*This article is based on personal travel insights and data from reputable sources to provide accurate, budget-friendly recommendations.
March is a sweet spot for budget travelers. It’s the shoulder season in many regions, meaning you can find great deals on everything from flights to hotel rooms to tours – less demand generally means lower prices.
The weather in March is often mild or approaching the dry season in several cheap destinations, and you’ll encounter fewer tourists than in peak summer. In other words, it’s an ideal time to explore cheap travel destinations in March without breaking the bank.
This article will guide you through cheap places to go in March where a $50 per day budget goes a long way, covering real costs of food, accommodation, transport, and activities. We’ll share firsthand-style insights, highlight overrated experiences (and sneaky fees) to avoid, and give smart tips to stretch every dollar.
Read also: Cheap Places to Go in April on a $50 Budget
Best Cheap Places to Go in March
March opens up the world for thrifty explorers. Below are some top destinations across the globe where $50/day can cover your needs (and then some). Each spot offers something unique – be it sun-kissed beaches, rich culture, or wild landscapes – along with affordable prices. We’ll break down typical daily costs (in USD) for accommodation, food, transportation, and activities, and share tips to keep things under $50.
Thailand – Beach Bliss and Street Food Savings
Thailand is a backpacker’s dream in March: sunny beaches, vibrant markets, and prices that are often cheaper than back home. Despite its popularity, Thailand has remained relatively cheap. Outside of a few over-touristed islands, it’s easy to get by on around $50 per day. Here’s how the budget breaks down:
Accommodation
Basic beach bungalows or hostel dorms cost about $10/night. In places like Chiang Mai or Krabi, you can find simple guesthouses in this range. (I once snagged a fan bungalow on Koh Chang for $8 – cheap and cheerful, though you might get a gecko roommate!)
Food
Stick to Thailand’s famed street food stalls and local markets, and you’ll eat well for <$10 per day. A plate of pad Thai on the street is often $1–2, and hearty bowls of noodle soup go for under $1 in non-touristy areas. Your wallet (and taste buds) will thank you if you avoid overpriced tourist restaurants and opt for night markets and 7-Eleven snacks.
Transportation
Local transportation is both an adventure and a bargain. In cities, hop on songthaews (shared pick-up taxis) for <$1, or rent a scooter for about $6–$8/day in beach towns. An intercity bus or train can be $5–$20 depending on distance. Over night routes (like Bangkok to Chiang Mai) save you a night’s accommodation.
Activities
Many of Thailand’s pleasures are free or cheap. Sunbathing on a palm-fringed beach costs $0. Iconic temples charge only a few dollars entry. Even organized tours are affordable – for example, a full-day island-hopping tour or national park trek can be found for $20–$30 if you book locally.
Why March?
It’s late in the dry season – skies are clear, seas calm, and the crowds of December/January have thinned. You might find lower room rates than peak winter. Just watch out for the infamous Full Moon Party on Koh Phangan if visiting then; prices on that island spike around party dates (and frankly, the party can be an overrated experience unless that’s your scene – expensive drink buckets and packed beaches aren’t for everyone).
Instead, consider chilling on a quieter island like Koh Lanta or exploring cultural inland towns. With savvy choices, Thailand easily ranks among the best cheap travel destinations in March, blending tropical beauty with budget-friendly living.
Budget Tip: Eat where the locals eat. If you see a busy street cart with a line of Thai customers, join it. I’ve had incredible green curry for 30 baht (~$0.90) at humble stalls. Not only is it authentic and cheap, it also steers you away from tourist traps that charge 5 times more for the same dish.
Mexico – Affordable Adventures Beyond the Resorts
Mexico is a vast and diverse country, and March is a fantastic time to explore its beaches, colonial towns, and jungles on the cheap.
The key is to get out of the tourist resort zones. Skip the spring-break crowds in Cancun and Cabo and go where your dollar goes further. As one expert traveler puts it: “Leave Tulum (it’s the worst place in the world anyway), Playa del Carmen, Cancun, and all those resort towns filled with American hotel brands” if you want an affordable trip.
