How much it costs to travel to Cusco depends on the type of trip you want to take, the tours included, and the season. As a general reference, a budget traveler can spend between USD 45 and USD 75 per day, a mid-range trip usually runs between USD 90 and USD 160 per day, and a comfortable experience starts at USD 180 per day. These amounts are per person and don’t include international flights or transportation from your home country.
The biggest change to your budget comes when you add Machu Picchu, tourist trains, better-located hotels, or private transfers. That’s why it’s a good idea to separate your regular daily expenses from the main tours, especially if you plan to visit Machu Picchu from Cusco.
How much it costs to travel to Cusco per day
The daily cost in Cusco changes depending on your lodging, the type of food, how you get around, and how many activities you do. To calculate it better, it’s a good idea to think in terms of three profiles: budget, mid-range, and comfortable.
The table below shows approximate ranges per person. Prices can vary by season, availability, hotel location, group size, and the services included in each tour.
| Traveler type | Lodging | Food | Local transportation | Tickets and tours | Approximate daily budget |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Budget | Hostel or basic room: USD 10 to USD 25 per person | Markets, local menus, and simple meals: USD 15 to USD 25 per day | Public transportation, walking, or shared services: USD 5 to USD 10 | Affordable activities or occasional tickets: USD 10 to USD 25 | USD 45 to USD 75 |
| Mid-range | Mid-range hotel: USD 35 to USD 80 per room | Tourist restaurants: USD 30 to USD 55 per day | Taxis and short transfers: USD 5 to USD 15 | Shared tours and tickets: USD 25 to USD 60 | USD 90 to USD 160 |
| Comfortable | Upscale hotel: from USD 90 per room | Higher-end restaurants: from USD 60 per day | Private transfers or frequent taxis: from USD 20 | Excursions with extra services: from USD 60 | From USD 180 |
Budget: USD 45 to USD 75 per day
A budget trip to Cusco is possible if you choose hostels, simple rooms, local restaurants, and public or shared transportation. This range covers the basics without sacrificing safety, as long as you book carefully and check the location of your lodging.
This daily spend doesn’t include a full Machu Picchu excursion. If you want to visit Machu Picchu with a tourist train, entry ticket, and transfers, you need to add that cost separately, since it can significantly raise your total trip budget.
Mid-range: USD 90 to USD 160 per day
A mid-range budget lets you stay in mid-tier hotels, eat at tourist restaurants, use taxis around the city, and book shared tours with better organization. It’s a balanced option for those seeking comfort without paying for private services at every turn.
In this range you can include entry tickets, day trips, and local transfers, but you should check what each service covers. Some tours look affordable at first, but later require extra payments for tickets, meals, or internal transportation.
Comfortable: from USD 180 per day
A comfortable trip to Cusco usually includes upscale hotels, higher-end restaurants, private transfers, and excursions with extra services. It can also include more convenient time slots, logistical assistance, and less waiting time during transfers.
This budget can rise quite a bit if you add higher-category trains, private guides, hotels near the Plaza de Armas, or personalized services to Machu Picchu, the Sacred Valley, Rainbow Mountain, or Humantay Lake.
Lodging prices in Cusco
| Type of lodging | Approximate price per night | What you can find | Recommendations |
|---|
| Hostels and budget rooms | USD 10 to USD 25 per person | Beds in shared rooms, simple lodging, or basic rooms, generally away from the most touristy streets. | Check whether the price includes breakfast, hot water, heating, Wi-Fi, and overnight front desk service. Cusco can have cold nights, so overly basic lodging could affect your rest, especially during your first few days of acclimatization. |
| Mid-range hotels | USD 35 to USD 80 per room | Private rooms, private bathroom, breakfast, a better location, and more consistent services. | This category usually offers a good balance between price and comfort. Book in advance during high season, holidays, or local festivities, since prices can rise quickly. |
| Upscale hotels | USD 90 to over USD 200 per room | Higher-category rooms, better location, personalized service, restaurant, heating, transfers, and other amenities. |
How much it costs to eat in Cusco
Eating in Cusco can be affordable or fairly expensive depending on the type of place you choose. Markets and local menus let you spend little, while tourist restaurants and higher-end establishments raise your daily budget.
The area where you eat also matters. Near the Plaza de Armas and heavily visited streets, prices tend to be higher than in local neighborhoods or markets. Even so, there are options for different budgets.
Budget meals
An affordable meal in Cusco can cost between USD 3 and USD 7. This range applies to local menus, markets, and simple restaurants that usually offer an appetizer, a main dish, and a basic drink, though the combination can vary.
