Is Peru Cheap or Expensive? Cost of Travel, Time in Peru & Country Tips

Published: 02 October 2024 | Update: 03 December 2025 | Reads: 4711

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The question about the cost of traveling to Peru is one of the traveler's first concerns. The answer is that the country does not have a fixed price; the final budget depends entirely on the logistics decisions and the style of experience you are looking for. The country offers a diversity that covers everything from the high Andean mountains to the Pacific coast, which are, without a doubt, Peru Highlights.

The cost of the trip is determined by three main variables. First, transport, where internal flights contrast with long-distance buses. Second, the quality of lodging, which varies from low-cost hostels to luxury hotels. And third, access to key sites, such as Inca Trail permits or entrance tickets to Machu Picchu, whose prices are regulated and must be managed in advance, which impacts time planning.

This complete guide is designed to learn about the travel costs and time in Peru for 2026. Below, we will inquire about transport, lodging, and tour fares, and we will provide practical advice to optimize travel time and experience peruvian highlights according to your budget.

The Fixed Costs: Currency, Transport, and Accommodation

The budget for a trip to Peru begins with the fixed and necessary expenses. Knowing these base prices allows one to plan the structural part of your trip with accuracy. So, to start, you should know that the official currency of Peru is the Sol (plural: soles, ISO code: PEN). Likewise, the exchange rate with respect to the dollar is floating and changes according to market fluctuations.

For planning purposes in 2026, the general reference is 1 US dollar (USD) equivalent to approximately 3.80 Peruvian soles (S/). It should be noted that it is crucial to verify the current exchange rate at the time of your trip.

Practical tips for handling the currency:

Local Use: It is essential that travelers use the local currency, as it is needed for local transport, purchases in markets, local restaurants or picanterías, and payments in small towns.
Currency Exchange: While dollars are accepted in many hotels and tourism agencies in large cities, it is recommended to exchange currency in exchange houses (which usually offer better exchange rates than at airports) or withdraw soles directly from main bank ATMs to avoid high fees.
Cards: The main credit and debit cards are accepted in large establishments, tourist restaurants, and hotels, but always have cash for daily transactions and more remote sites.

Cost of Accommodation and Stay

Accommodation options in Peru vary greatly, which offers flexibility to your budget. From low-cost hostels to luxury hotels, the quality and price are directly related to the area and how far in advance you book.

Traveler Category	Price Range per Night (S/)	Price Range per Night (USD)	Type of Accommodation
Backpacker / Economy:	S/30 - S/60	$65	Bed in shared hostel dorm.
Standard / Mid-Range:	S/100 - S/250	$26 - $65	Simple private room in 2-3 star hotels or B&B.
Luxury / High-End:	From S/400	From $105	Boutique hotels, international chains or resorts in tourist areas like Cusco or Lima.

Tip: Book in advance, especially for high-demand tourist cities (Cusco, Aguas Calientes, Arequipa) and during the high season (June - August), as prices can increase significantly.

Interregional and Local Transport

The cost of the trip is largely determined by the choice of transport. Peru offers options for almost any budget and time need.

Interregional Transport (Between cities)

Long-Distance Bus: It is the most popular and economical means of transport. Companies like Cruz del Sur or Oltursa offer quality services (sleeper/semi-sleeper seats). The cost of the Lima to Cusco journey (20-22 hours) ranges approximately between S/ 80 and S/ 180 (approx. $21 - $47 USD), depending on the class. This option, being overnight on many routes, allows you to save one night of accommodation.
Logistical Warning: It is vital to consider that the direct bus route from Lima to Cusco is not recommended for non-acclimated travelers. The ascent in altitude is very abrupt and can cause severe altitude sickness (soroche). It is suggested to choose to divide the trip, making a stopover and prior acclimatization in Arequipa.
Internal flights: Are the fastest alternative, although the most expensive. They are necessary to cover long distances quickly (e.g., Lima to Cusco, 1h 20m). Booking early is key to getting affordable fares.

Local Transport (Daily Mobility)

Buses and Combis: They are the most economical public transport means (the fare generally costs between S/ 1.00 and S/ 3.00), ideal for short trips within the city; however, their use can be confusing for tourists.
Taxis and Private Services: For greater comfort or night trips, taxis or application services are used.
Tip: In the case of street taxis, always negotiate the fare before getting in, as they do not use a meter. A short trip within the center of Lima or Cusco costs between S/ 6 and S/ 15 (approx. $1.5 - $4 USD).

