Cusco costs 70-350 PEN per day for travelers in 2026. Hotels average 70 PEN/night, meals cost 20-40 PEN, making Cusco moderately priced compared to other South America destinations. Budget travelers (70 PEN/day): Stay in hostels (30 PEN/night), eat at local restaurants (20 PEN/meal), use public transport. Mid-range travelers (150 PEN/day): Comfortable hotels (70 PEN/night), varied dining (40 PEN/meal), occasional taxis. Luxury travelers (350 PEN/day): Premium hotels (200 PEN/night), fine dining (100 PEN/meal), private tours. Top money-saving tip: Stay in hostels or budget guesthouses. Free activities include free walking tour – guided tour of cusco’s historic center. Cusco ranks as moderately priced within South America, offering excellent value compared to regional averages.
Plan the practical part
Cusco Trip Cost: How Much Does It Cost to Visit in 2026?
Daily budget guide for Cusco (prices in PEN)Updated
- BudgetPEN 70–PEN 150 / day
- Mid-rangePEN 150–PEN 350 / day
- LuxuryPEN 350–PEN 525 / day
What a day in Cusco costs
Budget
PEN 70–PEN 150 / day
≈ $21 USD
Hostels or guesthouses, street food and markets, public transport.
Mid-range
PEN 150–PEN 350 / day
≈ $45 USD
Comfortable hotels, sit-down restaurants, a few paid activities.
Luxury
PEN 350–PEN 525 / day
≈ $104 USD
Boutique or five-star stays, fine dining, private tours and transfers.
Estimates are per person, per day, in PEN. USD equivalents use open.er-api.com exchange rates from 3 Sep 2026.
Make it your trip
What could your trip cost?
Choose your pace and travel style. Start with the published daily estimate, then make room for the things you care about.
Estimated trip budget · PEN
7 days · 1 traveler · Mid-range
- Daily budget per person
- PEN 150–PEN 350
- Season adjustment
- ×1
An editorial estimate, not a booking quote. Daily budget × days × travelers × season adjustment. Add flights, insurance, and any costs outside the guide separately. Shared rooms and child rates may change your total.
Where the money goes
| Category | Budget | Mid-range | Luxury |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stay | PEN 42 | PEN 98 | PEN 260 |
| Eat | PEN 23 | PEN 48 | PEN 115 |
| Do | PEN 10 | PEN 20 | PEN 100 |
| Categories combined | PEN 75 | PEN 166 | PEN 475 |
Category figures are typical daily spends; the tier totals above them include everyday extras, so the two need not match to the unit.
Everyday prices
- Prices
- [{"good_id":1,"item_name":"Price per square meter to Buy Apartment Outside of City Center","category_id":1,"category_name":"Buy Apartment","min":3939.55,"avg":10273.61,"max":20260.53,"usd":{"min":"1050.23","avg":"2738.80","max":"5401.18"},"measure":"money","currency_code":"PEN"},{"good_id":2,"item_name":"Price per square meter to Buy Apartment in City Center","category_id":1,"category_name":"Buy Apartment","min":5065.12,"avg":17071.38,"max":29077.64,"usd":{"min":"1350.29","avg":"4551.00","max":"7751.70"},"measure":"money","currency_code":"PEN"},{"good_id":3,"item_name":"International Primary School, Yearly for 1 Child","category_id":2,"category_name":"Childcare","min":20260.53,"avg":46444.12,"max":72627.71,"usd":{"min":"5401.18","avg":"12381.37","max":"19361.56"},"measure":"money","currency_code":"PEN"},{"good_id":4,"item_name":"Private Preschool or Kindergarten, Monthly for 1 Child","category_id":2,"category_name":"Childcare","min":337.69,"avg":776.12,"max":1214.55,"usd":{"min":"90.02","avg":"206.90","max":"323.78"},"measure":"money","currency_code":"PEN"},{"good_id":5,"item_name":"Pair of Jeans in a Chain Store Like George, H&M, Zara, etc.","category_id":3,"category_name":"Clothing