Peru Travel Costs: Expensive Or Affordable?

Peru is a vibrant country that can be experienced on almost any budget. The cost of travelling to Peru depends on a variety of factors, including your departure location, the time of year you're travelling, and your itinerary.

The biggest expense is likely to be your airline tickets, with flight prices to Peru varying significantly depending on your departure location and whether you are travelling during the high or low season.

Once in Peru, the cost of your trip will depend on your choice of accommodation, transportation, and activities. Peru offers a range of accommodation options, from cheap hostel beds to luxury hotels and Amazon lodges. Transportation within the country is relatively affordable, with buses and trains connecting most major cities and tourist destinations. The cost of food and drinks in Peru is also reasonably priced, with street food available for as little as $2 per meal and high-end restaurants offering meals for around $60-$70.

Overall, Peru is considered a reasonably affordable destination, with budget travellers spending around $22 per person per day, mid-range travellers spending around $60, and luxury travellers spending upwards of $180.

Daily budget

The cost of travelling in Peru depends on your budget and travel style. Here is a breakdown of the costs to expect for each type of budget.

Low-Budget Travel

For those on a low budget, you can get by on $25-30 USD per day. This will cover the basics of accommodation, food, and transport. For example, a dorm bed in a hostel will cost around $4 to $8 a night, and a private room will be $10 to $30. Street food is a cheap option for meals, costing around $2. Local transportation will cost around $8.32 per day.

Mid-Budget Travel

For a more comfortable experience, a budget of $35-40 USD per day is recommended. At this price, you can stay in good hostels, eat great food, and use Uber or street taxis to get around. A private room in a hostel will cost around $25, and a mid-range hotel will be $75 per night. Meals at mid-range restaurants will cost under $15 per person.

High-Budget Travel

For those seeking luxury, a daily budget of $50+ USD is suggested. Hotels in this range will cost $100-1000+ USD per night, and high-end restaurants will cost $15-35 USD per meal.

Additional Expenses

There are several other expenses to consider that will increase your daily budget. Domestic flights within Peru are not cheap, and a few internal flights can quickly add up. Tours and treks to popular attractions like Machu Picchu, the Nazca Lines, and Colca Canyon will also increase your budget. Drinks are another expense to consider, with beers costing $6-12 and spirits around $15-20.

Sample Budgets

• Budget backpacking: $1000-1500 per person
• Mid-range: $2500 per person
• Luxury: $5200 for a solo traveller, $7400 for a couple

Transport

Peru has a good public transport system, and using buses and trains is one of the cheapest ways to get around the country.

Buses

Buses connect most major cities and tourist destinations. The cost of bus tickets depends on the bus company, the route, and any extras like air-conditioning or onboard meals. Here are some example bus fares:

• Lima to Cusco: $16 with Tepsa; $24 with Cruz Del Sur
• Lima to Arequipa: $15 with Tepsa
• Lima to Ica: $5 with Cruz Del Sur
• Cusco to Ica: $23 with Cruz Del Sur

Trains

There are two rail companies operating trains from Cusco to Aguas Calientes, the town closest to Machu Picchu: PeruRail and Inca Rail. A one-way budget train ticket from Cusco to Machu Picchu will set you back between $65 and $75. Both companies offer several different travel classes with added extras such as air conditioning and complimentary snacks.

Flights

For larger distances, such as from Lima to Cusco or Iquitos, you can book a domestic flight. Prices vary according to the season, demand, and destination. A plane ticket from Lima to Cusco averages about 486 soles ($125).

Taxis

For shorter distances, you can get a taxi. The average fare between districts ranges between $3 and $4. Haggling before settling on a fare is acceptable and even expected.

Car rental

If you're confident about driving in another country, you could look into renting a car. Week-long car hire out of Lima, for example, starts at $150 for an economy option.

Food and drink

Peru is known for its delicious and well-flavoured food. The cuisine is quite varied, with Spanish-influenced dishes in the cities and a staple of rice, potatoes, yuca, and corn throughout the country. On the coast, fish is common, while meat is more prevalent inland.

• Anticuchos (beef heart kebabs): a cheap option, available for a few dollars.
• Mazamorra Morada: a purple custard made from purple corn, available from street carts to fine dining restaurants for a few dollars.
• Picarones: a donut-like fried yam dough dessert, often served with anticuchos, costing a few dollars.
• Ceviche: a citrus-infused fresh fish dish, costing around $12.

You can also expect to pay $2 for beers or coffee, and $5 for a Pisco sour.

