Traveling in Peru does not have to be expensive if you know how to choose your destinations wisely. There are incredible places where you can enjoy landscapes, culture, and great food without spending too much. In this list, we will explore affordable options that suit different travel styles: from relaxing getaways to more active routes. The idea is that you can create a realistic itinerary, taking care of your budget while not missing out on the essentials of the country.
Can you travel cheaply in Peru?
Yes, you can, and in fact it is easier than it seems. It all depends on how you organize your trip. If we prioritize ground transportation, simple accommodations, local food, and affordable entrance fees, the budget drops significantly without sacrificing the travel experience.
For example, we can choose to travel by bus between cities, stay in hostels or family-run accommodations, and eat in markets or set lunch menus. In addition, many destinations have free or low-cost attractions, such as hikes, viewpoints, or historic centers. Whether we travel in a group, as a couple, or even solo, there are always ways to adjust expenses according to your style.
10 affordable tourist destinations in Peru
If you want to travel around Peru without overspending, these destinations offer real options to do so. Here we will look at places where we can adjust the budget without missing out on the experience. The idea is that you clearly understand what to do, how much you might spend, and how to better organize yourself in each destination.
Lima (free and affordable options)
Lima is the capital of the country and the main entry point for many travelers. Although it is often associated with being a large and expensive city, it also offers many affordable options if we know where to go. It is at sea level, so you will not have problems with acclimatization.
We can explore the Historic Center on foot (Plaza Mayor, colonial streets), visit the Miraflores or Barranco boardwalks to watch the sunset. If you want something more special, we can invest a little in tickets for the Magic Water Circuit. There are also museums that are free on certain days.
For food, the best option is to eat in markets or restaurants that offer lunches starting from S/ 10 soles, and being in Lima, the gastronomic capital of Peru, you will have plenty of options.
Cusco (beyond Machu Picchu)
Cusco is one of the most important cities in Peru due to its history as the capital of the Inca Empire and its unique blend of Andean and colonial heritage. It is located at 3,399 m above sea level, making it a high-altitude destination that requires adaptation. Unlike other places, Cusco is not just the gateway to Machu Picchu, but a complete destination on its own, with traditional neighborhoods, natural viewpoints, and archaeological sites accessible without the need for large expenses.
We can walk around the historic center, visit Plaza de Armas, wander through traditional neighborhoods and streets such as San Blas, Siete Borreguitos, Siete Angelitos, or go up to viewpoints like San Cristóbal at no cost. If we want to add more, we can visit Sacsayhuamán (even from the outside if you do not buy the full ticket) or go up to Cristo Blanco, from where we can see the entire city of Cusco.
It is also a good idea to have lunch in local markets where you can experience daily life more closely. As for transportation, since Cusco is a small city, many places can be reached on foot.
Valle Sagrado de los Incas
The Valle Sagrado de los Incas was a key agricultural area in Inca times and today connects several traditional towns surrounded by mountains. It is located between 2,800 and 3,000 m above sea level, with a more temperate climate than Cusco. What sets it apart is its slower pace and open landscapes, ideal if you are looking to reduce the intensity of the city.
Here we can visit Chinchero, Maras, Moray, Pisac (market and ruins), or Ollantaytambo, either near the ruins and archaeological centers or by investing a bit more, we can buy a ticket that includes all these sites. You can also stop along the way, where you will find viewpoints overlooking the Valle Sagrado with free access, or take walks between towns and plazas. Staying here is usually cheaper than in Cusco.
Arequipa
Arequipa is known as the “White City” due to its buildings made of sillar stone. It has a well-preserved historic center and is one of the most pleasant to explore on foot. It is located at 2,335 m above sea level, so the altitude is moderate. What makes it special is its architecture and its proximity to volcanoes such as Misti, which can be seen from different free-access points in the city like plazas and viewpoints.
We can walk around Plaza de Armas and nearby streets, visit viewpoints such as Yanahuara (free), or enter the Monasterio de Santa Catalina (approx. S/ 40). If we want to add a more special experience, we can include a tour to the Canteras de Sillar (approx. S/ 50–80), located about one hour from the square. Entrance costs between S/ 5 and S/ 10, where you can explore the quarry and take many photos with the sculptures.
Eating in markets or local restaurants helps keep your budget low, with lunches starting from S/ 12.
Lago Titicaca (Puno)
Puno is the gateway to Lago Titicaca, considered the highest navigable lake in the world. It is located at 3,812 m above sea level, so the altitude is noticeable here. What makes it different is the cultural experience: communities that maintain traditional ways of life on islands.
We can take an affordable tour to the floating islands of the Uros (from S/ 15–25), walk along the waterfront, or visit local markets. There are also longer tour options, but if you are looking to save money, half-day tours are enough.