Instead, head to smaller beach towns, historic cities, and local villages for an authentic and budget-friendly experience.
Accommodation
In less touristy areas of Mexico, hostel beds and simple hotels are plentiful for $10–$15 per night . For example, in Oaxaca or inland Yucatán (think Valladolid or Mérida), you can find a dorm bed or a basic room in a family-run guesthouse in this range. Many include breakfast. I once stayed at a hostel in Mexico City for $12 that included free walking tours every morning – great value!
Food
Mexico’s food scene is both world-class and wallet-friendly. Street tacos cost about $1 or less each – and two or three make a meal. Local eateries (fondas) offer comida corrida (set lunches) for $3–$5 which include soup, a main, and a drink. To save, avoid the tourist restaurants in resort zones where a margarita might cost as much as a full day’s meals elsewhere.
Pro tip: try the bustling markets – a fresh tortilla stuffed with cochinita pibil in a Yucatán market was one of my best meals for under $2.
Transportation
Getting around is inexpensive. Long-distance buses are comfortable and around $5–$15 for a few hours’ ride. In towns, public buses or colectivos (shared vans) cost a dollar or two. Even taxis, when needed, are reasonable (just confirm the fare or that the meter is used). Within cities like Guadalajara or Puebla, you can often walk between attractions – saving money and allowing you to soak up local life.
Activities
Many of Mexico’s attractions are either free or low-cost. Wandering picturesque plazas and local festivals = free. Museum entries and archaeological sites are usually just a few dollars.
For instance, the awe-inspiring ancient city of Chichén Itzá is about $13 entry (non-Mexican price) – well worth it. Swimming in a cenote in the Yucatán might set you back $5. The biggest expenses can be adventure tours (like diving or guided ruins tours), but even those are cheaper outside the resort areas.
If you’re in Quintana Roo, skip the pricey package tours and take local buses to Tulum ruins (under $5 total) or ferry to Cozumel and rent a bike.
Why March?
It’s the tail end of the dry season in many parts of Mexico, with warm days and slightly fewer tourists than the winter high season. Hotel prices in hotspots may start to dip a bit from January/February highs (except around Easter if it falls in late March).
It’s a great time for coastal areas – the beach weather is perfect but you’re just ahead of the spring break rush. Inland, central Mexico has pleasant spring-like conditions.
Overrated/Hidden Expenses
All-inclusive resorts might sound convenient, but they can be money traps if you venture off property – overpriced shuttles, tourist-priced restaurants, etc. Also beware of certain touristic upsells: those famous “$50 snorkel tours” in Cancun often take you to packed reefs you could reach on your own for the price of a ferry ticket.
Instead of a generic tour in Cancún, hop a local bus to Puerto Morelos for pristine, uncrowded snorkeling at a fraction of the cost. By traveling independently in Mexico, you not only save money but also discover authentic experiences the packaged tours miss.
Guatemala – Highland Culture and Lakes for Less
For an off-the-beaten-path adventure that blends natural beauty and rich culture, Guatemala is a gem. This Central American country stays quite affordable year-round, and March falls in the dry season – ideal for exploring Maya temples in the jungle or sipping coffee by volcanic lakes.
In fact, Central America is one of the cheapest regions of the world; countries like Guatemala, Nicaragua, El Salvador, and Honduras offer some of the best deals. Let’s zero in on Guatemala as a standout example:
Accommodation
You’ll find budget hotels or hostels around $15 a night in many parts of Guatemala. In backpacker havens like Lake Atitlán (a stunning crater lake ringed by villages) dorm beds can go for $8–$12, and private rooms in guesthouses from $20.
I stayed in a family-run homestay in a village above the lake for about $10/night including breakfast – an experience money can’t buy (and in this case, didn’t need to!).
Food
Meals are very cheap if you eat local. A typical plate of chicken, rice, and beans or tasty antojitos (snacks) might cost only $3–$4 at a simple eatery.
