4 Best Ways to get from Cusco to Puerto Maldonado, Peru

You can get from Cusco to Puerto Maldonado by bus, private transfer, flight, or rental car.

The cheapest option to travel from Cusco to Puerto Maldonado is by bus, which costs only USD 23. The journey takes about 10 hours.

The most popular option is also the bus, offering a convenient and affordable transportation alternative!

The fastest way to travel to Puerto Maldonado from Cusco is by taking a flight, which takes only 1 hour!

From the busy avenues of Lima to the winding roads of the Sacred Valley, I’ve experienced Peru’s transportation first-hand. In this guide, I’ll share practical advice on using these diverse modes of travel and getting from Cusco to Puerto Maldonado, ensuring your journey is as rich as the destinations themselves!

Check our guide for the best options to travel from Cusco to Puerto Maldonado.

Transportation Options from Cusco to Puerto Maldonado

The following table outlines all transportation options from Cusco to Puerto Maldonado:

Method	Time	Price
Bus from Cusco to Puerto Maldonado	~10 hrs	$23 to 28
Cusco to Puerto Maldonado Private Transfer	~9.5 hrs	–
Flight from Cusco to Puerto Maldonado	1 hr	–
Rental Car	~9.5 hrs	–

How far is Puerto Maldonado from Cusco?

The distance from Cusco to Puerto Maldonado is 296.8 miles or 477.6 kilometers.

Getting to Puerto Maldonado from Cusco

1. Bus from Cusco to Puerto Maldonado

Journey Duration: 9-18 hours

Bus travel is the most common way to get from Cusco to Puerto Maldonado! This choice is popular among tourists because it is the least expensive option, with tickets only costing USD 23-USD 28!

Numerous direct buses travel through this remote region of Peru, departing during the day and at night.

You can choose from several buses and bus companies, all providing different comfort levels. You can opt for a VIP, or Reclining Seat Buses, that make the journey from Cusco to Puerto Maldonado between 10 and 10.5 hours.

The cheapest option is the 140 Reclining Seats Bus, which takes 10 hours to arrive in Puerto Maldonado, and offers fewer amenities.

Driving through Peru can be spectacular, but for this journey, we recommend taking an overnight bus, so you’ll be most efficient with your time and get some rest during your travels! 

So, pick the most comfortable bus option and enjoy this long trip from Cusco to Puerto Maldonado!

Cusco to Puerto Maldonado 140 Reclining Seats Bus Schedule

The table below displays the 140 reclining seats bus timetable for trips from Cusco to Puerto Maldonado, detailing departure times, journey lengths, and fares.

DEP	ETA	DUR	PX
09:00pm	07:00am	10h	$23

Cusco to Puerto Maldonado 160 Reclining Seats Bus Schedule

The table below displays the 160 reclining seats bus timetable for trips from Cusco to Puerto Maldonado, detailing departure times, journey lengths, and fares.

DEP	ETA	DUR	PX
09:00pm	07:00am	10h	$28

Cusco to Puerto Maldonado VIP Bus Schedule

The table below displays the VIP bus timetable for trips from Cusco to Puerto Maldonado, detailing departure times, journey lengths, and fares.

DEP	ETA	DUR	PX
08:45pm	07:15am	10h 30m	$28

2. Private Transfer from Cusco to Puerto Maldonado

Journey Duration: 9 hours 20 minutes

Another way to get from Cusco to Puerto Maldonado is by arranging a private transfer with a local traveling agency!

The benefit is that you get driven directly to your destination in a comfortable vehicle, and the trip may take a little less time than a bus ride.

However, private transfers are rarely used since this option only pays off if you’re traveling with a bigger group. 

Costs for a private transfer from Cusco to Puerto Maldonado are similar to those of a flight. So, if you’re searching for comfort or cutting down on travel time, there might be a better alternative!

But if you still stick to this option, you can find and hire a car with a driver to take you on this trip!

3. Flight from Cusco to Puerto Maldonado

Journey Duration: 1 hour

If you want to get from Cusco to Puerto Maldonado quickly, you can also catch a flight!

Fortunately, both locations have a nearby airport, making it very convenient to board a flight to reduce travel time. Three airlines currently run frequent domestic flights from Cusco to Puerto Maldonado.

Avianca, LATAM Chile, and Star Peru all have one daily flight from Cusco to Puerto Maldonado that takes only one hour.

Prices for plane tickets always vary depending on the season, but it is common to find tickets starting from around USD 80. 

The airport in Puerto Maldonado is 4 kilometers from the town, so after you land, you can take a taxi or other form of public transportation to get there.

To ensure your flight, research flight availability and book your plane tickets in advance!

4. Driving with Rental Car from Cusco to Puerto Maldonado

Journey Duration: 9 hours 20 minutes

You can also get a rental car and drive yourself if you’re up for an adventure and a beautiful road trip from Cusco to Puerto Maldonado!

Getting from Cusco to Puerto Maldonado can be difficult; let me say that right away. It’s a long road trip, and getting around Peruvian traffic as a tourist isn’t always easy.

However, due to the new highway linking the two places, the journey will be delightful and last about nine hours.

Getting a rental car allows you to go at your own pace and frequently stop to enjoy the journey! Additionally, renting a car in Cusco is a cost-effective option, so consider it!

Best day tours in Puerto Maldonado, Peru

Get Your Guide helps you find the best tours wherever you are heading to. It’s usually the first website I check when I plan a trip to a new place.

Here, you can find some of the best tours in Puerto Maldonado, Peru.

Frequently Asked Questions