Travel Peru on a budget

To travel Peru cheaply, stick to local night buses instead of flights, eat your main meal at lunchtime (almuerzo) in local markets, and book your treks through operators in Cusco rather than online beforehand. Expect to spend $35 to $45 USD per day to cover hostels, local food, and transport.

1. Use buses for long distances. Avoid domestic flights. Use reputable bus lines like Cruz del Sur or Peru Hop. Booking overnight buses saves you the cost of a hostel night and moves you between cities efficiently.
2. Eat at the 'Mercado Central'. Avoid 'tourist menu' signs. Walk into the local municipal market in any town and look for the stalls where locals are sitting. A 'menu del dia' (soup, main, drink) costs between 8 and 12 Soles ($2-$3 USD).
3. Book excursions locally. Do not book your Machu Picchu or Salkantay trek from home. Walk into agencies on Plateros Street in Cusco two days before your planned departure. You will pay 30-40% less by booking locally.
4. Use the 'Colectivo' system. For short trips between nearby towns, skip the bus stations. Look for 'colectivos'—shared minivans—parked near city squares or designated corners. They are significantly cheaper and run as soon as they are full.

Is it safe to drink the tap water?

No. Always use a filter bottle or buy large 5-liter jugs to refill a smaller bottle to minimize plastic waste and cost.

Should I bring US dollars or Soles?

Bring a debit card that refunds ATM fees. Withdraw Soles directly from bank ATMs (like BCP or BBVA) in cities. Avoid airport exchange booths.

Can I bargain for tours?

Yes. When booking treks or day tours in person, never pay the first price. Ask for a discount if you are paying in cash or if you are booking for more than one person.