Lima · Peru

How Much Does Lima Cost? 2026 Budget Guide | Prices & Tips

Lima is a sprawling coastal metropolis where ancient history meets a world-class culinary scene on the edge of the Pacific. As a destination of sharp contrasts, it offers a broad price spectrum, with daily solo budgets ranging from $53 / PEN 178 for budget-conscious travelers to $265 / PEN 890 for those seeking high-end luxury. While the city is significantly more affordable than North American or European hubs, costs can rise quickly in upscale districts like Miraflores and San Isidro. Visitors can enjoy the unique juxtaposition of 1,500-year-old adobe pyramids and modern cliffside shopping malls. Navigating this city requires a balance of utilizing efficient public transit and taking advantage of significant tax exemptions for international tourists.

Is Lima expensive to visit?

Lima is a moderately priced destination with daily costs ranging from $53 / PEN 178 to $265 / PEN 890, depending on whether you opt for local market meals or world-renowned tasting menus.

Currency: Peruvian Sol (PEN) (1 $ ≈ 3.36 PEN)

On This Page

Daily Budget

How much to budget per person per day in Lima

Budget

$53

per person /day

Mid-Range

$127

per person /day

Luxury

$265

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	$159	$381	$794
5-Day Trip	$265	$636	$1,324
7-Day Trip	$371	$890	$1,854

Trip Costs by Duration	Budget	Mid-Range	Luxury
3-Day Trip	$131	$314	$653
5-Day Trip	$218	$524	$1,089
7-Day Trip	$305	$733	$1,524

Trip Costs by Duration	Budget	Mid-Range	Luxury
3-Day Trip	$113	$268	$558
5-Day Trip	$188	$447	$930
7-Day Trip	$264	$626	$1,302

per person — Excludes international flights

Budget Buffer

Recommended contingency for unexpected expenses

It is advisable to maintain a 15% budget buffer to account for the 10% automatic service charge at upscale restaurants and the common $8.24 / PEN 28 withdrawal fees at GlobalNet ATMs. This buffer also covers the seasonal price fluctuations during the peak summer months of December to March when temperatures reach 20–28°C (68–82°F).

How Does It Compare?

See how Lima stacks up against other popular destinations

Rio de Janeiro Lima's basic solo budget of $53 / PEN 178 is comparable to Rio, but Lima offers significantly lower prices for high-end dining compared to similar quality in Brazil.

Mexico City While both are culinary capitals, Lima’s mid-range daily cost of $127 / PEN 427 is slightly higher than Mexico City’s due to the concentration of tourism in expensive coastal districts like Miraflores.

What Things Cost

Real prices for common tourist expenses in Lima

Food & Drink (4)

Item	Price	Notes
Inexpensive Restaurant Meal Typical for a 'Menu del Dia' including a starter, main, and drink (~$4.45 / PEN 15).	$4.45 PEN 15	Typical for a 'Menu del Dia' including a starter, main, and drink (~$4.45 / PEN 15).
Mid-range Three-Course Meal for Two Standard price for a quality dinner in Miraflores or Barranco (~$30 / PEN 100 total).	$30 PEN 100	Standard price for a quality dinner in Miraflores or Barranco (~$30 / PEN 100 total).
Sopa Criolla at Siete Sopas A massive, iconic portion of Lima's famous beef and noodle soup (~$9.49 / PEN 32).	$9.49 PEN 32	A massive, iconic portion of Lima's famous beef and noodle soup (~$9.49 / PEN 32).
Classic Pisco Sour Standard price in a trendy Miraflores bar is ~$10 / PEN 35. Prices at Bar Inglés are higher (~$15 / PEN 49).	$10 PEN 35	Standard price in a trendy Miraflores bar is ~$10 / PEN 35. Prices at Bar Inglés are higher (~$15 / PEN 49).

