Lima is a cultural destination known for Magic Water Circuit (Circuito Mágico del Agua), Larco Museum, and Plaza Mayor. In this travel cost guide, we'll cover everything you need to know to plan your travel budget and have an amazing trip without spending too much. This guide includes average trip costs from previous travelers, typical hotel prices, food and dining costs, entertainment and sightseeing prices, and information about transportation.
How much does it cost to travel to Lima?
A typical traveler spends $95 (S/.331) per day on a trip to Lima. This is the average daily price for a vacation in Lima based on the expenses of other visitors.
Past travelers have spent, on average for one day:
- $32 (S/.112) on meals
- $6.06 (S/.21) on local transportation
- $104 (S/.363) on hotels
A one-week trip to Lima for two people costs, on average, $1,329 (S/.4,634). This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
All of these average travel prices have been collected from other travelers to help you plan your own travel budget.
-
One Week
Per person
$664
S/.2,317
-
2 Weeks
Per person
$1,329
S/.4,634
-
One Month
Per person
$2,847
S/.9,930
-
One Week
For a couple
$1,329
S/.4,634
-
2 Weeks
For a couple
$2,657
S/.9,268
-
One Month
For a couple
$5,694
S/.19,860
How much does a one week, two week, or one month trip to Lima cost?
A one week trip to Lima usually costs around $664 (S/.2,317) for one person and $1,329 (S/.4,634) for two people. This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
A two week trip to Lima on average costs around $1,329 (S/.4,634) for one person and $2,657 (S/.9,268) for two people. This cost includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
Please note, prices can vary based on your travel style, speed, and other variables. If you're traveling as a family of three or four people, the price per person often goes down because kid's tickets are cheaper and hotel rooms can be shared. If you travel slower over a longer period of time then your daily budget will also go down. Two people traveling together for one month in Lima will often have a lower daily budget per person than one person traveling alone for one week.
A one month trip to Lima on average costs around $2,847 (S/.9,930) for one person and $5,694 (S/.19,860) for two people. The more places you visit, the higher the daily price will become due to increased transportation costs.
Is Lima expensive to visit?
In Lima, budget travelers spend $33 (S/.113) per day on average, mid-range travelers spend $95 (S/.331) per day, and luxury travelers spend around $311 (S/.1,085) per day. These costs are calculated from the reported expenses of previous travelers to Lima.
Lima is a smaller destination that draws visitors with a range of travel styles, spending habits, and budget preferences. Accommodation options range from budget-friendly hostels to mid-range hotels to high-end luxury properties.
If you're not cautious, Lima can become costly, but you can save with strategies like looking for discounts and coupons.
Within South America, Lima is a moderately priced destination compared to other places. The overall cost of travel here is fair for the region and comparable to Temuco or Cajamarca.
For more details, and to find out if it's within your travel budget, see Is Lima Expensive?
How much money do I need for a trip to Lima?
The average Lima trip cost is broken down by category here for independent travelers. All of these Lima travel prices are calculated from the budgets of real travelers. Also, you can see more details at How much does a trip to Lima cost?
Lima on a Budget
|
Category
|
Budget
|
Mid-Range
|
Luxury
|
Accommodation1
For 1 person in double occupancy
|
$16
(S/.57)
|
$52
(S/.181)
|
$191
(S/.667)
|
|
Local Transportation1
|
$2
(S/.7.50)
|
$6
(S/.21)
|
$19
(S/.66)
|
|
Food2
|
$13
(S/.44)
|
$32
(S/.112)
|
$83
(S/.291)
|
|
Entertainment1
|
$3
(S/.11)
|
$9
(S/.32)
|
$29
(S/.100)
|
|
Alcohol2
|
$1-3
(S/.4-12)
|
$3-9
(S/.10-31)
|
$8-25
(S/.29-86)
|
Realistic Expectations for Your Travel Budget
Setting realistic expectations for your travel budget is important. While some think they can visit Lima with minimal expenses, most people don't enjoy traveling that frugally. Consider what you prioritize on vacation. Do you prefer luxury hotels or budget stays? Hostels or hotels or vacation rentals? Are fun activities and dining out important to you? Your overall budget will depend on all of these questions.
What is a budget traveler, anyway?
Although you may consider yourself a budget traveler, unless you're ready to cut out many creature comforts, you'll likely spend much more than the $33 per day that young budget travelers often get by on.
