Budgeting for Day Tours in Peru: What to Expect in 2025

Budgeting for Day Tours in Peru: What to Expect in 2025

Traveling to Peru in 2025? If you’re planning to visit Cusco and explore its surroundings — like the Sacred Valley, Rainbow Mountain, or the Humantay Lake — one question always comes up:

How much should I budget for day tours?
The good news: Peru remains one of the best value-for-money destinations in South America. Here’s a clear breakdown of what to expect when planning and budgeting your one-day adventures from Cusco.

💵 Estimated Prices for Day Tours in Cusco (2025)

🟢 Humantay Lake – $24

• ✅ Includes: transportation, breakfast, lunch, professional guide, oxygen tank, first aid kit.
• ❌ Not included: entrance to Humantay Lake.

🟢 Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca) – $24

• ✅ Includes: transportation, breakfast, lunch, professional guide, oxygen tank, first aid kit.
• ❌ Not included: entrance to Rainbow Mountain (25 soles for foreigners / 15 soles for Peruvians).

🟢 Palcoyo Mountain – $32

• ✅ Includes: transportation, breakfast, lunch, professional guide, oxygen tank, first aid kit.
• ❌ Not included: entrance to Palcoyo.

🟢 Q’eswachaka Bridge – $36

• ✅ Includes: transportation, professional guide, breakfast, lunch.
• ❌ Not included: entrance to Q’eswachaka Bridge

🟢 Apukunaq Tianan (Temple of the Gods) – $18

• ✅ Includes: tourist transportation, professional guide.
• ❌ Not included: entrance to the Temple of the Gods

🟢 Sacred Valley of the Incas (VIP) – $25

• ✅ Includes: tourist transportation, buffet lunch, professional guide.
• ❌ Not included: partial tourist ticket (70 soles).

🟢 Panoramic City Tour (Mirabus) – $10

• ✅ Includes: transportation in a panoramic bus, professional guide.
• ❌ Not included: entrance to Sacsayhuamán, Q’enqo, Puka Pukara, and Tambomachay (partial tourist ticket: 70 soles).

🧾 What’s Usually Included in the Price?

Most full-day tours include:

• ✅ Round-trip transport
• ✅ Bilingual guide (Spanish/English)
• ✅ Breakfast and/or lunch (on longer trips)
• ✅ Oxygen tank & first aid kit (for high-altitude tours)

But always check if the following are included or not:

• 🎟️ Entrance fees (e.g., Salineras, Boleto Turístico Parcial)
• 🐎 Optional extras, like horse rental at Rainbow Mountain
• 🧃 Drinks and snacks

📉 How to Save Money on Day Tours

• Book online in advance with direct tour operators
• Avoid high season (June to August) — prices and demand increase
• Choose group tours instead of private ones
• Reserve multiple tours with the same agency — ask for combo discounts

✅ Final Thoughts

In 2025, Peru continues to be a budget-friendly destination full of unforgettable experiences. With day tours ranging from $24 to $36, you can see natural wonders, ancient ruins, and stunning landscapes without breaking the bank.

Just remember: book with local, direct operators, check what’s included, and be ready for early mornings and big adventures.