Markets sell fresh tortillas for cents. Even in tourist-friendly Antigua, you can find filling street food like pupusas (stuffed corn cakes) for under $1 each. To save, avoid the fancier international restaurants geared to foreigners; you’ll pay triple for pasta or sushi. Instead, try the mercado central for a $2 bowl of pepián (spicy stew) that’ll fill you up.
Transportation
Getting around Guatemala is an adventure thanks to the famous “chicken buses” – colorfully painted former school buses that locals use. They cost just a few quetzales (mere cents to a dollar) for short hops, and a few dollars for longer rides. For example, a bus from Antigua to Chimaltenango might be $1.50.
They are not the comfiest, but definitely the cheapest way to travel (hold on tight!). Tourist shuttles are available for more direct routes (like Antigua to Lake Atitlán for ~$10), but you can often recreate the route via local transport for much less.
Activities
Many of Guatemala’s highlights are either free to enjoy or very low-cost. Roaming colonial Antigua and hiking up Cerro de la Cruz viewpoint: free.
Visiting Mayan ruins of Tikal: the entrance is around $20–25, which is one of the priciest things you’ll do – but it’s a full-day experience exploring massive pyramids in the jungle (worth budgeting for).
At Lake Atitlán, kayaking or hiking between villages might cost only a few dollars for renting gear or a local guide. You can also climb an active volcano (Pacaya) on a guided hike for as low as $15–$20 if you arrange it in-town.
Why March?
March is toward the end of the dry season in Guatemala – meaning mostly sunny days, perfect for volcano hiking and outdoor markets. It’s warm but not yet the hottest time.
Also, it’s before the Easter (Semana Santa) celebrations in April, so you’ll beat the rush of regional travelers who flock to Antigua for the famous Holy Week processions (and who fill up hotels). In March, you get the nice weather without the holiday price hikes or crowds.
Off-Beaten Bonus: Because Guatemala (and its neighbors) are cheaper than nearby Costa Rica or Belize, you can indulge a bit and still stay on budget. Maybe allocate $10 of your $50 day to an epic experience like a guided sunrise hike up Indian Nose Mountain overlooking Lake Atitlán – it’s far cheaper here than similar treks elsewhere.
By prioritizing what matters to you (nature and culture) and avoiding what doesn’t (luxury resorts and tourist traps), you’ll find Guatemala to be one of the most cheap places to travel to in March with genuine, memorable experiences.
Morocco – Markets, Mint Tea, and Bargains in North Africa
Morocco offers a rich tapestry of experiences – snake-charmers in Marrakech’s plazas, winding medinas of blue in Chefchaouen, and Sahara dunes under starry skies – all at a relatively low cost.
Travelers are often pleasantly surprised how far their money goes here. In fact, budget travelers spend around $32 per day in Morocco on average, making it easy to stay under $50. I found it entirely possible: on my own trip, I averaged just $28/day exploring Morocco!
Here’s how:
Accommodation
Morocco has hostels and budget guesthouses (riads) in abundance. A dorm bed in Marrakech can be as low as $10–$12 per night, often in a beautiful traditional house with a courtyard. In smaller cities or off-season, private rooms can be found for $20–$30.
In March, which is before the Easter/spring rush, you can often walk into a riad in Fes or Essaouira and negotiate a good rate, especially if staying a few nights.
Food
Moroccan street food and local eateries are very affordable. A filling tagine or couscous from a street stall might be $2–$4. Eating at the night market in Jemaa el-Fnaa (Marrakech’s famous square) could get you a hearty bowl of harira soup for under $1, or a freshly squeezed orange juice for $0.50.
Even sit-down restaurants (the ones where locals eat, not the tourist-oriented ones with aggressive touts) offer meals in the $5 range. I often ate from street vendors and small cafes for about $10–$15 total per day, and that included the must-try mint tea breaks.
