How Much Does Cusco Cost? 2026 Budget Guide | Prices & Tips
Cusco serves as the high-altitude gateway to the Andes, offering a price spectrum that accommodates both backpackers and luxury explorers. While daily costs can be as low as $55 / PEN 184 for budget-conscious travelers, luxury stays and high-end rail journeys can push daily spending over $845 / PEN 2,841. Compared to other South American hubs like Lima, Cusco's base costs for food and local transport are affordable, but the mandatory archaeological passes and logistics for reaching Machu Picchu add significant fixed expenses. Visitors should expect unique financial requirements, such as purchasing specific regional circuit tickets and managing altitude-related health costs. Despite the premium on major landmarks, the city remains highly navigable for those willing to utilize local eateries and shared transport.
Is Cusco expensive to visit?
Cusco is moderately priced for adventure travelers, with daily costs ranging from $55 / PEN 184 to $845 / PEN 2,841 depending on whether one opts for local markets or luxury boutique experiences.
On This Page
Daily Budget
How much to budget per person per day in Cusco
$55
per person /day
$145
per person /day
$845
per person /day
Trip Costs by Duration
Total estimated costs per person, excluding flights
| Trip Costs by Duration | Budget | Mid-Range | Luxury |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3-Day Trip | $165 | $435 | $2,535 |
| 5-Day Trip | $274 | $726 | $4,225 |
| 7-Day Trip | $384 | $1,017 | $5,916 |
per person — Excludes international flights
Budget Buffer
Recommended contingency for unexpected expenses
It is wise to maintain a 15% budget buffer to cover unforeseen costs such as altitude sickness medication at local pharmacies or community entrance fees for sites like Rainbow Mountain. Prices for guided mountain treks can also fluctuate based on group size and equipment rental needs.
How Does It Compare?
See how Cusco stacks up against other popular destinations
What Things Cost
Real prices for common tourist expenses in Cusco
Food & Drink (3)
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Menu del Día (Local 3-course Lunch) Usually includes a starter (soup), main (meat/rice), and a drink (chicha morada). Look for 'Menu' signs. | $4.45 PEN 15 |
| Cappuccino in San Blas Expect higher prices in 'gringo' cafes. Peruvian beans are high quality. | $2.97 PEN 9.97 |
| Bottle of Cusqueña Beer (Restaurant) Try the 'Roja' or 'Negra' varieties. Standard large bottles at markets are ~$1.78 / PEN 5.97. | $3.55 PEN 12 |
Transport (4)
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Official Airport Taxi (Airport to Plaza de Armas) Always use official 'Llama' taxis inside the terminal for safety. Negotiate price before getting in. | $10 PEN 35 |
| Short City Taxi Ride Standard daytime rate within the historic center is ~$2.97 / PEN 9.97. Prices double after 22:00. | $2.97 PEN 9.97 |
| Colectivo to Pisac (Sacred Valley) Cheaper and faster than tourist buses. Vans leave from Calle Puputi when full. | $1.78 PEN 5.97 |
| Local 'Buseta' (City Bus) Extremely crowded but very cheap. Not recommended for travelers with large luggage. | $0.45 PEN 1.5 |
Accommodation (3)
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Antigua Casona San Blas (Luxury Boutique) Award-winning boutique hotel in the artisan quarter. Includes heated floors for cold Andean nights. | $340 PEN 1,142 |
| MOAF Cusco Boutique Hotel (Mid-range) Located just steps from the Plaza de Armas. Offers excellent buffet breakfast included in the rate. | $85 PEN 286 |
| Backpacker La Bo'M (Budget Hostel) Famous for its crêperie and cozy San Blas atmosphere. Private rooms and dorms available. | $35 PEN 119 |
Activities (4)
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Machu Picchu Llaqta Entrance (International Adult) Base entry fee for the Llaqta. Foreign residents of the Andean Community (CAN) pay ~$19 / PEN 64 (64 PEN). Book months in advance. | $45 PEN 152 |
| Boleto Turístico del Cusco (BTC) - Full Circuit Valid for 10 days; includes 16 major sites like Sacsayhuamán and Ollantaytambo. No partial tickets for the Cathedral or Qorikancha. | $39 PEN 130 |
| Cusco Cathedral Entrance Religious services are free, but tourism hours require this fee. No photography allowed inside. | $12 PEN 40 |
| Qorikancha (Temple of the Sun) Entrance Not included in the BTC. Features incredible Inca masonry underneath a colonial convent. | $4.45 PEN 15 |
Connectivity (1)
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Local SIM Card (5GB Data/30 Days) Bring your passport to a physical Claro or Entel store. Activation takes ~15 minutes. | $8.9 PEN 30 |
Food & Dining
What to eat and what it costs
Dining in Cusco centers around the 'Menu del Día,' a three-course lunch typically costing just $4.45 / PEN 15, which provides incredible value for those exploring the historic center. While a cappuccino in the trendy San Blas district costs around $2.97 / PEN 9.97 and a restaurant beer is approximately $3.55 / PEN 12, substantial savings are found at the San Pedro Market food stalls. For those seeking high-end gastronomy, the city offers world-class Andean fusion, though prices here align more closely with European capital cities.
