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How to Book a Trip to Peru

How to · Travel

How to Book a Trip to Peru

Walk the high trails to Machu Picchu and explore ancient Inca history without wrecking your monthly cash flow.

VoAtlas editorial Updated · 3 min read
Typical cost $2,600 before anything else
Across the 0% window $144.44/mo 18 months, no interest

How we got that: $2,600 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 is all about thin mountain air, stone ruins half-swallowed by cloud forest, and plate of ceviche waiting for you when you drop back down to sea level. You want to aim for the dry season between May and September if you plan on hiking the high trails without getting washed out by mountain rains.

Booking flights and guides several months ahead locks in better availability and keeps the whole operation from spiraling out of control financially. We just need a clear plan to handle the $2600 price tag without draining your checking account all at once.

That 0% period is a strict deadline, not free money. If you still have a balance left when the 18 months run out, interest kicks in on whatever is left.

The steps

  1. 01

    Pick your travel dates

    Lock in your flights and trail permits for the dry season months well ahead of time. Waiting too long means paying peak rates or missing out on permits entirely.

  2. 02

    Map out the total cost

    Expect to spend around $2600 for flights, local transit, stays, and guided treks. Knowing the exact number keeps the planning grounded.

  3. 03

    Use the Citi Simplicity Credit Card

    This card gives you 0% for 18 months on purchases and balance transfers from date of account opening to spread out the cost.

  4. 04

    Set your monthly payment

    Dividing $2600 across the intro window on purchases of 18 months means paying $144.44 per month. Set this up on autopay so you never miss a beat.

  5. 05

    Book the lodges and guides

    Secure your local transport and stays in Cusco and the Sacred Valley. Getting these sorted early saves you from last-minute price spikes.

  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 is the best time to visit Peru?

May through September is the dry season. You get clear skies in the Andes, which makes it ideal for hiking the mountain trails.

Do I really need to book Machu Picchu months in advance?

Yes. Daily permits for the Inca Trail and the citadel itself sell out months ahead of time during the dry season.

How does the Citi Simplicity card help with this trip?

It gives you 0% for 18 months on purchases and balance transfers from date of account opening, letting you pay for the trip over time without adding interest.

What happens if I don't pay off the $2600 in time?

Any remaining balance left when the 18 months end will start accruing interest at the standard rate.