Cusco is a cultural destination known for its beauty, culture, food, and exciting activities. In this travel cost guide, we'll cover everything you need to know to plan your travel budget and have an amazing trip without spending too much. This guide includes average trip costs from previous travelers, typical hotel prices, food and dining costs, entertainment and sightseeing prices, and information about transportation.
How much does it cost to travel to Cusco?
You should plan to spend around $60 (S/.223) per day on your vacation in Cusco. This is the average daily price based on the expenses of other visitors.
Past travelers have spent, on average for one day:
- $22 (S/.83) on meals
- $9.95 (S/.37) on local transportation
- $45 (S/.169) on hotels
A one week trip to Cusco for two people costs, on average, $838 (S/.3,122). This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
All of these average travel prices have been collected from other travelers to help you plan your own travel budget.
-
One Week
Per person
$419
S/.1,561
-
2 Weeks
Per person
$838
S/.3,122
-
One Month
Per person
$1,796
S/.6,690
-
One Week
For a couple
$838
S/.3,122
-
2 Weeks
For a couple
$1,676
S/.6,244
-
One Month
For a couple
$3,592
S/.13,380
How much does a one week, two week, or one month trip to Cusco cost?
A one week trip to Cusco usually costs around $419 (S/.1,561) for one person and $838 (S/.3,122) for two people. This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
A two week trip to Cusco on average costs around $838 (S/.3,122) for one person and $1,676 (S/.6,244) for two people. This cost includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
Please note, prices can vary based on your travel style, speed, and other variables. If you're traveling as a family of three or four people, the price per person often goes down because kid's tickets are cheaper and hotel rooms can be shared. If you travel slower over a longer period of time then your daily budget will also go down. Two people traveling together for one month in Cusco will often have a lower daily budget per person than one person traveling alone for one week.
A one month trip to Cusco on average costs around $1,796 (S/.6,690) for one person and $3,592 (S/.13,380) for two people. The more places you visit, the higher the daily price will become due to increased transportation costs.
Is Cusco expensive to visit?
Cusco is a charming destination that draws in visitors with an array of travel preferences, spending habits, and budgetary choices. You'll find a wide array of accommodation options, such as luxury hotels, mid-range places, or budget-friendly hostels.
You may find Cusco to be expensive in some places, but there are ways to keep your budget in check, like looking for discounts and coupons.
On average, budget travelers spend $23 (S/.87) per day, mid-range travelers spend $59 (S/.223) per day, and luxury travelers spend around $153 (S/.577) per day. These costs are calculated from the expenses of previous travelers to Cusco.
Within South America, Cusco is a reasonably affordable destination compared to other places. It is in the top 25% of cities in South America for its affordability. You can find more affordable cities such as Medellin, but there are also more expensive cities, such as Recife.
For more details, and to find out if it's within your travel budget, see Is Cusco Expensive?
How much money do I need for a trip to Cusco?
The average Cusco trip cost is broken down by category here for independent travelers. All of these Cusco travel prices are calculated from the budgets of real travelers. Also, you can see more details at How much does a trip to Cusco cost?
Cusco on a Budget
Category
|
Budget
|
Mid-Range
|
Luxury
|
Accommodation 1
For 1 person in double occupancy
|
$9
(S/.32)
|
$23
(S/.84)
|
$60
(S/.225)
|
Local Transportation 1
|
$3
(S/.12)
|
$10
(S/.37)
|
$36
(S/.134)
|
Food 2
|
$9
(S/.34)
|
$22
(S/.83)
|
$52
(S/.195)
|
Entertainment 1
|
$12
(S/.44)
|
$29
(S/.108)
|
$68
(S/.252)
|
Alcohol 2
|
$2-5
(S/.7-20)
|
$5-14
(S/.18-53)
|
$13-39
(S/.48-145)
|
Realistic Expectations for Your Travel Budget
When planning your trip to Cusco, it's important to have realistic expectations about your budget. Many believe they can travel on a shoestring, but that often leads to either uncomfortable travel experiences or some surprisingly high expenses. Consider your vacation style. Do you enjoy staying in hostels, resorts, regular hotels, or vacation rentals? Are attractions and dining experiences a priority? These factors will affect how much you spend and your itinerary.