For backpackers, this tight budget typically involves staying in hostel dorms, eating at the cheapest eateries or fast food joints, using public transportation, and sticking to free attractions.
Fortunately, there's plenty of hostels in Lima, like Pariwana Hostel Lima, Waikiki Hostel, and 1900 Backpackers Hostel. Here, you can score affordable dorm accommodation along with a vibrant social scene, though amenities may be lacking.
Are You Considered an Average Traveler?
Couples and families traveling for leisure often prefer mid-range hotels, dine at popular eateries, and visit key museums and attractions that require an entry fee. Most visitors to Lima will want to visit Magic Water Circuit (Circuito Mágico del Agua), Larco Museum, or Plaza Mayor. It's important to remember that most activities will cost you money. Consequently, you should anticipate your daily budget to be closer to $95 per person, per day.
There are a wide range of hotels and vacation rentals in Lima. If you're traveling with others, you'll share your hotel with a partner, friend, or your children, so costs will be split accordingly, saving money. When traveling as a family, you'll want to find hotels and restaurants that cater to kids. Manto Hotel Lima - MGallery is a good kid-friendly option, and NM Lima Hotel is also terrific. You'll find more hotels that cater to families and couples in our hotel guide for Lima here.
What Luxury Travel Looks Like
If you're looking for an all-encompassing vacation filled with luxurious amenities and higher-level service, prepare your budget for around $311 per day. Selecting nicer hotels, savoring meals at award-winning establishments, indulging in lavish adventures, and traveling around the destination with taxis or private drivers will call for a luxury budget. Many high-end visitors also prefer unique experiences such as Private Transfers from/to Lima Airport - offered by Viator.
Accommodation Budget in Lima
In Lima, hotel prices can swing drastically. Higher-end hotels offer more luxury, but come at a cost, especially in peak season when prices are higher. Off-season prices are more reasonable, averaging $50, but during peak season they jump to an average of $93. You can find budget options starting at $28 up to luxury rates at $175. Hostels are typically cheaper, especially dorms. Book early and avoid peak season to save money.
Calculated from travelers like you
The average price paid in Lima for two people for a typical double-occupancy hotel room is $104 (S/.363). For one person sharing a room, the average price paid for a hotel room is $52 (S/.181) per night. These costs are from the reported spending of actual travelers.
Looking for a hotel in Lima? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options.
The most affordable highest rated hotels in Lima include:
- Manto Hotel Lima - MGallery starting at $124
- NM Lima Hotel starting at $59
- Sol de Oro Hotel & Suites starting at $69
- Hotel B starting at $146
- Courtyard by Marriott Lima Miraflores starting at $94
If you travel during the low or shoulder season (and avoid ), you'll find lower accommodation prices and less tourist crowds.
Transportation Budget in Lima
Calculated from travelers like you
-
On average, past travelers have spent $6.06 (S/.21) per person, per day, on local transportation in Lima. The cost of a taxi ride or rideshare service (Uber/Lyft) in Lima is significantly more than public transportation.
-
Transportation1
Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
$6.06
S/.21
There's public transportation in Lima in the form of buses and a limited number of trains, but taxis are a good and cheap option in the city as well. Taxi rides between neighborhoods typically cost about US$2 if you can negotiate hard. Longer rides could cost as much as US$7. You must negotiate the price before getting in the vehicle because taxis do not typically have meters. Make sure the rate has been set before you get in the car.
Micro buses or combi vans are small buses that get very crowded. There are designated stops where you can get on, or you can occasionally flag them down. Larger buses are also available on most routes and they are slower, but slightly safer. Metropolitano is the rapid transport bus system. It's a modern system with dedicated lanes on express ways.
Metro de Lima is the metro system that has one fully functional line with 26 stations.
A few of the typical transportation options and hotel transfers include:
- Luxury Private Transfer from Lima Airport -Hotel by Aludi Travel for $25 details
- Peru Jorge Chavez Airport (LIM) Private Transfer to Lima City for $20 details
- Larco Museum Complete Guided Tour with Transfers (Small Group) for $55 details
How much does it cost to go to Lima? Naturally, it depends on the dates. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all airlines.
The price of renting a car in Lima will depends on dates, the type of car, the location, and your age. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all car rental companies.
Typical prices for transit in Lima are listed below. These actual costs are from real travelers and can give you an idea of the overall transportation costs in Lima. Keep in mind that your individual costs will vary based on your method of transit, as hired cars such as taxis are generally much more expensive than public transportation.
