiting for you.