Planning a trip is already the beginning of a dream. And when it comes to Peru, the imagination runs wild: sacred mountains, cobbled streets, colorful markets, raw nature, and living traditions. But to keep the dream realistic, it’s essential to think carefully about your budget.
Good news: with a little organization, two weeks in Peru can be rich in experience without costing a fortune. Here’s a realistic and warm estimate, inspired by a trip planned with simplicity and authenticity.
International Flights: A Big Expense, But Not Unmanageable
Plane tickets are often the biggest share of the budget. On average, a round-trip flight between Paris and Lima costs between €700 and €1,000 depending on the season, airline, and how far in advance you book. If you book early, accept a stopover, and travel outside of July–August or the holiday season, you can find flights around €850–€900 including checked baggage.
Getting Around Peru: Night Buses, Collectivos, and Maybe One Domestic Flight
Peru is a vast country, but for a two-week trip, there’s no need to cross it end to end. It’s more enjoyable to focus on one region — like Cusco and Machu Picchu — or combine Arequipa, Lake Titicaca, and the Sacred Valley.
Long-distance buses are comfortable, reliable, and very affordable: a 10-hour ride in a bus cama costs between €15 and €30 depending on the company. A domestic flight, for instance from Lima to Cusco, can be found for €40–€50 if booked in advance.
Counting three long-distance journeys, a few collectivos, and one domestic flight, you can expect to spend about €150–€180 in total.
Accommodation: Simple, Welcoming, and Often Unforgettable
Sleeping in Peru can be very affordable, especially if you opt for small local guesthouses or homestays. A night in a basic double room costs between €15 and €25, sometimes less in rural areas. The best part is that you pay very little for a great deal of human warmth.
By staying in authentic places — without unnecessary luxury but with genuine hospitality — you can estimate around €250–€300 for 13 or 14 nights.
Eating in Peru: Generous and Affordable Cuisine
Peruvian gastronomy is one of the richest in South America and remains accessible to all budgets. Menus del día in local restaurants cost between €2 and €5 for a starter, main course, and drink. You can eat very well for under €10 per day, while discovering local specialties like ají de gallina, papas rellenas, or ceviche.
Including a few more “comfort” meals in tourist-friendly restaurants, a food budget of €160–€180 for two weeks is more than enough.
Activities and Visits: A Mix of Heritage, Nature, and Unique Experiences
Again, it depends on what you choose to do, but some activities are must-sees:
Entry to Machu Picchu costs between €45 and €70 depending on time slot and access.
Round-trip train to Aguas Calientes costs about €60–€120.
The shuttle bus from town to the site is €24 round-trip.
A tour of Lake Titicaca to Uros and Taquile costs between €20 and €30.
A guided day in the Sacred Valley is about €30–€40.
A 2-day excursion to the Colca Canyon can cost around €50–€60.
By selecting a few meaningful activities without trying to do it all, a visits and activities budget of €200–€300 is reasonable.
Everyday Expenses: Water, Souvenirs, SIM Card...
Even though the cost of living is lower than in Europe, it’s wise to budget for day-to-day expenses:
Bottled water costs around €1 per day.
A local SIM card with data costs €8–€12.
Souvenirs like textiles, coffee, chocolate, or handmade crafts can cost €30–€50 depending on your generosity.
Also plan a few euros for tips, laundry, or a coffee in a beautiful plaza.
Altogether, these small expenses may amount to around €50–€80 over two weeks.
Estimated Total for Two Weeks in Peru
Adding everything up, a two-week trip to Peru costs on average €1,700 to €1,900 per person, all included. This covers flights, domestic transport, accommodation, meals, excursions, and daily expenses.
Of course, the budget may vary depending on your travel style. A simpler trip can be done for around €1,500. On the other hand, if you prefer comfortable hotels, direct flights, and upscale dining, it’s easy to go beyond €2,000.
Travel Better — Not Necessarily More Expensively
Peru remains an affordable destination — but above all, it’s profoundly enriching. Traveling slowly, favoring local encounters and authentic experiences, often means saving money while gaining much more.
What really matters are not the miles traveled or the photos ticked off a list. It’s the faces you meet, the stories shared, the moments lived fully.
And that, in the end, is priceless.