Cheap Eats
Where locals eat — real places, real prices
San Pedro Market Food Stalls
$1.78–$3.55 / PEN 5.97–PEN 12Santa Ana · Street market
Head to the 'Comidas' section and look for where the locals are queuing for 'Caldo de Gallina'.
Jack's Café
$5.93–$16 / PEN 20–PEN 55San Blas · Local chain
Huge portions; one 'Gringo' breakfast is easily enough for two people.
Chakruna Native Burgers
$5.34–$8.9 / PEN 18–PEN 30San Blas · Street food area
Try the alpaca burger for a unique Andean twist on street food.
Ceviche Seafood Kitchen
$8.9–$22 / PEN 30–PEN 75Centro · Local chain
Excellent quality for the price; get the 'Trio Marino' to sample three types of ceviche.
Pizzonay
$4.45–$7.42 / PEN 15–PEN 25San Blas · Bakery
Tiny wood-fired pizza spot that serves incredible thin-crust pizza for ~$5.3 / PEN 18.
Getting Around
Transport costs and the smartest ways to move
Getting around the city center is best done on foot, though short daytime taxi rides are affordable at $2.97 / PEN 9.97. For excursions into the Sacred Valley, local colectivos (shared vans) to towns like Pisac cost only $1.78 / PEN 5.97, making them the most efficient and cheapest alternative to private tourist buses. The local 'buseta' is the least expensive option at $0.45 / PEN 1.5, though it is often too crowded for travelers carrying outdoor gear or large luggage.
Accommodation Overview
Value in Cusco is often found in mid-range boutique hotels like MOAF Cusco, which averages $85 / PEN 286 per night and typically includes breakfast. Budget travelers can find social atmosphere and basic comfort for approximately $35 / PEN 119 at reputable hostels in San Blas, while luxury seekers can expect to pay upwards of $340 / PEN 1,142 for high-end heritage properties with heated floors.
Accommodation Budget in Cusco
Budget
Hostels, budget hotels, shared facilities
Mid-Range
3-star hotels, boutique stays, great locations
Luxury
5-star hotels, suites, premium amenities
💡 Prices vary by season. Book 2-3 months ahead for best rates.
Money-Saving Tips
Insider tricks to stretch your budget further
- 1 Purchase the full 'Boleto Turístico del Cusco' (BTC) for $39 / PEN 130 to cover 16 major sites over 10 days rather than paying for individual site entries.
- 2 Look for 'Menu' signs at lunchtime to get a three-course meal including a drink for just $4.45 / PEN 15.
- 3 Avoid the 18% IGV (VAT) hotel tax by presenting an original passport and the PTP/TAM entry form during check-in.
- 4 Use shared 'colectivos' from Calle Puputi to reach Pisac for $1.78 / PEN 5.97 instead of booking expensive private day tours.
- 5 Purchase a local SIM card for $8.9 / PEN 30 at an official Claro or Entel store rather than using international roaming or airport kiosks.
- 6 Buy large bottles of Cusqueña beer at local markets for $1.78 / PEN 5.97 to save 50% compared to restaurant prices.
- 7 Walk the steep but scenic path up to Sacsayhuamán from the Plaza de Armas to avoid the $2.97 / PEN 9.97 city taxi fare.
- 8 Drink the free coca tea provided in most hotel lobbies to help with altitude adjustment instead of buying bottled remedies.
- 9 Refill water bottles with filtered water provided at hostels and hotels to avoid the daily expense of plastic bottles.
- 10 Visit the San Pedro Market in the Santa Ana district for fresh fruit and local snacks at a fraction of supermarket prices.
Seasonal Pricing
When prices rise and fall throughout the year
Jun, Jul, Aug
+30-50%
Jan, Feb, Mar
-25-40%
May, Sep, Oct
The dry season (May–September) is best for hiking, but prices peak. Avoid February as the Inca Trail closes for maintenance and heavy rain is common.
Events to Watch
- ● Inti Raymi (June 24): +100% hotel prices and fully booked 6 months ahead
- ● Holy Week (late March/April): High domestic tourism spikes
Free Things to Do
The best experiences that cost absolutely nothing
- 1 Marvel at the Twelve-Angled Stone located on Hatun Rumiyoc street, a masterpiece of Inca masonry.