Who are Budget Travelers?
You might think that you're a budget traveler. But unless you're willing to eliminate a lot of comforts from your trip, prepare to spend a lot more than the daily average of $23 that backpackers often get by on.
Young backpackers often get away with this shoestring budget, but it usually involves staying in hostel dorms, eating at the cheapest restaurants or fast food places, taking public transit or walking, and only visiting free attractions.
Thankfully, Cusco is home to plenty of hostels, including Pariwana Hostel Cusco, Hospedaje Turistico Recoleta, and Wild Rover Cusco. In these hostels, you can find economical dorm accommodations and a fun social atmosphere, but amenities are typically limited.
Could You Be an Average Traveler?
As a couple or family looking for fun, you're likely to choose a mid-range hotel, dine at popular restaurants, and explore the major museums and attractions with entry fees. Most visitors to Cusco will want to visit the major attractions, museums, sights, and landmarks. After all, most activities do cost money. Therefore, it's sensible to expect your daily budget to be approximately $59 per person, per day.
There are plenty of hotels and vacation rentals available in Cusco. If you're traveling with companions, sharing a hotel with a partner, friend, or kids can help lower costs. Families should seek out hotels and dining options that are suitable for children. Rumi Wasi Cusco is a wonderful family-friendly hotel, and Torre Dorada Residencial is another excellent choice. For more family and couple-oriented hotels, visit our hotel cost guide for Cusco here.
Dreaming of a Stylish Getaway?
For those wanting a high-end experience complete with every luxury and high-quality service, expect to spend about $153 each day. To enjoy nicer accommodations, award-winning dining, extravagant adventures, and convenient transport like taxis or private chauffeurs in the destination, prepare for a pricier experience. Also, higher-end tours are common with luxury travelers, such as Private Guide for Machu Picchu - 3 hours - offered by Viator.
Accommodation Budget in Cusco
The wide range of prices for hotels and accommodation in Cusco can be very surprising. Some hotels have much higher price tags than others, and in turn offer higher levels of luxury and more amenities. Also, during peak season, prices are much higher. The average price for a hotel room in Cusco in the off-season is $40, but in the peak travel season it will average around $75. In general, you can expect hotel prices in Cusco to range from $21 to $134. Hostels are typically much cheaper, especially if you stay in a dorm. Also, note that the average hotel price is not always what travelers will pay (see below). You can save a good bit of money if you travel during the low season or shoulder seasons, as room prices adjust according to the overall demand. Booking in advance can often save you money, too, along with taking advantage of sale prices or special deals.
Calculated from travelers like you
The average price paid in Cusco for two people for a typical double-occupancy hotel room is $45 (S/.169). For one person sharing a room, the average price paid for a hotel room is $23 (S/.84) per night. These costs are from the reported spending of actual travelers.
Looking for a hotel in Cusco? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options.
The most affordable highest rated hotels in Cusco include:
- Antigua Casona San Blas starting at $169
- Aranwa Cusco Boutique Hotel starting at $217
- Hotel Jose Antonio Cusco starting at $93
- Sonesta Hotel Cusco starting at $77
- Andean Wings Boutique Hotel starting at $115
By skipping and traveling during the low or shoulder season, you'll enjoy lower accommodation rates and fewer crowds.
Transportation Budget in Cusco
In Cusco, the public transit system is not very good.
Calculated from travelers like you
-
On average, past travelers have spent $9.95 (S/.37) per person, per day, on local transportation in Cusco. The cost of a taxi ride or rideshare service (Uber/Lyft) in Cusco is significantly more than public transportation.
