0% Intro APR for 15 months on purchases and b… Citi Strata℠ Card Calculators How we make money
VOATLAS
How to Book a Trip to Peru

How to · Travel

How to Book a Trip to Peru

See Machu Picchu in the dry season and spread the cost without paying interest.

VoAtlas editorial Updated · 3 min read
Typical cost $2,800 before anything else
Across the 0% window $186.67/mo 15 months, no interest

How we got that: $2,800 spread evenly across the 15-month introductory window on the Discover it® Cash Back. Checked · at the bank Carry a balance past the window and the standard APR applies to what is left.

Standing above the stone ruins of Machu Picchu as the morning mist burns off over the Andes is worth every bit of the hype. You want to aim for the dry season between May and September for clear skies and actual views, but that means planning way ahead. Trail permits and train tickets sell out months in advance, so you have to lock down your dates before you book anything else.

A typical trip runs about $2800 once you factor in flights, permits, and local guides. Since you are dropping that kind of cash upfront, it helps to map out how you will pay for it over time without bleeding extra money into interest charges.

That 0% intro APR for 15 months on purchases and balance transfers is a deadline, not free money. If you still carry a balance when those 15 months are up, interest kicks in on the remaining amount.

The steps

  1. 01

    Secure your permits

    Buy your Inca Trail or Machu Picchu entry permits the second your dates are set. The government limits daily visitors for the dry season, and tickets disappear fast. Do not book flights until these are confirmed.

  2. 02

    Book international flights

    Fly into Lima and catch a quick connecting flight to Cusco. Give yourself at least two full days in Cusco to adjust to the altitude before doing any serious hiking. Book these a few months out to avoid peak pricing.

  3. 03

    Line up your stays

    Secure hotels in Cusco, Ollantaytambo, and Aguas Calientes ahead of time. These towns fill up fast during the dry season. Pick places with flexible cancellation policies just in case your travel dates shift.

  4. 04

    Set up your payment plan

    If you are using the Discover it® Cash Back card, you get 0% intro APR for 15 months on purchases and balance transfers. Splitting the $2800 cost evenly across that window comes out to $186.67 per month to clear the balance before the promo ends.

  5. 05

    Pack for all weather

    The dry season brings warm, sunny days and freezing nights in the mountains. Pack in layers and bring sturdy, broken-in boots. Leave heavy gear behind and use local porters or trains for the heavy lifting.

  6. 06

    Check the card terms before you commit

    Every figure we publish for the Discover it® Cash Back carries the date a person verified it against Discover and a link to where they checked. Intro windows and APRs change without notice, so confirm the current terms before applying.

    See Discover it® Cash Back terms →

Common questions

When is the best time to visit Machu Picchu?

Go during the dry season from May to September. You will get the clearest weather for hiking and sightseeing, though you have to book months ahead because everyone else wants to go then too.

How much does a Peru trip usually cost?

A standard trip runs around $2800 per person including flights, permits, trains, hotels, and guided tours. You can trim that down if you hostel-hop and take local buses instead of the train.

How does the 0% intro APR work?

It gives you 15 months on purchases and balance transfers without adding interest to your balance. For a $2800 trip, paying $186.67 a month clears it out right as the promo period ends.

Do I really need to worry about altitude sickness?

Yes, Cusco sits at over 11,000 feet and hits people hard. Plan for your first two days to be spent resting, drinking coca tea, and walking slowly so your body can adjust.