The Cost of Key Attractions: Machu Picchu and Other Sites

While Peru offers a wide range of free or low-cost activities, access to the most important archaeological and natural sites requires a significant investment that must be planned in advance. The major part of the tour budget goes to the visit of Machu Picchu, due to the complex logistics and the entry fee.

Components of the Machu Picchu Cost

The total cost to visit the citadel is made up of three main elements:

Entry Ticket (Base Fare): The main entry to the citadel (valid for a specific circuit: 1, 2, or 3) has a fixed cost of S/ 152 (approx. $40 USD) for foreign visitors. The cost is regulated by the government and does not include transport.
Combined Ticket (Mountains): Optional climbs to Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain require a special ticket, whose cost is higher (approx. S/ 200 or $53 USD).
Logistics (Train and Bus): The transport costs (Ollantaytambo-Aguas Calientes train and the Aguas Calientes to the citadel bus) are variable and, together, represent the largest part of the total expenditure of the excursion.

Transport Options

Transport is a considerable fixed cost, as it is necessary to reach Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu Pueblo), the town closest to the citadel. Therefore, this is the route you will follow to reach the Inca citadel:

Train to Aguas Calientes: The main route is Ollantaytambo-Aguas Calientes. The companies PeruRail and Inca Rail offer services with different levels of luxury. A round-trip ticket can range between S/ 200 and S/ 800 ($53 - $210 USD) or more, depending on the service class and how far in advance you buy it.
Bus from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu: Once in the town, the bus ride up to the citadel (25 min journey) costs approximately $24 USD (round trip) for foreigners. Many choose to walk up (approximately 1.5 hours) to save money.

Is Peru expensive

Alternative Hiking Routes

If you prefer to walk, there are routes that lead directly to the citadel, although they usually involve logistical costs:

Classic Inca Trail: The most popular, and also the most expensive, hiking route to Machu Picchu is the Inca Trail. This route is regulated and the cost includes permits, entrance to Machu Picchu, porters, food, and complex logistics with authorized agencies. Regarding its cost, this usually ranges between $600 USD and $1,800 USD (or more) per person, and must be booked well in advance (6 months or more) due to the limited spaces.
Other Hiking Routes: The Salkantay trek or the Lares Trek offer challenging and economical experiences. Also, the nine-day trek from Choquequirao to Machu Picchu is highly recommended, although this is an option for experienced hikers.

Important! The availability of tickets for Machu Picchu, the Inca Trail, and train transport is limited. It is essential to book tickets at least 2-3 months in advance, especially in high season.

Tourist Activities in Peru

Beyond Machu Picchu, Peru offers less traveled, but equally spectacular, destinations. The investment here is usually lower for entrance fees, but may require more for transport to remote areas.

Destination	Main Location	Typical Investment	Cost Detail
Cusco & Sacred Valley	Cusco	High (fixed cost)	The Cusco Tourist Ticket (BTC), allows access to key sites in Cusco. It costs $130 S/ ($34 USD) for the complete circuit, and it is mandatory for many sites.
Colca Canyon	Arequipa	Medium	Entrance to the Canyon ($70 S/ or $18 USD) plus the cost of the bus/tour from Arequipa.
Nazca Lines	Ica	High (optional)	The main cost is the flight over in a small plane (approximately $80 - $120 USD), as they are the best way to see them.
Lagoon 69	Huaraz (Áncash)	Low	The cost is mainly the round-trip transport from Huaraz ($30 S/ - $50 S/) and the entrance to the Huascaran National Park ($30 S/ or $8 USD).
Thermal Baths	Spread throughout the country	Very low	Generally, the entrance fee is very economical (between $5 S/ and $15 S/), being a cheap and relaxing way to enjoy nature.

Culture and Entertainment

Access to culture in Peru is generally affordable and offers a deep look into its history.

