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How to Book a Trip to Peru

How to · Travel

How to Book a Trip to Peru

See Machu Picchu in the shoulder season for $2800 by breaking the cost into manageable monthly payments.

VoAtlas editorial Updated · 3 min read
Typical cost $2,800 before anything else
Across the 0% window $155.56/mo 18 months, no interest

How we got that: $2,800 spread evenly across the 18-month introductory window on the Citi Simplicity® Credit Card. Checked · at the bank Carry a balance past the window and the standard APR applies to what is left.

October and November are the sweet spot for Peru. The summer crowds have thinned, the rains haven't fully set in, and the Andes look incredible. You get better access to the ruins and shorter lines for the trains heading toward Aguas Calientes.

To manage the $2800 price tag, you can use the Citi Simplicity® Credit Card. It offers 0% for 18 months on purchases and balance transfers from date of account opening. This lets you pay for the trip in installments rather than all at once.

That 0% window is a deadline, not free money. If you have any balance left after the 18 months are up, the bank will start charging you interest on the remaining amount.

The steps

  1. 01

    Set your dates

    Aim for a two-week window between mid-October and mid-November. You get the best balance of dry weather and smaller crowds before the peak holiday rush begins.

  2. 02

    Lock in your flights

    Book your international flights to Lima first, then a separate connection to Cusco. Use a search tool to track prices now so you know when a deal pops up.

  3. 03

    Use the card for the trip

    Charge your $2800 in travel expenses to the Citi Simplicity® Credit Card. With the 18-month intro window on purchases, you can pay $155.56 per month to clear the balance before the interest kicks in.

  4. 04

    Secure your permits

    Machu Picchu entry permits sell out months in advance. Buy your tickets through the official government site as soon as your travel dates are confirmed.

  5. 05

    Book your base

    Stay in Cusco for a few days to acclimate to the altitude before heading to the Sacred Valley. Look for guesthouses that offer flexible cancellation policies.

  6. 06

    Check the card terms before you commit

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

    See Citi Simplicity® Credit Card terms →

Common questions

Is the shoulder season actually cheaper?

Yes. Airfare and hotel rates often drop compared to the high-season months of June and July. You get the same sights for less cash.

What happens if I miss a monthly payment?

Missing a payment can end your 0% offer immediately. Always set up an automatic payment for at least the minimum amount due to stay on track.

Do I need a tour guide?

You need a guide to enter Machu Picchu itself. You can book one locally in Cusco or through your hotel once you arrive.

Should I pay it off early?

You definitely should if you can. Paying it off ahead of the 18-month mark saves you from any stress if your budget gets tight later on.