Transport (4)

Item	Price	Notes
Metropolitano BRT Single Ride Requires a rechargeable card (~$1.48 / PEN 4.98). Essential for avoiding Lima's gridlock in dedicated lanes.	$0.95 PEN 3.2	Requires a rechargeable card (~$1.48 / PEN 4.98). Essential for avoiding Lima's gridlock in dedicated lanes.
Metropolitano Smart Card One-time purchase (~$1.48 / PEN 4.98). Can be shared among multiple people by swiping for each person.	$1.48 PEN 4.98	One-time purchase (~$1.48 / PEN 4.98). Can be shared among multiple people by swiping for each person.
Metro Line 1 (Subway) Fare Useful for reaching Gamarra or San Borja, but does not reach Miraflores/Barranco. Costs ~$0.45 / PEN 1.5.	$0.45 PEN 1.5	Useful for reaching Gamarra or San Borja, but does not reach Miraflores/Barranco. Costs ~$0.45 / PEN 1.5.
Official Airport Taxi to Miraflores Fixed price at arrival counters (~$25 / PEN 85). Safer than street taxis and more reliable than apps.	$25 PEN 85	Fixed price at arrival counters (~$25 / PEN 85). Safer than street taxis and more reliable than apps.

Accommodation (3)

Item	Price	Notes
Shared Dorm Bed in Miraflores Standard rate for a 6–8 bed mixed dorm in the heart of Miraflores. Includes ~$19 / PEN 65 value.	$19 PEN 65	Standard rate for a 6–8 bed mixed dorm in the heart of Miraflores. Includes ~$19 / PEN 65 value.
Mid-range Hotel (3-star) Based on the verified average of $67 (~$71 / PEN 237 or ~$104 / PEN 349). Foreigners are exempt from the 18% IGV tax.	$104 PEN 349	Based on the verified average of $67 (~$71 / PEN 237 or ~$104 / PEN 349). Foreigners are exempt from the 18% IGV tax.
Luxury Hotel (5-star) Premium rate for iconic cliffside luxury. Equivalent to ~$830 / PEN 2,789 per night.	$830 PEN 2,791	Premium rate for iconic cliffside luxury. Equivalent to ~$830 / PEN 2,789 per night.

Activities (3)

Item	Price	Notes
Larco Museum Entrance Includes access to the world-renowned erotic pottery collection (~$12 / PEN 40).	$12 PEN 40	Includes access to the world-renowned erotic pottery collection (~$12 / PEN 40).
Huaca Pucllana Guided Tour Mandatory guided tours included (~$4.45 / PEN 15). Night tours cost slightly more (~$5.06 / PEN 17).	$4.45 PEN 15	Mandatory guided tours included (~$4.45 / PEN 15). Night tours cost slightly more (~$5.06 / PEN 17).
Magic Water Circuit Entrance Best value activity in Lima (~$1.19 / PEN 4) for a world-record fountain show.	$1.19 PEN 4	Best value activity in Lima (~$1.19 / PEN 4) for a world-record fountain show.

Connectivity (1)

Item	Price	Notes
Local Prepaid SIM Card Cost for the chip only (~$1.48 / PEN 4.98); data packages are extra. Requires passport for registration.	$1.48 PEN 4.98	Cost for the chip only (~$1.48 / PEN 4.98); data packages are extra. Requires passport for registration.

Food & Dining

What to eat and what it costs

The dining landscape is a major budget factor, ranging from local 'Menu del Dia' offers at $4.45 / PEN 15 for three courses to sophisticated dinners for two in Miraflores at approximately $30 / PEN 100. Iconic local staples, such as a hearty bowl of Sopa Criolla at the famous Siete Sopas, cost around $9.49 / PEN 32, providing filling value for travelers.

Cheap Eats

Where locals eat — real places, real prices

Al Toke Pez

$7.42–$13 / PEN 25–PEN 45

Surquillo · Street food area

Arrive at 11:30 to beat the line for the 6-seat counter. The 'Combinado' (~$10 / PEN 35) is legendary.

El Chinito

$6.52–$11 / PEN 22–PEN 38

Miraflores / Centro · Local chain

The Pan con Chicharrón with sweet potato and onion salsa (~$6.83 / PEN 23) is a quintessential Lima breakfast.

Siete Sopas

$7.71–$16 / PEN 26–PEN 55

Surquillo · Local chain

They offer a different 'Soup of the Day' daily; the bread rolls they serve for free save you ~$2.35 / PEN 7.91.

