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How to Book a Trip to Peru

How to · Travel

How to Book a Trip to Peru

See the ruins and mountain trails of Peru without wrecking your monthly cash flow.

VoAtlas editorial Updated · 3 min read
Typical cost $2,400 before anything else
Across the 0% window $133.33/mo 18 months, no interest

How we got that: $2,400 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 waking up before dawn to catch the mist clearing off Machu Picchu and tackling those high-altitude mountain trails in the Andes. You get incredible food in Lima, ancient history in Cusco, and landscapes that honestly do not look real in photos. Booking this for the shoulder month of April means smaller crowds and better weather before the heavy rains start.

A trip like this usually runs about $2400 once you factor in flights, lodging, and local transit. Spreading that cost out over time makes it much easier to handle, especially when you use the Citi Simplicity® Credit Card to manage payments without adding interest charges right away.

Remember that the intro window is a hard deadline, not free money, and what happens if the balance is still there at the end is that standard interest kicks in on whatever is left over.

The steps

  1. 01

    Pick your dates

    Aim for April to beat the peak tourist crush while still catching good weather in the mountains. Book your international flights and local trains early since permits for the classic trails sell out months in advance.

  2. 02

    Map out your total

    Estimate your spending at around $2400 for the whole trip, covering everything from hotels to Machu Picchu entry tickets. Having the exact number helps you figure out your monthly payments before you book a single thing.

  3. 03

    Set up your payments

    Use the Citi Simplicity® Credit Card to get 0% for 18 months on purchases and balance transfers from date of account opening. That intro window on purchases gives you 18 months to pay off the balance.

  4. 04

    Automate the math

    If you split that $2400 across the 18-month window, you are looking at $133.33 per month. Set up auto-pay for this exact amount so you never miss a beat and the balance hits zero right when the window closes.

  5. 05

    Book your stays

    Lock in your hotels in Cusco and Aguas Calientes so you are not scrambling for a bed after a long day of hiking. Make sure your accommodations have flexible cancellation policies just in case your travel 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

How much does a trip to Peru actually cost?

A typical US traveler spends about $2400 for a solid multi-city trip covering flights, mid-range hotels, and major sights like Machu Picchu. You can spend less if you hostel-hop, or a lot more if you book luxury lodges.

Why go to Peru in April?

April sits right at the tail end of the rainy season, meaning the mountain trails are turning lush and green, and the massive summer crowds have not arrived yet. It is the sweet spot for weather and breathing room.

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, which lets you pay off your travel expenses gradually instead of all at once.

What happens when the 18-month window ends?

If you still have a remaining balance when the intro period finishes, the card's standard interest rate will apply to what you owe. Make sure your monthly payments are set high enough to clear the balance before that deadline hits.