Cusco on a Budget: How Much You Need for a 1-Week Trip

Are you planning your next trip to Cusco and need to set your budget? Cusco is the jewel of the Andes, with many tourist places, and you wonder how much money you need to spend the best vacation. Here are some facts that will help you assemble your travel budget to make the most of it.

Estimated budget for a week in Cusco

Types of travelers: backpacker, intermediate, or luxury.

Backpacker

Accommodation: Budget hostels or lodges from $7 – $12 USD per night (total: $50 – $85 USD for 7 nights).
Meals: There is a daily menu at local markets or small restaurants, and the prices range from $2 – $4 USD per meal (total: $50 – $70 USD).
Transportation: Local buses and shared taxis, approx. $10 – $15 USD per week.
Tours: Budget group tours such as Maras and Moray by minibus from $20 – $30 USD each (total: $60 – $90 USD).
Tickets: A Partial Tourist Ticket is $23 USD, and entrance to Machu Picchu with economic transportation (hydroelectric) is $60 – $80 USD.

Total: $230 – $340 USD

Maras and Moray Salt Mines

From $16

Intermediate

Accommodation: 2-3 star hotels from $20 – $35 USD per night (total: $140 – $245 USD).
Meals: Mid-range restaurants with varied options, $5 – $10 USD per meal (total: $105 – $140 USD).
Transportation: Minivans, taxis, and some private transfers, approx. $20 – $40 USD per week.
Tours: Classic tours such as the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu, with round-trip trains, cost $150 – $200 USD.
Tickets: Complete tourist ticket, which is $47 USD, Machu Picchu with train.

Total: $500 – $700 USD

Sacred Valley from Cusco

From $30

Luxury

Accommodation: Boutique or 4-5 star hotels from $80 – $150 USD per night (total: $560 – $1050 USD).
Meals: Gourmet restaurants and unique experiences, such as dinners with a view, cost $20 – $50 USD per meal (total: $420 – $700 USD).
Transportation: Private transfers and taxis, approx. $50 – $100 USD.
Tours: Exclusive private tours to the Sacred Valley and luxury panoramic train to Machu Picchu from $350 – $500 USD.
Tickets: Complete Tourist Tickets, VIP tickets, and extra experiences.

Total: $1500 – $2500 USD

Chinchero, Salt Mines, Moray, Ollantaytambo and Pisac

From $35

Suggested itinerary for a week in Cusco

Day 1: Arrival and adaptation

Activities: Stroll through the historic center and Plaza de Armas. Visit the San Pedro Market to try natural juices and buy handicrafts.

Estimated costs: $10 – $20 USD.

Day 2: City Tour

Places to visit: Sacsayhuamán, Qenqo, Puca Pucara and Tambomachay.

Cost: Group tour $15 – $30 USD + entrance (included in the Tourist Ticket).

Day 3: Sacred Valley

Places to visit: Pisac, Ollantaytambo and Chinchero.

Cost: Group tour $30 – $40 USD + entrance.

Tip: Take advantage of sleeping in Ollantaytambo and save time the next day.

Day 4: Machu Picchu

Access options: Train from Ollantaytambo ($120 – $150 USD round trip) or hydroelectric route for backpackers ($10 – $15 USD for land transport).

Entrance to Machu Picchu: $60 – $80 USD.

Day 5: Maras and Moray

Activities: ATV tour (optional) or group transportation.

Cost: $40 – $50 USD.

Tip: Try Maras salt.

Day 6: Vinicunca or Palcoyo Mountain

Cost: $35– $50 USD, includes transportation and guide.

Tip: Bring warm clothing and snacks.

Day 7: Free morning and shopping

Activities: Buy souvenirs in San Blas or visit museums.

Cost: $10 – $20 USD.

Tips to save money

Book in advance: Tickets to Machu Picchu and tours become more expensive at the last minute.
Eat at local markets: For less than $3 USD, you can fill up on dishes like “chufa” or “rocoto relleno.”
Travel in the low season: November to March is the rainy season, but prices decrease.
Use public transport: The minibusses are cheap and can get around the city well.

Budget for Machu Picchu

1.1 Prices per circuit in Machu Picchu

There are different circuits to explore Machu Picchu, each with a specific price. Here are the reference costs for 2025:

Circuit 1 or 2 (introductory tour): S/ 172 for foreigners, S/ 64 for Peruvians.
Circuit 4 plus Huayna Picchu: S/ 200 for foreigners, S/ 112 for Peruvians.
Circuit 3 plus Machu Picchu Mountain: S/ 200 for foreigners, S/ 112 for Peruvians.