Canta Rana

$13–$22 / PEN 45–PEN 75

Barranco · Local chain

Classic Argentinian-Peruvian fusion; try the Risotto de Camarones (~$19 / PEN 65).

Parque Kennedy Picarones

$2.97–$4.45 / PEN 9.97–PEN 15

Miraflores · Street market

Traditional pumpkin/sweet potato donuts served with honey (~$2.94 / PEN 9.89) in the park's central stalls.

El Parque del Amor (Love Park) with famous Kiss sculpture and people walking along Miraflores cliffs, Lima, Peru

Getting Around

Transport costs and the smartest ways to move

The Metropolitano BRT is the most efficient way to bypass traffic for $0.95 / PEN 3.2 per ride, though it requires a reusable smart card costing $1.48 / PEN 4.98. For airport arrivals, official taxis to the Miraflores district are fixed at $25 / PEN 85, which is the safest and most reliable method to reach coastal accommodations.

Metropolitano BRT Single Ride $0.95 PEN 3.2

Metropolitano Smart Card $1.48 PEN 4.98

Metro Line 1 (Subway) Fare $0.45 PEN 1.5

Official Airport Taxi to Miraflores $25 PEN 85

Accommodation Overview

Lodging options cater to all budgets, from shared dorm beds in Miraflores at $19 / PEN 65 to mid-range 3-star hotels averaging $104 / PEN 349. For a luxury experience, iconic cliffside 5-star hotels command rates as high as $830 / PEN 2,791 per night, often featuring stunning views of the Pacific Ocean.

Shared Dorm Bed in Miraflores $19 PEN 65

Mid-range Hotel (3-star) $104 PEN 349

Luxury Hotel (5-star) $830 PEN 2,791

Accommodation Budget in Lima

Budget

$22 /night

Typical Range: $18 – $24

Hostels, budget hotels, shared facilities

Mid-Range

$53 /night

Typical Range: $47 – $59

3-star hotels, boutique stays, great locations

Luxury

$112 /night

Typical Range: $94 – $129

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 Present your passport and virtual entry card (TAM) at check-in to receive the 18% IGV tax exemption on accommodation and food.
2 Look for 'Menu del Dia' boards at lunchtime to get a starter, main, and drink for around $4.45 / PEN 15.
3 Share a single Metropolitano Smart Card ($1.48 / PEN 4.98) among multiple people by swiping it several times at the turnstile.
4 Visit the Magic Water Circuit at night for a world-record fountain show that costs only $1.19 / PEN 4 for entrance.
5 Take the guided tour of Huaca Pucllana during the day for $4.45 / PEN 15 instead of the more expensive night-time tours.
6 Use BCP or Scotiabank ATMs to withdraw cash; they typically charge lower fees (~$5.3 / PEN 18) compared to GlobalNet's $8.24 / PEN 28 charge.
7 Walk the 5km cliffside Malecon boardwalk in Miraflores for free views and coastal scenery instead of paying for sightseeing tours.
8 Buy bottled water and snacks at local supermarket chains like Vivanda or Wong to avoid inflated hotel mini-bar prices.
9 Visit Barranco's bars during happy hour, typically between 17:00–20:00, for '2-for-1' deals on Classic Pisco Sours.
10 Use the Metro Line 1 for only $0.45 / PEN 1.5 if traveling to the Gamarra textile market or San Borja district.

Hidden Costs

Surprise expenses that catch tourists off guard

Hidden Costs
Item	Amount	Notes
Foreigner Hotel Tax Exemption (IGV) Non-residents are exempt from the 18% sales tax on lodging and food if they present their passport and TAM entry card (virtual). Mentions ~$18–$47 / PEN 59–PEN 158 savings per night.	18%	Non-residents are exempt from the 18% sales tax on lodging and food if they present their passport and TAM entry card (virtual). Mentions ~$18–$47 / PEN 59–PEN 158 savings per night.
ATM Withdrawal Fee (GlobalNet) GlobalNet ATMs (most common) charge ~$8.24 / PEN 28 per withdrawal. BCP/Scotiabank are slightly cheaper (~$5.3 / PEN 18).	$8.3 / PEN 28/transaction	GlobalNet ATMs (most common) charge ~$8.24 / PEN 28 per withdrawal. BCP/Scotiabank are slightly cheaper (~$5.3 / PEN 18).
Restaurant Service Charge A 10% service charge is often added to the bill automatically at upscale restaurants (~$2.35–$9.42 / PEN 7.91–PEN 32).	10%	A 10% service charge is often added to the bill automatically at upscale restaurants (~$2.35–$9.42 / PEN 7.91–PEN 32).
Metropolitano Airport Feeder Bus If using the public bus from the airport outskirts, a ~$0.94 / PEN 3.16 fare applies to reach the main BRT line.	$0.95 / PEN 3.2 (one-time)	If using the public bus from the airport outskirts, a ~$0.94 / PEN 3.16 fare applies to reach the main BRT line.

