Travel Costs in Peru

This document provides a detailed breakdown of typical expenses for travelers in Peru, designed to assist in the creation of an accurate travel budget. While Peru is a relatively affordable country, its status as a major tourist destination means that travel, particularly on shorter itineraries, can incur higher costs than anticipated.

The following cost analysis is based on average prices recorded during 2018-2019. This information serves as a financial guideline for planning purposes. All prices are listed in Peruvian Soles ($S/.$), with conversions to British Pounds ($\pounds$), US Dollars ($\$$), and Euros (€) that were accurate at the time of original publication. This guide details the costs associated with visiting key sites such as Machu Picchu, trekking the Inca Trail, staying in popular cities, and undertaking hikes, allowing for effective budget planning and comparison with other South American destinations.

Sample Budget Framework

A mid-range travel budget can be effectively managed at approximately $\pounds 45$ per day for a pair of travelers. Adherence to such a budget typically involves a specific travel style:

• Accommodation: Prioritizing affordable private rooms over dormitory beds.
• Meals: Preparing 50-60% of meals independently in hostel kitchens.
• Transportation: Utilizing public transport systems for intercity and local travel.
• Activities: Undertaking hikes and excursions independently where feasible.

This approach facilitates a comprehensive travel experience. It is important to note that this daily budget model does not account for the significant cost of major organized tours, such as a multi-day guided trek on the Inca Trail.

Accommodation Costs

Private Room in a Standard Hostel The price for a standard private double room varies significantly depending on the location’s tourist density. For instance, Cusco (elevation: 3,399 meters / 11,152 feet) registers the highest prices for this type of accommodation. With diligent searching, suitable rooms can be found. A useful tip is that locally-operated guesthouses often provide cheaper rates, though they may offer fewer amenities and a different atmosphere compared to larger hostels.

• Average Cost: $S/.60$ ($\pounds 14$ / $\$18$ / $€15$)

Dormitory Bed in a High-End Hostel In popular backpacker locations throughout Peru, there is a prevalence of “flash-packer” hostels. These establishments are characterized by modern amenities, often including swimming pools and full-service bars. While they offer a high level of comfort, they are priced accordingly, especially in cities like Lima (elevation: 154 meters / 505 feet), Arequipa (elevation: 2,335 meters / 7,661 feet), and Cusco. The price for a dormitory bed typically decreases as the number of occupants per room increases (e.g., a 14-person dorm is cheaper than a 4-person dorm).

• Average Cost: $S/.40$ ($\pounds 9$ / $\$12$ / $€10$)

Transportation Expenses

Domestic Flight from Lima to Cusco The flight between Lima and Cusco is a frequent choice for travelers on limited schedules, as Cusco serves as the primary gateway to Machu Picchu and the Sacred Valley. It is important to recognize that there are no direct international flights to Cusco. Air travel offers a significant time advantage, with a flight duration of just over one hour compared to the 24-hour journey by bus, and the cost is often comparable.

• Average Cost: $S/.190$ ($\pounds 45$ / $\$55$ / $€50$)

Overnight Bus Journey (8-Hour Average) Peru is a large country, making long-distance bus travel a logistical necessity for most itineraries that extend beyond the Lima-Cusco air corridor. The standard of overnight buses is generally high, offering safe and comfortable travel. Prices fluctuate widely based on the service class, bus company, and booking method.

• Average Cost: $S/.50$ ($\pounds 11.6$ / $\$15$ / $€13$)

Short Taxi Ride within Cusco Taxis are abundant in all Peruvian towns and cities. In larger urban centers, using ride-sharing applications like Uber can offer an additional layer of security and convenience, and the fare is often slightly lower. While taxi-related scams are not as widespread in Peru as in some neighboring countries, they have been reported.

• Average Cost: $S/.5$ ($\pounds 1.1$ / $\$1.5$ / $€1.3$)

Food and Drink Prices

Set Lunch Menu (Menu del Día) The set lunch, known as an almuerzo or menu del día, is a staple at local restaurants and an excellent way to manage food expenses. The specific dishes offered vary by region but consistently include a starter, a main course, and a beverage. A dessert is sometimes included. Vegetarian and vegan restaurants, where available, typically offer high-quality set menus that are rich in vegetables. For best value, it is advisable to select options in the $S/.8$ – $S/.15$ range, as the very cheapest menus (around $S/.5$) can be of poor quality. Specialist or highly-rated establishments may charge $S/.16$ – $S/.20$.

• Average Cost: $S/.10$ ($\pounds 2.3$ / $\$3$ / $€2.6$)

Street Vendor Ceviche Peruvian cuisine is highly regarded, with ceviche being one of its most famous dishes. While it is widely available in restaurants as a starter or a main course (priced between $S/.20$ – $S/.35$), the most authentic experience is often had from a street food stall. It is recommended to choose a vendor that is popular with local customers.

