7-Day Peru Itinerary With Guide + Budget (Pinoy Solo Traveler)
By DAN FORTEZA
This post may contain affiliate links which means if you purchase something through that link, I will make a small commission at no additional cost to you. Think of it as buying a cup of coffee for me on someone else. Thanks & enjoy!
If you ask me what’s my favorite country out of the growing list of countries I visited, it would be hard to answer honestly. But definitely Peru would always pop into my head alongside Japan as my reply. Personally, visiting Peru’s Machu Picchu has always been a dream of mine ever since I was in high school and got fascinated into world geography.
Read also: my Sapporo, Japan winter itinerary with its must-see attractions.
That’s why in this blog, I decided to share a more detailed budget travel guide of Peru taken from my two-week South American travel blog article. Thus, expect that I’ll be sharing my 7-day Peru itinerary when I visited this amazing South American country last December complete with trip to the glorious Machu Picchu and Rainbow Mountain. If you’re a budget traveler like me, this blog is without a doubt for you.
NOTE: Before you set foot to Peru or other South American countries, be sure to get your yellow fever vaccination first. If you’re somewhere around Manila in the Philippines, you can get it at the Bureau of Quarantine.
Read also: my blog on how to get your Yellow Fever Vaccine in Manila.
Hi there! First of all, I am Daniel – a solo backpacker from the Philippines. If you don’t know my story yet, feel free to read this article where I talked about how I quit my job in order to travel. This article was also featured on TripZilla Philippines.
DO YOU NEED A VISA?
If you’re also a Philippine Passport holder, you can enter and travel around Peru up to 90 days without a visa. This is also true to other South American countries where Filipinos can enter visa-free! I was lucky enough to visit Brazil, Colombia, and Ecuador in South America which are visa-free countries for Filipinos.
If you’re from another country, you might want to check first the visa policy of Peru to verify whether you need a visa or not.
PERU 🇵🇪
HOW I GOT TO PERU?
Finding a cheap flight ticket to Peru from the Asia-Pacific region is a bit difficult. They’re way more expensive in comparison to flights within Southeast Asia!
In my case, I utilized different airlines to jump from one country to another within South America. This is also to maximize my travel itinerary while only in a two-week vacation and to take advantage being halfway around the world.
Here were my flight itineraries with costs:
- Manila (Philippines) – Sao Paolo (Brazil) [$927.80 Round Trip]
- Sao Paolo (Brazil) – Rio De Janeiro (Brazil) [$92.18]
- Rio De Janeiro (Brazil) – Lima (Peru) [$301.40]
- Lima (Peru) – Cusco (Peru) [$58.84]
- Cusco (Peru) – Lima (Peru) [$70.33]
- Lima (Peru) – Bogota (Colombia) [$94.25]
- Bogota (Colombia) – Quito (Ecuador) [$314.90]
- Quito (Ecuador) – Sao Paolo (Brazil) [$313.50]
- Sao Paolo (Brazil) to Manila (Philippines) [included in RT]
NOTE: Manila to Sao Paolo route (and vice versa) was via Ethiopian Airlines and has two layovers at Hong Kong and Addis Ababa airports. No transit visa needed.
Read also: how to check if you need a visa for transiting.
Timeline (of when I purchased them) and flight details are found here.
If you’re also coming from the Philippines (or wherever in the world actually), I suggest you check Kayak as they usually offer cheap fare rates compared to other booking sites. Per my experience, they’re the best! Refer to Kayak’s widget below.
HOW TO GET AROUND PERU?
- Intercity Flight
- Flying is the quickest way you can travel from one city to another (e.g., Lima to Cusco). As mentioned above, you can book using Kayak to get yourself the best flight deals available.
- Intercity Flight
- Taxi – Cities of Lima and Cusco
- Uber Taxi – Hailing an Uber taxi is the most convenient way of getting around big cities in Peru. Uber is also widely used in other South American countries such as Brazil, Colombia, and Ecuador.
