Peru, a captivating South American country renowned for its rich history, stunning landscapes, and vibrant culture, attracts millions of travelers each year. As you plan your visit to this diverse and enchanting destination in 2023, it’s essential to have a clear understanding of the costs involved.
Traveling to Peru should be one of those activities that should be on any traveler’s bucket list. Peru is one of the most mega diverse countries in the world and, one of the most fascinating in South America along with Chile and Argentina.
Any trip can be done on any kind of budget.
However, in this post we will show a guide and a general average to know how much a trip to Peru costs and set your savings goals an overview of the expenses you can expect while traveling to Peru, including accommodation, transportation, food, activities, and other relevant factors to help you budget your trip effectively.
While traveling and discovering fantastic new countries such as Peru you may need to use one of our mobile phone plans for tourists to have a tourist SIM card. In order to understand and find new adventures, here in PeruSIM.

How much does a trip to Peru cost?
As an Illustrated example here we will show of the estimated costs for a trip to Peru, from the US (Miami or LA) to Lima:
Airfare from Miami/Los Angeles to Lima | $700 USD |
Lodging for 2 weeks in Peru | $500 USD |
Tours and sightseeing | $1,000 USD |
Transportation between cities | $300 USD |
Food and beverage for 2 weeks | $400 USD |
Additional expenses | $200 USD |
Total cost of traveling to Peru | $2,100 USD |
Note: The above cost estimates are approximate and can vary depending on various factors such as the time of booking, accommodation choices, travel dates, activities, and personal preferences.
It’s advisable to research and compare prices, as well as consider individual spending habits, to create a more accurate budget for your trip to Peru.
Variables to take into account when calculating the cost of a trip to Peru

The trip you decide to make to Peru and the cost of the trip to Peru will be totally affected under the variables you decide such as:
- Season in which you want to travel.
- The promotions you find when you buy your plane ticket.
- If you will stay in hotels or hostels.
- How you will move between cities in Peru or if you will buy local tours.
- Where you plan to eat and what kind of food
- Additional expenses and incidentals.
- The cities and places you want to visit.
Answering yourself all of the above questions will help you make an excellent approximation of how much a trip to Peru will cost and, below, I will give you an excellent guide to the cost of everything. However, before you start, you have to define which cities you would like to visit as there are so many places to see in Peru.
Must-see Peru Tourist Places

The cost of your trip to Peru traveling on your own will depend entirely on the cities you wish to visit. Peru has a lot of tourist places to visit, here we can summarize some of them that you can take into account for your first trip to Peru.
City/Tourist Place | Description | Recommended Days to Visit |
Lima | Capital of Peru with important museums and archaeological sites. | 2 days |
Ica | Known for the famous oasis in the desert of Huacachina | 1 day |
Paracas | Home to endemic penguins and the iconic Candelabra petroglyph | 1 day |
Cusco | Beautiful colonial city in the Americas | 2 days |
Aguascalientes | Charming town as a base for visiting Machu Picchu | 1 day |
Puno | Gateway to Lake Titicaca, famous for its floating islands | 2 days |
Arequipa | The “White City” known for its stunning quarry architecture | 2 days |
Nazca | City renowned for the mysterious Nazca lines | 1 day |
Colca Valley | Impressive geological formations and hiking opportunities | 2 days |
Machu Picchu | Incredible archaeological wonder, one of the Seven Wonders of the World | 1 day |
Caral | Oldest city in the Americas, recently discovered | 1 day |
Iquitos | Capital city of the Peruvian Amazon, offering jungle experiences | 3 days |
Please note that the recommended number of days for each destination is a general suggestion, and the actual duration of your visit may vary based on personal preferences, available time, and the activities you plan to undertake.
Accommodation
Peru offers a wide range of accommodation options catering to different budgets and preferences. Here is an estimated cost per night for various types of lodging:
- Budget: Hostels and guesthouses are popular among budget travelers, with prices starting around $10 to $30 for a dormitory bed or a basic private room.
- Mid-Range: Mid-range hotels and lodges generally range from $40 to $100 per night, offering more comfort and amenities.
- Luxury: High-end hotels and resorts can cost upwards of $150 per night, providing luxurious amenities and top-notch services.
Transportation

