Lima is Peru's vibrant capital and largest city, stretching along the Pacific coast where ancient civilizations once flourished.
Local currency: Peruvian Sol (PEN).
Daily budget by traveller style
Typical per-person daily spend in Lima.
Cost breakdown
Typical price ranges across major spending categories.
Accommodation
- Hostel
- $12-20/night
- Budget
- $60-90/night
- Midrange
- $100-180/night
- Luxury
- $250-700/night
Food
- Street
- $1-3
- Local
- $5-10 (menú del día)
- Midrange
- $15-35
- Fine
- $60-150
Transport
- Bus
- $0.50 (Metropolitano)
- Taxi
- $3-10 typical ride
- Airport
- $20-30 taxi
- Daytrip
- $20-50 tour
Activities
- Museum
- $3-8
- Sites
- $1-4 (archaeological sites)
- Tour
- $15-35
- Excursion
- $30-80
Trip budgets by length
What a typical trip to Lima costs end-to-end.
Budget traveller
$245-385 for 7 days
Midrange traveller
$700-1260 for 7 days
Luxury traveller
$2450-4900+ for 7 days
Money-saving tips
Practical ways to stretch your budget further.
Eat the menú del día (set lunch) for $3-6 at local restaurants - best value in Lima
Use the Metropolitano BRT bus for $0.50 instead of taxis
Many museums and sites are free or cheap on Sundays
Stay in Miraflores hostels to walk to most attractions
Buy fresh fruit and snacks at Mercado de Surquillo
Use Uber or Cabify apps to avoid taxi overcharging
Book accommodations directly for better rates
Visit the Magic Water Circuit instead of paid entertainment
Free things to do
Memorable experiences that cost nothing.
Miraflores Malecón Walk
4km clifftop promenade with Pacific Ocean views
Parque del Amor
Romantic clifftop park with El Beso sculpture
Parque Kennedy
Central Miraflores park famous for its cats and markets
Historic Centre Walking
Explore UNESCO heritage area and Plaza Mayor for free
El Olivar Park
400-year-old olive grove park in San Isidro
Barranco Street Art
Outstanding murals throughout Lima's bohemian district
Chorrillos Beach Walk
Fishing port with pelicans and fresh air
Circuito de Playas
Lima's urban beaches along the Costa Verde
Surquillo Market Visit
Browse Lima's famous food market for free
Larcomar Clifftop Views
Pacific views from Miraflores cliff mall (no purchase needed)