How Much Does It Cost to Travel to Peru? Discover the Main Expenses | Guru Explorers

Learn how much it costs to travel to Peru and how to optimize your budget.
You’re probably thinking about visiting Peru due to its great tourist and cultural appeal. However, to ensure everything goes smoothly, it’s crucial to plan every detail to avoid any surprises.

The first thing you need to consider is how much it costs to travel to Peru. The truth is, it all depends on your needs, possibilities, and the type of trip you’re looking for. On average, daily costs once you’re in the country range from $50 USD to $100 USD.

To make your planning easier, in this article, we will share the basic expenses, such as transportation, accommodation, food, and tourist activities, and some recommendations to reduce costs as much as possible. Let’s take a look!

You may also be interested in: Peruvian Handicrafts: Types, Regions, and Where to Buy Them

Transportation

The first thing to keep in mind when considering how much it costs to travel to Peru is transportation. If you’re thinking of visiting this beautiful destination, consider all your international flight options. As expected, the price greatly depends on your country of origin. Below is a table with average round-trip flight prices:

Keep in mind that the price of flights to Peru can change depending on the season, so we recommend checking airline options, promotions, and benefits of booking in advance.

Some important notes about air travel to Peru are:

• From Spain, you can take a direct flight from Madrid with an average flight time of 12 hours to Lima.

• If traveling from Madrid or Barcelona to Cusco with 1 to 2 layovers, the estimated travel time is 16 hours.

• Some of the most reliable airlines are Latam, Avianca, and Iberia.

In-country Transportation

Once you're in Peru, you can't forget about transportation within the country. You can find flights ranging from $50 USD to $120 USD. Flights are the best option, as bus companies in Peru often do not meet basic safety standards.

If you need to travel by land, it’s always recommended to use private transportation or join a tour, as private transport companies or non-tourist drivers often have very low safety and quality standards.

In addition, taxis in Peru are considered a very unsafe alternative. This is because there is no formal regulation, and the apps offering taxi services do not perform any kind of screening for their drivers. We recommend booking private transport in advance to travel with peace of mind.

Cost of accommodation in Peru

Before starting your trip to Peru, you need to check where you can stay depending on your destination. Peru offers a wide variety of accommodation options, and the price will depend on your personal preferences, ranging from luxury hotels to rural houses and budget hostels.

On average, you should budget $60 USD to $80 USD per night in a standard hotel in Peru, ensuring that all basic hotel services are met. It’s a good idea to look for 3-star hotels or above, as 2- or 1-star standards in Peru can be very basic for some people. This way, you’ll secure a decent room with a private bathroom and breakfast. However, choose based on what you can afford, as there are many options available.

Food

When considering how much it costs to travel to Peru, eating is an essential factor. The food in Peru is incredibly delicious, and you can find a wide variety of unique regional dishes. It’s no surprise that this country has one of the best gastronomies in the world.

Breakfast in Peru won’t be a problem for your wallet, and you can go to a street quinoa bread stand for a modest $0.80 USD or eat at a restaurant where prices don’t exceed $5 USD. For lunch, prices remain affordable, ranging from $8 USD to $12 USD per person depending on the type of restaurant you choose.

Dinner prices are about the same as lunch, though it still depends on the restaurant or place where you decide to enjoy Peruvian dishes. As for drinks, there’s a variety, and you can try a nice beer in the summer for about $4 USD or even less.

Tourist Activities

If you’re planning to travel to Peru, you can’t miss the variety of tourist activities to do. The price of activities depends on the city, transportation, and other factors. For example, if you want to take a tour to Machu Picchu from Lima, you should consider a direct flight or a bus ride.

There are several options that could be ideal for taking your travel experience to the next level. Below are some examples with corresponding costs:

• Machu Picchu 2-night, 1-day tour: $317 USD

• Sacred Valley of the Incas tour: $37 USD

• Local Lima market tour & cooking classes: $89 USD

• Lima City Tour: $75 USD

• Huacachina & Paracas Full Day Tour: $119 USD

As you can see, there are various activities to do in Peru, with prices varying depending on your preferences. Another budget item to consider is the entrance fee to museums, which are generally quite low. Depending on the museum, the fee is usually no more than 30 soles ($10 USD), with exceptions for children.

Peruvian Handicrafts

When considering how much it costs to travel to Peru, make sure you account for the budget to buy local handicrafts. Peru stands out for having many local artisans who create unique pieces in ceramics, textiles, reed weaving, wood carvings, and more.

If you want to bring back a souvenir to your country, prices can vary. Small pieces like bracelets and carvings can cost between $1 USD and $5 USD. However, if you're looking for something more extravagant, such as goldsmithing or pieces from exclusive stores, you might pay around $50 USD.

Other Costs You Shouldn't Forget When Traveling to Peru

In addition to the expenses mentioned above when determining how much it costs to travel to Peru, there are other costs you should also consider in your budget, such as:

• Clothing and items for tourist activities

• Fun at nightlife venues

• Travel insurance

• Documentation

Sample Prices in Peru

How to Reduce the Cost of Your Trip to Peru

Now that you know the main expenses of traveling to Peru, it's important to have some key information to help you save as much as possible. In this section, we’ll share some useful tips.

Look for flight deals

If you book in advance or during the low season, it’s much easier to find discounted tickets, allowing you to pay less compared to regular prices.

Compare offers

Although many airlines offer ticket deals, it’s important to take the time to compare prices and choose the one that suits you best.

Consider layovers

Typically, if you consider flying with layovers, you can save more money compared to booking a direct flight. This method is more inconvenient as it involves multiple boarding, but if you're looking to avoid high costs, it’s worth it.

Book a tour

If you want to visit Peru and enjoy various activities, it’s cheaper to buy a tour package than doing it on your own. Many of these packages offer pick-up services from your hotel, saving you money on transportation and providing advantages like breakfast or lunch in some cases. It's important to book these packages in advance to ensure your spot, as some attractions, like Machu Picchu, fill up quickly.

Pack wisely

Bring the appropriate clothes to avoid unnecessary purchases. For example, if you plan to visit the jungle or the coast, make sure to pack light clothing. If you plan to do certain activities, bring the necessary gear, as long as it fits within your luggage allowance.

Eat at local markets

One thing that stands out in Peru is that you can find delicious food at any local market. Inside these markets, there are food areas with affordable daily menu options. If you want to avoid spending too much at a restaurant, you can try these delicious dishes made by local “mothers.”

Conclusion: Is It Really Worth Traveling to Peru?

In addition to knowing how much it costs to travel to Peru, you’re probably wondering if the trip is really worth it. The undeniable answer is yes. Peru is a country rich in tourism due to its cultural diversity, gastronomy, handicrafts, and wonderful people. Definitely, what you pay for your trip to this country is worth it.

Once you arrive in Peru and see all its wonders, you’ll be enchanted and will likely want to come back a thousand times. If you’re planning your trip and need to choose the best tour to make the most of your visit, trust Guru Explorers. Pack your bags, and let’s discover Peru right now!