-
Transportation1
Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
$9.95
S/.37
Some of the standard transportation options and hotel transfers include:
- Transfer Cusco to Urubamba for $40 details
- Private Transfer from Cusco Airport for $18 details
- Private transfer Cusco to Ollantaytambo for $35 details
How much does it cost to go to Cusco? Naturally, it depends on the dates. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all airlines.
The price of renting a car in Cusco will depends on dates, the type of car, the location, and your age. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all car rental companies.
Listed below are some transit expenses in Cusco, taken from reports by other travelers. These costs offer a snapshot of transportation prices in the city to give you an idea of what to expect. Keep in mind that your costs may differ, especially if you opt for more expensive options like taxis, which typically cost more than public transportation.
Food Budget in Cusco
Food is a major reason many people explore new destinations, so don't skip the chance to try local delicacies.
Calculated from travelers like you
-
While restaurant and meal prices in Cusco can vary significantly, the average cost of food in Cusco is $22 (S/.83) per day, per person, based on the spending habits of previous travelers.
-
Food2
Meals for one day
$22
S/.83
When dining out, the average daily cost for food in Cusco is around $22 (S/.83) per person, with previous travelers spending from $9 to $52. Generally, breakfast and lunch cost less than dinner, but this will depend on the type of restaurant and what you order.
Typical meal prices in Cusco are as follows:
- Breakfast: $2 to $7
- Lunch: $3 to $9
- Dinner: $7 to $15
- Coffee: $2
- Fast Food or Street Food: $3
Plenty of good cheap food options can be found around town as well as some great local specialties. If you're on a budget, pizza is always a safe option, but if you're more adventurous consider trying some of the delicious local specialties that are rich in flavor and usually cheaper than western food.
Alpaca steak is worth trying. A traditional Peruvian dish is lomo saltado, which is beef tips that are stir-fried with tomatoes, onions, and spices. It's served with french fries and rice. Papa rellena is a stuffed potato that is filled with beef, olives, hard-boiled eggs, and vegetables.
The cheapest place to grab food is San Pedro. This market is just to the east of the train station for Machu Picchu.
A lot of hotels include breakfast in their price, but some may add it as an extra charge. The price and quality can differ from one hotel to the next. Being aware of this ahead of time can help you figure out if you'll need to shell out more money. The hotel buffet could be delicious, or you might opt for a more affordable treat at a nearby bakery or cafe.
Pack a water bottle to save on drinks. It's also a way to help protect the environment.
Before embarking on a tour, ensure you know which meals are included. You might have to pay for some food yourself, and that can add to your travel expenses.
If you're looking to experience the culinary culture in Cusco, taking a food tour or cooking class is a terrific way to do it. After all, cuisine is one of the reasons why so many people visit. Some of the best food-related activities here include:
- Cusco Cooking Class. Traditional 2 course Dinner - Bilingual 6pm for $50 details
- Market Tour and Gourmet Peruvian Cooking Lesson with a Professional in Urubamba for $140 details
- Awamaki Cooking Class for $68 details
Food and meal prices in Cusco, based on real travelers' reported expenses, are shown below. These typical costs can give you a sense of the overall price range for meals. However, your individual expenses might be different depending on your dining habits, restaurant choices, and specific orders.
-
Sandwich
S/.8.00
-
Mango
S/.2.00
Sightseeing and Activities Budget in Cusco
Calculated from travelers like you
-
Sightseeing activities, entertainment, and entrance tickets in Cusco typically cost an average of $29 (S/.108) per person, per day based on the spending of previous travelers. This includes fees paid for admission tickets to museums and attractions, day tours, and other sightseeing expenses.
-
Entertainment1
Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
$29
S/.108
As a historically famous city, Cusco has plenty of beautiful colonial architecture as well as lingering remnants from the days of the Inca Empire. Interspersed with this historic culture is the modern amenities and nightlife that caters to the modern tourist.
Popular sights around town worth seeing include the Museo Municipal de Arte Contemporaneo, Museo Historico Regional, Santa Catalina Convent, Qoricancha, and Monumento Pachacuteq.