It’s a good way to cut costs, but it’s a good idea to choose places with good customer turnover and visible hygiene standards. If you’ve just arrived at altitude, avoid eating too heavily on your first day.
Tourist restaurants
At tourist restaurants, a meal usually costs between USD 8 and USD 20 per person. The price changes depending on location, type of dish, drinks, and whether the restaurant is mainly geared toward visitors.
This range is typical for lunch or dinner in downtown areas. If you order appetizers, desserts, specialty drinks, or more elaborate dishes, the cost can easily exceed your initial estimate.
Daily food budget
For food, a budget traveler can estimate between USD 15 and USD 25 per day. This allows for simple breakfasts, local menus, and a small purchase or two during the day.
A mid-range traveler should budget between USD 30 and USD 55 per day, while a comfortable experience can exceed USD 60 per day. If your tours include breakfast or lunch, your actual daily spend may be lower, but always check whether drinks are included.
Transportation prices in Cusco
Transportation in Cusco includes city buses, taxis, transfers from the airport or bus terminal, and rides to excursion departure points. Although many parts of the historic center can be visited on foot, it’s not always advisable to do so when carrying luggage, at night, or if your lodging is in a hard-to-reach area.
Prices can vary depending on distance, time of day, traffic, the location of your lodging, and the type of service booked. That’s why it’s important to confirm in advance which transfers are included in each tour.
Recommendations for travelers with few days
If you have few days to see Cusco, it’s best to book tours that include pickup from your lodging and a return transfer. This lets you make better use of your time, avoid delays, and get to each departure point more reliably.
It’s also advisable to coordinate airport or terminal transfers to your hotel with your travel agency, especially if it’s your first time arriving in the city, if you’re arriving at night, or if you have a lot of luggage.
Although public transportation can be cheaper, it isn’t always the most convenient option for a traveler with a tight itinerary. Buses can run late due to traffic, require knowing the routes, and in some cases don’t go directly to tourist sites or lodging.
Taxis and city transportation
Within the city, a short taxi ride can cost approximately between USD 1 and USD 5, depending on distance, time of day, and area. Nighttime services, transfers with luggage, or trips to farther locations can cost more.
In Cusco, many taxis don’t use a meter. For that reason, it’s recommended to agree on the price before getting in the vehicle. You can also ask your lodging or travel agency to arrange a trusted taxi.
Public transportation is cheaper, but can be tricky for those unfamiliar with the city. Also, during peak traffic hours, travel times can increase considerably.
Transfer from the Cusco airport
The transfer from Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport to the historic center can cost approximately between USD 5 and USD 12, depending on the type of service, the exact arrival point, and the amount of luggage.
Private services booked in advance can cost more, but offer greater comfort, safety, and punctuality. In some cases, the driver waits for the passenger at the airport and takes them directly to their lodging.
If your hotel is on a narrow street in the historic center, the vehicle may not be able to reach the door. In that case, you’ll need to walk a short distance with your luggage.
Daily transportation budget
For getting around locally within Cusco, you can budget approximately USD 5 to USD 15 per day. This amount can cover short taxi rides, city transportation, or transfers to meeting points for excursions.
This budget doesn’t include tourist trains, long-distance private transfers, or special routes to Machu Picchu, Ollantaytambo, Hidroeléctrica, Rainbow Mountain, Humantay Lake, or other destinations outside the city. These services should be quoted separately.
Which option is more advisable?
For those traveling on a tight schedule, the best option is to book excursions that include transportation, pickup, and return. Before confirming a booking, ask the agency:
- Whether the tour includes pickup from your lodging.
- Whether there’s an extra fee for hotels farther out.
- Where the excursion ends.
- Whether the airport transfer is included.
- Whether the service is shared or private.
Choosing only the cheapest option doesn’t always mean saving money. An informal service, a wrong route, or a delay can throw off your itinerary and make you miss an excursion. That’s why it’s preferable to arrange transfers through an established agency, your lodging, or a reliable transportation service.
How much the main tours from Cusco cost
Tours from Cusco have different prices depending on the itinerary, group size, transportation, guide, meals, and included tickets. A low price doesn’t always mean savings if you later have to pay several additional costs.
