How much does it cost to travel to Peru in 2026? This is a common question asked by thousands of travelers each year. Traveling to Peru is an accessible and extraordinary experience that can fit any budget. Costs vary significantly depending on your travel style, length of stay, and activities you wish to undertake. With proper planning, you can enjoy the cultural, gastronomic, and natural richness of Peru without compromising your finances.
On average, travelers tend to spend between $50 and $100 USD per day, including accommodation, food, transportation, and activities. For a two-week trip, you can expect to invest between $1,000 and $2,000 USD per person, depending on your preferences.
Budgets by traveler type in 2026
| Traveler Type | Daily Budget | Weekly Budget | 2-Week Budget |
|---|---|---|---|
| Backpacker | $25 – $40 USD | $175 – $280 USD | $350 – $560 USD |
| Mid-range | $50 – $80 USD | $350 – $560 USD | $700 – $1,120 USD |
| Comfortable | $100 – $150 USD | $700 – $1,050 USD | $1,400 – $2,100 USD |
| Luxury | $200+ USD | $1,400+ USD | $2,800+ USD |
When is it cheapest to travel to Peru?
The choice of when to travel can significantly impact your budget. The cheapest months to travel to Peru are from November to April, coinciding with the low season. During these months, you can save up to 50% on accommodation and activities.
Tourist seasons and their costs
- High Season (June – August): Coincides with the dry season. Prices are 40-60% higher. The driest but also most expensive months are July and August.
- Mid Season (March-May and September-November): April and May offer excellent weather with fewer tourists. Prices are 20-30% lower than in high season.
- Low Season (December – February): Prices are up to 50% lower. It’s the rainy season in the Altiplano but ideal for the Peruvian coast.
International flights to Peru: Your biggest investment
International flights typically represent the largest individual expense of your trip. Prices can range from $500 to $1,200 USD from the United States or Europe, depending on the season and how far in advance you book.
Flight prices by region
- From North America: Between $500 and $1,200 USD round trip
- From Europe: Approximately €600 ($650 USD) round trip
- From Latin America: $300 – $800 USD depending on the country of origin
Pro tip: In Peru, it’s better to buy flights without too much advance to save up to 30%. Use search engines like Skyscanner in incognito mode and consider flexibility in dates.
Accommodation in Peru: Options for all budgets
Accommodation in Peru varies considerably depending on the city and category chosen. In Lima and Cusco, prices range from $15 to $100 per night. The good news is that there are plenty of options to fit any budget.
Types of accommodation and prices
- Hostels and Dormitories: Beds in dorms for $4-$8 USD per night. Private rooms between $10-$30 USD.
- Mid-range Hotels: Between $40-$70 USD per night. Include private bathrooms and generally breakfast.
- Luxury Hotels: Between $50-$150 USD per night. Premium locations can exceed $200 USD.
- Airbnb: In Lima, you can find apartments starting at $45 per night, ideal for groups or families.
Food in Peru: An affordable culinary feast
Food in Peru is quite affordable and extraordinarily varied. Peru offers one of the best value-for-money gastronomies in the world. You can enjoy a meal at a local restaurant for around $5 to $15, while dinner at a more formal restaurant may cost between $20 and $50.
Food options and costs
- Local and Street Food: Meals at street stalls for $2 USD. Complete daily menus between $2.50-$5 USD (10-20 soles).
- Mid-range Restaurants: Lunch $5-$15 USD, dinner $20-$50 USD. Recommended budget: $20-$30 USD per day.
- Luxury Restaurants: Premium dining experience: $60-$70 USD. Michelin-starred restaurants available in Lima.
- Local Markets: San Pedro in Cusco or Central Market in Lima offer very affordable traditional dishes.
Transportation in Peru: Getting around economically
Transportation within Peru, whether by bus or taxi, is quite affordable. A long-distance bus ticket can cost between $10 and $30. Domestic flights, such as from Lima to Cusco or Arequipa, usually cost between $50 and $150 per trip.
Transportation options and prices
- Long-distance Buses: Main routes $10-$30 USD. Premium companies like Cruz del Sur offer greater comfort.
- Domestic Flights: Lima-Cusco $50-$150 USD per trip. Lima-Tarapoto approximately $110 USD.
- Urban Transport: Taxis in cities $1-$5 USD for a short trip. Combis in Lima $0.40 USD (1.50 soles).
- Train to Machu Picchu: From Cusco/Ollantaytambo €120 ($130 USD) round trip.
Activities and tours: Must-do experiences
Once basic expenses are covered, we must consider the costs of activities and excursions. Some can be pricey, but nearly all are worth it. The country offers ecotourism activities, archaeological tourism, and the chance to discover unique cities.
Main attractions costs
- Machu Picchu: General admission $43 USD (152 soles). With ISIC card: $22 USD (77 soles). Evening entry: $28 USD (100 soles).
