Like most South American countries, Peru won’t break the budget like a trip to Europe or the United States would. And over the past few years, the cost has increased greatly and is not as reasonable as before. But still, Peru remains one of the most interesting and inexpensive countries you will ever visit. That is why together with Machu Travel Peru we made a small article about the cost of traveling in Peru. With something for the budget traveler as well as the luxury traveler. But how much money do I need for a trip to Peru? That will largely depend on how you want to spend your vacation in Peru. Whether you are looking to stay in quality accommodations or looking to stay in cheaper options.
When traveling to Peru you will enter the country in the city of Lima, the capital. The city has gotten a bad rap in previous years for being somewhat dirty and dangerous. But in recent years, the city has undergone a change and is now known for having some of the best Peruvian food restaurants. So you should not miss a wonderful full-day tour in the “City of Kings”. Where you will have the opportunity to know many attractions and important historical buildings. Also, a basic meal or menu, as they are known, will cost you around the US $ 5. Where you will get soup, a main dish, and a drink. This will keep you active throughout the day. This is a good reason to include Lima in your Peru travel itinerary.
Everything you need to know about the cost of traveling in Peru
- Airplane tickets
- Bus tickets
- Train tickets
- Hotels and resorts
- Tours around Peru
- Destinations to visit
- Shopping in the country
- Security Measures
AIRPLANE TICKETS
The Peru travel cost will be largely defined by the way you travel. Either by bus or by plane. But the prices of local flights in Peru are not too high, and in some cases, they are comparable to bus trips. From Lima, you can fly all over the country with many different airlines offering services at many different prices. For example, a flight from Lima to the Inca city of Cusco can cost from around US$90 to US$150 for a one-way flight. This is one of the best choices for travel. If you take one of the cut-price airlines, you may pay less.
But keep in mind that budget airlines may have delays or cancellations without prior notice. So we recommend taking advantage of available offers or simply booking your tickets in advance. Also keep in mind that not all destinations in Peru have direct flights, so you will have to think about getting air tickets.
BUS TICKETS
Peru has a great network of intercity buses and depending on the service, you can catch a bus from Cusco to Puno, where Lake Titicaca is located, for around US$30 per person on a luxury bus with lunch and your own personal television. Fortunately, the bus is the main way to travel for both Peruvians and those travelers on a budget. And there are a wide variety of transportation companies that offer interprovincial services. So much so that you will find a lot of competition in the sector and a great variety of different prices. But we always recommend being guided by those renowned companies. In this way, you will avoid any kind of inconvenience. The Peru travel cost can be much better if you choose to transport yourself through Peru by bus.
TRAIN TICKETS
Train travel in Peru is one of the highlights of every tour to Peru. Peru has some of the best train journeys in the world. For train lovers and non-train lovers, there is a train trip for you. Travel to the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu in the tourist train or the super-luxury Hiram Bingham train that travels daily to Machu Picchu. If you are interested in the Hiram Bingham then the round trip will cost around US$800 per person. But luxury trains can add considerably to the Machu Picchu trip cost.
Or you can also opt for a charming train ride from Cusco to Puno, where you will enjoy some wonderful natural landscapes. This train trip is one of the best in Peru and one of the best ways to get to know Lake Titicaca. As with the train trip to Machu Picchu, it is necessary to book this trip in advance if you want not to miss out on the fun. It is true that these train trips can increase the Peru travel cost, but they will make your experience much more magical.
HOTELS AND RESORTS
Accommodation is another expense to take into account within the Peru travel cost. Peru has a wide range of accommodation options, both luxury hotels and alternatives for backpackers. If you are a backpacker looking for cheap rooms, you will find rooms starting at around $ 5 per person per night. And if you are looking for the best cheap hotels, these will cost you around $ 20 per person per night.
There are many 3-star mid-range hotels to choose from throughout Peru. A basic three-star hotel will cost you around $ 20 per person per night, while a better three-star hotel will cost more, around $ 30 per person. Going luxury in Peru is affordable with good 4 to 5-star hotels costing between $ 80 and $ 200 per person per night. Some of the best hotels, especially in Cusco, are in old Spanish colonial houses that have been refurbished. And some of these even have wonderful art collections.
Another important thing to keep in mind is the best time to visit Peru. Since depending on the time you choose to travel, prices will change a lot. For example, in the high season of tourism, it is very likely that you will not find accommodations without having made reservations. But on the other hand, if you travel in the low tourist season, you will enjoy lower prices and immediate availability.
