10-Day Budget Peru Itinerary from Toronto (CAD)

Day 1: Departure & Arrival in Lima

Morning: Depart from Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ) on a budget airline with a likely layover in the US to save on airfare costs.

Afternoon: Arrive at Jorge Chávez International Airport in Lima; take the affordable airport bus or shared van to a budget hostel in Miraflores.

Evening: Explore the Parque Kennedy and enjoy inexpensive street food in Miraflores while soaking in the local vibe.

Day 2: Lima City Highlights

Morning: Walk through the historic Lima Plaza Mayor and visit the free or low-cost museums nearby.

Afternoon: Explore Barranco District—a bohemian neighborhood with colorful street art and small galleries, perfect for budget travelers.

Evening: Stroll along the Malecón cliffs overlooking the Pacific Ocean and catch a budget-friendly ceviche dinner.

Day 3: Travel to Cusco

Morning: Take an early budget flight from Lima to Cusco (look for deals with Viva Air or Sky Airline).

Afternoon: Acclimate to the altitude by gently exploring the Plaza de Armas and nearby markets.

Evening: Enjoy a simple meal at a local mercado and relax at your budget hostel.

Day 4: Cusco Cultural Exploration

Morning: Visit the UNESCO-listed Sacsayhuamán Ruins, inexpensive entry.

Afternoon: Walk to the San Blas neighborhood, known for artisan shops and narrow streets.

Evening: Attend a low-cost traditional music performance or enjoy local food near Plaza de Armas.

Day 5: Sacred Valley Budget Tour

Morning: Join an affordable shared group tour to the Sacred Valley, visiting Pisac Market.

Afternoon: Explore the ruins of Ollantaytambo, included in many budget tours.

Evening: Return to Cusco and rest.

Day 6: Journey to Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu Pueblo)

Morning: Take the economical train from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes.

Afternoon: Explore the small town and visit the hot springs for a low-cost relaxation option.

Evening: Early night to prepare for Machu Picchu hike.

Day 7: Machu Picchu on a Budget

Morning: Visit Machu Picchu by buying the entrance in advance; hike up instead of taking the bus to save money.

Afternoon: Continue exploring the site and take plenty of photos.

Evening: Return train to Cusco via Ollantaytambo, overnight in Cusco budget hostel.

Day 8: Free Day in Cusco

Morning: Visit free attractions such as the San Pedro Market.

Afternoon: Optional inexpensive museum visits or relax in local parks.

Evening: Try local street food at night markets.

Day 9: Return to Lima

Morning: Take an early budget flight back to Lima.

Afternoon: Last-minute souvenir shopping in Miraflores or Independencia Market.

Evening: Relax at the hostel or walk along the coastline.

Day 10: Departure for Toronto

Morning: Transfer to Jorge Chávez International Airport via budget airport bus.

Afternoon: Flight back to Toronto, likely via a US city.

Evening: Arrive in Toronto.

Time and Cost Estimates

• Toronto to Lima round-trip flight: approx. 12 hours total transit, CAD 700–900
• Lima airport to Miraflores bus: 1 hour, CAD 5
• Budget accommodations (hostels): ~10 nights, CAD 15 per night, total CAD 150
• Lima city transport & food: daily average 6 hours, CAD 12 per day, total CAD 120
• Lima to Cusco flight: 1.5 hours, CAD 70
• Cusco city exploration & meals: daily average 5 hours, CAD 10 per day, total CAD 90
• Sacred Valley group tour: 8 hours, CAD 40
• Train Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes round-trip: total approx 4 hours, CAD 70
• Machu Picchu entrance: 6 hours, CAD 50
• Lima to Toronto flight: Already included in roundtrip cost

Total Estimated Cost: Approximately CAD 1,205 - 1,405

Tips

• To extend the trip: Spend extra days in the Sacred Valley or add a visit to Lake Titicaca for a cultural experience. Use local buses to reduce transport costs further.
• To reduce trip length: Consider cutting out the Sacred Valley tour and day 8 free day in Cusco. Focus only on Lima, Cusco, and Machu Picchu to save on transportation and accommodation costs.