When you think of dreamy places and must-see attractions, the South American Andean country inevitably comes to mind. This exciting destination, featuring vibrant cities, rich history, ancient culture, and beautiful landscapes, has a great deal to offer. Therefore, planning a trip to Peru tops the wish list of thousands of travelers worldwide. Among the issues to consider, you’ll most likely think about the Peru travel cost, which can be intriguing.
Your budget for visiting tourist attractions in Peru will depend on the type of experience you want. Therefore, the Machu Travel Peru team wants to share a brief article about the cost of traveling to this attraction. Whether you plan to visit for multi days or just a couple, we are sure this information will be helpful. Remember that this is an estimate; for more information, do not hesitate to seek advice from our experts.
What costs should to consider when traveling to Peru
- Transportation
- Lodgings
- Food
- Guided tours and destinations
- Entertainment
- Shopping and souvenirs
- Emergency and security
- Cut down your budget
- Final budget
Transportation
One of the main issues you should consider is transportation, although it will largely depend on your itinerary. From arriving in the Andean country to going to other cities, there are many factors to consider. With this in mind, we bring a concise summary of the three primary modes of transport in Peru below.
Airplane
Aside from the price of your arrival flight, which will depend on where you’re arriving from, domestic flights are more affordable. They’re not expensive and, in some cases, are comparable to bus travel. However, from Lima, Peru’s capital, you can choose from several airlines that offer services at widely varying prices. Additionally, to reach destinations such as Cusco, Arequipa, or Puno, it’s best to consider domestic flights because they’re shorter.
However, generally speaking, the cost of tickets per person ranges between $100 and $150. This is a standard price, as you can find cheaper or more exclusive flights at lower or higher prices. Likewise, if you travel on a low-cost airline, you may experience delays or cancellations without prior notice. The best option is to book your tickets in advance and book with a reputable airline.
Bus
Peru has a good intercity bus network, with a wide range of options depending on the quality you’re looking for. This is the primary mode of transportation for locals and travelers on a budget. However, there is a wide variety of companies offering provincial services at a wide range of prices. However, we recommend hiring a reputable company that will guarantee an adequate experience.
The price will depend on the distance and route you will travel in the Andean country. However, it usually ranges from $38 to $100 with standard amenities. The impressive views of the landscape will be the highlight of this experience. Furthermore, its ease of access to almost any city in Peru makes it a worthwhile option.
Train
Taking a train journey is one of the highlights for those traveling to Peru. If you plan to visit the main archaeological site, Machu Picchu, this is the preferred mode of transportation. You can opt for adventurous options like the Inca Trail, but if you’re short on time, this is your best option. Travelers must book train tickets in advance because the availability remains limited, especially during June and August.
You can also travel to the Inca citadel by choosing the quality of experience you want. You can choose from a wide range of options, including the tourist train and the super-luxury train. With prices ranging from $70 to $180, and some reaching $950, we’re certain you’ll be delighted with it. Furthermore, you can also take advantage of visiting destinations like Puno or Arequipa to complement your experience.
Lodgings
Another aspect is lodging, the other main expense to consider when traveling, and Peru is no exception. Like any other destination, the Andean country offers a wide options, from luxury hotels to much more affordable alternatives. You should also consider the best time to visit Peru. Prices will vary depending on the season you choose to visit and availability.
Likewise, you should consider the specific destination where you will be staying. For example, in tourist cities like Cusco, hotels tend to be more expensive. In contrast to less touristy places like Huaraz, hostel dorms are generally more affordable. However, we present the three price ranges that are typically maintained in Peruvian destinations:
- Backpackers: $10-$20 per night
- Budget hotel: $30-$85 per night
- Global chain hotel: +$200 per night
Food
Peruvian cuisine is innately varied, and restaurant and food prices reflect this. Dining out in Peru isn’t a significant concern; you’ll find a dish to suit your budget. From delightful street food to signature dishes at sophisticated restaurants, you will discover culinary treats. The choice can be a bit overwhelming, but we’ve listed some standard prices (per person) below.
- Appetizers: $6 – $9
- Main Courses: $12 – $17
- Fast Food: $6 – $12
- Dessert: $6 – $12
- Drinks: $2 – $4
- Cocktails: $7 – $9
- Street food: $4
Guided tours and destinations
Tourist activities are the main reason most travelers come to Peru. Uncovering its numerous attractions will be incredible, and we’re confident you’ll encounter far more than you initially sought. With the wide variety of destinations, you’ll find many ways to explore Peru. From free options to luxurious and sophisticated alternatives, you can uniquely enjoy each Peruvian wonder.
From Machu Picchu, Peru’s main tourist destination, to remote places like the Peruvian Amazon, various methods exist for exploration. The most recommended option is to hire a specialized agency that will include the complete tour. Although many of them include the admission, if you prefer to do it by yourself, we present the most iconic fares to tourist sites:
- Standard ticket to Machu Picchu: $45 – $65, depending on the route selected
- Access to Huayna Picchu Mountain: $20 – $25 additional
- Trail to Machu Picchu Mountain: $15 – $20 additional
- Historic Circuit of the City of Cusco: Approximately $20 – $25
- Sacred Valley Combo Ticket: Approximately $35 – $40
- Museums of Lima: $5 – $15 per ticket
- Historical Museums of Cusco: $3 – $10
Entertaiment
To complement your experience with fun, Peru also offers unique entertainment options. Its nightlife is full of excitement and reflects the country’s rich culture. Prices vary because there are options for all tastes. Whether in the main attractions, Cusco or Lima, you will find affordable or luxurious options.