• Average Cost: $S/.10$ ($\pounds 2.3$ / $\$3$ / $€2.6$)

A Quality Cup of Coffee While basic coffee is common, sourcing high-quality, specialty coffee requires visiting specific establishments. In major tourist areas like Cusco, Lima, and Arequipa, there are numerous third-wave coffee shops. These cafes serve expertly prepared coffee, often from locally grown and roasted beans, and many provide non-dairy milk alternatives.

• Average Cost: $S/.7$ ($\pounds 1.6$ / $\$2$ / $€1.8$)

Inexpensive Local Breakfast A typical breakfast offered at small, local restaurants is a simple meal consisting of bread, eggs, jam, and standard black coffee. Finding establishments that serve breakfast can sometimes be difficult, as many locals opt for lunch items in the morning. For more substantial breakfast fare, such as pancakes or huevos rancheros, traveler-oriented cafes are the best option, though at a higher price point of $S/.15$ – $S/.35$.

• Average Cost (Local): $S/.4$ ($\pounds 1$ / $\$1.5$ / $€1.3$)

Large Bottle of Local Beer The most common brand of beer available in Peru changes by region, with Arequipeña, Cusqueña, Cristal, and Trujillo being the most popular. A large bottle is typically 660ml. In bars, the price ranges from $S/.8$ to $S/.12$. Retail shops sell them for approximately $S/.7$, which includes a bottle deposit.

• Average Cost: $S/.10$ ($\pounds 2.3$ / $\$3$ / $€2.6$)

Self-Catering Basics (Pasta and Sauce) For travelers preparing their own meals, a simple dinner of pasta and marinara sauce is a common, low-cost option. The price is based on purchasing 400g of dry pasta and a 400g jar of standard marinara sauce, sufficient for two people.

• Average Cost: $S/.6$ ($\pounds 1.2$ / $\$1.6$ / $€1.4$)

Bottled Water (2-Liter) Tap water in Peru is generally considered non-potable. The cumulative cost of purchasing bottled water can be significant, as can the environmental impact from plastic waste. A recommended alternative is to use a refillable water bottle equipped with a filter system.

• Average Cost: $S/.5$ ($\pounds 1.1$ / $\$1.5$ / $€1.3$)

Activities and Entrance Fees

Machu Picchu Entrance Ticket A visit to Machu Picchu (elevation: 2,430 meters / 7,972 feet) is a primary objective for most tourists, and its entrance fee is a significant budget item. The regulations and pricing structure for tickets underwent significant changes on January 1st, 2019, and it is crucial for visitors to understand the current rules before their trip.

• Standard Adult Ticket: $S/.152$ ($\pounds 35$ / $\$45$ / $€40$)

Cusco Tourist Ticket (Boleto Turístico) To access the majority of Inca archaeological sites in Cusco and the Sacred Valley, visitors must purchase a Boleto Turístico. Various ticket packages are available, catering to different itineraries.

• Comprehensive Ticket: $S/.130$ ($\pounds 30$ / $\$38$ / $€34$)

Huascaran National Park Day Pass Most national parks and hiking trails in Peru charge an entrance fee. A day pass for Huascaran National Park, which provides access to numerous treks near Huaraz (elevation: 3,052 meters / 10,013 feet), has a set cost. A multi-entry pass is also available for extended stays.

• Day Pass Cost: $S/.30$ ($\pounds 7$ / $\$9$ / $€8$)
• Multi-Entry Pass: $S/.150$

Sandboarding in Huacachina The desert oasis of Huacachina (elevation: 406 meters / 1,332 feet) is a premier destination for adventure sports, most notably sandboarding on its large dunes.

• Average Cost (Tour): $S/.50$ ($\pounds 12$ / $\$15$ / $€13$)

Full-Day Surfboard Rental Peru has a well-established surf scene suitable for all skill levels. Prime locations for surfing include Huanchaco (elevation: 34 meters / 112 feet) and Máncora (elevation: 14 meters / 46 feet) on the northern coast.

• Average Cost: $S/.20$ ($\pounds 4.6$ / $\$6$ / $€5$)

Miscellaneous Costs

ATM Withdrawal Fees ATM fees can be an unnecessary expense. To avoid them, it is recommended to use ATMs operated by the BCP bank, which are widely available and typically do not impose a usage fee for foreign cards. In contrast, the ubiquitous GlobalNet ATMs (identifiable by their yellow color) charge a fee of approximately $S/.19$ per transaction and have lower withdrawal limits.

• Target Cost (BCP Bank): $S/.0$ ($\pounds 0$ / $\$0$ / $€0$)

Laundry Service (Per Kilogram) The price of laundry services varies across the country. For example, costs can be as high as $S/.6$ per kilogram in Paracas or as low as $S/.2.5$ in Cusco. Using an independent lavandería is almost always more economical than using a hostel’s laundry service. It is advisable to verify the contents of your laundry bag upon collection.

• Average Cost: $S/.4$ ($\pounds 0.9$ / $\$1.2$ / $€1$)

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