Flights
The cost of international flights to Peru varies depending on the departure location, season, and airline. On average, round-trip flights from major cities in the United States or Europe can range from $500 to $1,200, depending on the time of year and availability.
Domestic Flights
If you plan to explore different regions within Peru, domestic flights are convenient and time-saving. Prices for domestic flights within Peru can vary significantly, starting from $50 for short routes and increasing for longer distances.
Buses
Peru has an extensive bus network connecting major cities and towns. Bus fares are relatively affordable, with prices ranging from $10 to $50 for long-distance journeys, depending on the class of service and distance traveled.
Trains
Some popular tourist routes, such as the journey from Cusco to Machu Picchu, offer scenic train rides. Train ticket prices for these routes can range from $60 to $200, depending on the class and service level.
Food
Peruvian cuisine is diverse, flavorful, and often affordable. Here are some estimated costs for food:
Budget Meals
In local eateries and markets, you can find budget-friendly meals starting at $5 per person. These may include dishes like ceviche, lomo saltado, or a set menu known as “menu del día” with a soup, main course, and drink.
Mid-Range Restaurants
Restaurants offering a wider variety of Peruvian and international cuisine typically charge $10 to $30 per person for a meal, excluding alcoholic beverages.
Fine Dining
Upscale restaurants in major cities can have prices starting at $30 per person, excluding drinks.
Activities and Attractions

Machu Picchu
Entrance fees to Machu Picchu vary depending on the type of ticket and the time of visit. As of 2021, prices range from $50 to $70 for adults. It is advisable to book tickets in advance to secure your desired date and time.
Inca Trail
If you plan to hike the iconic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, tour prices start from $500 to $1,000, depending on the duration, level of service, and operator.
Amazon Rainforest
Exploring the Amazon rainforest can be done through organized tours, which range from $300 to $1,000 per person, depending on the duration and level of comfort.
Sacred Valley and Other Sites
The Sacred Valley of Peru, located near Cusco, is a treasure trove of archaeological sites and breathtaking landscapes. Exploring this region is a must for any traveler visiting Peru. Here are some notable sites and estimated entrance fees:
- Pisac: This ancient Inca site offers stunning terraces, temples, and agricultural terraces. The entrance fee to Pisac is approximately $8 USD.
- Ollantaytambo: Known for its impressive stone architecture and Inca ruins, Ollantaytambo provides a glimpse into the Inca civilization. The entrance fee is around $8 USD.
- Moray: This unique archaeological site features concentric terraces that served as an agricultural laboratory for the Incas. The entrance fee is approximately $4 USD.
- Maras Salt Mines: These centuries-old salt evaporation ponds showcase a captivating landscape and traditional salt production techniques. The entrance fee is about $4 USD.
- Chinchero: Chinchero offers a combination of Inca ruins, a colonial church, and vibrant textile markets. The entrance fee is around $4 USD.
It’s worth noting that some sites may offer combined tickets, which allow access to multiple attractions at a discounted price. Additionally, hiring a local guide can provide valuable insights into the history and significance of these sites.
When visiting the Sacred Valley, it’s recommended to allocate at least 2 days to fully appreciate the beauty and historical significance of these archaeological sites.
Take your time to explore each location, immerse yourself in the local culture, and soak in the awe-inspiring views of the Andean landscapes.
As with any travel plan, it’s advisable to check for updated information on entrance fees and opening hours before your visit, as these can sometimes vary.
Exploring the Sacred Valley will undoubtedly be a highlight of your trip to Peru, as you witness the remarkable legacy of the Inca civilization amidst the stunning beauty of the Andes.
Finally, we know that you have to keep communication with your relatives and friends, that you need to be able to orient yourself in new cities, that you might need help with translation and that you might need to search for restaurants or hotels. That’s why with PeruSIM you can buy a SIM card including the data plan of your need without having to worry about high roaming costs.