TOURS AROUND PERU
Peru tours are a truly important factor to take into account for the Peru travel cost. You don’t want to miss out on the most attractive side of our country. While in Peru, you will be interested in some travel tours in Peru. There is a big number of tours to choose from in all areas of Peru. In the Southern Peruvian city of Arequipa, you might consider taking a 2-day excursion to the naturally spectacular Colca Canyon. If you have not heard of the Canyon, it is one of the deepest in the world and the views are memorable. See the Condor in full flight as they soar above your head, not afraid of humans that are viewing them from the edge of the Canyon. A 2-day tour without a hotel could cost anything from $80 to $200 per person.
Or also opt for the boat tours inside Lake Titicaca, where you will get to know the wonders of our Andean culture. And if that is not enough, get to know Lima and its distinguished traditional cuisine in its inexhaustible quality restaurants. And finally, do not forget the unique tour of Machu Picchu. Where you can get to know one of the wonders of the world and one of the main attractions of Peru. And don’t worry, as there are numerous Machu Picchu tours to enjoy. From options with train travel, options that include a beautiful hiking trek like the Inca Trail, and much more! And what is the minimum cost of the trip to Machu Picchu? That largely depends on whether you are looking to travel by train or go the Inca Trail. But you can expect to pay in the range of $ 300 to $ 500.
DESTINATIONSTO VISIT
Also in the South of Peru, you’ll find the lakeside town of Puno. Set high in the Peruvian Andes, Puno is on the shores of Lake Titicaca, one of the highest lakes in the world. From Puno, you can experience the Uros Islands. What makes these islands so special is that they are manmade from the reeds that grow around the shores of the lake. The Uros people have lived on the lake for centuries and continue to be semi self-sufficient. A day tour to these islands will cost you around $40 per person. One of the best tourist sites in Peru.
From Lima, travel down the South coast and inland and see the mysterious Nazca Lines. These lines were etched into the desert floor many centuries ago and still, today are a mystery to scientists. The best way to get a great view of the lines is by small aircraft that will take you on a 40-minute flight over the lines. The cost varies a great deal and can be expensive but you should set aside around $200 for the flight. This will affect the Peru travel cost.
Cusco and Machu Picchu are at the top of most people’s list of places to visit. Cusco has many Inca temples in and around the city that you simply must experience. Not far from the city you can find the naturally beautiful Sacred Valley of the Incas. The Valley is set among the Andes and the temperature is mild. For this reason, the Inca used the Valley to grow all their food to feed the empire. From the valley travel to Machu Picchu where a full-day trip from Cusco will cost you from $250 to $1000, depending on the service you require.
SHOPPINGIN THE COUNTRY
Shopping in Peru can be a highlight, there is much to buy in the many shops and markets located all over Peru. Depending on your spending habits, you may spend a little or you may take home many different Peruvian souvenirs. We recommend going through the different markets of Peru and buying many alpaca products, which is one of the strengths of Peru. We also recommend checking out the different Peruvian-themed products. From key chains, backpacks, mugs, shirts, other clothing products, and much more! The truth is that you will find an endless number of interesting products to take with you to your home.
SECURITY MEASURES
Another important factor to consider for the Peru travel cost would be the security measures that you will take. And while it is true that Peru is a third-world country, it is not as dangerous as people think. It will simply be a matter of being sensible and not exposing yourself in dark alleys or walking alone at night. And is Peru expensive to visit? No, it is not, compared to other European countries, Peru is still quite accessible. Peru’s security is not too different from any other city or destination in the world. Try not to carry your valuables in plain sight, always carry a copy of your credit card with you, and don’t carry too much cash with you. As long as you keep these tips in mind, you will have a wonderful time with your family.
“TRAVEL IS THE ONLY THING YOU BUY THAT MAKES YOU RICHER“
So, Is it worth it to go to Peru? Yes, it is. It’s one of the best tourist countries in South America. And as you will see, the cost of traveling in Peru will be reflected by numerous and diverse factors. From how you want to enjoy your vacations and the days you will seek to stay. In addition to which tours you will seek to enjoy and which destinations to include. There are many things to think about and consider when it comes to Peru travel costs. For this reason, together with Machu Travel Peru, we recommend that you start organizing yourself right now.
We hope that this little article has been of help to you since for us it is a pleasure to show you about our wonderful country. If you want to know more about our tours, you can consult with our qualified advisors. They will be happy to help you with your wonderful dream trip. Don’t miss out on Peru for anything in the world!
