If you’re planning your trip to Cusco and Lima, currency exchange is crucial. Recently, a client asked about where to exchange money in Peru, and we thought this would be important for you as well.
Lima: If you’re looking to exchange some cash in Lima, Miraflores is the right place. Skip the airport and banks; you’ll get much better rates there. Look for a “Casa de Cambio,” where you can swap your cash for Peruvian soles. In Google Maps, you can find plenty of options, especially some spots on Calle Tarata that have great rates and are reliable.
Cusco: Currency exchange in Cusco City usually is safe and more convenient, just head over to the Plaza de Armas, take a stroll down Ave. El Sol, and you’ll find plenty of reputable money exchange businesses and banks. If you happen to be in the historic center, look for “Casa de Cambio Alguis,” located right across from the main Banco de Crédito.
Tip: never exchange money on the streets; there’s a risk of getting stuck with a counterfeit bill. Always ask for a receipt when you exchange money, it’s your proof of the transaction and peace of mind.
Now, onto other tourist places like Urubamba, Pisac, Ollantaytambo, and Aguas Calientes. You’ll find some small money exchange spots there, but the exchange rate might not be as favorable as what you’d get in Cusco City. That’s why we highly recommend stocking up on soles in Cusco before you venture out to these areas.
PERSONALIZED TRIP PLANNING
Let Us Handle the Logistics from Touchdown to Machu Picchu
From seamless private transfers and scenic train bookings to expert local planning and tailored pacing across Peru, we design 100% private, handcrafted journeys built around your travel style.
Custom Pacing & Beating the Crowds: Private schedules that let you adjust comfortably to high altitudes and experience iconic sights outside the busiest peak hours.
Dedicated English-Speaking Point of Contact: Direct, speedy communication before and throughout your entire trip with a Canadian expat and dual citizen living in Peru.
Local Peruvian & Expat Leadership: A balanced approach combining deep local heritage and insider connections with North American travel standards.
Travel That Gives Back: All profits stay in Peru, with a portion directly supporting local community youth through Jóvenes con Propósito.
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WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING ABOUT OUR PERU TREKS & TOURS
Immersed in ancient wisdom and wonder - Jacob supported a group of 25 friends in exploring Peru’s ancient archaeological sites. Although we were a big group that could have easily gotten distracted, Jacob’s use of story and... read more diligence in speaking to the true history of the places we visited kept us hooked. I left feeling so much wonder, beauty and awe for the genius of the ancient Inca’s, their culture, their relationship to the sun and sky, and also big grief around colonization, and separation that Western society has in relationship with nature. It is so clear that serving as a guide is life work for Jacob, as he is actively studying the Quechua language and stitching together history for all who are curious to learn. I will always remember his signature callback: “Family!” and can’t wait to return for more learning. Thank you!
Also I am not a super active poster on social media but for those who are, he is SO good at taking photos, videos, for reels and other ways you want to share this experience!
Sophie K February 12, 2026
2 day Inca Trail/Machu Pichu - Absolutely wonderful experience with Jaime David as our guide, our porter, and Mario as our driver. The trip was planned extremely well and was very punctual. Jaime David taught us... read more so much about the Incan culture and Machu Pichu. He was exceptionally patient and supportive of our trip with a 5 and 8 year old and went above and beyond! We couldn’t have asked for a better experience!
Amanda C December 23, 2025
Travel with Purpose gave us the BEST experience!! - From getting picked up at the airport, to getting sent off when we left, Jacob‘s coordination and planning behind the scenes made everything go smoothly for our group.
I... read more got pretty sick the morning we planned to do Machu Picchu, so I made the choice to hang out in Aguas Calientes with my friend instead, and it was still a beautiful experience. Jacob reassured us of safety and went out of his way to give us ideas for things we could do around town. When the group finished their Machu Picchu tour, Jacob came to us and made sure we got reconnected with everyone in time for the train ride back to Ollantytambo.
This was a mission trip, and we spent many days driving out to Andean villages for clinics. The drives out there were like nothing I’ve seen before, incredibly beautiful, but the care and attention the drivers had to our safety and comfort stood out to me. They were fabulous!
We spent our final day with JCP and that was just the sweetest experience. Totally life changing to connect with those wonderful people, they have beautiful hearts! If you’re trying to decide what to do for your visit to Peru, definitely reach out to Samantha and Jacob with Travel With Purpose, and don’t forget to ask them about the opportunities with JCP. You won’t regret it!!
Abigail G September 17, 2026
Group to Machu Picchu - We traveled in Cuzco and to Machu Picchu and this tour company and guides were consistently well organized and on top of all the details!
BJF1960 June 27, 2026
Fantastic! - Jacob and his team are knowledgeable, kind and all around great tour guides. Highly recommend.
jeromyh549 March 27, 2026
Full Peruvian experience - Jacob & Jaime were amazing guides! So knowledgeable, thorough and kind. We had such a great time! Highly recommend!
Mindy V March 27, 2026
Great experience - Jacob & Jaime David were wonderful guides. Great information & so fun. They also helped take wonderful photos. Highly recommended!!
Cynthia D July 19, 2026
Peru Travel with purpose is top tear for a great value - This agency was working with me sending emails back and forth months in advance to make this trip truly perfect for my elderly mother and I.
Samantha made sure... read more that this trip would be perfect for my mothers mobility by picking the perfect circuit and guide Jacob who spoke bother English and Spanish, he was so knowledgeable, kind and more than helpful with bags and tips for just about anything we needed. We are considering to go back with more family members just to because the trip was so beautiful.
manuel m September 13, 2026
Two day Inka Trail and Sacred Valley Tour - Overall, the tour with Travel With Purpose was excellent. Transportation was seamless and very well organized throughout the trip. However, the experience would not have been nearly as enjoyable without... read more our tour guide, Jacob. He was personable, knowledgeable, and an all-around fantastic guide.
Jacob taught us about the history of the Inka Trail, Machu Picchu, and the Sacred Valley, just to name a few highlights. He also taught us useful Spanish phrases, which made it even more fun for us to interact and banter with one another throughout the journey.
This experience is truly one for the books, and I cannot recommend it highly enough. If you have the chance to tour with Jacob, you are in great hands!