And Shoes","min":90.04,"avg":190.99,"max":291.94,"usd":{"min":"24.00","avg":"50.92","max":"77.83"},"measure":"money","currency_code":"PEN"},{"good_id":6,"item_name":"Pair of Leather Business Shoes","category_id":3,"category_name":"Clothing And Shoes","min":225.1,"avg":295.48,"max":365.86,"usd":{"min":"60.01","avg":"78.77","max":"97.53"},"measure":"money","currency_code":"PEN"},{"good_id":7,"item_name":"Pair of Running Shoes, Mid-Range Price","category_id":3,"category_name":"Clothing And Shoes","min":281.39,"avg":365.82,"max":450.25,"usd":{"min":"75.01","avg":"97.52","max":"120.03"},"measure":"money","currency_code":"PEN"},{"good_id":9,"item_name":"Apples, 1 kg","category_id":4,"category_name":"Markets","min":3.38,"avg":7.16,"max":10.94,"usd":{"min":"0.90","avg":"1.91","max":"2.92"},"measure":"money","currency_code":"PEN"},{"good_id":10,"item_name":"Banana, 1 kg","category_id":4,"category_name":"Markets","min":3.38,"avg":4.76,"max":7.9,"usd":{"min":"0.90","avg":"1.27","max":"2.11"},"measure":"money","currency_code":"PEN"},{"good_id":11,"item_name":"Beef Round or Equivalent Back Leg Red Meat, 1 kg ","category_id":4,"category_name":"Markets","min":12.37,"avg":25.77,"max":45.02,"usd":{"min":"3.30","avg":"6.87","max":"12.00"},"measure":"money","currency_code":"PEN"},{"good_id":12,"item_name":"Bottle of Wine, Mid-Range Price","category_id":4,"category_name":"Markets","min":20.27,"avg":38.83,"max":90.04,"usd":{"min":"5.40","avg":"10.35","max":"24.00"},"measure":"money","currency_code":"PEN"},{"good_id":13,"item_name":"Chicken Breasts, Boneless and Skinless, 1 kg","category_id":4,"category_name":"Markets","min":6.76,"avg":18.52,"max":45.02,"usd":{"min":"1.80","avg":"4.94","max":"12.00"},"measure":"money","currency_code":"PEN"},{"good_id":14,"item_name":"Domestic Beer, 0.5 liter Bottle","category_id":4,"category_name":"Markets","min":4.84,"avg":8.83,"max":12.82,"usd":{"min":"1.29","avg":"2.35","max":"3.42"},"measure":"money","currency_code":"PEN"},{"good_id":15,"item_name":"Eggs, 12 pack","category_id":4,"category_name":"Markets","min":4.52,"avg":7.29,"max":13.51,"usd":{"min":"1.20","avg":"1.94","max":"3.60"},"measure":"money","currency_code":"PEN"},{"good_id":17,"item_name":"Lettuce, 1 head","category_id":4,"category_name":"Markets","min":1.14,"avg":3.91,"max":6.68,"usd":{"min":"0.30","avg":"1.04","max":"1.78"},"measure":"money","currency_code":"PEN"},{"good_id":18,"item_name":"Loaf of Fresh White Bread, 0.5 kg","category_id":4,"category_name":"Markets","min":2.24,"avg":5.45,"max":9.57,"usd":{"min":"0.60","avg":"1.45","max":"2.55"},"measure":"money","currency_code":"PEN"},{"good_id":19,"item_name":"Local Cheese, 1 kg","category_id":4,"category_name":"Markets","min":12.37,"avg":24.3,"max":45.02,"usd":{"min":"3.30","avg":"6.48","max":"12.00"},"measure":"money","currency_code":"PEN"},{"good_id":20,"item_name":"Milk, Regular,1 liter","category_id":4,"category_name":"Markets","min":2.81,"avg":5.13,"max":7.9,"usd":{"min":"0.75","avg":"1.37","max":"2.11"},"measure":"money","currency_code":"PEN"},{"good_id":21,"item_name":"Onion, 1 kg","category_id":4,"category_name":"Markets","min":2.24,"avg":4.48,"max":7.9,"usd":{"min":"0.60","avg":"1.19","max":"2.11"},"measure":"money","currency_code":"PEN"},{"good_id":22,"item_name":"Oranges, 1 kg","category_id":4,"category_name":"Markets","min":5.62,"avg":7.69,"max":9.76,"usd":{"min":"1.50","avg":"2.05","max":"2.60"},"measure":"money","currency_code":"PEN"},{"good_id":23,"item_name":"Pack of Cigarettes","category_id":4,"category_name":"Markets","min":7.9,"avg":19.13,"max":30.36,"usd":{"min":"2.11","avg":"5.10","max":"8.09"},"measure":"money","currency_code":"PEN"},{"good_id":24,"item_name":"Potato, 