Is Lima expensive to visit?
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.
On average, budget travelers spend $30 (S/.113) per day, mid-range travelers spend $88 (S/.331) per day, and luxury travelers spend around $288 (S/.1,085) per day. These costs are calculated from the expenses of previous travelers to Lima.
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 Valdivia 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?
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 $30 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. Many visitors to Lima are keen to visit the prominent attractions, museums, sights, and landmarks. It's important to remember that most activities will cost you money. Consequently, you should anticipate your daily budget to be closer to $88 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 $288 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 PARACAS+ICA +HUACACHINA Private Tour - 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 $96 (S/.363). For one person sharing a room, the average price paid for a hotel room is $48 (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
Lima does not has a good public transit system.
Calculated from travelers like you
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On average, past travelers have spent $5.60 (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.
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Transportation1
Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
$5.60
S/.21
A few of the typical transportation options and hotel transfers include:
- Luxury Private Transfer from Lima Airport -Hotel by Aludi Travel for $25 details
- Private Transfer from Callao Cruise Port to Lima City hotels for $25 details
- Private Transfer from Lima City Hotels to Callao Cruise Port for $25 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.
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Taxi Ride
S/.20
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Taxi Ride
S/.20
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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
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While restaurant and meal prices in Lima can vary significantly, the average cost of food in Lima is $30 (S/.112) per day, per person, based on the spending habits of previous travelers.
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Food2
Meals for one day
$30
S/.112
When dining out, the average daily cost for food in Lima is around $30 (S/.112) per person, with previous travelers spending from $12 to $77. 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 $9
- Lunch: $4 to $12
- Dinner: $9 to $21
- Coffee: $2
- Fast Food or Street Food: $4
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:
- Top Rated Lima Street Food Tour | Market, Society and Racism for $49 details
- 4-dish Peruvian Food Cooking Class in Lima + Pisco Sour mixology for $65 details
- Market Tour with Peruvian Cooking Classes for $89 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.
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Lunch for Two
S/.16
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Ice cream
S/.13
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Coffee
S/.11
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Donut
S/.3.50
Sightseeing and Activities Budget in Lima
Calculated from travelers like you
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Sightseeing activities, entertainment, and entrance tickets in Lima typically cost an average of $8.46 (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.
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Entertainment1
Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
$8.46
S/.32
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:
- Customize your trip to Peru with Lima Experience for $35 details
- Lima by night including Catacombs & Water Show Tour for $45 details
- Tour Miraflores + Fotografía Profesional for $39 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
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The average person spends about $5.50 (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.
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Alcohol2
Drinks for one day
$5.50
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:
- Party tour in Miraflores with Bar Crawl Lima for $23 details
- Ballestas Islands + Huacachina Oasis + Wine Tour !! The best price for $226 details
- Party Tour in Miraflores with Bar Crawl and Drinks for $23 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.
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Bottle of Wine
S/.27
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Beer
S/.15
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Cocktail
S/.12
Lima, Peru
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.