In the nearby area you will find a lot of ruins, with some of the most impressive being Sacsayhuanman. On this site was the 1536 battle between Pizarro's army and the Inca army. It should absolutely be on your list of things to see, perhaps if you're visiting Cusco over 5 days or so.
If you're looking to get outdoors and see the surrounding areas, some fun activities that are nearby include white water rafting, mountain biking, and canoeing. But first, spend a few days around town to get used to the high elevation. (Read this advice about managing the elevation in Cusco and Machu Picchu.) Alternatively there are a handful of tours that you can book to help you explore the surrounding areas. You'll find countless archaeological sites in the area (not just Machu Picchu) and it's worth choosing at least a few to visit.
A nice way to explore destinations in Cusco is with local tours that last just a few hours. This way you can see as much as possible in an efficient way with knowledgable guides. Prices vary by the type of activity or tour, the dates, and the size of the group. Here are a few of the highest rated tours by previous visitors:
- Textile and dyeing experience for $69 details
- Private Full-Day Tour to Ausangate 7 Lakes for $257 details
- Machu Picchu Private Guided Tour from Aguas Calientes for $169 details
A few typical prices for sights, activities, and entry fees in Cusco are listed below. These actual costs are from real travelers to provide you with an idea how much you might need to spend. Your individual costs will vary based on which activities you do, which attractions or museums you visit, and how often you participate in free or low-cost activities.
Nightlife Budget in Cusco
Calculated from travelers like you
-
The average person spends about $9.45 (S/.35) on nightlife and alcoholic beverages in Cusco per day. The more you spend on alcohol, the more fun you might be having despite your higher budget.
-
Alcohol2
Drinks for one day
$9.45
S/.35
The nightlife is always tempting, but cutting down on drinks is an effective way to manage your travel spending.
Nightlife activities and tasting tours are popular in Cusco. A few favorites from other travelers include:
- Cusco Pub Crawl: Bar Tour, Drinks And Club with no waiting lines for $19 details
- Cusco Pub Crawl: Cusco Bar Hopping Experience for $18 details
- Pub Crawl with Skip-the-Line Access and Drinks for $18 details
Travel cost data last updated: Dec 19, 2024
Traveling in Cusco
The Cathedral Basilica of the Assumption of the Virgin, Plaza del Armas, Cusco, Peru
Cusco is most famous as the historic capital of the Inca Empire. It is in the southern Sierras and is one of the most popular travel destinations within Peru. The city is located at 3,400 meters above sea level so it is best to acclimate yourself slowly to avoid altitude sickness.
Cusco is the starting point for many travelers making their way to the famed Machu Picchu or other Inca sites in the surrounding area.
The city is very beautiful and has impressive architecture throughout. The history is obvious as you walk around town and there are impressive ruins nearby, with the most impressive being Sacsayhuaman. The city also has a significant indigenous population that is obvious from their traditional clothing and style.
Cusco has a subtropical highland climate with a pleasant daytime temperature year around. There are two distinct seasons with the dry season being between May and August and the wet season between December and March. During the dry season there is plenty of sun with occasional nighttime freezes. Frost is less common in the wet season.
Neighborhoods & Around
There are several neighborhoods of interest for tourists in Cusco. Plaza de Armas is the city's main square and also the center for tourist activity. There are many shops, bars, and restaurants in the area and there is a large fountain at the center of the neighborhood. There are also many tour companies here.
San Blas is the home of many artists and craftsmen. There are also excellent views and some great places to grab a bite to eat. It has a quieter nightlife than Plaza de Arma and has a few hotels where you can stay.
Plaza de las Nazarenas is a quiet area with several museums and sights that appeal to visitors.
Plaza San Francisco has many market stalls, the Museo y Convento de San Francisco, and several historic churches.
Plaza Regocijo is just a block from Plaza de Armas. This is a garden square and originally hosted many dance festivals.
Zona Avenida Sol has many artisan shops between the Plaza de Armas and the Inca sun temple at Korikancha.
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