- 2 Watch the changing of the guard and local festivities in the Plaza de Armas.
- 3 Hike up to the Cristo Blanco statue for a panoramic view of the entire city at sunset.
- 4 Explore the San Blas artisan quarter and its steep, narrow cobblestone alleys.
- 5 Visit the Sapantiana Aqueduct, a colonial-era stone structure located at the end of Choquechaka street.
- 6 Wander through the San Pedro Market to experience local life and see exotic Andean produce.
- 7 Explore the Templo de la Luna (Moon Temple), an ancient ceremonial site reachable by a 30-minute hike from San Blas.
- 8 Walk to the Inkilltambo archaeological site, a lesser-known Inca complex that often allows free exploration.
- 9 View the Mural de la Historia del Cusco on Avenida El Sol, which depicts the city's history from Inca times to the present.
- 10 Sit on the steps of Plaza San Francisco and enjoy the local atmosphere near the botanical gardens.
- 11 Visit the Santa Ana Plaza for a quieter, elevated view of the city away from the tourist crowds.
- 12 Hike a portion of the original Inca trails leading out of the city toward the Sacred Valley.
Worth the Splurge
Premium experiences that justify the price tag
Belmond Hiram Bingham Luxury Train
A 1920s Pullman-style train experience including 4-course meals, open bar, and live music on the way to Machu Picchu.
Chicha por Gastón Acurio Tasting Menu
Fine dining from Peru's most famous chef, specializing in regional Andean ingredients like guinea pig (cuy) and alpaca.
Full Day Machu Picchu Afternoon Experience
Includes the Vistadome train with panoramic windows, entrance ticket, and guided tour with fewer crowds in the late day.
Popular Activities
Top-rated tours and experiences in Cusco
Day Trip Costs
Popular day trips from Cusco and what they cost
Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca)
$27 / PEN 90 by bus
$2.97 / PEN 9.97
$34 / PEN 115
Sacred Valley Full Day (Pisac & Ollantaytambo)
$18 / PEN 60 by bus
$39 / PEN 130
$68 / PEN 229
Humantay Lake
$30 / PEN 100 by bus
$2.97 / PEN 9.97
$37 / PEN 125
Payment & Money
How to pay and what to know about money
Peruvian Sol (PEN)
1 $ ≈ 3.36 PEN
Yes
Widely accepted in hotels and upscale restaurants; cash only for markets, taxis, and small San Blas boutiques.
10% is standard in restaurants but check if it's already included ('propina'). For guides, ~$4.71–$8.83 / PEN 16–PEN 30 per day is appreciated.
Use BCP or GlobalNet ATMs for highest reliability. Some charge ~$5.3–$8.24 / PEN 18–PEN 28 per transaction; ScotiaBank often has lower fees.
Expected in San Pedro Market and street stalls. Aim for ~20% off the first price for textiles. Never bargain in restaurants or pharmacies.
Connectivity
eSIM: $42 for 20GB (30 days) (opens in new tab)
Local SIM: $8.83–$14 / PEN 30–PEN 47 at official city stores
WiFi: Excellent in cafes, hotels, and main hotels; Plaza de Armas has municipal free wifi but it's slow.
Get a local Claro SIM card for ~$8.83 / PEN 30 if you have a physical slot; otherwise, Airalo is the best eSIM value.
Why you can trust this guide
35+ countries • 8 years analyzing travel data
Independent developer and travel data analyst based in Prague. 35+ countries visited across Europe and Asia, 8+ years analyzing flight routes, accommodation prices, and seasonal weather patterns.
- All neighborhoods verified by walking them
- Curated locations based on walkability & safety
- Real-time availability via live partner maps
- Prices based on Booking.com & Numbeo averages
Methodology: This guide combines on-the-ground neighborhood research, current hotel pricing data, and real traveler feedback to provide honest, actionable accommodation recommendations for Cusco.
Updated: February 16, 2026
Ready to Visit Cusco?
Book your flights, accommodation, and activities
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Cusco expensive to visit?
How much does Cusco cost per day?
How much does a trip to Cusco cost?
What is the cheapest month to visit Cusco?
What are the hidden costs in Cusco?
How can I save money in Cusco?
More Cusco Guides
Weather
Historical climate averages to help you pick the best time to visit
Best Time to Visit
Coming soon
Things to Do
Coming soon
Where to Stay
Best neighborhoods and hotel recommendations
Itineraries
Coming soon
Complete Cost Guide
Full budget and cost breakdown