As of November 12, 2026, Peru is cheaper than Colombia for travelers: a mid-range day costs about $83 in Peru against $96 in Colombia, a gap of 16.0%. Over the past year Peru has moved more in the US-dollar traveler's favor (+1.7% after inflation, against −14.4%). Peru carries the lower US advisory (Level 2 against Level 3).
| Measure | Colombia | Peru |
|---|---|---|
| Mid-range day | $96 | $83 |
| Lean day | $41 | $35 |
| Comfortable day | $233 | $198 |
| Real change, 12 months | −14.4% | +1.7% |
| Exchange rate alone, 12 months | −12.4% | +1.7% |
| Versus 5-year average | −28.3% | −8.7% |
| US advisory | Level 3 · Reconsider travel | Level 2 · Increased caution |
| Ease of travel | 3.9 · Well set up | 3.9 · Well set up |
| Index score | 37 | 60 |
| Best months | Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar, Jul, Aug | May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep |
| Shoulder months | Jun, Sep | Apr, Oct |
The better figure in each row is in bold. Costs are modeled estimates per person, excluding international flights.
Mountains, Caribbean coast and coffee country, with a peso that rewards timing.
The catchThe advisory reflects crime and kidnapping risk that is strongly regional. Stick to established routes and never accept drinks from strangers.
Machu Picchu is the pricey part. Everything else is a bargain with a world-class kitchen.
The catchAltitude needs days, not hours. Political protests periodically close roads and rail in the south.
Source: Trip Arbitrage (triparbitrage.com), reading of November 12, 2026. How this is calculated.