How Much Does It Cost to Travel to Peru in 2027? It’s one of the first questions you ask when planning your trip, and the answer depends on your travel style, how long you stay, and what you want to see. Peru can accommodate almost any budget: you can explore it as a backpacker for just over $40 a day or travel in style with boutique hotels and panoramic trains. In this guide, you’ll find up-to-date prices, budgets for different types of travelers, and tips to help you get more for your money.
As a quick reference, a mid-range traveler spends between $70 and $110 per day on accommodations, food, transportation, and activities. A two-week trip, including an international flight and a visit to Machu Picchu, typically costs between $2,150 and $4,000 per person.
All dollar prices in this guide use an approximate exchange rate of 3.45 Peruvian soles to the U.S. dollar.
Budget by Type of Traveler in 2027
These amounts do not include international airfare, which we’ll cover separately. They do include accommodations, meals, domestic transportation, admission tickets, and tours.
| Type of traveler | Per day | 1 week | 2 weeks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Backpacker | $35 – $50 | $350 – $550 | $650 – $1 000 |
| Mid-range | $70 – $110 | $700 – $1 000 | $1 300 – $1 900 |
| Comfort | $150 – $220 | $1 200 – $1 800 | $2 300 – $3 300 |
| Luxury | $300 or more | $2,500 or more | $4,500 or more |
The weekly totals include a visit to Machu Picchu, which alone adds between $250 and $400 for the train, bus, and entrance ticket.
When Is It Cheapest to Travel to Peru?
Your travel dates have a major impact on hotel, domestic flight, and tour prices. The most affordable months are from November to March, the rainy season in the highlands, when demand is lower and availability is greater.
- High season (June to August): the dry season in the Andes and vacation time in Europe and North America. Prices rise, and Machu Picchu and Inca Trail tickets sell out months in advance.
- Shoulder season (April, May, September, and October): good weather, fewer visitors, and more reasonable rates. It offers the best balance of price and experience.
- Low season (November to March): Cusco gets afternoon rain, but hotels lower their prices and the coast is in the middle of summer. Keep in mind that the Inca Trail closes in February for maintenance.
If possible, avoid Holy Week, Peru’s Independence Day holidays (July 28 and 29), and the year-end holidays, when domestic tourism drives up prices.
International Flights to Peru
Your international flight is usually the biggest expense of the trip. Prices depend on your departure city, the season, and how far in advance you book.
- From North America: $500 to $1,100 round trip.
- From Europe: $750 to $1,300 round trip.
- From Latin America: $300 to $800, depending on your country of departure.
Tip: book two to four months in advance and compare nearby dates. Flying midweek and avoiding July and December can often help you find better fares.
Accommodations in Peru: Prices by Category
Lima and Cusco have the widest range of accommodations in the country, from lively hostels to luxury hotels in colonial mansions. These are the most common nightly price ranges:
| Type of accommodation | Price per night |
|---|---|
| Bed in a shared dormitory | $8 – $15 |
| Private room in a hostel | $20 – $40 |
| Mid-range hotel (with breakfast) | $40 – $80 |
| Boutique or upscale hotel | $100 – $200 |
| Luxury hotel | $250 or more |
In Aguas Calientes, the town at the foot of Machu Picchu, prices are somewhat higher than in Cusco due to demand and the logistics of the location.
Food in Peru: Delicious and Affordable
Eating well in Peru doesn’t have to be expensive. Peruvian cuisine offers exceptional value for money, from a daily set lunch at a local restaurant to tasting menus at Lima’s most acclaimed restaurants.
- Daily set lunch: a starter, main course, and drink for 10 to 20 soles ($3 – $6).
- Mid-range restaurant: $10 to $25 per dish.
- Fine dining restaurants: tasting menus in Lima can cost more than $150 per person.
- Local markets: San Pedro Market in Cusco or Surquillo Market in Lima are ideal places to try traditional dishes at good prices.
A mid-range traveler can budget between $20 and $35 per day for food.
Transportation Within Peru
Distances in Peru are long, so how you get around makes up a large part of your budget. Flying saves time; taking the bus saves money.
- Domestic flights: Lima to Cusco, Arequipa, or Puerto Maldonado costs between $60 and $200 each way, depending on how far ahead you book.
- Long-distance buses: $15 to $50 depending on the route and level of service. Companies such as Cruz del Sur, Oltursa, and Civa offer comfortable sleeper buses.
- City taxis: $2 to $6 for a short ride in Cusco and a little more in Lima. Use ride-hailing apps or registered taxi companies.
- Train to Machu Picchu: $130 to $250 round trip from Ollantaytambo on standard tourist trains. Panoramic and luxury trains cost considerably more.
How Much Does It Cost to Visit Machu Picchu?
Machu Picchu is the biggest expense within the country, and it’s worth budgeting for separately. Since May 2026, the general admission ticket for foreign adults has cost 163 soles (about $47). Students and minors receive discounted rates, while routes that include a mountain, such as Huayna Picchu, cost more.
| Item | Approximate price |
|---|---|
| Machu Picchu admission (foreign adult) | $47 |
| Round-trip train from Ollantaytambo | $130 – $250 |
| Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu bus (round trip) | $24 |
| Guide at the citadel | $15 – $25 per person in a group |
| Approximate total | $220 – $350 |
Coordinating each part separately takes time, especially during high season. With our Machu Picchu tour you get the entrance ticket, train, bus, and guide in a single itinerary, with schedules already coordinated.
