Tips for traveling Peru on a Budget
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Peru is one of the few countries on the planet that inspires such amazement and wonder. Backpacking Peru provides a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to experience all of the cultural and natural wonders that this fascinating nation has to offer. Peru is a biodiversity hotspot, with the desolate and raw beauty of the Nazca desert, as well as world-class surf beaches along the coast. In the Andes, you may trek through towering snow-capped peaks before plunging into the Amazon jungle.
A vacation to Peru requires careful planning, but regardless of your budget, there are plenty of opportunities for adventure! We've rounded up a few budget tips to help you spend less and adventure more.
Spend less on food
While in Peru, cheap cuisine and lunch menus are a budget traveler's best friend. Restaurants with a sign on the front that says "Menu" can be found in every town in Peru. A soup or appetizer, a Peruvian main dish, and a small drink or dessert will be served. Always remember that you should never enter an empty restaurant in Peru; instead, go for the busiest one; this is a strong indication that the restaurant is good. The average cost of a meal at one of these tiny family eateries is less than $5, and sometimes even less. Peru's well-known cuisine may be found in every region of the country.
Agree on a price ahead of time
Many prices are negotiable in Peru, so it is a good idea to always agree on a price ahead of time to avoid uncomfortable situations or overpaying. . This is especially true when taking taxis, other forms of public transit, and even tour guides. Remember to always negotiate a price before accepting a service, not after.
Learn some Spanish
Traveling on a budget necessitates having a basic understanding of the Spanish language. It is much easier to bargain appropriately and ask locals for recommendations. In general, taxi drivers are less likely to overcharge you if you speak a little Spanish with them.
Look into cheap flights
One of the biggest expenses when traveling to Peru is getting there! Search for cheap flights through Expedia, Kayak, or another similar online travel site. Book at least 3 weeks before departure in order to get a below-average price. The high season is considered to be January, November, and December. The cheapest month to fly to Peru is August.
Traveling on buses
Although flights are reasonably priced in Peru, bouncing from one destination to the next will quickly deplete your funds. If time allows, take a long-distance bus from point A to point B. You'll not only get to see more of Peru, but you'll also arrive with more money to spend on excursions and entertainment. There is one thing to keep in mind, though: stick with Peruvian bus companies that are in the middle and upper echelon. Buses that are the cheapest are often unsafe and should be avoided.
Accommodation
A hostel bunk bed is often an inexpensive alternative, but this isn't always the case. International travellers, not Peruvian students, are the target demographic for Peruvian hostels, and costs reflect this. A hostel will never be too expensive, but keep in mind that Peru offers some extremely reasonable hotels. If you are traveling with your partner, a secure hotel room with a double bed, cable TV, and private bathroom often works out at the same price as two beds in a 12-person dorm.
Souvenirs
If you want to buy mementos, go to local marketplaces instead of airports or areas with high tourist traffic. Cusco's downtown area and Lima's Miraflores district are good examples of shops selling costly items to tourists. You can get the same products for approximately half the price if you take a short cab ride to a local market.
Bargaining
If you're shopping in a traditional market, don't be afraid to bargain over costs. Prices usually start off high, so it's up to you to negotiate a price that's fair to both sides. Hotels and hostels may also be negotiated in price. . You’ll often receive a straightforward no, but there’s no harm in trying! It is often easier to get a deal on longer stays or a higher number of items. However, when bargaining with locals please always be respectful of the seller and their service!
To kick off your budget-friendly trip to Peru, try our 9-Day Inca Trail and Rainbow Mountain adventure! You’ll get a great bang for your buck and leave with life-long memories.
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