1.2 Cost of the Ollantaytambo – Machu Picchu Pueblo train

The train is the most popular way to get to Aguas Calientes, the base town of Machu Picchu. Prices vary depending on the category:

Expedition (economic): From S/ 200 per section.
Vistadome (intermediate): From S/ 240 per section.
Hiram Bingham (luxurious): More than S/ 1,200 per section.

1.3 Cost of going up from Machu Picchu Pueblo (Aguas Calientes) to the Machu Picchu llacta

Round trip bus: S/ 96 for adults.
Stairs Hike: Free, but takes about 1.5 hours and is demanding.

1.4 Approximate total budget for traveling to Machu Picchu from Cusco

Adding tickets, train, bus, and other minor expenses, the approximate cost to visit Machu Picchu is:

Economic budget: S/ 500 – S/ 700.
Intermediate budget: S/ 1,200 – S/ 1,800.
Luxury budget: More than S/ 3,000.

Hotels in Cusco

Cusco offers a wide variety of accommodations to suit all budgets. Some examples:

Budget: Hostels and basic accommodations from S/ 40 per night.
Intermediate: Boutique or 3-star hotels from S/ 150 per night.
Luxurious: International chains or adapted colonial houses from S/ 600 per night.

Popular recommendations: Selina Cusco (budget), Tierra Viva Cusco (intermediate), and Palacio del Inka (luxury).

Restaurants

Cusco’s gastronomy is an unforgettable experience. Here are some approximate costs:

Cheap food: Local menus in markets or small restaurants from S/ 15.
Intermediate food: Tourist restaurants from S/ 40 – S/ 80 per person.
Luxury food: Gastronomic experiences from S/ 150 per person.

Recommended dishes: baked guinea pig, lomo saltado, and stuffed causa.

Transport

Transportation in Cusco includes economical and comfortable options:

Public transport: S/ 1 – S/ 3 each way.
Taxis within the city: S/ 6 – S/ 15 depending on the distance.
Tourist transfers: Private vans and buses for excursions, from S/ 20 – S/ 50 per trip.

Tickets to tourist attractions

Many of the archaeological sites require an entrance ticket. The Cusco Tourist Ticket is a popular option:

Partial: S/ 70 (access to a specific circuit).
Complete: S/ 130 (includes 16 sites).

Guides in Machu Picchu and other archaeological sites

Hiring a guide significantly improves the experience. Approximate costs:

Machu Picchu: From S/ 100 – S/ 200 per group (shared).
Other archaeological sites: From S/ 40 – S/ 80 per group.

Air or land tickets to Cusco

Aerial:

From Lima: S/ 200 – S/ 600 round trip (depending on the season and airline).

From other countries: Prices will depend on the point of origin, but they start at $400 USD.

Terrestrial:

Buses from Lima: From S/ 80 – S/ 200 (duration: 20 – 24 hours).

From Arequipa: S/ 70 – S/ 150 (duration: 10 hours).

Conclusion

Whether you’re looking for low-budget adventures or luxury experiences, Cusco fits all budgets. All you need is a little planning, and you’ll be able to enjoy the city without breaking the bank. Get ready for your next adventure in the Inca Empire!

Trip to Cusco for 1 week – Approximate budgets

Estimated budget for a week in Cusco

Backpacker

Maras and Moray Salt Mines

Intermediate

Sacred Valley from Cusco

Luxury

Chinchero, Salt Mines, Moray, Ollantaytambo and Pisac

Suggested itinerary for a week in Cusco

Day 1: Arrival and adaptation

Day 2: City Tour

Day 3: Sacred Valley

Day 4: Machu Picchu

Day 5: Maras and Moray

Day 6: Vinicunca or Palcoyo Mountain

Day 7: Free morning and shopping

Tips to save money

Budget for Machu Picchu

1.1 Prices per circuit in Machu Picchu

1.2 Cost of the Ollantaytambo – Machu Picchu Pueblo train

1.3 Cost of going up from Machu Picchu Pueblo (Aguas Calientes) to the Machu Picchu llacta

1.4 Approximate total budget for traveling to Machu Picchu from Cusco

Hotels in Cusco

Restaurants

Transport

Tickets to tourist attractions

Guides in Machu Picchu and other archaeological sites

Air or land tickets to Cusco

Aerial:

Terrestrial:

Conclusion

Are you ready for your next adventure?