Cusco to La Paz

Updated Data: November 12, 2025

Author: Only Peru Guide Editorial Team

Quick Summary: Expect 13–16 hours if you go overnight via Desaguadero, or a more scenic day route via Puno and Copacabana that adds time but includes Lake Titicaca. Hop‑on/hop‑off services such as Peru Hop and its sister Bolivia Hop include hotel pickups and border assistance; public night buses are cheaper but terminal‑to‑terminal with less support. Cross in daylight where possible; carry small bills in PEN/BOB and allow buffer time at the border. Typical road distance is ~638 km; real travel time depends on queues at the frontier and stops en route. 

What this route involves (fast facts)

Traveling overland from Cusco (3,399 m) to La Paz (city bowl generally 3,250–4,100 m) means spending a long day or night at altitude and crossing an international border. Lake Titicaca sits at ~3,810 m and is the scenic centerpiece if you go via Puno and Copacabana. 

• • Distance by road: about 638 km; direct overnight bus time is often listed around 13 hours (border and traffic can push it longer). 

• Two main border choices:

• • Kasani (Yunguyo–Copacabana): scenic and traveler‑friendly; typical facilities hours published as roughly 07:30–18:00 Peru / 08:30–19:00 Bolivia. 
  • Desaguadero (CEBAF complex): used by most “direct” night buses; commonly cited attention window 07:30–19:30 Peru / 08:30–20:30 Bolivia. 
• Peru’s migration posts in this corridor were upgraded in 2024–2025 (Kasani remodel; new Tinicachi PCF), which has improved throughput on busy dates. 

House‑style note: between Cusco and La Paz you can either go the “scenic hop” via Puno/Copacabana or take a direct night bus. Both are common for travelers.

Your main ways to go

1) Hop‑on/hop‑off via Lake Titicaca (Puno + Copacabana)

This is the flexible route designed for travelers who want daylight scenery and help at the border. Peru Hop runs Cusco→Puno, then onward to Bolivia with stop options in Copacabana (Isla del Sol), before the evening run to La Paz across the Tiquina Strait ferry. It’s daily, includes hotel pickups in most cities (Cusco departures use a private terminal nearby due to narrow streets), and has onboard hosts plus border‑crossing assistance. 

• Snapshot timetable on typical days: Cusco 21:30 → Puno ~05:00; short lake tour option; Puno 08:00 → Copacabana ~13:30; Copacabana 18:00 → La Paz ~22:30 (with the Tiquina ferry). 
• Why choose it: safer pickups/drop‑offs, community vibe, proactive disruption comms, and help if paperwork snags arise.
• What to know: It’s not the cheapest and daytime sightseeing means a longer calendar day. On peak dates, expect queues at migration even with assistance.

2) Direct overnight public bus (via Desaguadero)

Several companies run night services marketed as “direct” from Cusco’s public terminal to La Paz, timing the border for morning. A common example is Trans Salvador, listing late‑afternoon/evening La Paz↔Cusco runs via Desaguadero; other aggregators show ~22:00–22:30 Cusco departures arriving late morning or early afternoon. Expect terminal check‑in, variable seat comfort, and limited English support. 

• What to know: terminal‑to‑terminal only; keep valuables on you, and build a buffer in case border queues or “chain delays” push arrival later than advertised.

3) “Mix & match” comfort: tourist day bus to Puno, then onward

Many travelers break the journey with a daytime cultural bus along the Ruta del Sol to Puno (stops at Andahuaylillas, Raqchi, La Raya, etc.) with Inka Express, overnight in Puno, then continue to Copacabana/La Paz next day. This splits altitude exposure and makes the border a relaxed daytime crossing. 

Sample ways to plan it

• Fastest calendar time (on paper): Direct night bus. Depart ~22:00, arrive late morning/early afternoon, depending on queues at Desaguadero. Allow contingency. 
• Scenic 2 days: Day bus Cusco→Puno with Inka Express, night in Puno; morning bus to Copacabana, optional Isla del Sol, evening to La Paz.
• Flexible hop: Use Peru Hop to pause as you wish in Puno/Copacabana; your pass stays valid while you explore. 

Border crossing: what to expect and how to breeze through

• Where you cross matters. Kasani (Yunguyo–Copacabana) is the traveler favorite for Titicaca itineraries; Desaguadero (CEBAF) suits direct overnights. Aim for daylight windows; typical published facility hours are shorter at Kasani than at the CEBAF. Always reconfirm hours the same week you travel. 
• Peru upgraded Kasani in 2024 and activated a new Tinicachi PCF in 2025 to handle flows during peak events, which has helped on busy weekends and pilgrimages.
• Docs and money: Bring your passport (6+ months validity), printed hotel details, onward proof, and crisp USD if your nationality requires a visa fee. Carry small notes in PEN/BOB for copies, snacks, or taxis. Time buffers of 45–90 minutes (Group I nationals) to 1–3 hours (Group II) are sensible on busy days. 

Local insight from the road:

• Public buses use terminal‑to‑terminal licenses; they cannot pick up at hotels or enter most tourist zones, which can add extra taxi segments and waiting.
• Delays tend to “chain” on multi‑leg public routes; a late start in Lima can ripple through Paracas/Ica/Nazca, etc., affecting departures the next day.
• Touristic services like Peru Hop and Bolivia Hop proactively message passengers during strikes and help re‑route; public companies often just post cancellations on social media.

