Is Peru expensive?
Is Peru expensive and how much money do you need when traveling here?
This diverse country is best-known for its Andean mountains and mysterious cultures, however there’s much more to explore in Peru.
From enjoying the towns along the Pacific coast to venturing trying various tasty dishes, there’s a lot more going for this South American nation.
What’s even better is that Peru is quite an inexpensive country to travel around too, which we’ll now cover in more detail below.
In this guide we’ll look at the typical costs you can expect when traveling Peru, such as for accommodation, food and getting around. As well as recommending some of the best tours you can head on, we’ll also answer your most burning questions in our FAQ section.
Is Peru Expensive for Tourists?
Quick Answer: Peru is definitely among the cheaper countries to visit, and you could easily live off a frugal budget of $20-25 a day.
Here you’ll be sleeping in a comfortable dorm room (we recommend chains like Kokopelli and Selina), as well as sticking to mostly local food and cheaper restaurants.
Things to know before traveling to Peru
- Keep an Open Mind – As mentioned in my article about my own experience traveling Peru, my best moments were actually the unplanned ones. This included getting off the touristy trail and heading north, as well as trying foods that I’d otherwise would have never tried. Whilst the touristy image of Peru is attractive (alpacas, chullos etc), try and go a bit deeper. You may be pleasantly surprised.
- Stay near the Plaza de Armas – This is my (George’s) golden rule for finding a good location to stay in. I’d say 95% of destinations in Peru are best around these main squares, where they’re much safer, touristy and have more accommodation and eating options. The only exception is Lima, which can be sketchy (you’re better off in Miraflores or Barranco which are further south).
- Pack a Variety of Clothes – If you’ve read our Peru Packing List then you’ll be fully prepared. Otherwise you’ll need to know that Peru has all kinds of climates, which often catch travelers out. Places like Máncora, Iquitos and the Pacific Coast (in the summer) can be uncomfortably hot, whilst Andean cities like Cusco and Huaraz can get really cold. Even then these mountainous cities can also get hot during the day!
How much does a trip to Peru cost?
Budget travelers and backpackers can expect to spend between $20-25 a day in Peru, whilst those who want a more comfortable experience (such as private rooms, eating in nicer establishments) can budget for around $30-35 a day.
This budget only covers accommodation, food and a few extras (like beers, a walking tour or entrance etc). Other costs such as flights and day tours will need to be planned with a different budget in mind. See our guide covering the cost of travel in Peru for more tips.
Cost of Accommodation in Peru
Hostels can be really cheap here in Peru. Whilst you’d think that they’d all be low quality and in shite areas, think again!
Near the Plaza de Armas in Cusco or Arequipa you can stay in a decent dorm room for as cheap as $7 a night. Some places even throw in a free breakfast too (such as Kokopelli in Cusco, which is one of our favorites with its solid scenes and vibe).
The Selina hostel franchise is definitely more luxurious, however you’ll be paying slightly more for the upgrades.
If you want to stay in a private room (either for your whole trip or for a last-minute spontaneous night), then you’ll be spending between $12-20. That’s literally it!
These rooms also tend to be really good quality too, often including a free breakfast and discounts on tours or shared experiences.
Although slightly more expensive nowadays, the Selina Posada is a really solid choice in Lima, located on a chic street just a couple of blocks from the Parque Kennedy. I (George) have sworn by it for years – I even considered moving there on my return to live in Lima…
Cost of Food in Peru
Ah, Peruvian food. Some of the tastiest in all of South America, and also amongst the cheapest too!
Of course, always heading to expensive restaurants is going to put a dent in your wallet, however if you stick to local places then you’ll spend between $3-5 a meal.
By far the best option is the Menu Ejecutivo. Usually costing around 14 Soles ($3 dollars), you’ll get a starter, main and drink all included. Not only will you walk away content with a full stomach, you’ll also get to try various Peruvian foods too, so it’s a real bargain.
Travelers who prefer eating at chain restaurants will find a typical meal to cost between $5-7. And in pretty much every major city you’ll find McDonald’s, Burger King and Pizza Hut near the main touristy areas.
Cost of Transportation in Peru
Getting between destinations can be time-consuming, however prices are still really good. Even the longest bus rides will cost around $30 (such as the dreaded 22 hour haul from Lima to Máncora).
Our golden tip is to head to the bus stations directly to book, as last-minute buses can knock prices as much as 40% lower!
Domestic flights are also a really good way of traveling more efficiently, and for a good price too. Certain airlines like Sky are super cheap, and you can fly one-way from Lima to Iquitos for around $40 (without baggage).
Other airlines like LATAM are more expensive, but generally are more reliable and have more frequent departures throughout Peru.
Cost of Tours & Attractions in Peru
Booking tours online is definitely the way to go for travelers who like having things prepared in advance.
Whilst more expensive, they do offer extra hidden activities and bonuses, as well as letting you relax since your agenda is already pre-planned.
We highly recommend this day tour of Machu Picchu from Cusco, which includes all transport, the entrance ticket as well as a knowledgeable local guide on hand to give you a more intimate and deeper experience.
If you know some Spanish (or don’t mind negotiating on the ground), then you’ll find local tours to be dirt cheap in Peru.
The agencies around the Plaza de Armas in cities like Arequipa and Cusco are great places to start, although it’s wise not to book with the first one. Even better is to quote rates from another, as they may even lower prices in order to be more competitive.
In our experience we’ve found all tours in Peru to be really well organized and safe. Whilst you’ll still be able to do certain activities alone (if you prefer independent travel), others like the Inca Trail are mandatory with an organized excursion.
How Expensive is Peru FAQs
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Is Peru Expensive for Tourists?
That’s all for our guide on how expensive Peru is.
This South American country really is perfect for all kinds of travelers. Not only are there all kinds of terrains (snowy mountains, hot jungle, pacific beaches, desert etc), you’ll also find the food and culture to be really memorable too.
In this guide we’ve looked at how much money you’ll need when traveling around Peru. This guide focuses more on the minimum needed for low-budget travelers, so of course if you feel like upgrading then by all means go for it!
Read our Peru itinerary to learn how to best use your time when in this incredible country.
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