Quick answer: Cusco runs about EUR 50 per day mid-range - noticeably less if you eat local and walk. Cheapest window: May-September - dry season with clear skies and cold nights; June has the Inti Raymi festival but also peak crowds.
What things actually cost
| menu del dia lunch | 3 EUR |
| coca tea | 1 EUR |
| taxi across town | 1.50 EUR |
| Machu Picchu entry | 38 EUR |
| Boleto Turistico (16-site pass) | 32 EUR |
| market fruit juice | 1.50 EUR |
Eat well for little
- Menu del dia (soup, main, drink) at a local lunch spotabout 3 EUR
- Lomo saltado (beef stir-fry with fries and rice)about 5-7 EUR in a mid-range restaurant
- Fresh fruit juice at San Pedro Marketabout 1.50 EUR for a huge glass
- Alpaca steak in a San Blas restaurantabout 10 EUR
- Cuy (roast guinea pig, the festive classic)about 15 EUR if you are curious
Money mistakes to avoid
- Doing a big trek or Rainbow Mountain on day onegive yourself 24-48 hours to acclimatize first
- Leaving Machu Picchu tickets for last minuteentry slots and train seats sell out weeks ahead in dry season
- Drinking alcohol the first night at altitudeit hits much harder and worsens soroche (altitude sickness)
- Buying 'baby alpaca' scarves from street stallsmost are synthetic; buy from reputable shops and check the feel
Transport without the tourist tax
The airport is inside the city - an official taxi to the center costs about 4-5 EUR. The historic center is best on foot, taxis across town cost 1.50-2 EUR, and shared colectivos to the Sacred Valley run 2-4 EUR.
Planning the full trip? Start with the 4-day Cusco itinerary.