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How to Book a Trip to Peru

How to · Travel

How to Book a Trip to Peru

Here is how to plan a $2,200 trip to Peru for the hiking and food scene, split over 18 months with no interest.

VoAtlas editorial Updated · 3 min read
Typical cost $2,200 before anything else
Across the 0% window $122.22/mo 18 months, no interest

How we got that: $2,200 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.

Peru hits two extremes in the best way. Lima is one of the great food cities on earth, packed with coastal ceviche counters and world-renowned tasting menus. Inland, Cusco and the Sacred Valley give you ancient stone ruins and high-altitude mountain trails. The dry season runs from May through September, which means crisp blue skies for hiking, but it also brings peak crowds.

A typical two-week run lands around $2,200 once you factor in flights, trail permits, and a few memorable dinners. Instead of draining savings upfront, you can spread the total cost across a year and a half without paying interest.

Keep in mind that an intro period is a hard deadline, not free money. If you still carry a balance after the 18 months end, the card's standard variable rate applies to whatever is left, so treat that monthly $122.22 payment as a fixed bill.

The steps

  1. 01

    Pick your dry season dates

    May through September brings the clearest skies in the Andes, making it the prime window for hiking. Because it is peak season, book well ahead. Aim for May or September if you want slightly fewer people on the trails.

  2. 02

    Book international and regional flights early

    Fly into Lima first, then catch a domestic hop to Cusco once you spend a couple of days eating in the capital. International fares jump as summer approaches, so tracking tickets five to six months out is your best bet.

  3. 03

    Reserve trail permits and key tables

    You cannot simply show up and hike the classic Inca Trail, and Lima's most celebrated restaurants book out months ahead. Reserve your permits and key dinners the moment your flights are locked.

  4. 04

    Spread the cost over 18 months

    Put your $2,200 in travel bookings on the Citi Simplicity® Credit Card, which offers 0% for 18 months on purchases and balance transfers from date of account opening. Pay $122.22 per month to clear the balance before the intro window closes.

  5. 05

    Lock down flexible stays

    Stay in walkable districts like Barranco or Miraflores in Lima, and find a base near the historic center in Cusco. Booking rooms with free cancellation keeps things flexible if your high-altitude plans shift.

  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

When should I book flights to Peru for peak season?

Look five to seven months ahead if you plan to visit between June and August. Fares climb steadily as peak Andean trekking season approaches, and regional flights into Cusco fill up quickly.

How much does a two-week Peru trip usually cost?

A standard mid-range trip comes out to about $2,200 per person. That covers international flights, domestic hops, lodging, trail guides, and plenty of dining across Lima and Cusco.

Do I need a permit for every hike in Peru?

No, permits are strictly required and capped for the classic Inca Trail. Other routes like the Salkantay Trek do not have the same permit caps, though hiring an experienced guide is still recommended.

How does the Citi Simplicity 0% intro purchase rate work?

You get 0% for 18 months on purchases and balance transfers from date of account opening. As long as you make your required monthly payments and pay off the balance before month 18 ends, you pay zero interest on the trip.