- Taxi – Cities of Lima and Cusco
TIP: You should integrate your credit/debit card as your primary payment method when using the Uber app, so you won’t have to worry about paying in cash. Your Uber app will also adapt to the local currency of your location (e.g., Brazil or Colombia.)
- Train – Cusco to Machu Picchu Pueblo (a.k.a Aguas Calientes)
-
Incarail.com – Book your train ticket in advance online to avoid any hassle. Incarail is the site I used to book my transport ticket from Cusco City to Machu Picchu (Aguas Calientes). It consists of two transport services (called Bimodal):
– Minibus (Cusco to Ollantaytambo) and then;
– Train (Ollantaytambo to Machu Picchu Pueblo.)
-
Incarail.com – Book your train ticket in advance online to avoid any hassle. Incarail is the site I used to book my transport ticket from Cusco City to Machu Picchu (Aguas Calientes). It consists of two transport services (called Bimodal):
- Train – Cusco to Machu Picchu Pueblo (a.k.a Aguas Calientes)
Here were my train itineraries with costs:
- Cusco – Machu Picchu [$79]
- Machu Picchu – Cusco [$76]
- Subtotal: $155
Timeline (of when I purchased them) and train details are found here.
NOTE: I have only listed the transport services I used during my 7-day Peru itinerary travel. In case you have more time, you can also use more public transport such as buses, mototaxi, shared taxis (called Collectivos) etc.
WHERE DID I STAY IN PERU?
You can book a room at any hotel in Peru through Agoda or Booking.com. I usually book my room accommodations through booking.com. Room accommodation ranges from cheap hostels to luxury hotels. Book hostels through booking.com as they have free cancellation or pay-at-the-hotel option.
If hotel isn’t to your liking, try AirBnb. Airbnbs are immersed in neighborhoods, condos, and townhomes. There is a feeling you get when you stay in an Airbnb that makes you feel like you belong in that city or town. Since it is someone’s home, there is a certain amount of pride you feel while staying there. I have used Airbnb on some of my other trips and I loved it!
If you’re new to AirBnB, then you can get up to 43 USD free travel credit by signing up via this link
My Room Accommodations:
- Lima City
- Room type: Airbnb private room
- Cost per night: $14.18 [28.36 for 2 nights]
- Cusco City
- Name: La Casa De Ingrid in Cusco
- Room type: Private room
- Cost per night: $12 [$36 for 3 nights]
- Machu Picchu Pueblo (Aguas Calientes)
- Name: Pirwa & Waca Machu Picchu, now Illapa Inn Machupicchu
- Room type: Bed in 4-Bed Dormitory Room
- Cost per night: $6.3 [$12.6 for 2 nights]
- Subtotal: $76.96
ANY OTHER TICKETS TO BUY IN ADVANCE?
I highly suggest you book your Machu Picchu ticket in advance to avoid running out of slot on the day you intend to visit the ruins.
If you also intend to hike Waynu Picchu (that beautiful mountain backdrop in Machu Picchu), you really need to book your ticket in advance as it is only limited to 200 hikers per day. I recommend you book its ticket at least 3-6 months prior to your hike.
You will then choose whether you want to add the additional Waynu Picchu hike when booking your ticket online. You will also choose your preferred schedule (I chose 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM.) Check out their website here.
If you’re wondering what does the Machu Picchu ticket look like, here is mine.
TIP: In case this also happens to you: one problem I encountered when booking my Machu Picchu ticket online was my credit/debit card not being accepted by its booking website. So I booked my hostel in Cusco in super advance and then requested the hostel owner to assist me in paying the Machu Picchu ticket. The hostel owner was very kind enough to help me.
Or just simply book yourself the Machu Picchu entrance tickets at Viator, this is totally hassle-free. Here are the links:
In addition, book a tour to Rainbow Mountain as well. This is something you should not miss whenever you’re in Cusco!
Book the Rainbow Mountain one-day tour.