Common Scams & Ripoffs

Watch out for these tourist traps

⚠ The 'Fake Taxi' scam: Unlicensed drivers may agree on a price and then demand more or take longer routes; always use official airport counters or reputable apps.
⚠ The 'Bird Poop' distraction: An accomplice spills a liquid on your clothing and offers to help clean it while another person steals your wallet or bag.
⚠ Counterfeit bill swap: Merchants may take your genuine high-denomination bill, claim it is fake or damaged, and swap it for a real counterfeit bill before returning it.
⚠ The 'Brindis' scam: Friendly locals in the Centro Histórico invite travelers for a drink to 'practice English' but leave the traveler with an exorbitant bar bill.

Seasonal Pricing

When prices rise and fall throughout the year

Peak Season

Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar

+20–35%

Cheapest

Jun, Jul, Aug

-15–25%

Best Value

Apr, May, Oct, Nov

Summer (Dec–Mar) is peak for beaches and clear skies. Winter (Jun–Aug) brings the famous 'Garúa' (mist), which lowers hotel prices but limits coastal views.

Events to Watch

● Fiestas Patrias (July 28–29): +50% interprovincial bus fares
● New Year's Eve: +40% hotel rates in Miraflores

Panoramic view of Lima cityscape and Pacific coastline from Miraflores district, Peru

Free Things to Do

The best experiences that cost absolutely nothing

1 Stroll along the Miraflores Malecon for panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean.
2 Visit the cat-filled Parque Kennedy in the heart of Miraflores.
3 Cross the Bridge of Sighs (Puente de los Suspiros) in the bohemian Barranco district.
4 Watch the Changing of the Guard at the Palacio de Gobierno in the Plaza de Armas at 11:45.
5 Explore the historic Plaza Mayor and admire the colonial architecture of the Cathedral.
6 Wander through the olive groves of Bosque El Olivar in San Isidro.
7 View the vibrant street art and murals lining the streets of Barranco.
8 Walk down the Bajada de los Baños, a historic walkway leading from Barranco to the beach.
9 Visit the Santuario de Santa Rosa de Lima, a peaceful pilgrimage site in the city center.
10 Explore the colorful boardwalk of La Punta in Callao for a seaside atmosphere.
11 Visit the Muelle de Pescadores in Chorrillos to watch local fishermen at work.
12 Enter the Basílica y Convento de San Francisco to admire its Baroque exterior architecture.

Worth the Splurge

Premium experiences that justify the price tag

Central Restaurant Tasting Menu (Mundo Mater)

Ranked #1 in the world; a 14-course journey through Peru's altitudes. Cost is ~$371 / PEN 1,246 per person.

$371 PEN 1,246

Astrid y Gastón Tasting Menu

Dine in a 300-year-old mansion on the menu created by the 'godfather' of Peruvian cuisine (~$281 / PEN 945).

$282 PEN 947

Paragliding over the Costa Verde Cliffs

Unbeatable aerial views of the Pacific coast and the Miraflores Malecón (~$88 / PEN 297).

