Official Figures: How Much Does Traveling Peru Cost Per Day?

Thanks in part to the stellar efforts of an internationally recognized tourism promotion board known as Promperu, Peru's tourism industry continues to outpace international numbers. Last year, tourism grew by 8.5%, which is more than double the global average. 2.8 million international travelers visited Peru in 2012, with an estimated economic impact of US$2.3 billion. Last month, it received top prizes at the World Travel Awards for the third year in a row.

Recently released internal tourism figures show that foreign visitors spend an average of $100 per day during their trip in Peru.

Budget travelers should have no difficulty limiting themselves to just US$25 a day by limiting tours, eating in local restaurants offering set menus, and sleeping in hostels that offer shared dormitory accomodations. This allows for hot showers, but perhaps shared bathroom, as well as heaping meal portions, but limited local options.

When planning your trip, keep in mind that bus travel, while cheaper, can eat away at your itinerary. For example, it takes 21 hours to arrive in Cusco from Lima by bus, but only an hour and fifteen minutes by plane. Thus

You can certainly spend several hundred dollars a day as well, by choosing more expensive hotels, restaurants, and travel and tour options. Lima, Cusco, and Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu Pueblo) are Peru's more expensive cities for travelers.

The biggest expenses for travelers are treks to Machu Picchu, which can average around US$400 per person for the Inca Trail, or trips by train to Machu Picchu (including an overnight stay in Aguas Calientes and costing about the same).

While planning your travel budget, never assume that you'll be able to pay with credit card. Ask if it's possible ahead of time, and how much of a surcharge applies (expect it to be 6% or more). ATMs offer both Peruvian soles and American dollars, both of which are accepted by most hotels and hostels, travel agencies, and tourist-oriented restaurants. American dollars, however, must be pristine (no nicks or excessive folding) or they will be rejected even by the banks. When taxing taxis, shopping in markets, and eating in local restaurants, keep Peruvian soles in small denominations on hand.