- Sacred Valley: Private guide $37 USD per person (sharing among 3). Tourist ticket $39 USD.
- Salinas de Maras: Entry $6 USD
- Nasca Lines: Overflight $100-$150 USD
- Colca Canyon Tour: $80-$150 USD
Travel packages in Cusco: All-inclusive
A 5-day package in Cusco that includes accommodation, tours, and meals can cost between $400 and $1,000. This will depend on the included activities, such as visits to Machu Picchu and tours of the Sacred Valley, as well as the category of services chosen.
Tips for saving money in Peru
Strategic timing
- Book 3-6 months in advance for better prices
- Use incognito mode when searching for flights to avoid cookies that raise prices
- Tuesdays and Wednesdays are better days for domestic flights
- Stay flexible with dates to take advantage of cheaper rates
Smart accommodation
- Use platforms like Hostelworld to find budget hostels
- Consider Couchsurfing for authentic experiences and free accommodation
- Airbnb can be economical for groups or long stays
- Many hostels offer free breakfast
Affordable transportation
- Prioritize shared vans and buses over taxis
- For Machu Picchu, consider the route via Hydroelectric instead of the luxury train
- Companies like Cruz del Sur, Peru Bus, and Oltursa offer budget options
- Public transport is very accessible in all cities
Budget-friendly food
- Take advantage of daily menus for $3-4 USD that include appetizer, main dish, and drink
- Explore local markets like San Pedro in Cusco or Central Market in Lima
- Peruvian street food is varied, delicious, and of excellent quality
- Avoid tourist restaurants for fairer prices
Useful reference cost table
| Product/Service | Price in Soles | Price in USD |
|---|---|---|
| Local beer | 10-15 soles | $2.60 – $3.90 |
| Bottled water | 2-3 soles | $0.50 – $0.80 |
| Coffee | 5-8 soles | $1.30 – $2.10 |
| McDonald’s menu | 16 soles | $4.20 |
| Taxi airport-center Lima | 25-40 soles | $6.50 – $10.50 |
| Local museum entry | 10-20 soles | $2.60 – $5.20 |
Money management and exchange rate
To optimize your budget, it’s important to manage money well during your trip. Currently, 1 USD is approximately equal to 3.82 Peruvian soles. Use no-fee cards to get the best exchange rate. Keep in mind that in Peru, damaged or crumpled bills are often rejected, so make sure they are in good condition.
Final estimated price of a trip to Peru in 2026
Adding up all these costs, a trip to Peru could range between $1,500 and $4,000 per person, including flights, accommodation, food, and activities. The variation depends on the type of traveler you are and the choices you make in each spending category.
Breakdown by trip duration
- 1-Week Trip: Budget $350-$500 USD, Moderate $800-$1,200 USD, Comfortable $1,500-$2,500 USD
- 2-Week Trip: Budget $600-$900 USD, Moderate $1,000-$2,000 USD, Comfortable $1,500-$3,000 USD
- 3-Week Trip: Budget $800-$1,200 USD, Moderate $1,400-$2,200 USD, Comfortable $2,000-$4,000 USD
Final recommendations for your trip to Peru
Before the trip
- Purchase travel insurance – it’s essential for any eventuality
- Research altitude if you plan to visit Cusco (3,400 meters high)
- Book Machu Picchu several months in advance due to high demand
- Learn basic phrases in Spanish for a better cultural experience
During the trip
- Bring warm clothing for the nights in the Andes – temperatures can drop drastically
- Use high SPF sunscreen due to altitude and proximity to the equator
- Stay hydrated and eat light in the first few days at altitude to avoid altitude sickness
- Avoid traveling during school holidays or national holidays when prices spike
Alternatives for very tight budgets
If your budget is very limited but you have available time, consider volunteering through platforms like Worldpackers. This option allows you to exchange your skills for free accommodation, food, and even included tours. It’s an excellent way to have an intensive cultural immersion and authentically connect with Peru and its people.
Executive summary: Estimated total cost
For a 2-week trip to Peru per person, the average cost includes:
- Flights: $600 – $800 USD
- Accommodation: $280 – $700 USD
- Food: $280 – $420 USD
- Local transportation: $200 – $400 USD
- Activities: $300 – $600 USD
- Other expenses: $100 – $200 USD
Estimated total: $1,500 – $4,000 USD per person
Conclusion: Peru within reach of all budgets
Peru is a destination that wonderfully adapts to any type of budget. With careful planning, flexibility in dates, and a willingness to immerse yourself in authentic local experiences, you can experience the magic of this Andean country without compromising your finances. The key lies in early planning and choosing wisely where to invest your money to maximize your travel experience.
Exploring Peru on a tight budget is not only possible; it’s a unique experience that will allow you to connect more deeply with the local culture! It is advisable to plan and book in advance to adjust your budget and make the most of this beautiful nation that offers everything from the snow-capped peaks of the Andes to the mysterious Amazon jungle, passing through the arid Pacific coast.