Transportation
Getting around Morocco on a budget is straightforward. Between cities, buses or shared taxis are cheap – for example, a 3-hour bus from Marrakech to Essaouira can cost around $8–$10. Within cities, petite taxis (small red taxis in Marrakech, blue in Fes, etc.) are just a couple of dollars for cross-town rides – always insist on the meter or agree on a price (like 20 dirhams ~$2) before hopping in.
Trains are also a good value: a ride from Casablanca to Marrakech (3 hours) is about $12 second class. And if you really want to save, walking is wonderful in the old city zones since everything is condensed in the medinas (plus, you’ll discover hidden shops and cafes).
Activities
Many Moroccan experiences are low-cost. Wandering the souks (market streets) is free – though watch your wallet because the handicrafts are tempting! Historical sites like medersa (madrasas) or palaces charge only a few dollars entry. For instance, the ornate Ben Youssef Madrasa in Marrakech costs around $5.
A night in the Sahara (camel trek and desert camp) was my biggest splurge – around $40 – but it included transport, food, and an unforgettable sunrise over dunes. If $40 in one go is too much for your $50 day, consider doing a self-guided day trip to the Atlas Mountains: grand taxis can take you to trailheads for under $10 if you share with other travelers, and hiking is free.
Why March?
March in Morocco is springtime – meaning comfortable temperatures (mild/warm days, cooler nights) and the countryside blooming green. It’s ahead of the peak tourist season that hits in April and especially May. That means you benefit from lower accommodation prices and fewer crowds in popular spots like Marrakech or Chefchaouen.
For example, hotel rates that double in summer are still at their moderate winter pricing in March. It’s also a great time for desert tours, as it’s not scorchingly hot yet in the day or frigid at night.
Hidden Expenses to Avoid
In Morocco’s souks, haggling is expected – if you don’t negotiate, you’ll likely overpay by a big margin (this can be a hidden “tourist tax” on your wallet). Always bargain politely; it’s part of the culture and can be fun.
Also, be cautious of unofficial “guides” who offer to show you around medinas and then demand a high fee. Either explore on your own (getting a bit lost is part of the adventure) or hire a licensed guide through your hostel.
Lastly, watch out for any hotel add-ons – some cheaper hotels might not include local city tax or may charge for things like Wi-Fi or air-conditioning as extras.
Ask up front so your $5 room doesn’t become $15 with surprise fees. Overall, Morocco rewards the savvy traveler; with local insight (and maybe a bit of French or Arabic greetings to charm locals), you’ll stretch your dirhams far.
Hungary (Budapest) – European Charm on a Shoestring
If you’re craving a European city experience in March without the high European prices, Budapest, Hungary is the place. Hungary is an amazingly affordable country and Budapest is the grand jewel where your dollars get you a lot.
Imagine enjoying ornate architecture, soothing thermal baths, and hearty meals for well under $50 a day – that’s Budapest in a nutshell. Plus, March is just before the spring tourist uptick, so you’ll find good deals and a more local vibe.
Accommodation
Budapest’s hostels are both high-quality and low-cost. Hostels in Budapest start around $10 per night for a dorm bed – and these aren’t barebones; many are in beautiful renovated buildings.
If you prefer privacy, $25–$30 can fetch a basic private room or an Airbnb. In March, some hostels run promos since it’s end of winter – I once got a free night for staying a week, effectively reducing the cost further.
Food
Hungarian cuisine is filling, and you can get a lot of it on the cheap. Head to the local markets or street vendors for the best deals. A giant bread bowl of goulash soup from a market stall might cost $4. A takeaway langos (fried dough topped with sour cream and cheese – a must-try street snack) is about $2.
For sit-down meals, seek out the daily menus (étkezde) that many local restaurants offer at lunchtime: for around $5–$6 you get a two-course meal. According to one budget traveler’s tally, market meals or quick bites like kebabs are about $5–$10 each, so if you eat like a local you’ll stay in that range.