For budget travellers, street food is available for as little as $2 per meal. Mid-range restaurants will cost around $15-19 per person, and in fancier restaurants, you can expect to pay upwards of $60 per meal.

• Ice cream: $3
• Lunch: $10-20
• Meal in a mid-range restaurant: $15-19 per person
• Meal in an inexpensive restaurant: $2.55-3.10 per person

A food tour in Lima will cost around $135 per person, and a cooking class is $65.

When it comes to drinking, Peru is known for its Pisco, but you can also try Inca Kola, Chilcano, and Emoliente. Beers cost around $1-2 each, and a 5l bottle of water is good value.

Accommodation

Peru offers a wide range of accommodation options, from cheap hostels to luxurious hotels, catering to various budgets and preferences. Here is a detailed guide to help you plan your stay:

Hostels

Hostels are an excellent choice for travellers on a budget or those seeking a more social and communal environment. In Peru, hostel prices vary depending on the location and facilities offered.

• Dorm beds typically range from $4 to $8 per night, while private rooms can cost between $10 and $30.
• Pariwana Hostel in Lima's Miraflores neighbourhood is an example of a higher-end hostel, with dorm beds starting at $13 per night.
• Cusco, known for its proximity to Machu Picchu and other attractions, offers more affordable hostel options, with dorm beds available for as little as $6 per night.

Mid-Range Options

For travellers seeking more privacy and amenities, there are plenty of mid-range options available:

• Hotel Ayenda El Patio in Lima and Desert Night Ecocamp in Huacachina Oasis fall within the $40 to $70 per night range.
• IFE Boutique Hotel in the heart of Miraflores, Lima, offers a delicious free breakfast and a lovely courtyard. It costs $75 per night.
• Rumi Wasi, a boutique hotel in Cusco built on ancient Incan and colonial stones, offers gorgeous rooms and views from its balcony. It costs $91 per night.
• In destinations like Urubamba, Ica, and Puno, hotel prices are generally around $50 to $75 per night, while hostels in these areas offer private rooms for $18 to $35.

Luxury Hotels and Unique Stays

For travellers seeking a luxurious experience, Peru has accommodations that offer comfort, opulence, and unforgettable stays:

• Luxury hotels typically start at $120 per night and can go up to $500 or more.
• Second Home in Lima is a hotel overlooking the Pacific Ocean, offering a high-end experience.
• Sky lodges in Urubamba provide a unique and memorable stay with incredible views.
• Amazon lodges in Iquitos offer a chance to immerse yourself in the wilderness, with prices ranging from $200 to $650 per night.

Additional Tips

• Booking in advance is recommended, especially for popular accommodations or during peak seasons.
• Airbnb is another option to consider, with prices varying by location. For example, apartments in Lima can be found for as little as $45 per night.
• Peru's currency is the Sol (PEN), and it's helpful to be aware of the exchange rate when planning your trip.

With careful planning and consideration of your budget, you can find suitable accommodations to match your desired level of comfort and proximity to Peru's many attractions.

Activities

Peru has a lot to offer in terms of activities, and the costs can vary depending on your budget and preferences. Here are some options to consider:

• Tours and Treks: Visiting Machu Picchu is a popular activity, and the costs can vary depending on the length of the trek and the level of comfort you desire. A 2-day/1-night visit to Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu, including transportation and accommodation, can cost around $598 per person. A cheaper option for Machu Picchu can start from $270 per person. There are also options for a 4-day Inca Trail hike, starting from $795.
• Rainbow Mountain: A day trip to Rainbow Mountain can cost around $150 per person, but cheaper options are available for around $38.
• Food Tours: A 5-hour food tour in Lima can cost around $135 per person.
• City Exploration: Exploring Cusco for a day, including visits to markets, coffee shops, etc., can cost around $20 per person.
• Amazon Rainforest: Visiting the Amazon Rainforest can vary in cost depending on your budget and preferences. Ecoaventuras Amazonicas offers a more budget-friendly option at $25 per night, while the Tambopata Research Center is a more luxurious option at $830 per night, including food, activities, and transportation.
• Other Activities: There are various other activities and tours available in Peru, such as the Salinas Lake tour ($125), the Experience the Magic of Andean Textiles workshop in Cusco ($119), and the Arequipa Food Tour ($79).
• Sightseeing and Entertainment: On average, past travelers have spent around $23 per person, per day on sightseeing activities, entertainment, and entrance tickets in Peru.

Frequently asked questions