Are you planning a trip to Cusco for 2026 and need a budget? Then you have come to the right place. Cusco, the ancient capital of the Inca Empire and the main access point to Machu Picchu, is one of the most important destinations in South America. Its historical and archaeological richness makes it an essential trip for many, but planning the financial aspect is key for a successful experience.
The total cost of a trip to Cusco can vary significantly depending on several factors. The main components of the budget include air transportation, the type of accommodation, the cost of tours and entrance fees to archaeological sites (with Machu Picchu being the most significant), food, and, very importantly, the season in which you travel (high season vs. low).
This guide has been designed to break down these costs and offer an estimated budget for traveling to Cusco in 2026. Below, we will mention the range of costs for different travel styles. The goal is to provide a practical tool that allows you to calculate a realistic budget adapted to your expectations.
How Much Does It Cost to Travel to Cusco?
Below is a breakdown of the average costs for the main components of a trip to Cusco. It is important to keep in mind that these prices are for reference and can vary depending on the season (high or low), how far in advance you book, and your travel style. (Reference exchange rate: $1 USD = S/ 3.80)
How Much Do Flights to Cusco Cost?
For most international travelers, the entry point to Peru is the Lima airport (LIM). From there, you must take a domestic flight to Cusco (CUZ).
- Flight Lima - Cusco (round trip): The cost of an airline ticket generally ranges between S/ 300 and S/ 600 (approximately $80 - $160), depending on the airline, season, and how far in advance you buy.
- Other national flights: There are also direct routes from other cities like Arequipa, with prices that usually start from S/ 200 ($52).
How Much Does Accommodation in Cusco Cost?
We can find different hotel prices in Cusco depending on the category and services they offer.
Cusco offers a great variety of accommodations for all types of tourists, among the best areas to stay are: the Historic Center, Plaza de Armas, and the San Blas Neighborhood. The average prices per night for two people are:
- Hostels and budget accommodations: Between S/ 80 and S/ 150 ($21 - $40).
- 3-star hotels (mid-range): Between S/ 150 and S/ 300 ($40 - $80).
- 4 and 5-star hotels (high-end): From S/ 300 and up (from $80).
How Much Does Local Transportation in Cusco Cost?
The historic center of Cusco is best explored on foot. For longer distances, these are the options and their approximate costs:
- Public Bus: The fare costs around S/ 1.00 per trip. It is the cheapest method, although using it requires knowing the routes.
- Taxis: Taxis in Cusco do not use a meter, so you must negotiate the price before getting in. A short ride within the historic center usually costs between S/ 5 and S/ 8 ($1.30 - $2.10). A trip to nearby places like Sacsayhuaman can cost between S/ 10 and S/ 15 ($2.60 - $4.00). It is recommended to use taxi apps to get a fixed rate.
- Car Rental: It is an option for those who want to explore the Sacred Valley independently. The rental of a basic vehicle starts at around S/ 130 ($35) per day, not including fuel.
How Much Does It Cost to Eat Out in Cusco?
The gastronomy in Cusco is exceptionally varied, with options that fit all budgets. The prices depend a lot on the area, with the historic center being more expensive, and on the type of establishment. For an authentic and economical experience, the best option is the local restaurants that offer the "menu of the day," which consists of a complete meal with soup, a main dish, and a drink.
- Menu of the day (Budget): Between S/ 8 and S/ 15 ($2 - $4 USD). They are easily found in the San Pedro Market and on streets adjacent to the Plaza de Armas.
- A la Carte Restaurants (Mid-Range): A main dish in a tourist restaurant costs between S/ 30 and S/ 70 ($8 - $18 USD).
- Common Drinks:
→ National beer: S/ 8 - S/ 12 ($2.10 - $3.15 USD).
→ Coffee or cappuccino: S/ 8 - S/ 15 ($2.10 - $4 USD).
→ Personal water or soda: S/ 2 - S/ 3 ($0.53 - $0.79 USD).
How Much Do Tourist Attractions in Cusco and its Surroundings Cost?
To visit most of the archaeological sites in the region, the most convenient option is to buy the Boleto Turístico del Cusco (BTC) or Cusco Tourist Ticket. This ticket gives you access to multiple attractions, although it is important to know that it does not include entrance to Machu Picchu.
- Integral Tourist Ticket: It is the most complete option.
→ Price: S/ 130 ($35 USD) for foreign tourists.
→ Validity: 10 days.