- Machu Picchu + Waynu Picchu ticket [$60]
- Rainbow Mountain tour [$31.50]
- Subtotal: $91.5
MY 7-DAY PERU ITINERARY
DAY 1: EXPLORING LIMA CITY
- PEN 195 – Sim Card with Internet (Lima Airport)
- PEN 37.5 – Uber Taxi: Jorge Chavez (LIM) Airport to Airbnb Apartment in Lima
- PEN 2 – Bread
- PEN 1.5 – Bottled Juice
- PEN 12.5 – Uber Taxi from Apartment to Lima Square
- PEN 16 – Lunch: Chaufa con Pollo (Fried Rice, Chicken, Potatoes)
- PEN 16 – Dinner: Chaufa con Pollo (Fried Rice, Chicken, Potatoes)
- PEN 2 – Bottled Water
- PEN 9.5 – Uber Taxi: Lima Square to Apartment
- Subtotal: PEN 292
NOTE: You probably will notice a lot of ‘Chaufa con Pollo‘ on the list of my expenses during my stay in Peru. It means Fried Rice with Chicken. Well, as an Asian, I love rice! Since I am not so familiar with their food or how it tastes like, I prefer going for anything with RICE!
DAY 2: EXPLORING LIMA CITY (2)
- PEN 3.5 – Some Coffee near my apartment
- PEN 3 – Laundry Detergent and Fabric Conditioner
- PEN 1.5 – Bottled Water
- PEN 9.2 – Uber Taxi: Apartment to Lima Square
- PEN 16 – Lunch: Chaufa con Pollo (Fried Rice, Chicken, Potatoes)
- PEN 16 – Dinner: Chaufa con Pollo (Fried Rice, Chicken, Potatoes)
- PEN 11.5 – Uber Taxi: Somewhere in to Apartment
- Subtotal: PEN 60.7
DAY 3: EXPLORING CUSCO CITY
- PEN 33 – Uber Taxi: Apartment to Jorge Chavez (LIM) Airport
- PEN 10.5 – McBreakfast at LIM Airport
- PEN 25 – Regular Taxi: Cusco (CUZ) Airport to La Casa De Ingrid Hostel
- PEN 5.05 – Uber Taxi: Hostel to Plaza Mayor
- PEN 20 – Sightseeing bus tour around Cusco City
- PEN 0.2- Toilet fee
- PEN 1 – Bread
- PEN 7 – Food (Chicken, Rice, Potato)
- Subtotal: PEN 101.75
NOTE: I’ve seen so many tour agents on the street offering tourists roaming around Plaza Mayor (center of Cusco). I took a chance and experienced Cusco City bus tour!
DAY 4: EN ROUTE TO MACHU PICCHU PUEBLO
- PEN 4.92 – Uber Taxi: Hostel to Plaza de Armas (then walk to Incarail office)
- PEN 25 – Food (Chaufa con Pollo) with Bottled water at Machu Picchu Pueblo
- Subtotal: PEN 29.92
DAY 5: EXPLORING MACHU PICCHU RUINS
- PEN 3 – Bottled water
- PEN 40 – Bus ticket: Pueblo to Machu Picchu ruins
- PEN 50 – Tour guide fee
- PEN 2 – Toilet fee
- PEN 40 – Bus ticket: Machu Picchu ruins to Pueblo
- PEN 6 – Bottled Water
- PEN 25 – Some Hamburger
- PEN 48 – Food (Chaufa con Pollo)
- Subtotal: PEN 214
NOTE: The Machu Picchu Ruins is accessible by either foot or by bus. If you go by foot, it will take you 2 to 3 hours from Machu Picchu Pueblo (a.k.a. Aguas Calientes). Piece of advice: just go with the bus! I saw some people regretting going on foot because they think they’re so tough haha! One way bus ticket is 12 USD or 40 PEN
ANOTHER NOTE: My original plan was just to explore Machu Picchu all by myself. However, when I was about to enter the entrance gate to Machu Picchu, a guy approached me and asked if I’d like to join his tour group for only 15USD (50 PEN). I said ‘sure’ and you know what, it turns out to be one of the best tours I had. Happy to also meet these amazing people/travelers!
TIP: Food is very expensive in Machu Picchu Pueblo. I recommend you bring or pack some food if you’re on a tight budget.
