Is Peru Expensive?

Is Peru expensive to visit?

Peru is known as both a well-liked and budget-friendly destination. When compared to the rest of South America, it is a moderately priced country. It places in the top 50% of countries in South America for its travel costs. This puts it on par with destinations such as Bolivia and Ecuador.

As this is not an overly touristy country to visit, you'll find a number of great places in Peru at a variety of price ranges. The most expensive destination is Lima. If you're looking for a lower cost destination, you can visit Huaraz.


Average daily price of selected cities in Peru, by affordability
City Average Daily Cost
Machu Picchu $101
Lima $77
Cajamarca $69
Paracas $63
Lake Titicaca (Puno) $55
Cusco $51
Huaraz $50
Arequipa $47


Huacachina, Peru

How expensive is Peru?

Travelers spend an average of $61 per day when visiting Peru (U.S. Dollars). This is according to our calculations which come from the expenses of previous visitors. While this is an average cost, prices can vary by travel style, the length of your trip, and other factors. However, you can keep close to this average, or even travel cheaper if you stay at moderately priced hotels, eat at affordable restaurants, and take public transportation when possible. See more travel costs for Peru here.

How expensive is a one week trip to Peru?

On average, a one week trip to Peru costs about $426 per person. This is based on the previous expenses of actual travelers, and includes accommodation, food, activities, local transportation, and more. For two people, a one week trip costs $853.

How expensive is a two week trip to Peru?

A two week trip to Peru costs about $853 per person on average, based on the previous expenses of other travelers. This includes accommodation, sightseeting activities, transportation, food, and nightlife. For two people, a two week trip costs $1,705.

How expensive is a month long trip to Peru?

Based on the travel expenses of others, a one month trip to Peru costs around $1,827 on average, per person. This includes food, sightseeing, local transportation, accommodation, and nightlife. For two people, a one month trip costs $3,654.



Lima, Peru

Is it expensive to backpack in Peru?

With more than 220 hostels around the country, Peru is a popular backpacker destination for travelers looking to stay on a tight budget and have a fun time along the way. Hostels here cost an average of $10 per night for a bed in a hostel dorm. (See hostel prices in Peru here.) Many backpackers head to Cusco, Lima, and Huaraz. Typically, the most expensive hostels are in Iquitos, Huacachina, and Mancora, which average $26, $14, and $13 a night. On the other hand, the cheapest hostels are in Ica, Huaraz, and Chachapoyas which average $7, $7, and $6 per night.

Here are a few sample prices from popular hostels in Peru.

  • $18 for a dorm bed at Pariwana Hostel Cusco in Cusco
  • $10 for a dorm bed at Pariwana Hostel Lima in Lima
  • $9 for a dorm bed at Alpes Huaraz in Huaraz

Where to find affordable hostels in Peru
City Number of Hostels Average Price for a Dorm
Cusco 52 $10
Lima 37 $11
Huaraz 31 $7
Arequipa 22 $8
Lake Titicaca (Puno) 13 $9
Iquitos 8 $26
Mancora 7 $13
Huacachina 7 $14
Paracas 6 $10
Huanchaco 6 $10
Ica 6 $7
Pisac 5 $11
Chachapoyas 5 $6

Are hotels expensive in Peru?

From our analysis of hotel prices in Peru, we find that they come at a significantly lower cost compared to other countries. The average rate for a room is approximately $49 per night. Keep in mind that pricing can vary across cities in the country, with places like Paracas commanding a higher average of $116 per night. Conversely, there are more economical options like Cusco and Arequipa, where hotel prices average around $40 and $35 per night.


Where to find affordable hotels in Peru
City Average Hotel Price
Paracas $116
Machu Picchu $82
Cajamarca $53
Huaraz $51
Lima $50
Lake Titicaca (Puno) $43
Cusco $40
Arequipa $35

Calle Carmen Bajo 243 San Blas, Cusco
Overall Rating 9.6
Calle Los Libertadores 490, Lima
Overall Rating 9.4


The coast near Paracas, Peru

How expensive are sightseeing activities in Peru?

Activities and things to do in Peru can vary in price depending on the type of activity, length, and location. Below are a number of popular activities to give you an idea of what to expect when visiting. Generally, previous travelers have spent $23 per day on sightseeing activities and things to do when visiting.

    • Salinas lake - National Reserve PRIVATE TOUR Min 2 people: $95
    • Customize your trip to Peru with Lima Experience: $12
    • Private Ollantaytambo, Pisac Ruins Tour with Farm Visit, Gourmet Picnic Lunch: $195
    • Rainbow Mountain & Red Valley Premium Tour with picnic: $190
    • Machu Picchu Private Guided Tour from Aguas Calientes : $169
    • Lima Photo Day Tour: $150
    • Sacred Valley Maras Moray and Salt Mines Private Tour: $118
    • Dyeing experience in Cuzco: $59

    Is food expensive in Peru?

    Food in Peru can vary in price depending on the restaurant and food options available. Generally, other travelers have spent $16 on food per person per day. To save money, eat at less expensive restaurants, try street food, or cook your own meals when possible.

    • Dinner at Huacachina Desert: $92
    • Lima Vegan Peruvian Food Tour: $119
    • Peruvian Cooking Class in arequipa: $50
    • Peruvian cooking experience, pisco sour and visit local market: $95
    • Peruvian cooking class+local market included+exotic fruits with local chefs: $70
    • Lima Cooking Class: $84


    Lake Titicaca, Peru

    Is transportation expensive in Peru?

    Local transportation in Peru can vary in price depending on the type of transit used. Generally, other travelers have spent $8 on local transportation per person per day. To save money, take public transit whenever possible, as it will almost always be cheaper than a taxi or private driver.

    Intercity transportation in Peru can vary widely in price depending on the type of transit used and the distance traveled. Generally, other travelers have spent $57 on intercity transportation per person per day. To save money, take long distance buses or trains instead of flying, as it will almost always be cheaper, even if it's slower.

    More for Peru

    If you're planning a trip to Peru, check out these other informative travel guides.



    We've been gathering travel costs from tens of thousands of actual travelers since 2010, and we use the data to calculate average daily travel costs for destinations around the world. We also systematically analyze the prices of hotels, hostels, and tours from travel providers such as Kayak, HostelWorld, TourRadar, Viator, and others. This combination of expenses from actual travelers, combined with pricing data from major travel companies, gives us a uniqe insight into the overall cost of travel for thousands of cities in countries around the world. You can see more here: How it Works.



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