Exploring Peru: Your Ultimate Guide to a Budget vs. Luxury Travel Experience
$1000 vs $100: Your Luxury or Budget Trip to Peru
Get set to explore the wonders of Peru, where there's something for everyone, regardless of your budget. Whether you're a savvy traveler with $100 a day to spare or you're ready to treat yourself to luxury with $1000, Peru has got you covered.
In this complete guide to experiencing Peru, we're diving into both budget-friendly adventures and high-end luxuries, making sure your trip to Peru is as good as it gets!
Planning Your Trip to Peru
Prefer to watch rather than read? Check out our full video guide below!
1. Peru: Where to Go and What to See
A. FLYING INTO PERU
Lima, the capital of Peru, is going to be your best flight option for arriving to the country. Flying into Lima will give you the most direct routes, and is where most flights to other cities in Peru will connect from.
We recommend at least one night in Lima to rest, enjoy the city, and to get acclimated to the altitude! There’s plenty to explore in Lima before embarking on the rest of your Peruvian journey.
THINGS TO DO IN LIMA
The center of Lima is listed as a UNESCO site! Wander the charming streets of the center of Lima which is known for its colonial architecture and historic landmarks such as Plaza Mayor, Lima Cathedral, and Government Palace.
Take a stroll along the scenic boardwalk in Miraflores. Miraflores is the neighborhood in Lima that overlooks the Pacific Ocean. Enjoy stunning views, visit the Parque del Amor, and watch paragliders overhead. Known for its surfing, stop along the beach to watch people catching waves, or rent your own board to join in the fun!
Peru is known for its delicious cuisine so why not try cooking it up for yourself! If cooking isn’t your forte, opt for a food tour instead where you can visit local markets and try authentic fares.
B. USE CUSCO AS A BASE
Cusco is a must visit when traveling to Peru. In fact, it is most likely the whole reason you’re visiting Peru! Cusco is the gateway to Peruvian gems like Machu Picchu and the Sacred Valley.
To get to Cusco from Lima, you have a few choice depending on timing and budget:
Take A Flight
The fastest and most convenient way to travel from Lima to Cusco is by air. Several airlines, including LATAM, Avianca, and Viva Air, operate daily flights between Lima and Cusco. Flying through the mountains, this flight can be a bit bumpy, but is by far the quickest way to reach Cusco.
Round-trip flights typically cost anywhere from $90-250 per person.
Take A Bus
If you prefer a more budget-friendly option and have time to spare, you can take a bus from Lima to Cusco. Several bus companies offer this trek between the two cities, with varying levels of comfort and amenities. The journey by bus takes around 20 to 24 hours, depending on the route and stops along the way.
Most buses will cost you about $25 per person to reach Cusco from Lima.
Combination of Flight and Bus
Some travelers opt for a combination of flight and bus travel to reach Cusco from Lima for a more scenic option. Fly from Lima to a city closer to Cusco, such as Arequipa or Juliaca, and then take a bus or train from there to Cusco. While this option may take longer than a direct flight, it may be a cheaper option if flights are spiked to Cusco during peak season.
B. TRAVELING AROUND CUSCO
Sacred Valley
By using Cusco as a base, you will be able to access so many of the major ancient sites. The Sacred Valley is a must-do when visiting Peru and is just a bus ride away from Cusco!
Before heading to Machu Picchu, spend a night or two in the Sacred Valley where you’ll be able to visit the ancient salt pans of Maras and the farming terraces of Moray. These sites are only about an hour and a half from Cusco in the direction of Machu Picchu and are well worth the visit.
About an hour and a half drive from Cusco into the Sacred Valley, is a hotel you won’t regret booking. Visit the Vertical Sky Luxury Suites, a cliffside hanging hotel in Ollantaytambo. This unique stay gives you a 360-view of the mountains through every room’s glass ceiling!
For a more “grounded” stay, stay at the Intiterra resort and spa in Urubamba for ultimate relaxation.
TIP: Don’t rush to visit the Rainbow Mountains!
