Cusco Prices & Travel Costs

Last Updated: Jan 2024

Considering most people only find out about Cuzco when they learn that it’s the staging area for virtually every Machu Picchu trip, it’s a bit surprising to learn how delightful, gorgeous, and fun the place is all on its own. Some parts of your Cusco/Machu Picchu adventure will seem outrageously priced, so it’s good that many parts of the whole thing are quite cheap as well.

Cusco City Featured Image

Travel Costs to Cusco

Population 350,000
Area 350,000
Timezone UTC-5
Currency Peruvian Nuevo Sol
Airports Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport (CUZ)
BACKPACKER INDEX: US$34.26
1 USD = 3.6900 PEN
134 World cities ranked cheapest to most expensive: Backpacker Index for 2024

Accommodation Costs in Cusco

Cusco Hotel Seasons

Cusco Hotel Prices

Rating Price(USD)
starstarstarstarstar17.00 - 24.00
starstarstarstarstar23.00 - 68.00
starstarstarstarstar28.00 - 99.00
starstarstarstarstar83.00 - 162.00
starstarstarstarstar272.00 - 404.00

Cusco Hostels Prices

Type Price(USD)
Hostel Bed6.00 - 15.00

Cusco Attractions Prices

Location Description Type Price(USD)
Train Ollantaytambo to Machu Picchu (round-trip)The train itself from Cusco to Agua Calientes is slow and expensive. For about US$60 more you can buy a complete tour package from one of the hundreds of travel agencies in Cusco.
cheapest
deluxe
5-star
43.90
113.01
594.85
9-hour Sacred Valley bus tourThese all-day tours to see the surrounding valley are very popular and the price range you'll be quoted is wide even though tours are mostly the same.
high-end
low-end
24.66
8.13
Motorcycle rentalRent a motorcycle for the day. This is a great way to see the city without having to wait for a tour. Included in the price is a helmet, gloves and jacket.
adults
35.50
Machu PicchuMachu Picchu is either a bus and train ride away. This is what it costs to get inside once you arrive. Prices range a bit.
foreigners
34.69

Cusco Food and Drink Prices

Food Type Description Price(USD)
Budget breakfastIf your hotel doesn't include breakfast then go where locals go for great budget breakfasts.1.90 - 2.98
Budget lunchMany restaurants in the city center advertise combo places all in this price range.2.17 - 3.79
Budget dinnerFinding cheap dinner options in tourist restaurants is not difficult in Cusco if you look at signs and menus.3.79 - 5.96
Beer (.5l bottle)The local lager is advertised on special deals in many places. Night clubs will charge more, of course.1.08 - 2.17

Cusco Transport Prices

Type Price(USD)
Taxi from airport to city center2.17 - 3.52
3km taxi ride in Cusco0.81 - 1.36

Getting around Cusco

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When to visit Cusco

Temperature and rainfall

Month High F Low F Precip (inches)
January66464.3
February66463.1
March67453.1
April68430.9
May69380.1
June67340.1
July67330.1
August68360.2
September69400.4
October69431.1
November69451.8
December68453.0

Cusco Weather advice

Sunrise and sunset

21 Mar5:52am5:58pm
21 Jun6:10am5:29pm
21 Sep5:38am5:44pm
21 Dec5:18am6:14pm

Where to go before and after