While nightlife is often an important part of the experience, being moderate will help reduce your costs in Peru. Therefore, we want to present some estimated prices to help you plan that long-awaited night of fun. Remember that costs will vary depending on your travel style, frequency, and amount of alcohol consumed.
- Large beers: $7
- Cocktails: Around: $8
- Nightclub entrance: $8 – $14
- Live music venues: $8 – $14
Shopping and souvenirs
Peru’s numerous shops and markets offer a variety of unique and distinctive products. This country is a treasure trove for shoppers, bringing many Peruvian souvenirs for collectors and casual shoppers. Similarly, you can discover a range from tiny items like keychains and magnets to high-end products.
Furthermore, it’s important to know where to shop because prices will depend on the location and its quality. We recommend shopping in traditional markets, as they offer an authentic experience, striking a balance between price and quality. Here are the estimated costs for several of them.
- Alpaca clothing: $20 – $250
- Baby alpaca clothing: +$150
- Ceramic crafts: $10 – $100
- Hand-painted canvases: $100 – $500
- Silver jewelry: $50 – $150, depending on the piece
- Luxury items: +$200
Emergency and security
Within a budget, we can’t ignore unforeseen expenses. Packing an emergency travel bag will be essential for a safe and peaceful trip. Some experts recommend having an additional 10 to 15% of your budget for any incidents. Additionally, travel insurance will be excellent for protecting against unforeseen events in an unfamiliar country.
Comprehensive insurance for a one-week trip costs between $50 and $200, although there are clearly more expensive options. You should keep in mind that they should help you with medical coverage, coverage in case of any inconvenience during the flight, and more. However, taking precautions will also be of great help in avoiding risky situations, especially regarding security. Although it is safe in its tourist areas, we recommend being sensible and not exposing yourself to risky situations.
Cut down your budget
If you’re on a budget and want to save money, you should consider some cost-saving tips. Even more so in Peru, a country where it’s considerably easier to avoid spending too much. As we saw earlier, staying in hotels, flights, and tours are usually the biggest expenses you’ll incur. Therefore, we offer some suggestions that will surely help you reduce your day trip costs.
- When planning your travel season to Peru, it’s best to consider the mid-season months, such as March or September. Prices tend to be lower, and you won’t sacrifice the benefits of peak season while also reducing costs. Additionally, traveling during the off-season can help you avoid crowds, which are common during peak season.
- Peruvian cities have a lot to offer regarding cuisine and prices. For those looking to save money, we recommend limiting elegant dinners at luxurious restaurants. We understand that during your visit, you’ll be eager to sample tasty Peruvian dishes, but you’ll control your spending. Likewise, it’s not a bad idea to indulge; after all, that’s what you’re here for, but exploring multiple options will be the best option.
- The Andean country has a fascinating culture, with unique and distinctive customs and traditions. Within this magnificent landscape, we can find bargaining as a way of negotiating when purchasing an item. Buying a souvenir at a traditional market will be extremely helpful. However, in specialty stores, it’s more complicated because they usually have fixed prices.
- Unlike your Machu Picchu trip cost, which can be the main expense, you can find free tours. Enjoying walks through historic centers is the best way to experience the culture and its wonderful people firsthand. Therefore, taking a free Walking Tour can give you an experience in the major cities of the Andean country.
Final budget
As we can see, Peru is not an expensive country to visit and explore. Still, some options can greatly improve your experience. Therefore, the cost of traveling to Peru depends on many different factors. Here’s an estimated cost for a 7-day trip to consider in your future adventure:
- Low budget: Backpackers usually spend between $50 and $80 per day. This includes hostels, local food, public transport, and basic tours. That adds to around $420 for a week, not including flights.
- Mid-range budget: With a moderate budget, you’ll need about $100 per day. This would cover private rooms, better meals, nightlife, drinks, and more complete tours. The total cost for a week would be about $700.
- High budget: With a higher budget, you can enjoy the best Peru has to offer, including top restaurants, private tours, luxury hotels, and more. Expect to spend over $150 per day, which is around $1,050 for the week.
“TRAVEL IS THE ONLY THING YOU BUY THAT MAKES YOU RICHER“
The Machu Travel Peru team hopes this brief article has been helpful, as it’s a pleasure for us to show you our wonderful country. If you’d like to learn more about our tours, please consult with our qualified advisors. They’ll be happy to help you plan your next dream trip in one of the best South American destinations. Don’t miss Peru for anything!
Peru has so much to offer, it can be hard to know where to start. With many years of experience in the tourism sector, Machu Travel Peru is happy to help with anything regarding your trip to Machu Picchu and any tours around it. Make your Machu Picchu experience an unforgettable one! Contact us today to plan your dream adventure!
