Budget & Costs
Peru offers an excellent value for money for South America. It is cheaper than Chile, Argentina, or Brazil, although certain tourist highlights (Machu Picchu, Inca Trail) require their own budget items.
Daily budget per person
| Style | €/Day | Accommodation | Food | Transport |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Backpacker | 25–40€ | Hostel/Dorm | Menú del Día + Market | Bus/Colectivo |
| Budget | 40–65€ | Hostal/simple hotel | Local restaurants | Bus (Cruz del Sur) |
| Mid-range | 65–120€ | 3–4★ Hotel/Boutique | Good restaurants | Domestic flights + Taxi |
| Comfort | 120–250€ | 4–5★ Hotel/Lodge | Fine dining restaurants | Flights + private transfers |
| Luxury | 250€+ | Belmond/Inkaterra | Fine Dining | Belmond Train + Charter |
Important individual costs (estimates 2025)
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Menú del Día (lunch menu, 3 courses) | 2–4€ |
| Ceviche in a restaurant | 5–12€ |
| Pisco Sour | 3–6€ |
| 1.5l water | 0.50–0.80€ |
| Cusco beer (0.5l) | 1.50–3€ |
| Taxi in Lima/Cusco (short distance) | 2–5€ |
| Bus Lima–Cusco (Cruz del Sur, 22h) | 25–50€ |
| Flight Lima–Cusco (1h) | 50–150€ |
| Machu Picchu entrance | approx. 50€ (152 PEN) |
| Train to Machu Picchu (PeruRail) | 70–450€ (depending on class) |
| Inca Trail Permit + Tour (4 days) | 500–900€ |
| Double room budget hotel | 20–40€ |
| Double room 4★ hotel Cusco | 60–150€ |
| Jungle lodge (3 days/2 nights incl. everything) | 200–800€ |
💡 Tipp
The "Menú del Día" (daily menu) is the insider tip: For 8–15 Soles (2–4€), you can get a three-course meal with soup, main course, drink, and often dessert in local restaurants. Eat like the Peruvians at lunchtime — affordable and authentic!