To save money (and maybe your liver), take it easy on alcohol – though beer in Hungary is under $2 even at bars, cocktails and fancy ruin bar drinks will add up. Maybe stick to the excellent local beer or wine which is both cheap and good.
Transportation
Budapest has an efficient and affordable public transit system. A single metro or bus ticket is roughly $1. And the city offers multi-day passes (a 24-hour unlimited pass is about $5) which can be worth it if you’re zipping around.
However, Budapest is also very walkable – you can stroll across the Chain Bridge and along the Danube for free, enjoying views that pricey river cruises offer at no cost. If you need to get somewhere at night, the night buses run regularly or a Bolt (ride-share like Uber) within downtown is usually under $5.
Trains and buses to explore other towns in Hungary are just a few dollars too – for example, a train to the cute town of Szentendre is around $3.
Activities
Many of Budapest’s best activities are either free or great value for the price. Walking along the Danube promenade or through the castle district costs nothing and is incredibly scenic.
There are free walking tours (tip-based) that cover the city’s history and even specialty tours (communist history, Jewish quarter, etc.) – an informative way to spend a morning for just a few dollars tip. Entry to historic sites like Matthias Church or Fisherman’s Bastion is $5 or less.
Even the famous thermal baths are reasonable: about $20 for a full-day ticket at the grand Széchenyi Baths – a worthwhile splurge for relaxation (hint: go on a weekday in March, it’s less crowded and sometimes a couple bucks cheaper than weekends). Unless you are paying for every single museum and attraction, $50 gives you plenty of room to enjoy the city’s sights .
Why March?
Early spring is a shoulder season in Budapest. While it might still be a bit brisk (pack a jacket), the city starts to bloom with life after winter. Importantly for budget travelers, March prices are lower than in summer – you can often find discounts on accommodations and you won’t need reservations weeks in advance for popular hostels or tours.
By late March, cafe terraces start opening up on nicer days, and there are spring festivals (like the Budapest Spring Festival in art and music) that might offer free performances. Also, by visiting in March, you avoid the higher tourist taxes and crowded conditions of peak season.
Budapest in March gives you the beauty of Europe on offseason prices – truly one of the best cheap places to go in March if you want a mix of culture, history, and fun.
Overrated to Skip
Budapest has a vibrant nightlife, but watch out for the hype – for example, the famous “ruin pub” Szimpla Kert is worth a look, but drinks there are pricier than in less touristy bars and it’s packed with foreigners. If you’re on a tight budget, have a couple beers at a local bar for half the price, then maybe just walk through Szimpla Kert to see its quirky decor.
Also, think twice about paid Danube dinner cruises – they can be underwhelming and expensive. A smarter alternative is to ride the public D11 boat (part of the transit system) for a couple of dollars in the evening; you’ll glide past the illuminated Parliament and bridges for a fraction of the cost of a tourist cruise, and you can bring your own snack onboard. It’s these little hacks that keep your Budapest experience both magical and on budget.
Vietnam – Street Food & Scenic Wonders for a Steal
Vietnam consistently ranks as one of the cheapest travel destinations in the world, and March is a stellar time to visit. With its mix of buzzing cities, emerald rice terraces, golden beaches, and limestone karsts, Vietnam offers diverse experiences – often at jaw-droppingly low prices.
Travelers on $50 a day here often feel like they’re living like kings. I certainly felt that way slurping delicious pho on a tiny plastic stool for 30 cents! Here’s how Vietnam lets you stretch your dollars:
Accommodation
Vietnam has some of the best-value accommodations in Asia. Hostels can be found for as little as $4–$5 USD per night – and many even include perks like free breakfast and free beer during happy hour for guests.
(Yes, you read that right – some hostels in Vietnam hand out a free beer each evening to encourage travelers to mingle!). In March, which is before the big summer travel season, you can often walk in and get a bed without advance booking except in the most popular spots.
Private rooms in budget hotels or homestays are usually $15–$20. When I was in Da Nang, I stayed in a lovely family-run homestay with AC, breakfast, and bicycles to borrow for $18/night – and that was split between two people, so $9 each.
