The Peruvian sol is the currency used for everyday expenses. Credit and debit cards are widely accepted at hotels, travel agencies, and larger restaurants. Cash is useful for taxis, markets, public restrooms, tips, and small towns. Exchange money at authorized exchange offices or withdraw cash from ATMs operated by major banks. Let your bank know you will be traveling and withdraw moderate amounts at a time so you do not end up paying ATM fees every few blocks.
Average daily budget
Estimated costs per person, excluding international flights and any major travel package you have already paid for.
Budget travel: $35 to $55. Set lunch menu, bus transportation, hostel or simple hotel, and occasional entrance fees.
Comfortable travel: $70 to $110. A decent hotel, a mix of restaurants, taxis, and one short tour.
Higher-end travel: $130 or more. Private services, à la carte restaurants, train tickets, and extras.
In southern Peru (Lima, Paracas, Arequipa, Puno, and Cusco), costs tend to increase in high-altitude areas and along popular tourist routes. Eating well in Cusco or Arequipa can also become expensive if you choose à la carte restaurants instead of lunchtime set menus.
Expenses you should plan for
- Meals not included in your tour.
- Bottled water or water refills.
- Public restrooms (1 or 2 soles).
- Short taxi rides and shared transportation.
- Entrance fees not covered by your package.
- Laundry.
- Snacks, coca tea, or other herbal teas at high altitude.
- Travel insurance and medications.
- Tips.
Extra expenses not included in your package
Tipping is not required by law, but it is customary when you receive good or complete service.
Day tour guide: 10 to 20 soles per person, depending on the group size and length of the tour.
Driver: 5 to 10 soles per person.
Multi-day trek: the group usually collects a tip fund for the guide, cook, and porters at the end of the trek. Ask your travel agency about the usual tipping range for your specific route.
Hotels: 5 to 10 soles for the bellhop if they handle your luggage.
Restaurants: 10 percent if a service charge is not already included.
Carry coins and 10- and 20-sol bills. A 200-sol bill will not be very useful when you need to pay for a restroom along the road.
Mistakes that can increase your travel budget
Arriving without any soles on your first day.
Paying for everything in U.S. dollars because it seems easier. You may receive an unfavorable exchange rate.
Not checking what your tour includes: transportation to Machu Picchu, train tickets, entrance fees, and meals can significantly change your daily expenses.
Withdrawing cash from ATMs at supermarkets or airports that charge high fees.
If you prefer to have your hotels, transfers, entrance tickets, and travel schedule through southern Peru arranged in advance, take a look at this 13-day trip through Lima, Paracas, Colca, Lake Titicaca, and Machu Picchu. This way, the cash you carry each day can be used mainly for tips, individual meals, and shopping.
