A beautiful view from within central Copacabana-mobile

How to get from
Cusco to Copacabana

Cusco to Copacabana Trip Overview

Distance426 km (266.3 miles)
Price range$32-$32
Ride Duration Range10h 30m-12h
Earliest Departure03:30
Latest Departure03:40

Find up-to-date information on departure times, schedules, and prices so you can easily compare and book your tickets.

Travel Schedule Options from Cusco to Copacabana



























































































A beautiful view from within central Copacabana

About the ride from Cusco to Copacabana

Cusco is undoubtedly among the most enchanting locales on the planet. But after spending several days in the ancient Incan capital, you might want to try something different. That’s where a journey from Cusco to Copacabana comes in. Offering a complete change of scenery, and a captivating traverse to boot, this excursion is something you’ll remember for a long time.

The question is, how do you get from Cusco to Copacabana? Well, there are several options. Each has its pros and cons but whichever option you choose, rest assured that you’ll be in for some pretty spectacular vistas. 

The simplest and most affordable way to get from Cusco to Copacabana is to get on a direct bus line. Copacabana lies 330 miles from Cusco, so you’ll need around 12 hours to make it. 

If that sounds like a lot, you can rent a car and drive to Copacabana in around 9 hours. You’ll definitely save on time, but you will need to shell out some more cash to make it work. Finally, you can get a train from Cusco to Puno, and then hop on a bus to Copacabana. This will take you anywhere between 14 hours and a full day, depending on when you catch your bus.

Pro Tip: To get from Cusco to Copacabana, you’ll need to pass through the Peru-Bolivia border. Make sure you have your passport on you, and that it’s valid for at least another 6 months. If you’re planning to drive to Copacabana, you’ll also need your driver’s license, as well as car insurance. Gasoline is about $3,80 for a gallon.

 

What to see when traveling from Cusco to Copacabana

The first part of your Cusco to Copacabana journey will take you through a beautiful mountain valley in the Andes Mountain Range. With the winding Urubamba River keeping you company, you better bring a spare camera battery – the views are that good!

As you go further south, the area flattens out into expansive pastures stretching as far as the eye can see. After a few hours, you’ll reach the city of Puno, and the shimmering Lake Titicaca. The last part of the journey will take you along the lake, offering uninterrupted views of its blue waters.

Just before you reach your destination, you’ll hit the Peru-Bolivia border. After going through border control, you’ll be in Copacabana within 20 minutes.

 

How to get from Cusco to Copacabana

Taking a bus
If you like your traveling as hassle-free as possible, then taking a bus from Cusco to Copacabana is your best option. The two well-established tour operators you can choose from are Transzela and Huayruro Tours. 

With tickets ranging between just $20 and $26, this is definitely the most affordable way to get from Cusco to Copacabana. That doesn’t mean that you’ll lose out on comfort, though. All buses offer amenities like A/C, TVs, onboard toilets, reclining seats, food and drinks, chargers for your phone, as well as a blanket in case you get cold.

Most travelers choose the VIP buses for their added comfort. Both operators offer daily departures, with buses leaving between 10:00 pm and 11:00 pm. This means you'll be able to get a good night’s sleep, as well as save on accommodation costs.

 

Taking a train
If you’re all about traveling in style, a train ride through the Andes should be right up your alley. Going from Cusco to Puno, a ride on this luxury 1920s style carriage offers all the creature comforts you could want on a trip like this.

Boasting panoramic roof cars, the train lets you enjoy the scenery in a truly spectacular way. There are also a couple of fine dining areas, and a bar where you can sip your cold drink and relax. The train leaves at 7:10 am, which means you’ll have the entire day to soak in the views.

The $240 experience comes with a gourmet lunch, and afternoon tea befitting luxury travelers. The train only makes one stop on its journey – at the point of highest elevation. Step out and behold Abra La Raya, a stunning 14,271 foot-high mountain pass. Your Instagram followers will love you for it!

The train ride to Puno should take you around 10 hours. After that, you’ll need to catch a bus to Copacabana, which should take another 3 hours. Make sure you check the bus departure time before you head out, as these can change. If you miss the bus, you’ll need to rent a car, or spend the night in Puno and get a bus to Copacabana the following day.

 

Taking a car
Renting a car to go from Cusco to Copacabana is perhaps the option that gives you the most flexibility. You can stop and go as you please, doing everything on your own schedule. The roads are decently well-maintained, so it’s up to you whether you want to travel by day or night.

One thing you should definitely make sure of is that your car rental allows traveling across borders. The last thing you want is to have to leave your car at the border! 

Companies Operating from Cusco to Copacabana

Average time

10h 30m - 12h

Average price

$32

(140)

Popular stations and stops in Cusco and Copacabana

Departure stations in Cusco

Terminal Terrestre de Cusco

Cusco Bus Station

Arrival stations in Copacabana

Hotel Gloria Copacabana

Copacabana Bus Station

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