Food
Vietnamese food is legendary, and on the street it’s unbelievably cheap. A bowl of pho or bun cha from a street stall can cost under $2 (and is often more delicious than a fancy restaurant’s version). Banh mi sandwiches from street carts are often $1 or less.
If you stick to street vendors and local markets, it’s hard to spend more than $5–$8 a day on food and be completely full. Even if you sit down at a casual restaurant, many dishes are $3–$5. Aside from price, another advantage of street eating: you get a front-row seat to local life. Morning noodle soup next to office workers, or late-night pancakes (banh xeo) with locals, doubled as cultural experiences for me.
Just avoid the tourist-trap eateries that might charge 3x more for “western” food – why get a $10 pizza in Saigon when you can have a feast of Vietnamese dishes for the same price?
Transportation
Getting around Vietnam cheaply is straightforward. Buses and trains are very affordable – an open-tour bus ticket (hop-on, hop-off along the country) might average out to a few dollars per ride.
For example, an air-conditioned bus from Ho Chi Minh City to Mui Ne (4-5 hours) can be found for $6–$8. Within cities, apps like Grab (Southeast Asia’s Uber) offer motorbike taxis for $1–$2 for most rides – a thrilling way to zip through traffic. In Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City, you can also just walk between many major sights.
There are also inexpensive domestic flights if you book in advance, though buses or the reunification express train are more scenic (and save a night’s accommodation if you take an overnight train).
Activities
Vietnam’s attractions often come with low fees. Many museums or historical sites (War Remnants Museum, Imperial Citadel of Hue, etc.) cost only $1–$3 entry. A full-day guided excursion, like a boat tour of the Mekong Delta or a trekking tour in Sapa, can be found in the $20–$30 range which is great value for what you get (lunch included, multiple stops, guide, etc.).
In Ninh Binh, I rented a bicycle for $1 and pedaled through rice fields to temples – one of my favorite days, nearly free. And some iconic experiences are incredibly cheap: visiting the Cu Chi Tunnels near Saigon is just $5 for entrance, and hiring a guide there is only a bit extra split among a group.
Even adrenaline activities like canyoning in Da Lat were about $20 for a full day of adventure – possibly the best $20 I ever spent. Nature lovers will find that many hikes and waterfalls in Vietnam are free; just hire a scooter for the day ($5) and go.
Why March?
Vietnam’s climate varies north to south, but March is generally a favorable month across the country. In the south (Saigon, Mekong Delta, Phu Quoc island) it’s dry season with hot but manageable temperatures and clear skies – great for beaches.
In the north (Hanoi, Halong Bay, Sapa), it’s spring – weather can be mild or a bit cool and misty, but it’s past the coldest winter months. Central Vietnam (Hoi An, Da Nang, Hue) is starting to warm up and is mostly dry. Importantly, March is before the big holiday rush in summer, and after the Tet New Year holiday, so tourist numbers are moderate.
That means you get decent availability and sometimes lower prices on accommodation. (One caveat: if traveling right after Tet – which occasionally falls in late February – some small businesses might still be on holiday; by March things are back to normal).
Overall, March offers a balance of good weather and budget-friendly conditions, letting you fully enjoy Vietnam’s offerings.
Smart Savings
One thing that helped me keep costs down was embracing the local way of doing things. For instance, laundry – instead of hotel laundry services, I used street laundry shops where they charged per kilogram (a few dollars to wash a big bag of clothes).
Also, bargaining is common in markets and for tours – always politely negotiate; you can often get a better price, especially if you’re booking last-minute or in a group. And don’t underestimate the value of free experiences in Vietnam: watching the sunset over West Lake in Hanoi, joining locals in a park for an impromptu dance/exercise session, or simply people-watching with a 50-cent cup of bia hoi (fresh beer) are all enriching moments that cost next to nothing.
