Claire Dean
Travel in South America is a joy to behold. The rich variety of destinations, experiences, landscapes and geography fascinated me so much, that I chose to relocate here, over 20 years ago! The best thing I ever did! Allow me to share my knowledge and passion for Central and South America with you and help you plan your holiday of a lifetime!
How much money do you need per day in Peru?
Written by:Claire Dean
Published: 2022-08-11
Peru definitely comes into the conversation when people think about dream destinations they would love to travel to. Undoubtedly, Peru is at the top of every traveler’s bucket list. This incredible country is full of vibrant cities, multifaceted history, ancient culture, mind-blowing landscapes, and epic nature seduces deeply. Unquestionably, traveling around Peru sounds like a fantastic idea, but how much money should you spend each day? Here is a rough guide to how much money you need daily in Peru.
Peruvian Currency
What currency is accepted in Peru?
Nuevo Peruvian Soles and US Dollars are widely accepted in Peru. However, there may be a slight disadvantage when paying with USD. The cost of a product or service could be slightly higher if you pay in USD.USD is generally used for more considerable expenses such as tours, hotels, etc.; otherwise, stick to the local currency.
Peruvian coins
Accommodation
Medium Range - A bed in a double private room costs 150-200 PEN per night. Free Wi-Fi is standard, and most hostels also have a kitchen or complimentary breakfast.
On Airbnb, private rooms cost around 80-200 PEN, while entire homes start at 150 PEN per night.
Luxury options can be as low or high as you prefer, ranging from USD 100 per night to USD 1000 per night if you want to spend your nights in the lap of luxury.
Peru Hotel
Food
Cuisine in Peru varies from region to region. However, you can expect to find staples like potatoes (most potatoes in the world originated here), quinoa, seafood, and indigenous animals like guinea pigs and alpaca. Be sure to try ceviche, the national dish (it’s a seafood dish with fresh raw fish). Other popular dishes include stir-fried beef, roasted cuy (guinea pig), Arroz con pato (rice with duck), and roasted chicken.
Dining in Peru can be as inexpensive, or Peru can be as affordable or as top-end as you prefer.
Street food is incredibly cheap, costing S/.10 PEN for a meal from a parrilla (grill) set up on the side of the road. A plate of food at a casual takeaway restaurant serving Peruvian cuisine costs around s/.20 PEN.
A meal of traditional cuisine at a casual restaurant with table service costs around s/.25 to s/.50 PEN.
If you want to splash out, a three-course meal at a mid-range restaurant costs around s/: 60 PEN and above.
Fast food (think McDonald’s) is round s/.18 PEN for a combo meal. A large pizza is around s/.35-40 PEN.
Beer is around s/.10 PEN or a latte is about the same. A glass of wine can range from s/. 25 PEN Bottled water is 1.50 PEN. A cocktail is around s/.20 PEN and up, though many restaurants have extended happy hour specials (sometimes even all day).
If you plan on cooking, expect to pay s/.150 – s/.200 PEN per week for groceries such as pasta, rice, seasonal produce, and some meat. The best places to shop are the local markets, though Plaza Vea is the big grocery store chain with affordable prices. However, given how cheap food is here, it’s best always to eat out. Buy snacks and fruit at the markets but eat out all other meals.
Guinea Pig
Activities
Trips to archaeological sites are likely to be your most significant expense. A day trip to Machu Picchu costs around USD 200, a Nazca Lines helicopter tour costs USD 100, and multi-day trips up the Inca Trail cost upwards of USD 500! However, entrances to museums are cheap at under USD 5. The Boleto Turistico in Cusco costs USD 50 for the entire ticket.
Hang-Gliding in Miraflores
Like anywhere in the world, in Peru, you live pretty cheaply or as expensively as you want, but on average, the daily amount of money you will need is $150-$200 per person per day.
Happy Travels!