1 kg","category_id":4,"category_name":"Markets","min":2.04,"avg":4.56,"max":7.9,"usd":{"min":"0.54","avg":"1.22","max":"2.11"},"measure":"money","currency_code":"PEN"},{"good_id":25,"item_name":"White Rice, 1 kg","category_id":4,"category_name":"Markets","min":3.95,"avg":4.8,"max":5.65,"usd":{"min":"1.05","avg":"1.28","max":"1.51"},"measure":"money","currency_code":"PEN"},{"good_id":26,"item_name":"Tomato, 1 kg","category_id":4,"category_name":"Markets","min":2.61,"avg":6.19,"max":9.77,"usd":{"min":"0.70","avg":"1.65","max":"2.60"},"measure":"money","currency_code":"PEN"},{"good_id":27,"item_name":"Water, 1.5 liter Bottle","category_id":4,"category_name":"Markets","min":2.24,"avg":3.95,"max":7.9,"usd":{"min":"0.60","avg":"1.05","max":"2.11"},"measure":"money","currency_code":"PEN"},{"good_id":28,"item_name":"One bedroom apartment outside of city centre","category_id":5,"category_name":"Rent Per Month","min":787.93,"avg":872.35,"max":1913.5,"usd":{"min":"210.05","avg":"232.56","max":"510.11"},"measure":"money","currency_code":"PEN"},{"good_id":29,"item_name":"One bedroom apartment in city centre","category_id":5,"category_name":"Rent Per Month","min":1125.57,"avg":1350.71,"max":6753.52,"usd":{"min":"300.06","avg":"360.08","max":"1800.40"},"measure":"money","currency_code":"PEN"},{"good_id":30,"item_name":"Three bedroom apartment outside of city centre","category_id":5,"category_name":"Rent Per Month","min":1688.36,"avg":1969.79,"max":8667.02,"usd":{"min":"450.09","avg":"525.12","max":"2310.51"},"measure":"money","currency_code":"PEN"},{"good_id":31,"item_name":"Three bedroom apartment in city centre","category_id":5,"category_name":"Rent Per Month","min":2026.05,"avg":2729.55,"max":11143.31,"usd":{"min":"540.12","avg":"727.66","max":"2970.66"},"measure":"money","currency_code":"PEN"},{"good_id":32,"item_name":"Cappuccino","category_id":6,"category_name":"Restaurants","min":6.76,"avg":8.63,"max":16.89,"usd":{"min":"1.80","avg":"2.30","max":"4.50"},"measure":"money","currency_code":"PEN"},{"good_id":33,"item_name":"Coca-Cola, 0.33 liter Bottle","category_id":6,"category_name":"Restaurants","min":2.24,"avg":2.93,"max":3.62,"usd":{"min":"0.60","avg":"0.78","max":"0.97"},"measure":"money","currency_code":"PEN"},{"good_id":34,"item_name":"Domestic Beer, 0.5 liter Draught","category_id":6,"category_name":"Restaurants","min":7.9,"avg":9,"max":10.14,"usd":{"min":"2.11","avg":"2.40","max":"2.70"},"measure":"money","currency_code":"PEN"},{"good_id":35,"item_name":"Imported Beer, 0.33 liter Bottle","category_id":6,"category_name":"Restaurants","min":6.76,"avg":17.99,"max":29.22,"usd":{"min":"1.80","avg":"4.80","max":"7.79"},"measure":"money","currency_code":"PEN"},{"good_id":36,"item_name":"McMeal at McDonalds or Alternative Combo Meal","category_id":6,"category_name":"Restaurants","min":20.27,"avg":22.51,"max":24.75,"usd":{"min":"5.40","avg":"6.00","max":"6.60"},"measure":"money","currency_code":"PEN"},{"good_id":37,"item_name":"Meal for 2 People, Mid-range Restaurant, Three-course","category_id":6,"category_name":"Restaurants","min":45.02,"avg":112.55,"max":180.08,"usd":{"min":"12.00","avg":"30.00","max":"48.01"},"measure":"money","currency_code":"PEN"},{"good_id":38,"item_name":"Meal in Inexpensive Restaurant","category_id":6,"category_name":"Restaurants","min":6.76,"avg":7.9,"max":11.28,"usd":{"min":"1.80","avg":"2.11","max":"3.01"},"measure":"money","currency_code":"PEN"},{"good_id":40,"item_name":"Average Monthly Net Salary, After