Before booking, check whether the service includes pickup, transportation, guide, breakfast, lunch, entry tickets, and return to your hotel or a central point. This comparison avoids surprises during the trip.
| Tour | Approximate price per person | Services usually included | Expenses that may be paid separately, not included | Recommendations |
|---|
| Cusco City Tour | USD 15 to USD 30 | Tourist transportation and a guide, on a shared basis. | Cusco Tourist Ticket, entry to Qorikancha, the Cathedral, or other attractions. | Check the full itinerary, since not every operator visits the same places or includes the entry tickets. |
| Sacred Valley of the Incas | USD 25 to USD 60 | Transportation, a guide, and, in some programs, a buffet lunch. | Cusco Tourist Ticket, drinks, and other personal expenses. | Confirm whether the tour includes Pisac, Urubamba, Ollantaytambo, and Chinchero. Some programs may add or remove stops. |
| Rainbow Mountain | USD 25 to USD 50 | Transportation, guide, breakfast, and lunch in most shared services. | Entry ticket, horse rental, trekking poles, and personal expenses. | Check the comfort of the transportation, group size, meals, and pickup time. A very low price can mean more basic services. |
| Humantay Lake | USD 25 to USD 50 | Transportation, guide, breakfast, and lunch, depending on the package booked. | Entry ticket to the lake, horse rental, trekking poles, and other personal expenses. | Confirm the pickup point, the return time, and whether the guide accompanies the group throughout the entire hike. |
| Machu Picchu from Cusco | USD 250 to USD 450 | Transfers, tourist train, bus to Machu Picchu, entry ticket, and guide, depending on the package. | Meals, lodging, additional services, or train category upgrades. |
How much the Cusco Tourist Ticket costs
Tourist entry tickets in Cusco can change due to official updates, exchange rates, or visitor category. Before publishing or using a final budget, it’s a good idea to check the current rates on official pages or authorized channels.
Not every visit is covered by the same ticket. Some attractions have independent entry, and others require specific tickets, so this expense should be calculated alongside your actual itinerary.
Integral Tourist Ticket
| Visitor category | Price in soles | Approximate price in dollars | Validity |
|---|---|---|---|
| Foreign adult | S/130 | USD 38 | 10 days |
| Foreign student or minor aged 10 to 17 | S/70 | USD 21 | 10 days |
| National adult | S/70 | USD 21 | 10 days |
| National student or minor aged 10 to 17 | S/40 | USD 12 | 10 days |
| Children 0 to 9 years old | Free | Free | — |
Partial Tourist Tickets
| Ticket type | Foreign | National | Validity |
| Circuit I: Saqsayhuamán Archaeological Park | S/70 (USD 21) | S/40 (USD 12) | 1 day |
| Circuit II: city and South Valley attractions | S/70 (USD 21) | S/40 (USD 12) | 2 days |
| Circuit III: Sacred Valley attractions | S/70 (USD 21) | S/40 (USD 12) |
Machu Picchu entry ticket
The Machu Picchu entry ticket is bought separately, and its price depends on the circuit, the visitor’s category, and current regulations. Availability can also vary depending on the date and time slot chosen.
To avoid mistakes, check the circuit before paying for trains or hotels. Not every circuit covers the same areas, and changing your ticket can be difficult if availability is already limited.
Rates for Peruvians, residents, and Andean Community citizens
| Entry type | Adult | Higher-education student | Minor aged 3 to 17 |
| Regular Machu Picchu routes | S/64 (USD 19) | S/32 (USD 9) | S/32 (USD 9) |
| Routes that include a mountain | S/112 (USD 33) | S/80 (USD 24) | S/80 (USD 24) |
| Children under 3 | Free | — | Free |
Rates for foreign visitors
| Entry type | Foreign adult | Foreign student | Foreign minor aged 3 to 17 |
| Regular Machu Picchu routes | S/152 (USD 45) | S/77 (USD 23) | S/70 (USD 21) |
| Routes that include a mountain | S/200 (USD 59) | S/125 (USD 37) | S/118 (USD 35) |
| Children under 3 | Free | — | Free |
Trains to reach Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu’s gateway town)
| PeruRail service | One-way only | Approximate round trip | Features |
|---|
| Expedition | USD 35–55 / S/120–190 | USD 70–110 / S/240–375 | Affordable and comfortable tourist service |
| Vistadome | USD 55–80 / S/190–270 | USD 110–160 / S/375–545 | Panoramic windows and better views of the scenery |
| Vistadome Observatory | From USD 62 / S/210 | From USD 124 / S/420 | Observation car, open-air balcony, and entertainment |
| Hiram Bingham | From USD 480 / S/1,630 | From USD 1,200 / S/4,080 | Luxury service with meals and extra experiences |
| Inca Rail service | One-way only | Approximate round trip | Features |
|---|
| The Voyager | USD 62–75 / S/210–255 | USD 124–150 / S/420–510 | Standard, comfortable tourist service |
| The 360° | USD 89–110 / S/305–375 | USD 178–220 / S/605–750 | Panoramic windows and observation car |
| The Prime or Premium | From USD 104 / S/355 | From USD 208 / S/710 | Greater comfort and upgraded service |
| The First Class | From USD 230 / S/780 | From USD 460 / S/1,565 | Luxury service, meals, and special attention |
Attractions with independent entry
Some places aren’t covered by the Cusco Tourist Ticket and require separate payment. These can include Coricancha, the Cusco Cathedral, the Maras salt pans, and other sites with their own management.