While the mountains are worth the visit, the high altitude can be a shock to your system without proper acclimation. Spend at least 2 nights in Cusco or the Sacred Valley before visiting the Rainbow Mountains for a better experience.
Tourism
If planning on visiting many of the protected ancient sites around Cusco, plan to purchase a Cusco Touristic Ticket. This ticket will get you into many of the sites and is more efficient than purchasing individual tickets if your travel plans aline with their requirements. The tourism pass can be purchased personally, but is also typically a component that is given to you when you are a part of a guided tour.
Transportation
Guided tours are a great way to get around to different sites and one of the best ways to learn about the history. More than likely, you tour will provide transportation which, in our opinion, makes it all worth it!
There are also many public transportation options and ride shares or taxis available. Because of the wide accessibility of transportation, we do not recommend renting a car when visiting Peru. Dealing with parking, fees, and unfamiliar road rules can become more of a hassle than it is worth.
2. Getting to Machu Picchu
A. TREKKING FROM CUSCO TO MACHU PICCHU
If your trip to Machu Picchu is begging for adventure, there is an option for you to skip transportation altogether by opting to trek from Cusco to Machu Picchu. There are a few options for trekking if this physical feat is for you:
Inca Trail Trek
The Inca Trail Trek can take anywhere from 2 to 8 days to trek. This trek is best to take on a guided tour and most guided tours will also include your entrance ticket into Machu Picchu. Permits are required for this trek and is recommended to do during the dry season of May to September.
This trek doesn’t just need to be a hike. Choose from a variety of guided trek options for add-ons like waterfall visits, river crossings, and even zip-lining to your trek.
B. TAKING THE PERURAIL TRAIN
There are no roads that lead directly to Machu Picchu, so taking a train to get to your destination is a must. The train from Cusco will take you to Aguas Calientes which is the nearest town to Machu Picchu and where most people stay when visiting.
The train is very accessible and offers a beautiful view of the jungle on our way out. There are a few different train operating companies, but we recommend taking the PeruRail because of its frequent services and variety.
TIP: You're only permitted to bring small hand luggage on the train.
If you're traveling around South America or Peru for longer and you want to store your larger luggage, there's luggage storage at the train station.
Alternatively, book the same hotel in Cusco for your return from Aguas Calientes and leave your larger luggage in storage at the hotel for safe keeping.
PERURAIL ON $1000 PER DAY BUDGET
The PeruRail is a common railroad service that will like you from Cusco to Aguas Clientes. The PeruRail offers a variety of different train experiences, some being budget and some being luxury.
The luxury trains that PeruRail offers are the Vistadome Observatory Train and the coveted Hiram Bingham train.
The Vistadome Observatory Train
This option is the slightly more luxury version of the standard train seats. You will experience a live music show and dance along with a drink, snack, and glass ceiling views. This option costs about twice as much as the standard seating at about $120 a person.
Hiram Bingham
This train experience is a true ride in luxury. At an average of $570 a person, this train ride will leave you in awe. Your ticket will include a 3-course lunch, entrance to Machu Picchu, and a private bus ride up to the Machu Picchu citadel. While priced with a luxury tag, this is a convenient transportation option if staying at their partner hotel, the Sanctuary Lodge.
PERURAIL ON $100 PER DAY BUDGET
Don’t let the numbers above worry you! There are more affordable ways to reach Aguas Calientes as well. Both the PeruRail and the Inca Rail offer budget options to get you to your destination. The PeruRail offers their Expedition train while the Inca Rail offers the Voyager. Both of these options are around $55 a person for a round trip ticket.
C. BUSSING TO MACHU PICCHU
No matter which train you take to Aguas Calientes, everyone who visits Machu Picchu must arrive by bus. While there are private shuttles offered for guests of the Sanctuary Lodge, the standard busses will be leaving for Machu Picchu every 10 min. If you’re weary of heights, we recommend choosing a seat in the middle of the bus. For those a bit braver? Take a peak over the edge of the windy road up!
3. Visiting Machu Picchu
Here’s what you’ve been waiting for! Now, there are a few ways to visit Machu Picchu, but we’re going to focus on two: budget vs. luxury.
