Puerto Maldonado is well connected with Cusco. You can get from Cusco to Puerto Maldonado by bus, private transfer, flight, or rental car.
Puerto Maldonado is a beautiful city located in Peru and the perfect base for wildlife lovers!
It is the hub of activity in the southern Amazon and the gateway to the remote Amazon Azulejo. This city is located between Brazil and Bolivia and is close to some of the best-protected areas in Peru.
The city is full of beautiful and charming people and offers plenty of options for travelers interested in nature. Many visitors come here for tours into the Amazon, but you could spend time exploring one of the nearby national parks or enjoying cultural activities in town!
Puerto Maldonado is a bustling city that provides the perfect backdrop to explore one of the world’s most untouched regions.
Here, you can also find Manu National Park – one of the most biodiverse places in Peru – and Tambopata National Reserve, which protects the habitat of endangered species.
Puerto Maldonado is your best bet for those who love the jungle and want to experience life in an authentic Peruvian city for a few days!
If you have a soft spot for the natural environment, you must immediately add this place to your bucket list!
Traveling between Cusco and Puerto Maldonado is easy, and you can choose between a bus, private transfer, flight, and rental car!
Check our guide for the best options to travel from Cusco to Puerto Maldonado.
Tip: Read here everything you need to know about how to get around in Peru.
How far is Puerto Maldonado from Cusco?
The distance from Cusco to Puerto Maldonado is 296.8 miles or 477.6 kilometers.
Transportation Options from Cusco to Puerto Maldonado
The following table outlines all transportation options from Cusco to Puerto Maldonado:
| Method | Travel time | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Bus from Cusco to Puerto Maldonado | 9-18 hours | USD 12-USD 33 |
| Private Transfer from Cusco to Puerto Maldonado | 9 hours 20 minutes | – |
| Flight from Cusco to Puerto Maldonado | 1 hour | – |
| Rental Car | 9 hours 20 minutes | – |
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 12-USD 33!
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 an Economy, VIP, or Reclining Seat Buses, that make the journey from Cusco to Puerto Maldonado between 8.5 and 18 hours.
The cheapest option is the Economy Bus, which takes over 18 hours to arrive in Puerto Maldonado, and offers fewer amenities.
However, other bus options can get you to Puerto Maldonado much faster and offer more comfort and convenience!
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
| Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Price per Person | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 09:00 PM | 07:00 AM | 10 hours | USD 22 |   |
Cusco to Puerto Maldonado 160 Reclining Seats Bus Schedule
| Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Price per Person | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 08:55 PM | 05:05 AM | 8 hours 10 minutes | USD 28 | |
| 09:00 PM | 07:00 AM | 10 hours | USD 28 | |
Cusco to Puerto Maldonado 180 Reclining Seats Bus Schedule
| Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Price per Person | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 08:55 PM | 05:05 AM | 8 hours 10 minutes | USD 33 | |
Cusco to Puerto Maldonado VIP Bus Schedule
| Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Price per Person | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 08:45 PM | 07:15 AM | 10 hours 30 minutes | USD 23 | |
Cusco to Puerto Maldonado Economy Bus Schedule
| Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Price per Person | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 PM | 01:10 PM | 18 hours 10 minutes | USD 12 | |
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!
Bookaway
On Bookaway, you can check all available transportation options from Cusco to Puerto Maldonado. It is a reliable and easy-to-use platform for comparing prices & schedules and making a booking online.
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.
The following widget shows some of the best tours in Puerto Maldonado, Peru.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cheapest way to get from Cusco to Puerto Maldonado?
The cheapest way to get from Cusco to Puerto Maldonado is by Economy Bus, which costs only USD 12.
What is the fastest way to get from Cusco to Puerto Maldonado?
The fastest way to get from Cusco to Puerto Maldonado is by plane. Flying from Cusco to Puerto Maldonado takes only 1 hour!
Is there a direct bus between Cusco and Puerto Maldonado?
Yes, multiple direct buses travel from Cusco to Puerto Maldonado daily. There are five types of buses operated by four companies.
Does Puerto Maldonado have an airport?
Yes, Puerto Maldonado is served by Puerto Maldonado International Airport, also known as Padre Aldamiz International Airport, located in Peru’s Madre de Dios Region.
How long is the flight from Cusco to Puerto Maldonado?
The direct flight, which takes 58 minutes, is the fastest way to get from Cuzco Airport to Puerto Maldonado Airport.
More routes from Cusco, Peru
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