-
Taxi Ride
S/.20
-
Taxi Ride
S/.20
-
Short Taxi Ride
S/.15
Food Budget in Lima
Food is a major attraction for travelers, so make sure you don't miss out on the local culinary delights.
Calculated from travelers like you
-
While restaurant and meal prices in Lima can vary significantly, the average cost of food in Lima is $32 (S/.112) per day, per person, based on the spending habits of previous travelers.
-
Food2
Meals for one day
$32
S/.112
When dining out, the average daily cost for food in Lima is around $32 (S/.112) per person, with previous travelers spending from $13 to $83. Generally, breakfast and lunch cost less than dinner, but this will depend on the type of restaurant and what you order.
Typical meal prices in Lima are as follows:
- Breakfast: $3 to $10
- Lunch: $5 to $13
- Dinner: $10 to $23
- Coffee: $3
- Fast Food or Street Food: $5
As Peru's capital city, Lima has some of the best food in the country and it is easily the best place to sample some interesting Peruvian specialties. Some of your more interesting options include ceviche, which is very popular throughout the country, and other seafood options. You will also find all kinds of international cuisine throughout the city including Indian, Chinese, and other types of Asian. There are also some typical western fast food restaurants if you're feeling a little homesick. The city also has no shortage of bars and clubs. There are plenty of places to grab a quick drink or meet up with fellow travelers and swap stories until late in the night. You can expect to pay more at the places that are targeted specifically at tourists, as there will be a marked up price.
Several hotels include breakfast with your stay, while others charge separately for it. The cost and quality can vary significantly depending on the hotel. Knowing this in advance can guide your budget decisions. It could be worth it for the tasty buffet available at the hotel, or you may wish to find a cheaper option at a local bakery or cafe.
Bring a water bottle along to avoid the need to buy drinks. It's also good for Mother Earth.
If you're considering a tour, double-check which meals are included in the package. There may be instances where you'll have to pay for your own meals, potentially stretching your budget.
If you want to experience the culture in Lima, a food tour or cooking class is a great way to do it. After all, cuisine is one of the reasons why so many people visit. A few of the best culinary activities here include:
- Market Tour with Peruvian Cooking Classes for $89 details
- From Callao Port: Lima City Tour, Dinner and Magic Water Tour for $119 details
- Ceviche Cooking Class Including Pisco Sour Lesson for $250 details
Listed below are typical food prices in Lima, based on the actual spending of previous travelers. These figures provide an estimate of what you might expect to pay for meals. However, your personal expenses will depend on your dining preferences, the restaurants you choose, and what you decide to order.
-
Lunch for Two
S/.16
-
Ice cream
S/.13
-
Coffee
S/.11
-
Donut
S/.3.50
Sightseeing and Activities Budget in Lima
Calculated from travelers like you
-
Sightseeing activities, entertainment, and entrance tickets in Lima typically cost an average of $9.15 (S/.32) per person, per day based on the spending of previous travelers. This includes fees paid for admission tickets to museums and attractions, day tours, and other sightseeing expenses.
-
Entertainment1
Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
$9.15
S/.32
A few of the most popular sights are:
- Magic Water Circuit (Circuito Mágico del Agua) for S/ 4
- Larco Museum for S/30
- Plaza Mayor (Free)
- Parque de la Reserva for S/.4
- Costa Verde (Free)
- Miraflores Boardwalk (Malecón de Miraflores) (Free)
- Parque Kennedy (Free)
- Parque Kennedy Cat Park (Free)
- Barranco District (Free)
- Government Palace of Peru (Free)
- Huaca Pucllana for S/ 15
- San Francisco Monastery for S/.15
- Museo de la Nación for S/10
Lima has a historic center that has been declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. There is impressive colonial architecture throughout with highlights being the Monastery of San Francisco, the Plaza Mayor, the Cathedral, Convent of Santo Domingo, and the Palace of Torre Tagle. There are many impressive churches throughout the city that date back to the 16th and 17th centuries. Some interesting ones include the Cathedral of Lima, the Monastery of San Francisco, and the Sanctuary of Las Nazarenas. There are also several beaches along the Pan-American Highway that you can visit during the summer months.