Ica y Huacachina
Ica and the Huacachina oasis offer a different experience in the middle of the desert. They are located at around 400 m above sea level, with warm weather almost all year round. What makes them unique is the contrast between dunes and a small oasis surrounded by sand.
We can walk around the oasis or climb the dunes on our own at no cost. If you want something more active, buggy rides with sandboarding start from S/ 30–50. Watching the sunset from the dunes is free and is usually one of the best moments of the day.
While in Ica, we can also take the opportunity to visit vineyards. The entrance fee is low, and the experience of the visit, tastings, and explanations of the wine and other liquor production processes will leave you with great memories.
Huaraz
Huaraz is the base point for exploring the Cordillera Blanca, one of the most impressive mountain regions in the country. It is located at 3,052 m above sea level, so it also requires acclimatization. What sets it apart is its focus on nature and hiking, many of which are accessible.
We can take affordable tours such as Laguna 69 (from S/ 40–60) or go on short hikes on our own. There are also viewpoints and easy routes that do not require a guide. Bringing snacks and water helps reduce expenses during excursions.
Ayacucho
Ayacucho is one of the most affordable and cultural destinations in the country. It stands out for its colonial churches and living traditions. It is located at 2,746 m above sea level and has a very pleasant climate. What makes it different is its authenticity: it is less crowded and prices are lower.
We can explore the historic center and its churches for free, visit the Wari archaeological complex (low-cost entrance), or discover artisan workshops. Accommodation and food are usually very affordable.
Tarapoto o selva peruana
Tarapoto is one of the most accessible ways to experience the Peruvian Amazon. It is located at around 350 m above sea level, with a warm and humid climate. What makes it special is its combination of nature, waterfalls, and Amazonian culture without the need for long travel distances.
We can visit the Ahuashiyacu waterfalls (entrance approx. S/ 10), go hiking, visit hot springs, or explore local markets. Shared tours are a great way to reduce costs and visit several places in a single day.
Tips for traveling cheaply in Peru
Traveling cheaply in Peru is totally possible if we adjust certain visits and services wisely. It is not about limiting the experience, but about organizing it better.
- Use buses whenever possible, overland routes connect almost the entire country and are much cheaper than flights.
- Travel at night to save on accommodation and optimize time.
- Choose local menus, in markets and small restaurants you can eat well from S/ 10–15.
- Stay in hostels or family-run accommodations, the cost per night depends on the destination, but it is cheaper than a hotel.
- Prioritize free or low-cost activities such as hikes, viewpoints, and historic centers.
- Buy local or partial tickets when possible (for example, tourist tickets in Cusco).
- Travel in a group or share expenses, transport, tours, and even rooms can be cheaper.
- Avoid high season if possible, as prices increase during holidays and peak tourist months.
The key is to combine free activities with some paid ones that are truly worth it.
How much does it cost to travel in Peru on a budget?
If we plan the trip well, we can maintain a fairly manageable daily budget. On average, accommodation can range from S/ 25 to S/ 60 per night in basic options, while food is around S/ 20 to S/ 40 per day if we combine affordable menus with some extras. As for transportation, a long-distance bus trip can cost between S/ 30 and S/ 100, depending on the distance, and activities can range from free to about S/ 50 per day.
Overall, this leaves us with an approximate daily budget of S/ 70 to S/ 150 (18–40 USD). If we adjust even more, for example by eating in local markets and avoiding expensive tours, expenses can be reduced without significantly affecting the travel experience.
Is it better to travel independently or with a budget tour?
It depends on your travel style and the destination.
Traveling independently is the best option if you want to save as much as possible. You decide where to spend and can take advantage of public transport, affordable entrance fees, and flexible schedules. It works very well in cities like Lima, Arequipa, or Cusco.
A budget tour is useful in places where logistics are more complicated or where going on your own ends up costing the same or more. For example, Montaña de Colores, Laguna 69 in Huaraz, Islas del Lago Titicaca, among others. In these cases, a shared tour can save you time, coordination, and sometimes money.
The ideal approach is to combine both. Travel independently in cities and use budget tours only for specific experiences that truly add value.
Frequently asked questions about traveling cheaply in Peru
Is Machu Picchu expensive?
Machu Picchu can be expensive, especially because of the train. Even so, you can reduce costs by using the Hidroeléctrica route and choosing only the basic entrance ticket. It is the highest expense of the trip, but it can be adjusted.
Is it safe to travel cheaply?
Yes, it is safe if you take basic precautions: stay in central areas, use reliable transportation, and take care of your belongings. Traveling cheaply does not mean traveling unsafely.