Tax","category_id":7,"category_name":"Salaries And Financing","min":1519.52,"avg":1688.36,"max":1857.2,"usd":{"min":"405.08","avg":"450.09","max":"495.10"},"measure":"money","currency_code":"PEN"},{"good_id":42,"item_name":"Cinema ticket, 1 Seat","category_id":8,"category_name":"Sports And Leisure","min":16.89,"avg":20.27,"max":27.03,"usd":{"min":"4.50","avg":"5.40","max":"7.21"},"measure":"money","currency_code":"PEN"},{"good_id":43,"item_name":"Fitness Club, Monthly Fee for 1 Adult","category_id":8,"category_name":"Sports And Leisure","min":56.29,"avg":127.57,"max":198.85,"usd":{"min":"15.01","avg":"34.01","max":"53.01"},"measure":"money","currency_code":"PEN"},{"good_id":44,"item_name":"Tennis Court Rent, 1 Hour on Weekend","category_id":8,"category_name":"Sports And Leisure","min":16.89,"avg":22.51,"max":28.13,"usd":{"min":"4.50","avg":"6.00","max":"7.50"},"measure":"money","currency_code":"PEN"},{"good_id":45,"item_name":"Gasoline, 1 liter","category_id":9,"category_name":"Transportation","min":4.15,"avg":4.48,"max":4.84,"usd":{"min":"1.11","avg":"1.19","max":"1.29"},"measure":"money","currency_code":"PEN"},{"good_id":46,"item_name":"Monthly Pass, Regular Price","category_id":9,"category_name":"Transportation","min":60.78,"avg":67.53,"max":74.28,"usd":{"min":"16.20","avg":"18.00","max":"19.80"},"measure":"money","currency_code":"PEN"},{"good_id":47,"item_name":"One-way Ticket, Local Transport","category_id":9,"category_name":"Transportation","min":0.9,"avg":1.14,"max":1.38,"usd":{"min":"0.24","avg":"0.30","max":"0.37"},"measure":"money","currency_code":"PEN"},{"good_id":48,"item_name":"Taxi, price for 1 hour Waiting, Normal Tariff","category_id":9,"category_name":"Transportation","min":11.28,"avg":22.51,"max":56.29,"usd":{"min":"3.01","avg":"6.00","max":"15.01"},"measure":"money","currency_code":"PEN"},{"good_id":49,"item_name":"Taxi, price for 1 km, Normal Tariff","category_id":9,"category_name":"Transportation","min":4.52,"avg":5.62,"max":6.72,"usd":{"min":"1.20","avg":"1.50","max":"1.79"},"measure":"money","currency_code":"PEN"},{"good_id":50,"item_name":"Taxi Start, Normal Tariff","category_id":9,"category_name":"Transportation","min":4.52,"avg":5.62,"max":6.72,"usd":{"min":"1.20","avg":"1.50","max":"1.79"},"measure":"money","currency_code":"PEN"},{"good_id":52,"item_name":"Volkswagen Golf 1.4 90 KW Trendline (Or Equivalent New Car)","category_id":9,"category_name":"Transportation","min":79016.08,"avg":87795.64,"max":96575.21,"usd":{"min":"21064.61","avg":"23405.12","max":"25745.64"},"measure":"money","currency_code":"PEN"},{"good_id":53,"item_name":"Prepaid Mobile Tariff Local, price per 1 min, No Discounts or Plans","category_id":10,"category_name":"Utilities Per Month","min":0.57,"avg":0.77,"max":1.14,"usd":{"min":"0.15","avg":"0.21","max":"0.30"},"measure":"money","currency_code":"PEN"},{"good_id":54,"item_name":"Basic utilities for 85 square meter Apartment including Electricity, Heating or Cooling, Water and Garbage","category_id":10,"category_name":"Utilities Per Month","min":129.44,"avg":297.19,"max":562.79,"usd":{"min":"34.51","avg":"79.23","max":"150.03"},"measure":"money","currency_code":"PEN"},{"good_id":55,"item_name":"Internet, 60 Mbps or More, Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL","category_id":10,"category_name":"Utilities Per Month","min":101.31,"avg":153.82,"max":225.1,"usd":{"min":"27.01","avg":"41.01","max":"60.01"},"measure":"money","currency_code":"PEN"},{"good_id":58,"item_name":"Water, 0.33 liter Bottle","category_id":4,"category_name":"Markets","min":1.67,"avg":1.95,"max":2.24,"usd":{"min":"0.45","avg":"0.52","max":"0.60"},"measure":"money","currency_code":"PEN"},{"good_id":64,"item_name":"Summer