Travel costs in Peru 2026
Planning certainty arises when the major cost drivers are clear: flights, accommodation, local transport, and Machu Picchu. This page shows current benchmark values, typical budget ranges, and the areas where "more expensive" is almost always the most reliable approach.
At a glance
- Long-haul flight: usually the largest single item
- Daily budget on site: roughly 35–70 euros for a budget stay, 80–140 euros for a comfortable stay, from 180 euros for a very relaxed stay
- Machu Picchu: Entrance fee, train and bus determine the price for the day
- Transportation: Bus saves money, domestic flight saves time
- Price drivers: dry season, holidays, last-minute bookings, premium trains, private tours
Travel costs to Peru: Overview
The total cost depends heavily on the route, travel time, and desired level of comfort. A short route with few changes of location remains significantly cheaper than a round trip with several domestic flights and daily guided excursions. A single day in Machu Picchu can cost as much as several regular days combined.
Flight costs to Peru
Flight prices vary depending on the departure airport, season, baggage allowance, and booking lead time. The price increase is particularly noticeable around European holiday periods.
Guideline values
- Economy: often in the range of 800–1,000 euros, significantly higher during peak periods
- Premium Economy: noticeably more expensive, depending on demand
- Business: several thousand euros, widely varying
Accommodation costs
Prices vary depending on the city and season. In Cusco and around Machu Picchu, they often rise significantly during the popular dry season. In smaller towns, prices are sometimes lower, but the selection is more limited.
Guideline values per night
| category | Price range | Typical for |
|---|---|---|
| Hostel Dorm | approximately 10–30 euros | Backpackers, short stops |
| Simple double room | approximately 25–60 euros | Value for money, smaller hotels |
| middle class | approximately 60–140 euros | Comfort, good location |
| Upscale to luxury | from approximately 150 euros | Prime location, service, upgrades |
Meal expenses
Inexpensive meals can be found through lunch menus, markets, and small restaurants. Prices rise significantly in tourist areas. The difference between local menus and upscale restaurants is particularly pronounced in Peru.
Guideline values per person
- Inexpensive: approx. 10–20 soles for simple dishes or meals.
- Mid-range: approx. 30–70 soles for a main course plus a drink
- Upscale: from approx. 80 soles, open-ended.
Transportation costs in Peru
A mix of bus, taxi, and occasional domestic flights is often the most sensible solution. Buses are cheap but take time. Domestic flights save time but increase the budget, especially with luggage.
City traffic
- Buses and colectivos: very cheap, comfort varies
- Taxi/Ride-Hailing: moderate, price agreement or app ensures clarity
Long-distance bus and domestic flight
- Long-distance bus (example Lima–Cusco): cheap tickets available, comfort classes more expensive
- Domestic flight (example Lima–Cusco): cheap tickets available, baggage rules apply
Activities and excursions
Excursions range from affordable city tours to multi-day treks. Machu Picchu is the category where early planning yields the greatest cost savings.
Machu Picchu: typical building blocks
- Admission: The standard ticket for foreign adults is often quoted at 152 Sol.
- Bus from Aguas Calientes: as a guideline, around US$24 for a round trip.
- Train: very large price differences depending on class and provider
- Guide: optional, often useful for context and structure
Example budgets
7 days without a long-haul flight
- Cheap: approx. 610-1,130 euros
- Comfort: approx. 1,200-2,280 euros
- Luxury: from approx. 3,400 euros
14 days without long-haul flights
- Cheap: approx. 1,050-2,000 euros
- Comfort: approx. 2,100-3,800 euros
- Luxury: from approx. 5,500 euros
It can always be more expensive
A few decisions are all it takes to turn a normal trip into a very expensive one. Long-haul business travel, luxury trains to Machu Picchu, private drivers, and lodges with air logistics in the Amazon region are particularly effective.
- Business Class: biggest leverage, usually several thousand euros extra
- Luxury train: Premium products significantly superior to standard classes
- Private drivers and private tours: Comfort increases, so does the price.
- Exclusive lodges: Logistics and full board drive up costs
FAQ
How much budget per day is realistic?
A budget-friendly option often costs between €35 and €70 per day, excluding expensive tours. A more comfortable option is frequently between €80 and €140. A very relaxed option often starts at €180 per day.
What are the biggest cost traps?
Short-notice bookings during the dry season, Machu Picchu logistics with premium train, and numerous domestic flights increase the total cost most quickly.
What role does Machu Picchu play in the budget?
A single day can be as expensive as several normal days combined, because of the costs of admission, train and bus.
How can you save money without sacrificing much comfort?
Fewer changes of location, taking the bus instead of flying on some routes, booking early for Machu Picchu and eating in local restaurants noticeably reduce costs.
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Sources
Accessed on January 8, 2026. Source information without web addresses.
- El Peruano: Tariff information Machu Picchu (including 152 Sol for visitors from other countries)
- Government of Peru: Information on purchasing tickets via Tuboleto Cultura
- Machupicchu.gob.pe: Information about the official ticket platform
- El País: Guidelines on bus fares and access system
- Numbeo: Price overviews for Peru and Lima as a guideline
- CHECK24: Sample prices Germany–Lima (February 2026) for guidance
- Finanzen.net: EUR/PEN exchange rate (January 8, 2026) as a guideline
- Omio and CheckMyBus: Guideline prices for Lima–Cusco (flight and bus) as a reference