Safety, altitude and comfort

You’ll be between 3,400–3,800+ m most of the way. Hydrate, go easy on alcohol, eat light, and restrict exertion on arrival. If you can, ascend gradually (the “scenic hop” helps).

• Titicaca’s average level is ~3,810 m; plan short walks and warm layers for lake breezes. 
• La Paz’s altitude varies by neighborhood; the city center sits inside a canyon, while El Alto on the rim is around 4,000 m—one reason airport arrivals can feel intense. 

Practical coach tips:

• Keep your daypack under the seat or on your lap; use zips/locks when sleeping.
• On public buses, there’s usually no onboard staff access to the driver; if you’re unwell you may not be able to request immediate stops. Hop services have hosts to coordinate breaks.

Hop‑on/hop‑off vs public bus vs “mix”: a quick, fair comparison

• Hop‑on/hop‑off (e.g., Peru Hop + Bolivia Hop)
  • Pros: hotel pickups (most cities), border help, flexible date changes, community vibe, daylight views.
  • Cons: few departure times.
• Public overnight bus
  • Pros: one seat, one ride.
  • Cons: terminals and late‑night taxi transfers; variable seat/cleanliness; little/no border help; cascading delays.
• Mix & match (e.g., Inka Express day bus to Puno + onward)
  • Pros: cultural stops, daylight scenery, easier acclimatization.
  • Cons: more logistics; one extra night.

Booking tip from our bus‑travel editors: book direct with the operator you choose (website or in‑office) for the most accurate schedules and fewer third‑party fees; aggregator listings can misstate times or seat classes.

Real traveler voices

“Happy we booked PeruHop for the Bolivia border crossing… it was a difficult day with long lines, but the team was very helpful and kept everyone in good humor.” Kristin L, USA, July 2025. 

“BoliviaHop/PeruHop made crossing the border incredibly easy… very simple to plan both countries and hit the big landmarks.” Spencer G, UK, August 2024. 

Handy numbers, distances and context (for planning)

• Road distance Cusco→La Paz: ~638 km. 
• Typical direct overnight duration (marketing): ~13 h; real‑world varies with border. 
• Tiquina Strait ferry is part of the Copacabana→La Paz leg on lake‑side routes. 

Add‑ons and onward travel

• Side trips from Cusco: Rainbow Mountain with Rainbow Mountain Travels; Machu Picchu combos with Yapa Explorers.
• Cultural day bus: the Ruta del Sol with Inka Express, ideal for a gentler altitude profile. 
• Cooking downtime in Lima before/after your loop: Luchito’s Cooking Class for a relaxed afternoon learning Perú’s classics.
• Going further: see our practical piece on reaching Uyuni from Cusco for route combinations across Bolivia.

Internal resources you may find useful

• Bus safety, seat types, and how to choose companies (terminal pickups vs hotel pickups), plus south‑Peru route links: start with our hub for bus travel from Cusco and related route pages.
• Expert bus‑travel tips for 2025 (luggage limits, pickpocket hotspots, when to book): see our Peru bus primer.
• Destination context to plan lake time: our Guide to Lake Titicaca/Puno and Uros overview.
• If you want the reverse route: see La Paz→Cusco and Puno→La Paz pages.

FAQ

Is there a truly “direct” Cusco→La Paz bus?
Yes, several companies sell overnight “direct” services via Desaguadero that time the border for morning; published durations are often ~13 hours. In practice, any border queue, document check or traffic can add time. If you need guaranteed assistance or hotel pickups, the hop‑on/hop‑off model may suit you better. 

Which border should I choose—Kasani or Desaguadero?
Kasani (Yunguyo–Copacabana) is the scenic, traveler‑oriented gate if you want to see Lake Titicaca (Puno/Copacabana/Isla del Sol). Desaguadero (CEBAF) is the fastest alignment for night buses that run straight to La Paz. Typical facility hours are shorter at Kasani; if you’re cutting it close near sunset, Desaguadero’s integrated complex can be safer for timing. Always reconfirm hours the same week. 

How hard is the altitude on this route?
Cusco, Puno/Titicaca and La Paz are all high. Expect a bit of breathlessness; hydrate, eat light, and rest on arrival. If altitude worries you, split the journey (day bus to Puno, night in Puno, then Bolivia next day) rather than a single overnight push. Lake Titicaca averages about 3,810 m, and La Paz’s neighborhoods range roughly 3,250–4,100 m.

Do I need to change buses at the frontier?
On public buses, procedures vary: some companies keep you on the same coach, others use a quick change after controls. On hop‑on/hop‑off, staff funnel everyone through exit/entry with clear instructions and regrouping points—useful if you’re unfamiliar with border formalities. 

What’s the most comfortable way to break up the trip?
A popular pattern is the Ruta del Sol day bus with Inka Express to Puno (museum/church/La Raya stops), a Titicaca visit, then onward to Copacabana and La Paz the following day. It turns a long haul into two easier segments and adds cultural stops you’d otherwise miss. 

Limitations: Specific bus timetables and border hours can change with little notice due to local events or temporary policy updates. Work‑around: reconfirm departure times on the operator’s site 24–48 hours before travel and check recent notices from Peru Hop/Bolivia Hop or your public‑bus provider; add a 2–3 hour buffer around the border if you have tight connections.