Peru – Andean Adventures on a Budget (Just Watch the Extras)
Peru is a bucket-list country – home to Machu Picchu, vibrant indigenous culture, and diverse landscapes from mountains to jungle. It’s quite possible to travel Peru on ~$50/day, though there are a few big-ticket experiences that require either saving up or clever planning. Day-to-day life, however, is affordable, especially in March which is the shoulder season after the peak of the rainy season.
Let’s break it down:
Accommodation
In Peruvian cities and towns, hostel dorms generally range $8–$12 per night, and budget private rooms $20–$30. In March (which is the end of the wet season in the highlands), you’re between the heavy tourist waves, so you might find hostels half-empty and willing to deal.
For example, in Cusco – the gateway to Machu Picchu – I scored a dorm bed for $7 including breakfast by just walking in and asking about low-season prices. Outside the major tourist centers, you can often find even cheaper.
One night in the Colca Canyon area I stayed at a family’s guesthouse for about $5 (it was basic, but clean and came with an alpaca wool blanket for the chilly night).
Food
Peru’s cuisine is fantastic and you don’t need fancy restaurants to enjoy it. Most Peruvians have their main meal at lunch with a menú económico: this set menu usually costs $2–$5 and includes a soup or starter, a main (like lomo saltado stir-fry or aji de gallina chicken stew), and a drink.
It’s super filling and a great way to try local dishes. For cheaper eats, hit the markets – fresh fruit juices for under $1, or a quarter chicken with fries at a pollería for $4.
Street food like empanadas or tamales are often under $1. I often found that by eating a big menu lunch for ~$3 and a lighter street-food dinner for ~$2, my daily food cost stayed easily around $5. One warning: international or upscale restaurants (Lima has many) will burn your budget quickly – a fancy ceviche bar could charge $15 for a plate which is three days’ food budget in backpacker terms. Stick to local spots and you’ll not only save but have a more authentic food experience.
Transportation
Peru is large, but transport is reasonable. Long-distance buses (which are quite comfortable with reclining seats) cost around $1.50–$2 per hour of travel. For example, an 8-hour overnight bus might be $15–$20. Taking overnight buses is a popular way to save a night’s accommodation (just have earplugs and a jacket, the AC can be strong!).
Within cities, public buses or combis are often $0.50 or less. Taxis in cities like Cusco or Lima vary – it’s essential to negotiate before you get in since they’re not metered. A short taxi hop might be $2–$3 in Cusco, whereas in Lima it could be $5–$10 across town. If you’re truly pinching pennies, many places are walkable or you can use apps like Beat in Lima for cheaper fixed fares.
Activities
Here’s where Peru can either shine for budget travelers or blow a hole in the budget depending on choices. Many wonderful activities are cheap: entrance to museums or archaeological sites usually $3–$10 (except Machu Picchu). A DIY day hike in the Cordilleras: nearly free.
But the world-famous treks and sites can be pricey. Machu Picchu, for instance, has an entrance fee around $45–$50. If you add the classic Inca Trail trek, that’s a guided 4-day tour costing hundreds (and must be booked months in advance). However, there are cheaper alternatives: you can do a shorter hike or visit Machu Picchu via the train or the budget “Inca Jungle” route, etc.
Nomadic Matt notes that hiking the Inca Trail will definitely burst your budget, but everyday life aside from that is quite affordable. In fact, outside such splurges, he suggests $50–$80/day is plenty for backpacking Peru – and $50 is on the lower end if you limit big tours.
My strategy in Peru was to choose one or two splurges (I did Machu Picchu by train and a 2-day tour to Lake Titicaca) and kept everything else super frugal. Many great experiences were nearly free: wandering the San Pedro market in Cusco, taking a free walking tour in Lima, climbing up to the ruins above Ollantaytambo on my own (free access to some sections).
If you want to do guided hikes like to Colca Canyon or a multi-day to Machu Picchu, look for last-minute deals in person – I met travelers who snagged half-price spots on a Machu Picchu trek because they were flexible and the agency wanted to fill a couple of remaining slots.