Lima also has the highest concentration of museums in the country. The most famous are the Museo Nacional de Arqueologia, Antropología e Historia del Peru, Museum of Art of Lima, the Museo Pedro de Osma, the Museum of Natural History, the Museum of the Nation, The Sala Museo Oro del Peru Larcomar, the Museum of Italian Art, the Museum of Gold, and the Larco Museum.
There are a variety of activities that you can enjoy while you're in Lima. Many of these are also great for families and children. If you're traveling here with a family, check out this family packing list for Peru, as the terrain and weather might not be what you expect.
Live folklore shows are a popular activity. Peruvian horses and Marinera Dance Shows are interesting. Sporting events are also fun to attend. Soccer is popular as is fronton, which is a racquet sport comparable to squash.
For more ideas about what to do, check out this guide to spending one day in Lima, Peru.
Local tours that last a few hours can be a great way to explore Lima. Prices vary by the type of activity or tour, the dates, and the size of the group. Here are a few of the highest rated tours by previous visitors:
- Tour Miraflores + Fotografía Profesional for $39 details
- 2-Hour Private Tour of Miraflores with Drone Video Included for $39 details
- Art Tour: Experience Indigenous Shipibo Art for $127 details
A few typical prices for sights, activities, and entry fees in Lima are listed below. These actual costs are from real travelers to provide you with an idea how much you might need to spend. Your individual costs will vary based on which activities you do, which attractions or museums you visit, and how often you participate in free or low-cost activities.
Nightlife Budget in Lima
Calculated from travelers like you
-
The average person spends about $5.95 (S/.21) on nightlife and alcoholic beverages in Lima per day. The more you spend on alcohol, the more fun you might be having despite your higher budget.
-
Alcohol2
Drinks for one day
$5.95
S/.21
While nightlife is a key part of many trips, scaling back on drinks can help free up some extra cash in your budget.
Tasting tours and nightlife activities are very popular in Lima. A few of the favorites from previous visitors include:
- Lima Pub Crawl - Party tour: Friday Barranco/Saturday miraflores for $19 details
- Local Wine Tour for $55 details
- Bar Crawl Night Tour in Miraflores for $30 details
Typical prices for alcohol and nightlife in Lima are listed below. These actual costs are from real travelers and can give you an idea of the drink prices in Lima. However, your individual costs will vary based on your travel style, how often you drink alcoholic beverages, and how much you order. Keep in mind that if you want to save money on your trip, cutting out alcohol can make one of the biggest impacts on your travel budget.
-
Bottle of Wine
S/.27
-
Beer
S/.15
-
Cocktail
S/.12
Travel cost data last updated: Aug 14, 2025
Traveling in Lima
Lima, Peru
Lima, the capital city of Peru, is likely to be your point of entry for the country. Lima was founded in 1535 and was the seat of the Spanish rule for 300 years. It's a surprisingly modern city despite its rich history, but many beautiful churches and colonial architecture remain today. There are also large slum areas that highlight the poverty that exists in the city. The city and its surrounding metropolitan area have a population of about 8.5 million people, many of whom came from the Andes Mountains in search of work. Unfortunately the work opportunities are limited and the poverty is obvious as you arrive in Lima.
Lima's climate is mild and warm. It's located in a desert in the tropics, but its proximity to the Pacific Ocean keeps temperatures cooler than you might expect. Temperature extremes are rare and lows rarely fall below 55 degrees Fahrenheit while highs are rarely above 85 degrees Fahrenheit. There are two distinct season: summer, between December and April, and winter between June and Octobers. May and November are transitional months where temperatures are less predictable.
Neighborhoods & Around
There are some interesting districts in Lima. Barranco is known for its nightlife, bohemian vibe, and beachfront location. Centro Historico, in central Lima, has the highest concentration of colonial buildings, churches, and shopping areas. Miraflores is a more touristy, upscale neighborhood with great restaurants. San Isidro is a residential area with many hotels, restaurants and shops. It's a great area to walk around. Other residential areas include La Molina, La Planicie, San Borja, Surco, and Monterrico.
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We've been gathering travel costs from tens of thousands of actual travelers since 2010, and we use the data to calculate average daily travel costs for destinations around the world. We also systematically analyze the prices of hotels, hostels, and tours from travel providers such as Kayak, HostelWorld, TourRadar, Viator, and others. This combination of expenses from actual travelers, combined with pricing data from major travel companies, gives us a uniqe insight into the overall cost of travel for thousands of cities in countries around the world. You can see more here: How it Works.
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.