→ Includes: 16 places like Sacsayhuamán, Pisac, Ollantaytambo, Chinchero, and Moray. - Partial Tourist Tickets: Ideal for short stays.
→ Price: S/ 70 ($18 USD) for each circuit.
→ Options: You can choose the circuit of the archaeological sites near the city, or the one for the Sacred Valley, among others.
There are very important attractions that you will have to pay for separately, as they are not included in any tourist ticket. The main ones are the Catedral de Cusco (Cusco Cathedral) (S/ 40 or $11 USD), the Templo Qorikancha (Qorikancha Temple) (S/ 15 or $4 USD), and the Salineras de Maras (Maras Salt Mines) (S/ 10 or $2.60 USD).
Many travelers prefer the convenience of organized tours that package transportation, a guide, and sometimes meals. The average prices for the most popular tours are:
- Machu Picchu Tour with entrance fees: From $327 USD.
- Machu Picchu + Huayna Picchu Mountain Tour: From $404 USD.
- Trekking on Rainbow Mountain: From $27 USD.
- Day trip to Humantay Lagoon: From $35 USD.
- Sacred Valley of the Incas Tour: From $18 USD (generally does not include the BTC or lunch).
- Free tour of Cusco: It has no fixed cost, but it is recommended to leave a tip of S/ 10 to S/ 20 ($3 - $5 USD).
Estimated Budget for a Week in Cusco
Below are three approximate budget profiles for a 7-day, 6-night stay in Cusco. These costs are per person and do not include flights to get to the city, as their prices vary drastically. (Reference exchange rate: $1 USD = S/ 3.80)
- Budget-Friendly: S/ 150 - S/ 200 ($40 - $53) per day
This profile includes accommodation in shared hostels, meals in local markets and "menu" restaurants, use of public transportation, and booking basic group tours for the main attractions.
Approximate weekly total: S/ 1,050 - S/ 1,400 ($275 - $370) per person. - Mid-Range Budget: S/ 350 - S/ 500 ($92 - $132) per day
This profile considers accommodation in 3-star hotels, meals in a variety of a la carte restaurants, use of taxis for greater comfort, and booking tours in smaller groups or with improved services.
Approximate weekly total: S/ 2,450 - S/ 3,500 ($645 - $920) per person. - Luxury Budget: S/ 950 and up (from $250) per day
This profile covers accommodation in 4 or 5-star hotels, dinners in high-end restaurants, use of private transportation, and booking private and personalized tours, including higher-category train services for the visit to Machu Picchu.
Approximate weekly total: S/ 6,650 and up (from $1,750) per person.
Is the Trip to Machu Picchu Expensive?
The cost of a trip to Machu Picchu is not fixed, but rather is highly variable and adapts to the budget and style of each traveler. It is possible to make the visit on a tight budget, using the most economical services, or transform it into a luxury experience with significantly higher costs. Therefore, it is not an inherently expensive destination, but it is one where the traveler's decisions define the final price.
The two components with the greatest impact on the budget are the train transportation and the entrance ticket. The train prices vary drastically between the standard services (like Expedition or Voyager) and the panoramic or luxury trains that include on-board services (like Vistadome or Hiram Bingham). Similarly, the cost of the entrance ticket to the citadel increases if you choose the circuits that allow you to climb the additional mountains, such as Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain.
Other factors that influence the cost are the type of guide and the logistics of the itinerary. The price of a tour varies if you opt for a tour in a large group, one in a small-group service, or if you hire a private guide for a more personalized experience. Finally, the decision to spend the night in Aguas Calientes instead of doing a full-day tour from Cusco also increases the budget, as the costs of accommodation and food in the town must be added.
Best Tours in Cusco
Many are the routes that take you to Machu Picchu, but none is like the Inca Trail Tours, the most famous pedestrian path in the Americas. After flying from the capital of Perú, Lima, you will arrive in Cusco to walk for four days along a path through forests and dense fog, millenary stone steps and discovering the ruins of ancient fortifications and Inca cities, and all the time enjoying majestic views.
- Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu 5 days
- Hiking the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu 5 days
- Inca Quarry Trail 4 Days
- 2 Day Inca Trail Tour
- 2 Day Inca Trail with Camping
- 3 Day Inca Trail
- Vilcabamba Hike to Machu Picchu 6 days
- Choquequirao trek to Machu Picchu 9 days
- Ausangate trek 7 days
If you want to visit Machu Picchu, we recommend you to book your Machu Picchu Ticket in advance, so you will enjoy your Vacation in Machu Picchu without any problem.
