How Much Extra Money to Bring to Cusco? Budget Guide for a 6-Day Trip
How Much Extra Money Should You Bring to Cusco?
Are you planning a trip to Cusco and unsure how much extra budget you'll need beyond what's already included in your tour? Meals not covered, taxis around the city, tips, souvenirs — all of it adds up. Here is an estimated guide based on a 6-day stay, so you can travel with peace of mind and avoid unexpected expenses in Peruvian soles.
Transportation within the city
- Taxis: approximately 12 soles per day if you use safe taxi services (apps like InDrive or hotel-recommended drivers) to get around the historic center.
- Public transportation: local buses (combis) cost about 1 sol per ride — ideal for short trips if you want to save.
- Airport transfer: approximately 25 to 40 soles from Alejandro Velasco Astete airport to the historic center.
Meals not included in the tour
Although many tours include breakfast and lunch, you'll likely want to enjoy dinners or explore other local restaurants:
- Budget meals (menú del día, local restaurants): from 10 soles.
- Mid-range restaurants: approximately 25 to 40 soles per meal.
- Dinner at tourist restaurants in Plaza de Armas or San Blas: approximately 30 to 60 soles.
- Recommended daily food budget: between 50 and 100 soles depending on your style.
Drinks and snacks
Bottled water, juices, soft drinks, or a quick snack along the way: approximately 5 to 10 soles per day. Coca tea (widely available and helpful for altitude) is usually free at hotels and cafés.
Souvenirs and keepsakes
If you'd like to take home souvenirs — magnets, alpaca textiles, silver jewelry, handmade crafts, or gifts — consider setting aside 150 to 200 soles, depending on how much you plan to buy. If you have your eye on high-quality alpaca items or larger textiles, plan for more.
Tips and small extras
- Guides: 10–20 soles per person is a fair tip after a half-day tour; 30–50 soles for a full day.
- Restaurants: service is not always included — 10% is customary at tourist restaurants.
- Porters (if trekking): tips vary depending on the trek, typically 40–80 soles.
- Contingency fund: always keep 100–150 soles for unexpected expenses.
Estimated total budget for 6 days
To comfortably cover all your additional expenses during your trip, we recommend bringing:
- 800 to 1,200 Peruvian soles
- Equivalent to approximately USD 200 to 300 (at current exchange rates).
This budget will allow you to enjoy your trip comfortably, treat yourself to a few extras, and travel without financial stress.
Practical tips about money in Cusco
- Exchange money in Cusco, not abroad — the rate is far better locally. Use certified exchange houses (casas de cambio) around Plaza de Armas.
- Small bills matter: many small shops, taxis, and markets can't break 100-sol bills. Ask for smaller denominations when you exchange.
- Card acceptance: most tourist restaurants, hotels, and larger stores accept Visa/Mastercard. For markets and small shops, cash is king.
- ATMs: widely available in the historic center. Use ATMs inside banks or shopping centers rather than street ATMs for security.
- Split your money: never carry everything in one place — hotel safe + wallet + emergency pocket.
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