Why March?
March is a transition month in Peru. In the highlands (Cusco, Machu Picchu, Andes) it’s the tail end of the rainy season – you might get some showers, but it’s greener and there are far fewer tourists than in June-August. Importantly, prices for accommodations in Cusco or Arequipa can be lower in March than in the dry winter months, and you’ll find more tour availability without booking far ahead.
On the coast (Lima, Paracas) it’s still summertime and quite nice, and in the Amazon it’s wet season (meaning some lodges have off-season discounts). So March lets you see Peru in a less-crowded way and on a budget. Just be prepared for a mix of weather and have a flexible attitude if a downpour delays something.
Overrated vs. Worth It
A classic debate in Peru is how to visit Machu Picchu on the cheap. Some will say the expensive Hiram Bingham train or the classic Inca Trail are overrated and that you can get the same wonder by doing a cheaper route (like taking a local bus to the town of Hidroeléctrica and hiking along the train tracks to Aguas Calientes for less than $10 in transit).
It is true you can dramatically cut costs with the DIY approach – just expect a very long travel day. What I’ll emphasize is: budget travel is about value, not just the lowest cost. For me, paying the entrance fee to Machu Picchu itself was absolutely worth it – it’s spectacular and unique.
But I skipped the overpriced add-ons like the tourist shuttle bus from Aguas Calientes to the site ($12 each way); instead, I woke up at 4am and hiked up to Machu Picchu for free (an hour and a half of sweaty steps, but hey, saved $24 and watched the sunrise on the way!).
So, identify which experiences are overrated and which are worth your hard-earned cash. For example, skip the costly tourist dining experiences in Lima’s Miraflores and head to a local cevichería in a non-touristy neighborhood for an authentic $5 ceviche that’s just as delicious. By making these savvy choices, you keep Peru affordable without missing out on its highlights.
Conclusion
Traveling on a budget encourages you to dive deeper into local life – eating where locals eat, riding the bus with school kids and workers, staying in family-run guesthouses – and those moments create the kind of authentic stories that package tours can never provide.
Plus, you’ll come home not with an empty wallet, but perhaps even with some change to spare or funds to start planning your next trip. By taking advantage of shoulder season timing, you’ll enjoy lower costs and thinner crowds, turning what might be a trickle of budget into a tide of experiences.
Source:
- Nomadic Matt, 9 Destinations Under $50 a Day – Cost breakdowns for countries like Thailand, Mexico, Hungary, Vietnam, etc. nomadicmatt.com.
- BudgetYourTrip, Morocco Travel Cost – Average $32/day for budget travelers in Morocco budgetyourtrip.com.
- NeverEndingFootsteps – Personal travel budget showing $28/day in Morocco neverendingfootsteps.com.
- Dangerous Business, Shoulder Season Travel – Notes that shoulder season (spring) offers fewer tourists and lower prices dangerous-business.com.
- RealJourneyTravels, Hidden Travel Expenses – Warns that visa fees and unexpected costs can catch travelers off guard realjourneytravels.com.
- Nomadic Matt – Advice that avoiding tourist zones (e.g., skipping overpriced Tulum and Cancun resorts) in Mexico leads to big savingsnomadicmatt.com.
- Nomadic Matt – Emphasizes many destinations can be enjoyed with hostels ~$10, street food ~$5-10/day, and local transit nomadicmatt.comnomadicmatt.com, plus free activities like walking tours and beachesnomadicmatt.com.
- Nomadic Matt – Notes that in Peru, aside from major excursions, daily life is cheap and ~$50–$80/day covers basic backpacking (hostels, cheap food, public transport, a few tours)nomadicmatt.com.
- Dangerous Business – Shoulder season means great deals on flights, hotels, tours due to lower demanddangerous-business.com.
- RealJourneyTravels – Highlights common hidden costs: baggage fees, resort fees, rental car add-ons, currency exchange commissionsrealjourneytravels.com – all things to budget for or avoid to stay on track.