Daily costs per person in USD. The Colca Valley is very affordable for South America — the biggest expense is transport from Arequipa and the mandatory Boleto Turistico.
Daily cost breakdown
Currency: PEN (Sol) (1 USD ≈ 3.7 PEN)
| Category | Budget | Mid-range | Splurge | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | $5–10 | $20–50 | $80+ | Hostels → canyon-view hotels → lodges |
| Food | $5–8 | $12–20 | $30+ | Market menus → restaurants → hotel dining |
| Transport | $4–8 | $10–20 | $40+ | Colectivos → shared tours → private car |
| Activities | $6–10 | $15–25 | $50+ | Self-guided → group tours → private guide |
| Boleto Turistico | $19 | $19 | $19 | Mandatory canyon entry ticket (70 PEN) |
| Daily Total | $25–40 | $60–115 | $200+ | Budget trekkers can go lower |
Money-saving tips
Take local colectivos, not tours
Shared minivans (colectivos) run daily from Arequipa to Chivay for 15-20 PEN ($4-5.50) vs. $20-30 for a tour bus. In Chivay, colectivos to Cruz del Condor cost 10 PEN. Independent travel is half the cost of organised tours and gives you more flexibility.
Buy the Boleto Turistico wisely
The 70 PEN ($19) tourist ticket is mandatory for the canyon zone and checked at Cruz del Condor. It covers all viewpoints for the duration of your stay. Buy it at the Chivay control point or tourist office — not from touts who may overcharge.
Eat at the market, not the plaza
Chivay market has lunch stalls serving a set menu (soup + main + drink) for 5-8 PEN ($1.50-2.20). Plaza restaurants charge 15-25 PEN for similar food. Market food is fresher and more authentic — point at what the locals are eating and you will not go wrong.
Trek independently to save
The Oasis trek from Cabanaconde does not require a guide — the trail is well-marked and straightforward. A guided 2-day trek costs $50-80 while doing it independently with an oasis bungalow costs 60-80 PEN ($16-22) total including food and accommodation.
Hot springs after 5pm
La Calera hot springs entry is 20 PEN ($5.50) but the experience is best in the late afternoon when crowds thin out. Walking from Chivay saves the 5 PEN taxi fare and the 4km road has beautiful valley views. Bring your own towel to save the 5 PEN rental fee.
Sleep in Cabanaconde for treks
Cabanaconde is cheaper than Chivay with hostels from 20-30 PEN ($5.50-8) and is the starting point for the canyon trek. Staying here eliminates the need for an early-morning taxi from Chivay and puts you closer to the Oasis trailhead and Cruz del Condor.