A. MACHU PICCHU FOR $1000 PER DAY: ACCOMMODATIONS
Getting to Machu Picchu itself can be a feat. Reward yourself for the travel and planning that you’ve done by staying as close to Machu Picchu as you can.
Accommodations
The only hotel at Machu Picchu is the Sanctuary Lodge, a Belmond Hotel. Staying at the Sanctuary Lodge will put you mere steps away from the lost city of Machu Picchu. To get to the lodge, take the lodge operated private shuttle from the train station. The shuttles run every 20 minutes and the concierge will handle your luggage and assist with any late arrivals.
Experiences
One of the biggest perks of staying at Machu Picchu is the ability to be one of the first to enter the ancient site in the morning. Take in sunrise with nobody else around on an early access guided tour. This tour is only available by reservation through the Sanctuary Lodge. This in itself makes the stay worth it.
The lodge also offers authentic experiences like cocoa leaf reading, Andean shaman time-thanking ceremonies, and sunrise breakfasts looking over the ruins.
If this experience is in your budget, we still recommend going into Aguas Calientes for an afternoon to shop around, grab a bite of authentic food, and check out the town. The shuttle service from the hotel will take you easily to and from town.
B. MACHU PICCHU FOR $100 PER DAY: ACCOMMODATIONS
There are plenty of budget-friendly options for visiting Machu Picchu! Like most other visitors, the most cost-effective way to visit Machu Picchu is by staying in the nearby town of Aguas Calientes.
Accommodations
While there are plenty of accommodations in Aguas Calientes, we had a great experience at the Casa Andina Standard hotel. This hotel is located walking distance from the main attractions of the town without the hustle and bustle of tourism. Their included breakfast is open early enough for you to enjoy even if you’re on the first bus to Machu Picchu.
Experiences
Aside from visiting the ruins of Machu Picchu, there is plenty to do within the town of Aguas Calientes.
The name of the town itself means “Hot Waters” in Spanish. This is because of the hot springs located near town. Unwind after your long day of hiking with a soak in the natural thermal pools.
To connect more with nature, take the scenic walk to the Machu Picchu Butterfly House where you will find an array of butterflies native to the region. Explore the gardens and even take a hike behind the gardens for more mountain views.
4. What to Pack for a Trip to Peru
Packing light is essential to a seamless trip to Peru. Luggage size limitations on the trains requires you to pack solely in hand-luggage.
Want help packing down into a carry-on ONLY? Watch our video on Peru Packing Tips - 1 Week in a Carry-On.
6. Navigating Peruvian Culture
A. LANGUAGE
The national language of Peru is Spanish! When traveling to a new country, it is always good to know a few common phrases to be able to show your respect.
A few good words and phrases to know in Spanish are:
Buenos Días - Hello/Good Afternoon
Gracias - Thank you
Por Favor - Please
B. FOOD AND DRINK
Peru's food and drink culture reflects its diverse resources. Be sure to try fresh Peruvian ceviche and Lomo Saltado, some of our favorites! While food can be a luxury experience while traveling, in Peru, it doesn’t have to be. There is a wide variety of multi-course restaurants and delicious food stalls and markets.
No matter the budget, don’t leave Peru without trying their national drink, the pisco sour!
C. RESPECTING THE ANCIENT HISTORY
Peruvian culture demands deep respect for its ancient history, particularly the important legacies of civilizations like the Incas. From Machu Picchu to the Sacred Valley, these sites are sacred and spiritual spaces.
When visiting these sites, be sure to be aware of actions that may be seen as disrespectful like noise levels, taking care of any garbage, and listening to your guides.
and…
please don’t touch or get too close to the llamas.
Your Ultimate Trip to Machu Picchu
Tim and Fin will take you on their personal experience of living on two budgets while visiting Peru. They did Peru wrong so that you don't have to.
For the ultimate guide to planning your budget or luxury trip to Peru, be sure to watch the video below!
No matter what your budget is, we hope this blog has helped you to navigate your way through planning a trip to Peru that is perfect for you!
