How Much Does It Cost to Travel to Cusco in 2025?
May 9, 2025

How Much Does It Cost to Travel to Cusco in 2025?

Planning a trip to Cusco, Peru in 2025? Whether you’re visiting ancient Inca sites, hiking the Andes, or exploring the Sacred Valley, understanding the full cost of your trip will help you budget better and travel smarter. From flights and accommodation to tours and daily expenses, this guide provides a complete breakdown of what to expect when visiting Cusco in 2025.

Let’s explore what it really costs to experience Cusco and nearby gems like the Sacred Valley of the Incas Tour.

Why Visit Cusco?

Cusco is a city rich in history, charm, and adventure. Once the capital of the Inca Empire, it’s now a popular gateway to Machu Picchu and many of Peru’s most iconic sites. The city is a blend of colonial architecture and ancient ruins, vibrant markets, and incredible cuisine.

1. Flights to Cusco

International Flights

  • From the US/Canada: $600 to $1,000 roundtrip
  • From Europe: $800 to $1,200 roundtrip

Most international flights arrive in Lima. From there, travelers take a domestic flight to Cusco.

Domestic Flights (Lima to Cusco)

  • One-way fares range from $40 to $120
  • Local airlines include LATAM, Sky Airline, and JetSMART

Booking in advance and flying mid-week can help reduce flight costs.

2. Accommodation in Cusco

Budget

  • Hostels and guesthouses: $10 to $25 per night
  • Good for solo travelers and backpackers

Mid-Range

  • Boutique hotels and B&Bs: $40 to $100 per night
  • Offers more comfort and amenities

Luxury

  • High-end hotels: $150 to $500+ per night
  • Includes top hotels like Belmond and JW Marriott

Average travelers spend about $70 to $100 per night for mid-range comfort.

3. Food and Drink Costs

Cusco offers everything from street food to upscale dining. Here’s what to expect:

Street Food and Markets

  • Meals cost $2 to $5
  • Try local dishes like chicharrón, empanadas, or tamales

Mid-Range Restaurants

  • Meals cost $8 to $20 per person
  • Includes drinks and main dishes

Fine Dining

  • Upscale restaurants cost $30 to $60 per person
  • Excellent quality and unique menus

On average, daily food expenses range from $20 to $50 depending on your dining preferences.

4. Sacred Valley of the Incas Tour Costs

The Sacred Valley of the Incas Tour is one of the most popular excursions from Cusco, showcasing incredible sites like Pisac, Ollantaytambo, and Chinchero.

Group Tours

  • Cost: $30 to $70 per person
  • Includes transportation and guide
  • Some tours also include lunch

Private Tours

  • Cost: $120 to $300+ depending on group size and inclusions

Combo Tours (Sacred Valley + Machu Picchu)

  • Cost: $350 to $650
  • Includes transport, guide, accommodation, and Machu Picchu entry

Tourist Ticket (Boleto Turístico)

  • Full Ticket: ~$40 for access to multiple sites
  • Partial Ticket: ~$20 for limited site access

5. Machu Picchu and the Inca Trail

Machu Picchu is the highlight of any Cusco trip. There are several ways to visit:

Hiking the Inca Trail

  • 4-Day Classic Inca Trail: $600 to $900
  • 2-Day Short Inca Trail: $350 to $600
  • Includes meals, permits, guides, and camping or lodging

By Train

  • Expedition (budget train): $140 roundtrip
  • Vistadome (mid-range): $190 roundtrip
  • Hiram Bingham (luxury train): $450+ roundtrip

Machu Picchu Entry Tickets

  • General Entry: $50
  • Entry with Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain hike: $65 to $80

Book at least 3–6 months in advance for high season (May to September).

6. Additional Tours and Day Trips

Aside from Machu Picchu and the Sacred Valley, Cusco offers plenty of other affordable excursions:

Rainbow Mountain

  • Group tour: $30 to $70
  • Includes breakfast, lunch, and transport

Humantay Lake

  • Tour cost: $40 to $75
  • Full-day hike with meals and guide

Cusco City Tour

  • Cost: $15 to $40
  • Includes Cathedral, Qorikancha, and Sacsayhuamán

Maras and Moray Tour

  • Half-day tour: $25 to $50
  • Salt mines and agricultural terraces

These tours offer good value and allow you to see more of the region.

7. Transportation in Cusco

Airport Transfers

  • Private: $10 to $25
  • Shared shuttle: $5

Taxis

  • $2 to $4 within the city
  • Negotiate price in advance

Public Transport

  • Local buses (“combis”): $0.50 per ride

Private Driver for the Day (Sacred Valley)

  • Cost: $100 to $150

8. Entrance Fees

Beyond Machu Picchu, many historic sites require tickets.

Boleto Turístico (Tourist Ticket)

  • Full Ticket (10 days): ~$40
  • Partial Ticket (1 day): ~$20

Covers archaeological parks, museums, and cultural sites in Cusco and the Sacred Valley.

9. Shopping and Souvenirs

Cusco’s artisan markets are full of handcrafted goods. Prices vary depending on quality and bargaining skills.

Typical Prices

  • Wool Hat: $5 to $10
  • Alpaca Sweater: $20 to $50
  • Jewelry: $10 to $30
  • Textiles and Blankets: $15 to $60
  • Handcrafted Art: $20 to $100

Most vendors accept cash only.

10. Travel Insurance and Extras

Travel Insurance

  • Basic coverage: $40 to $80
  • Comprehensive: $100+

Tips and Gratuities

  • Recommended $5 to $10 per day for guides or drivers

SIM Card and Data

  • Local SIM with data: $10 to $20
  • Available at the airport or local shops

Estimated Daily Travel Costs in 2025

Budget Traveler

  • $40 to $60 per day
  • Hostels, public transport, market food, and group tours

Mid-Range Traveler

  • $100 to $180 per day
  • 3-star hotels, some private tours, restaurant dining

Luxury Traveler

  • $250+ per day
  • High-end hotels, private drivers, upscale meals and excursions

Sample 7-Day Trip Budget to Cusco (2025)

Budget Traveler

  • Flights: $700
  • Accommodation: $150
  • Food: $100
  • Tours and Tickets: $250
  • Transport and Other: $50
  • Total: $1,250

Mid-Range Traveler

  • Flights: $900
  • Accommodation: $560
  • Food: $300
  • Tours and Tickets: $500
  • Transport and Other: $100
  • Total: $2,360

Luxury Traveler

  • Flights: $1,200
  • Accommodation: $2,000
  • Food: $700
  • Tours and Tickets: $1,000
  • Transport and Other: $200
  • Total: $5,100

Final Thoughts

Traveling to Cusco in 2025 can be as affordable or luxurious as you want it to be. With a rich cultural history, world-famous attractions like Machu Picchu and the Sacred Valley of the Incas Tour, and a wide range of accommodation and dining options, Cusco offers something for every traveler and every budget.

Whether you’re hiking the Inca Trail or enjoying the view from the train, Cusco delivers adventure, history, and value all in one unforgettable destination.