Dress in a Chain Store Like George, H&M, Zara, etc.","category_id":3,"category_name":"Clothing And Shoes","min":78.8,"avg":89.47,"max":100.17,"usd":{"min":"21.01","avg":"23.85","max":"26.70"},"measure":"money","currency_code":"PEN"},{"good_id":68,"item_name":"Imported Beer, 0.33 liter Bottle","category_id":4,"category_name":"Markets","min":5.05,"avg":8.14,"max":11.28,"usd":{"min":"1.35","avg":"2.17","max":"3.01"},"measure":"money","currency_code":"PEN"}]
- Currency
- PEN
- Exchange rate
- PEN 1
Typical prices at the time of research, in PEN; expect variation by neighbourhood and season.
Prices through the year
- Low×0.9
- High×1.2
- Shoulder×1
Stretch your budget
Ways to save
- Stay in a hostel or guesthouse: Prices can range from $10-$25/night for a dorm bed or basic private room, saving $20-$50+ per night compared to mid-range hotels.
- Eat at 'menu del día' restaurants: Many local eateries offer a fixed-price lunch menu (soup, main, drink) for 8-15 PEN ($2-4 USD), significantly cheaper than a la carte meals that can cost 30-60+ PEN ($8-16+ USD).
- Walk everywhere or use public transport: Most central attractions are walkable. For longer distances, local buses cost around 1 PEN ($0.27 USD) per ride, saving you 10-20 PEN ($2.70-5.40 USD) per taxi ride.
- Negotiate prices at local markets: When buying souvenirs or textiles, especially at San Pedro Market, politely haggle to get a better price, potentially saving 10-30% on initial offers.
- Visit free attractions: Explore Plaza de Armas, San Blas neighborhood, and the 12-angled stone for free, avoiding entry fees of 70-130 PEN ($19-35 USD) for some historical sites (though the Boleto Turístico is a good value for multiple sites).
- Buy water and snacks from supermarkets: A large bottle of water costs 3-5 PEN ($0.80-1.35 USD) in a supermarket, compared to 5-10 PEN ($1.35-2.70 USD) from street vendors or tourist shops.
- Travel during shoulder season (April-May, September-October): Accommodation and tour prices can be 10-20% lower than peak season (June-August), and the weather is still pleasant.
Budget tips
- {"tip": "Stay in hostels or budget guesthouses", "category": "Accommodation", "explanation": "Cusco offers numerous affordable options like Pariwana Hostel or Viajero Cusco Hostel, providing comfortable stays at low prices."}
- {"tip": "Eat at local markets", "category": "Food", "explanation": "Mercado San Blas offers authentic local breakfast and lunch at much lower prices than tourist restaurants."}
- {"tip": "Use local combis (minibuses) for short trips", "category": "Transportation", "explanation": "These are cheaper than taxis and provide an authentic local commuting experience."}
Worth the splurge
- Stay in a boutique colonial hotel in the Plaza de Armas area
- Dine at a top-rated restaurant like MAP Café or Cicciolina
- Take a private guided tour of Machu Picchu with a luxury train package
- Indulge in a high-end spa treatment using Andean ingredients
Free things to do
- Free walking tour
- Public parks
- Local markets
Frequently asked questions
How expensive is Cusco?
Daily costs €30-60 for budget travellers.
Best money-saving tips?
Use colectivos/shared taxis, eat at Mercado de San Pedro, book tours in advance, join free walking tours.
Average meal cost?
Budget €3-5, mid €10-15, fine €25-40.
Safety?
Generally safe but watch for pickpockets in crowds, avoid poorly lit streets at night, stay hydrated and acclimatize to altitude.
Planning the trip? Read the full Cusco guide.
Budget