These amounts tend to look small on their own, but added together they can affect your budget. If you’re traveling with several days of tours, set aside part of your money for entry tickets not included and on-site payments.
| Attraction | National | Foreign | Children or students |
| Coricancha Temple | S/20 (USD 6) | S/20 (USD 6) | Students: S/10 (USD 3) |
| Maras salt pans | S/15 (USD 4) | S/20 (USD 6) | Check current rate |
| Cusco Cathedral | Check current rate | Check current rate | Check current rate |
Consettur bus price
The train only goes as far as Machu Picchu Pueblo. From there, the bus takes approximately 25 to 30 minutes to reach the Machu Picchu entrance.
Rates for foreign visitors
| Category | One-way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|
| Foreign adult | USD 12 | USD 24 |
| Foreign child under 12 | USD 7 | USD 12 |
Rates for national visitors
| Category | One-way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|
| Peruvian adult | S/8 / approx. USD 2 | S/15 / approx. USD 4 |
| Peruvian student | S/6 / approx. USD 2 | S/10 / approx. USD 3 |
| Peruvian child | S/5 / approx. USD 1 | S/8 / approx. USD 2 |
| Tour guide | S/6 / approx. USD 2 | S/12 / approx. USD 4 |
Budget for a 3-day trip to Cusco
For a 3-day trip to Cusco, budget approximately between USD 150 and USD 280 per person if you travel on a budget basis and don’t include Machu Picchu. This range can cover simple lodging, local food, city transportation, some entry tickets, and one short or affordable activity.
For mid-range, a reasonable budget is between USD 300 and USD 550 per person, not including international flights. This amount allows for a more comfortable hotel, tourist restaurants, taxis, entry tickets, and shared tours.
If you add Machu Picchu from Cusco, your budget can increase by USD 250 to USD 450 per person. On such a short trip, logistics need to be well coordinated, since trains, entry tickets, and transfers take up nearly a full day.
Budget for a 5-day trip to Cusco
For 5 days in Cusco, a budget trip can cost approximately between USD 300 and USD 550 per person, not including international flights. This range works if you choose hostels, local menus, shared transportation, and affordable tours.
For mid-range, budget between USD 550 and USD 950 per person. This can include mid-tier hotels, better restaurants, occasional taxis, entry tickets, and shared tours such as the Sacred Valley, Humantay Lake, or Rainbow Mountain.
The total should be adjusted based on the tours included. If Machu Picchu is part of the plan, check trains, entry circuit, and schedules first, since that component can represent a large share of the total expense.
Budget for a 7-day trip to Cusco
For 7 days in Cusco, a budget trip can run between USD 450 and USD 800 per person. This calculation factors in basic lodging, local food, transportation, entry tickets, Machu Picchu, and two or three additional excursions, as long as you choose shared services.
For mid-range, budget between USD 850 and USD 1,400 per person. This range allows for more comfortable hotels, tourist restaurants, taxis, better-organized shared tours, entry tickets, and a Machu Picchu excursion with a tourist train.
A full week lets you spread out expenses better and avoid rushing through everything. It also leaves room for acclimatization or rest days, which is useful if you plan high-altitude hikes like Rainbow Mountain or Humantay Lake.
Expenses that are often overlooked when calculating your budget
When calculating how much it costs to travel to Cusco, many travelers factor in hotel, food, and tours, but forget small expenses that come up during the trip. These include tips, drinks, restrooms, luggage storage, card payment fees, souvenirs, laundry, and personal medication.
Costs can also come up for services not included in tours, such as entry tickets, trekking poles, support horses, hot drinks, snacks, or transfers to pickup points. These expenses aren’t always large, but they add up.
Emergency fund
A practical recommendation is to add between 10% and 15% to your total budget. This fund helps cover changes in transportation, extra food, necessary purchases, or unexpected expenses during excursions.