DAY 6: BACK TO CUSCO CITY
- PEN 22 – Food (Chaufa con pollo)
- PEN 21 – Food (Chaufa con pollo)
- PEN 4.14 – Uber Taxi: Cusco drop-off to La Casa De Ingrid Hostel
- Subtotal: PEN 47.14
NOTE: Later that day, I was in transit from Machu Picchu Pueblo back to my hostel in Cusco City.
DAY 7: HIKE RAINBOW MOUNTAIN
- PEN 1 – Toilet fee at Rainbow mountain
- PEN 3 – Coffee at Rainbow mountain
- PEN 6 – Photo Op with natives at the Rainbow Mountain summit
- PEN 1 – Toilet fee at Rainbow mountain
- Subtotal: PEN 11
NOTE: Breakfast and Lunch were included in the Rainbow Mountain Tour.
Rainbow Mountain Tour details:
– Pick up time: 3:30 – 4:00 AM
– Pick up location: My hostel
– Tour duration: One (1) whole day
DAY 8 (LAST DAY): TO BOGOTA, COLOMBIA
- PEN 3.4 – Bottled Water and Doritos
- PEN 16.59 – Uber Taxi to Cusco (CUZ) Airport
- PEN 839.5 (USD 250) – Flight from Cusco to Lima (due to canceled flight)
- PEN 16.5 – Coke and Doritos Snacks
- Subtotal: PEN 876
And there you have it!
Excluding the flight costs, here is the overall total of my expenses in Peru:
TOTAL: $155 (trains) + $76.96 (rooms) + $91.5 (tickets) $480 (PEN 1632.51, 7-day cost)
TOTAL: $803.46
Because sh*t happens, it is also worth noted to set aside an emergency fund for any unwanted expenses abroad like what happened to me with the additional $250 (due to the canceled flight.) Nevertheless, I would always say I really enjoyed exploring Peru! I’m sure you would, too.
Anyhow, I believe you now have a clear idea of how much budget you need in order to travel in Peru for one week!
If you have any questions, please feel free to ask in the comment section below.
PS: If you want to also see my overall expenses during my 14-day backpacking trip to South America (Peru + Brazil + Colombia + Ecuador) including all the flight costs:
Read also my once-in-a-lifetime trip to South America (in 14 days) with cost breakdown.
RECOMMENDED TOUR PACKAGES
I hope that you find this 7-DAY PERU ITINERARY with GUIDE + BUDGET blog useful!
If you have more days to spend in Peru, you might consider these cool package tours:
- LIMA:
- Lima Airport Arrival Transfer
- Lima City Walking Tour with Pick-up & drop off (Small Group)
- Temple of Pachacamac Half-Day Tour from Lima
- Magic water circuit with dinner and folkloric show
- Lima Historic Center Street Food Night Tour
- Visit the sea lions, Palomino Islands, in Lima PERU
- Miraflores and Barranco Tour
- CUSCO:
(you may choose one or more tours that may suit your travel needs.)
BOOKING ESSENTIALS
- Hotel / Hostel
- Booking.com. I usually book my hostel accommodation at booking.com. Thus, I recommend you guys trying it as well for your Peru Itinerary. Room accommodation ranges from cheap hostels to luxury hotels. Book hostels through booking.com as they have free cancellation or pay-at-the-hotel option.
- Airbnb. Try Airbnb in finding comfy and cozy rooms for your Peru itinerary! I have used Airbnb on some of my other trips and I loved it!
Have you tried Airbnb? Sign up with my link and you will get up to 43 USD (2,200 Php) off your first stay. Click this link to get that discount.
- Flights
- KAYAK. All of my flight bookings are all from KAYAK. Kayak is one of the world’s leading travel search engines and searches hundreds of travel sites.
I suggest you check Kayak (click HERE) as they usually offer cheap fare rates compared to other booking sites.
- Tickets to book in advance:
- Other Package tours in Peru
- Viator. Viator is the world’s leading resource for researching, finding and booking the best travel experiences worldwide. Perfect for your Peru itinerary!
Click here to find the best Viator deals in Peru.
