Overview
Peru is South America’s most compelling travel destination, seamlessly blending ancient Inca history, dramatic Andean landscapes, Amazon jungle adventures, and one of the world’s most exciting culinary scenes. Machu Picchu is the headliner, but the country offers so much more: the floating islands of Lake Titicaca, the mysterious Nazca Lines, Colca Canyon (twice as deep as the Grand Canyon), and Lima’s world-renowned ceviche and fine dining.
The Peruvian sol (PEN) is the local currency (roughly 3.7 PEN = 1 USD). Peru offers outstanding value — outside of the tourist trail, prices are remarkably low. The dry season (May-September) is the best time for Machu Picchu and highland trekking; Lima and the coast are pleasant year-round. Book Machu Picchu entry tickets months in advance as daily visitor limits sell out.
Daily Budget Breakdown
Budget ($30-$55/day): Stay in hostels or guesthouses ($8-$20/night), eat the menu del dia (set lunch) at local restaurants ($2-$4), use buses for intercity travel ($10-$40), and visit affordable archaeological sites ($5-$15 entrance).
Mid-Range ($60-$120/day): Book mid-range hotels ($30-$70/night), dine at restaurants and cevicherias ($10-$25/day), take comfortable bus services or domestic flights ($20-$80), and add guided Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu tours ($40-$100).
Luxury ($180-$350+/day): Reserve luxury hotels like Belmond ($100-$350+/night), enjoy Lima’s world-class dining ($30-$80/day), take the Hiram Bingham luxury train to Machu Picchu ($200-$500), and book private guided experiences ($80-$200).
How to Save Money in Peru
- Eat the menu del dia (daily set lunch) at local restaurants — a full meal with soup, main course, drink, and dessert for $2-$4.
- Use Cruz del Sur or Oltursa luxury buses for intercity travel at $15-$40 — comfortable, safe, and much cheaper than flying.
- Stay in Ollantaytambo instead of Aguas Calientes for Sacred Valley/Machu Picchu — cheaper, more charming, and a worthy destination in itself.
- Buy the Boleto Turistico in Cusco ($40) for entry to 16 archaeological sites and museums.
- Visit during shoulder season (April-May, September-October) for good weather and lower prices than peak months.
Worth the Splurge
- Machu Picchu at sunrise — arriving on the first bus as mist clears from the lost Inca city ($50 entrance + $24 round-trip bus).
- A ceviche lunch at a top Lima cevicheria — fresh catch, citrus, and chili that rivals any restaurant in the world ($10-$25).
- The multi-day Inca Trail trek to Machu Picchu — the iconic approach on foot ($300-$600 for 4-day guided trek).
- Colca Canyon — twice the depth of the Grand Canyon, with Andean condors soaring overhead ($5 entrance + $10-$20 transport).