$89 PEN 299

Popular Activities

Top-rated tours and experiences in Lima

View All Activities

Day Trip Costs

Popular day trips from Lima and what they cost

Pachacamac Archaeological Sanctuary

Getting Around

$12 / PEN 40 by taxi / bus

Entry

$4.45 / PEN 15

Total Cost

$27 / PEN 90

Sacred City of Caral

Getting Around

$24 / PEN 80 by bus

Entry

$3.26 / PEN 11

Total Cost

$39 / PEN 130

Islas Palomino (Sea Lion Swim)

Getting Around

$15 / PEN 50 by boat

Entry

$104 / PEN 349

Total Cost

$133 / PEN 449

Day Trip Costs
Destinations	Getting Around	Entry	Total Cost
Pachacamac Archaeological Sanctuary	$12 / PEN 40 by taxi / bus	$4.45 / PEN 15	$27 / PEN 90
Sacred City of Caral	$24 / PEN 80 by bus	$3.26 / PEN 11	$39 / PEN 130
Islas Palomino (Sea Lion Swim)	$15 / PEN 50 by boat	$104 / PEN 349	$133 / PEN 449

Payment & Money

How to pay and what to know about money

Currency

Peruvian Sol (PEN)

1 $ ≈ 3.36 PEN

Cash Needed

Yes

Card Acceptance

High in Miraflores/San Isidro, but cash essential for buses, small markets, and street food.

Tipping

10% is standard in mid-to-upscale restaurants. Round up taxi fares (~$0.59 / PEN 1.98) or give ~$1.47 / PEN 4.95 to baggage handlers.

ATM Tips

Use MultiRed (Banco de la Nación) for zero-fee withdrawals, though limits are low (~$118 / PEN 396). Avoid GlobalNet due to high fees (~$8.24–$11 / PEN 28–PEN 36).

Bargaining

Expected at artisan markets (Inka Market) and for street taxis. Aim for 10–20% off the first quoted price.

Connectivity

eSIM: $12–$18 for 5GB (30 days) (opens in new tab)

Local SIM: $1.48 / PEN 4.98 for the chip, plus ~$5.89 / PEN 20 for 5GB data.

WiFi: Excellent in cafes and hotels in Miraflores and Barranco; rare in public plazas.

Buy a local Claro or Movistar SIM card for ~$1.48 / PEN 4.98 and add a 10-day data plan for ~$4.71 / PEN 16.

Panoramic view of Lima city center with colonial architecture and modern buildings, Peru

Why you can trust this guide

Jan Křenek

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.

Methodology:

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 Lima.

Updated: February 16, 2026

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Lima expensive to visit?

Lima is a moderately priced destination with daily costs ranging from $53 / PEN 178 to $265 / PEN 890, depending on whether you opt for local market meals or world-renowned tasting menus.

How much does Lima cost per day?

A trip to Lima costs $53 / PEN 178 per day on a budget, $127 / PEN 427 for mid-range, and $265 / PEN 891 for luxury. These include accommodation, food, transport, and activities per person.

How much does a trip to Lima cost?

A 7-day trip to Lima costs approximately $371 / PEN 1,247 (budget), $890 / PEN 2,991 (mid-range), or $1,854 / PEN 6,231 (luxury) per person, excluding flights.

What is the cheapest month to visit Lima?

The cheapest months to visit Lima are June, July, August, with prices -15–25% lower than peak season. Summer (Dec–Mar) is peak for beaches and clear skies. Winter (Jun–Aug) brings the famous 'Garúa' (mist), which lowers hotel prices but limits coastal views.

What are the hidden costs in Lima?

Common hidden costs in Lima include Foreigner Hotel Tax Exemption (IGV), ATM Withdrawal Fee (GlobalNet), Restaurant Service Charge ($0/bill). It is advisable to maintain a 15% budget buffer to account for the 10% automatic service charge at upscale restaurants and the common $8.24 / PEN 28 withdrawal fees at GlobalNet ATMs. This buffer also covers the seasonal price fluctuations during the peak summer months of December to March when temperatures reach 20–28°C (68–82°F).

How can I save money in Lima?

Top tips for saving money in Lima: Present your passport and virtual entry card (TAM) at check-in to receive the 18% IGV tax exemption on accommodation and food. Look for 'Menu del Dia' boards at lunchtime to get a starter, main, and drink for around $4.45 / PEN 15. Share a single Metropolitano Smart Card ($1.48 / PEN 4.98) among multiple people by swiping it several times at the turnstile.

More Lima Guides

Weather

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Things to Do

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Where to Stay

Best neighborhoods and hotel recommendations

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Complete Cost Guide

Full budget and cost breakdown

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