Museums and Archaeological Sites: Outside of the sites included in the BTC (Cusco Tourist Ticket), most national museums have accessible prices for tourists, with entrance fees usually ranging from $10 S/ to $30 S/ ($2.6 - $8 USD).
Festivals and Celebrations: Peru is a country of constant festivals. Massive celebrations like the Inti Raymi in Cusco or the Vendimia in Ica often have free events in squares and parks, offering a vibrant window into local culture at a minimum cost (consumption only).

Gastronomy and Other Additional Expenses

A significant part of the variable budget is set aside for food and shopping. Fortunately, Peru, a very well-known destination for its cuisine, offers exceptional opportunities to save without sacrificing the quality of the experience.

About the local food

Lima is world-famous for its food, but Peruvian culinary diversity extends throughout the whole country. Is it expensive to eat there? It depends. There are internationally renowned restaurants where the experience can be costly, but there are also countless options to enjoy delicious and authentic food at a good price.

Food Option	Average Price (S/)	Average Price (USD)	Detail and Savings
Menu of the Day (Lunch)	S/8 - S/15	$2 - $4	Most economical meal, available in picanterías or local restaurants outside tourist areas. Includes appetizer, main dish, and soft drink.
Local Typical Dish	S/15 - S/30	$4 - $8	A dish like lomo saltado, ají de gallina, or ceviche in an average restaurant.
Tourist/Gourmet Restaurant	From S/50	From $13	Establishments in Miraflores (Lima) or near the Plaza de Armas in Cusco.

Eating outside Tourist Areas

Trying an authentic ceviche in Piura, a delicious rocoto relleno in Arequipa, or a traditional pachamanca in the Mantaro Valley will let you save money and enjoy flavors that carry regional authenticity. Eating in local markets is much cheaper than in restaurants designed only for tourists. A key tip: if the restaurant is full of local people, it is a sign of good food and a better price.

Is Peru expensive

Other Expenses: Handicrafts, silverware, and clothing

On any trip, taking a souvenir is almost a requirement. Shopping in Peru is a mix of Andean art and contemporary fashion, with a wide range of prices. Exploration is mainly divided between the Andean markets (Cusco/Sacred Valley) and design boutiques (Lima).

Alpaca Garments

Alpaca fiber is one of the most representative products of the country. Its quality is highly valued for being hypoallergenic, light, and thermal; furthermore, baby alpaca fiber (the first and finest shearing) is the softest and most expensive.

Beware of Imitations: It is essential that the buyer is careful. Many garments sold in markets at very low prices as "100% Alpaca" are often mixtures with synthetic fiber or acrylic. It is recommended to buy high-quality pieces in specialized stores or check the product label.
Prices: Premium fiber can be costly. However, there are many affordable souvenirs that will not ruin your travel budget.

Silverware and Jewelry

Peru has a long tradition in gold and silver work, inherited from pre-Columbian cultures. Silver jewelry with Inca designs, often inlaid with semi-precious stones, is a very popular souvenir.

Buying Tip: To ensure the material's authenticity, it is recommended to buy from reputable jewelry stores and handicraft shops in the center of Cusco or in Lima districts like Miraflores, and avoid offers from doubtful sources.

Markets and Negotiation

To get the best budget and find authentic pieces, markets are the best option. The markets in Pisac and Chinchero (in the Sacred Valley) and the San Pedro Market (in Cusco) are ideal for buying handicrafts and textile products at a good price. It is important to remember that in these markets haggling (price negotiation) is a cultural practice that is expected and accepted.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

How much does it cost to travel to Machu Picchu?
It depends on several factors such as the season, the type of ticket and transportation. But in general, it is one of the most expensive attractions in Peru.
Can you travel to Peru on a limited budget?
Yes, with good planning and choosing economical options, it is possible.
Is public transportation safe?
Public transportation, such as buses and combis, is used daily by thousands of Peruvians. However, it is important to always be vigilant and take care of your belongings.
How much does a typical dish cost in a restaurant?
On average, in a local restaurant, a dish like lomo saltado or aji de gallina can cost between 15 to 30 soles.
Is car rental expensive in Peru?
Car rentals can be expensive, especially if you opt for 4x4 vehicles. It is advisable to compare prices and consider the real need to rent a car.
Is Peru cheap or expensive?
The answer depends on how you plan your trip. While there are attractions that can be expensive, with research and organization you can enjoy this beautiful country without emptying your pockets.