Other Activities and Their Prices
- Cusco Tourist Ticket (full ticket): 130 soles ($38), including access to Sacsayhuamán, Pisac, Ollantaytambo, Moray, and several museums.
- Maras Salt Mines: 20 soles ($6) for admission.
- Rainbow Mountain tour: $30 to $60 including transportation and breakfast, plus the local entrance fee.
- Nazca Lines scenic flight: $100 to $180.
- Two-day Colca Canyon tour: $60 to $150, depending on the category.
Travel Packages in Cusco
If you prefer to have everything arranged before you arrive, a five-day package in Cusco with accommodations, transfers, the Sacred Valley, and Machu Picchu typically costs between $600 and $1,300 per person, depending on the hotel category and type of train. For many travelers, this is more convenient than booking each service separately, especially during high season.
Explore our Cusco tour packages to compare itineraries and choose the one that best fits your schedule and budget.
Tips for Saving Money on Your Trip to Peru
Planning
- Book Machu Picchu and your train three to six months in advance if you’re traveling between May and September.
- Travel during shoulder season to balance weather and price.
- Book domestic flights early: fares increase significantly in the final weeks.
Accommodations
- Choose hotels with breakfast included; this is common in most cities.
- In Cusco, the San Blas and San Cristóbal neighborhoods have good options just minutes from the Plaza de Armas.
- For groups or families, an apartment may be cheaper than several hotel rooms.
Transportation
- Take sleeper buses on overnight routes and save on a hotel night.
- To reach Machu Picchu on a budget, the route via Hidroeléctrica is cheaper than the train, although it takes longer and involves a walk of about three hours.
- Book taxis through an app so you know the price before getting in.
Food
- Have the daily set lunch, the most complete and affordable option.
- Eat at markets and restaurants frequented by locals, a block or two away from the main squares.
- Bring a reusable water bottle and refill it at your hotel with treated water.
Reference Prices in Peru
| Product or service | Price in soles | Price in U.S. dollars |
|---|---|---|
| Bottle of water | 2 – 3 | $0.60 – $0.90 |
| Coffee at a café | 6 – 12 | $1.75 – $3.50 |
| Local beer at a bar | 10 – 15 | $2.90 – $4.35 |
| Daily set lunch | 10 – 20 | $2.90 – $5.80 |
| Taxi from Lima Airport to Miraflores | 50 – 80 | $14.50 – $23 |
| Admission to a local museum | 10 – 20 | $2.90 – $5.80 |
Money and Exchange Rates in Peru
The official currency is the Peruvian sol. In recent months, the exchange rate has been around 3.45 soles per U.S. dollar, but check it before you travel because it changes daily.
- Cards are accepted at hotels, restaurants, and shops in major cities; carry cash for markets, taxis, and small towns.
- Exchange money at authorized exchange offices or withdraw cash from ATMs inside banks.
- Bring bills in good condition: torn or heavily marked bills are often rejected.
Total Cost of a Two-Week Trip to Peru
Here is an example for a mid-range traveler, including international airfare:
| Item | Approximate cost |
|---|---|
| International flight | $600 – $1 200 |
| Accommodations (13 nights) | $520 – $910 |
| Food | $280 – $490 |
| Domestic transportation (flights, buses, and taxis) | $200 – $400 |
| Machu Picchu (ticket, train, bus, and guide) | $250 – $400 |
| Other activities and admission tickets | $200 – $400 |
| Unexpected expenses and shopping | $100 – $200 |
| Estimated total | $2 150 – $4 000 |
Recommendations Before You Travel
- Get travel insurance: it covers cancellations, medical care, and lost luggage.
- Plan for the altitude: Cusco is 3,399 meters (11,152 feet) above sea level; set aside your first few days to acclimate at an easy pace.
- Pack layers: mornings and nights are cold in the highlands, while the midday sun is strong.
- Book the essentials in advance: Machu Picchu, the train, and the Inca Trail are the first to sell out.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Cost of Traveling to Peru
How Much Money Do I Need for One Week in Peru?
Excluding international airfare, budget $350 to $550 as a backpacker, $700 to $1,000 for mid-range travel, and at least $1,200 for a more comfortable trip.
Is It Expensive to Travel to Peru?
Not compared with other destinations in the Americas or Europe. Food and transportation are affordable; the international flight and a visit to Machu Picchu make up the largest expenses.
How Much Is Admission to Machu Picchu in 2027?
Since May 2026, general admission for foreign adults has cost 163 soles, about $47. Check the current rate when purchasing, as prices may be updated.
Is It Better to Pay in Soles or Dollars?
In soles. Many places accept U.S. dollars, but the exchange rate they offer is usually less favorable.
Is It Better to Buy a Tour Package or Travel Independently?
If you have only a few days or are traveling during high season, a package saves time and secures spots for Machu Picchu and the train. If you have flexibility and time, traveling independently may be somewhat cheaper.
