Is it safe to drink the tap water?

No. Always use a filter bottle or purchase large jugs of water and refill your bottle to save money and plastic.

Do I need to book Machu Picchu in advance?

Yes, tickets sell out months ahead. This is the one expense that will break your daily budget, so plan to pay $50-$70 for the entry and train/bus logistics.

Traveling Peru on $40 a Day

To survive Peru on $40 a day, prioritize overnight buses to save on accommodation, eat your main meal at lunch via 'menú del día' specials, and stick to free walking tours and self-guided hikes. Avoid domestic flights entirely and use regional bus lines like Cruz del Sur or Peru Hop.

Use the 'Menú del Día' for food. Between 12:00 PM and 3:00 PM, look for small local restaurants displaying 'Menú' signs. For 10 to 15 soles ($3-$4), you get a starter, a main course, and a drink. Skip tourist-priced dinners.
Travel by bus at night. Book 'cama' (full-recline) bus seats for long hauls between cities like Lima, Cusco, and Arequipa. This combines your transport and lodging cost into one, saving you the price of a hostel bed for the night.
Master the 'Colectivo' system. Avoid private taxis for inter-city travel. Use colectivos (shared vans) which depart when full. They are usually 1/4 the price of a private transfer.
Book treks independently. Don't book tours in advance from your home country. Wait until you reach Cusco or Huaraz and negotiate with local agencies in person for last-minute spots, which are significantly cheaper.

Is it safe to drink the tap water?: No. Always use a filter bottle or purchase large jugs of water and refill your bottle to save money and plastic.
Do I need to book Machu Picchu in advance?: Yes, tickets sell out months ahead. This is the one expense that will break your daily budget, so plan to pay $50-$70 for the entry and train/bus logistics.