What budget to travel Peru? Money and currency

What budget for activities and outings Peru?

Some sites offer children's, student's or senior's prices. While children and senior citizens have no trouble winning the case by presenting an identity document, student status is more difficult to prove. It is usually necessary to present a card with a photo and the date of the beginning and end of validity

In Lima some museums are free on the^first Sunday of each month. There is also the Night of the Museums, usually on the^3rd Sunday of May

The Peruvian Andes are obviously suitable for walking and hiking with an infinity of possibilities, once the altitude is dominated. On the other hand, the paths are not marked, so it is necessary to follow the recommendations of the locals or to be accompanied by a guide for the more isolated hikes. Social networks host groups of local hikers who pay a yearly subscription to an association to organize group outings. The Cordillera Blanca is the scenario of incredible and very physical treks, but that can only be done with a guide and adapted equipment.

Lima is not to be outdone and the pandemic has generated a new generation of sportsmen who jog along the Malecón (the walk along the cliffs). You can also rent a bike or a surfboard on the beach.

Don't hesitate to join the salsa parties that are often offered, especially in Lima (Callao hosts excellent salsa groups)

You have to compare! And don't hesitate to bargain or buy in groups. Merchants more easily offer discounts on several purchases. Another argument can be to indicate that you intend to pay in cash. In the markets card payments will not be possible, in the classic handicraft shops it is. Take into account the quality of the product, which can vary greatly from one place to another. In the shops of associations or producers, the prices are more difficult to negotiate, but you realize that the quality is quite different.

Going out in Peru is rather reserved for a population with a comfortable standard of living, because the cost of a cocktail is often higher than that of a menu. Cocktail bars, wine bars and craft breweries have flourished, especially in Lima. Here, it is welcome to leave a tip. There are also many smaller bars that serve popular beers or alcoholic beverages, but often of lower quality. For shows, it is possible to buy tickets in advance on the Internet, for example on sites like teleticket.com. In Lima, there are some very successful traditional dance shows. In Trujillo, you can attend shows of marinera and caballo de paso. In Cusco, the Qosko center offers a show that is included in the tourist ticket that the city offers.

What budget to eat Peru?

All price ranges can be found here. There are many ways to find small snacks or hearty meals at street vendors, markets or small popular restaurants. On the other hand, if you stop at a cafeteria, a good quality coffee and a sandwich or cake will easily cost S/25 to S/30, the price of a full menu elsewhere. It's all a matter of taste and desires.

Meals up to S/ 30. It is possible to eat for less in many establishments within the cities. The most touristy places are not always the cheapest. For the cheapest restaurants, check the hygiene conditions. They rarely accept payment by credit card. Many restaurants offer a set menu at lunchtime with suggestions on the slate, but desserts are rare.

Meals range from S/ 30 to S/ 100. A la carte, you will find happiness in this price range for quality products. We eat well and generously in Peru, do not worry. Certain small hotels will also carry out dishes on request. Be careful, the bill rises quickly if you add alcohol, a dessert or a coffee

It is possible to ask to take away an uneaten portion "para llevar".

The small breaks are a budget to be planned in addition. Indeed, if you can have a cheap lunch, coffees, desserts or cocktails when they are of quality have a higher cost. Let's say from S/15 approximately. But you can also take into account the place, the time spent and the service received. A good idea is to try the desserts of the street vendors: mazamora (compote), arroz con leche (rice pudding) or picarones (fried doughnuts).

What is the budget for accommodation Peru?

Peru offers a wide variety of prices and comfort. The more touristic regions have more choices and it is not uncommon to find alternative accommodations, glampings, cabañas or lodges, but in a more upscale category. You can always find small hotels or hostels at reasonable prices up to S/ 100 or 30 US$ for a double room. These are usually family-run hotels. In some of them, the service is still good and the atmosphere very relaxed. However, you should not dwell on the details. Youth hostels and dormitories have been renovated in the last few years in line with the workation trend. So there are also new attractive places with many services (kitchen, luggage storage, tours, parties). Air BnB also works very well locally. A classic hotel equivalent to our 2** is around 40 US$ and 60 US$ per room. Finally, a more comfortable room and/or a room with charm oscillates around 70 US$ to 120 US$, all depends also on the region and the season. Do not hesitate to book directly on the hotel websites

Travel budget Peru and cost of living

Even if the cost of living has risen considerably in recent times, a trip to Peru is still affordable (but far less cheap than Bolivia). One can stay in a hotel (double room with private bathroom, but hot water not guaranteed) for S/ 50 per person. For S/ 100 to S/ 180 per person, one reaches the range corresponding to a 2-star hotel of European standards. For a palace with swimming pool, sauna, tennis and other amenities, it is necessary to count approximately 100 US$ for two.

For food, it depends on your expectations, but it is possible to plan for about S/45 per day and per person and to be well fed. As soon as you want to do something more chic or enjoy a nice evening, the bill increases of course.

Flying is not ruinous either. The strong competition of the last few years has brought the prices down. As for the bus, the most convenient and comfortable way if you choose a recommended company, it is very affordable. More comfortable, the trains are also much more expensive, compared to the other means of transport, because they are essentially for tourist and/or luxury purposes, especially to go to Machu Picchu and between Arequipa, Puno and Cusco

Tipping. It is customary to leave a tip of about 10% to a tour guide, to the restaurant... In the good restaurants, you will be systematically asked if you want to include the tip when paying by credit card, it is not mandatory, but very expected. On the other hand, no tip in a cab, a hotel, etc. In any case, a tip is at your discretion

Haggling is de rigueur in tourist markets, but not in stores with a street address, except in exceptional cases. When haggling, remember that the price of a handicraft item (a wool sweater for example) is ridiculous. If you get 5 soles, you save about 1.50 €. This is a pittance for you, but a lot of money for the seller. Don't overdo it. But, of course, don't let yourself be taken advantage of (some shopkeepers charge 10 times the normal price, especially if you don't speak a word of Spanish)

Taxes. Most prices include an 18% sales tax (for purchases with an invoice), which foreigners are not subject to. The only way to get a refund is to make your purchase just before boarding the plane at the airport. You should also know that hotel nights are exempt from the 18%