This margin is also useful if you decide to change a tour, upgrade a transfer, take an extra taxi, or relax at a nicer restaurant after a hike. Keeping your budget too tight can limit your decisions once you’re there.
How to save money on a trip to Cusco
Saving money in Cusco doesn’t mean always choosing the cheapest option. The key is to cut costs without affecting safety, punctuality, or the basic quality of your trip. Comparing services and booking ahead of time tends to be more effective than improvising everything on arrival.
Organizing your itinerary by area also helps. For example, combining the Sacred Valley with a night in Ollantaytambo can be useful if you’ll later take the train to Machu Picchu, though it depends on your route and available schedules.
Book Machu Picchu in advance
Booking Machu Picchu in advance helps you control the trip’s main expense. Comparing circuits, schedules, trains, and services lets you choose a suitable option before prices rise or the most convenient slots sell out.
If you buy late, you could be limited to less convenient time slots or more expensive trains. You might also end up paying for extra nights or private transfers to fit your itinerary to the remaining availability.
Compare what tours include
Before choosing a tour based only on price, check what it includes: entry tickets, meals, transportation, guide, pickup, return, and additional costs. Two tours with similar names can offer very different services.
A cheaper tour can end up costing more if you have to pay for entry tickets, meals, or taxis separately. Ask for the information in writing and confirm whether on-site payments are made in dollars or soles.
Travel during shoulder season
Traveling during shoulder season can help you find better lodging rates and greater availability. Prices change based on demand, local events, holidays, and season.
Beyond cost, consider the weather and the type of activities you want to do. For hikes and outdoor visits, it’s not just about paying less — it also matters to choose dates that match what you expect from your trip.
How much money to bring to Cusco
For a trip to Cusco, it’s a good idea to combine card and cash. The ideal amount depends on the length of your trip, the services you’ve already paid for, and the expenses you’ll need to cover on-site, such as meals, taxis, entry tickets, tips, or small purchases.
Don’t carry all your money in cash. Use your card for hotels, some restaurants, and booked services, but keep soles on hand for smaller payments. Markets, taxis, restrooms, small shops, or local entry tickets don’t always accept cards.
Recommended cash per day
As a reference, carry between USD 20 and USD 50 per day in soles for meals, taxis, small purchases, entry tickets, and services that don’t accept cards. The exact amount will depend on how much you’ve already paid before arriving.
If you’ve already paid for hotels and the main tours, you can carry less cash per day. If you plan to book activities on-site or pay for entry tickets separately, you’ll need a bigger margin. Exchange money at established places and avoid carrying damaged bills.
Frequently asked questions about the budget for traveling to Cusco
These answers help resolve quick questions before setting your final budget. The amounts are approximate and can change depending on season, availability, and travel style.
Is it expensive to travel to Cusco
Cusco lets you organize budget, mid-range, or upscale trips. You can cut costs by using hostels, local menus, and shared tours.
What raises the budget the most is Machu Picchu, tourist trains, and private tours. Central hotels and personalized transfers also play a role.
How much money do I need for five days
For five days in Cusco, budget between USD 300 and USD 950 per person, depending on the trip category and the tours included.
If you add Machu Picchu, the budget can rise noticeably. That excursion alone can cost between USD 250 and USD 450 with a tourist train.
Are the prices given per person
Yes, the main budgets are given per person. This applies especially to food, entry tickets, tours, trains, and tourist tickets.
Some expenses can be shared, like double rooms, taxis, or private transfers. That’s why traveling as a couple or group can reduce certain individual costs.
Does the budget include flights
No. The estimates in this article don’t include international flights or transportation from your home country.
If you arrive in Peru via Lima or another city, you’ll also need to add the domestic flight or land transportation to Cusco, depending on your route.
Plan your trip to Cusco based on your budget
If you’re traveling on a budget, plan for between USD 45 and USD 75 per day and add Machu Picchu separately if it’s part of your plans. For mid-range, consider between USD 90 and USD 160 per day. If you’re looking for more comfort, private transfers, and upscale hotels, your budget can start from USD 180 per day.
The best way to know how much money to bring to Cusco is to first define the length of your trip, the type of hotel, the tours, and whether you’ll be visiting Machu Picchu. With that information, your calculation will be much more realistic, and you’ll avoid overpaying due to last-minute decisions.
If you need to adjust prices based on your days, hotels, trains, entry tickets, and chosen tours, you can consult with the team at Incredible Peru Tours to put together a personalized itinerary and review the logistics before booking.
