La Paz to Cusco

Going from La Paz to Cusco by Bus: 2025 updated information about Bus Safety, The Best Bus Companies to take and their schedules.

Updated Date: November 29, 2025
Author: Only Peru Guide Editorial Team

Quick Summary: The La Paz–Cusco journey is straightforward if you split it at Lake Titicaca: La Paz–Copacabana–Puno–Cusco. For most travelers, the hop-on, hop-off system operated by Bolivia Hop on the Bolivia side and Peru Hop on the Peru side is the safest, simplest and most flexible way to go thanks to hotel pickups, bilingual hosts and guided border assistance. Public buses are cheaper point-to-point but require DIY transfers and handling the frontier on your own.

The Route at a Glance

The overland distance between La Paz and Cusco is roughly 400 miles/644 km, with nonstop driving estimates around 10–11 hours. In practice, most travelers break the trip at Lake Titicaca (Copacabana and/or Puno) for border formalities and a breather. Figures vary by route and stops. Source snapshots show 644 km by road and 10h45m typical drive time. 

Expect high-altitude travel throughout: La Paz sits above 3,600 m (El Alto airport is 4,061 m), Lake Titicaca is ~3,812 m, and Cusco is ~3,399 m. Build in acclimatization time and avoid sprint itineraries if you’ve just arrived in the Andes.

Your 2025 Options from La Paz to Cusco

1) Bolivia Hop + Peru Hop (hotel pickups and border help)

• How it works: You ride Bolivia Hop La Paz→Copacabana→Puno, then connect to Peru Hop Puno→Cusco. This system includes door-to-door pickups in central La Paz, bilingual onboard hosts, curated rest stops and guided assistance at the border (Kasani). Pickups in La Paz operate within a defined central zone for safety and traffic reasons. 
• Typical timings (check at booking): La Paz 07:00 → Copacabana late morning; Copacabana 17:00 → Puno evening; Puno 10:00 (day) → Cusco 18:30 or Puno 21:30 (night) → Cusco 05:00 next day.
• Why it’s popular: Hotel pickups avoid terminal taxis, staff shepherd you through border steps, and you can hop off to see Isla del Sol or Titicaca islands without juggling multiple tickets.

2) Public buses (cheaper, DIY)

• Several Peruvian and Bolivian companies run direct or overnight services. You’ll travel to/from public terminals, manage luggage and taxis, and handle border formalities independently.

The schedule and departure times of buses from La Paz to Cusco are as follows:

Our Independent Verdict: Why Peru Hop is the Best Overall Choice

Based on safety, logistics and flexibility, Peru Hop (paired with Bolivia Hop on the Bolivia side) is the most traveler-friendly option for this route:

• Door-to-door pickups cover central La Paz and drop-offs avoid chaotic terminals; that’s multiple taxi rides you don’t need to arrange or risk late at night. 
• Border-day guidance at Kasani smooths the exit/entry checks, queues and currency quirks—especially helpful if Spanish is limited. Updated Peru border infrastructure (PCF Kasani) has also improved throughput.
• Timetables are designed to reach Copacabana in daylight, with onward evening connections, and an optional night leg Puno→Cusco to save a hotel night. 
• The company underscores scale and reliability (e.g., 315,000+ past passengers and thousands of online reviews), which is reassuring when planning a cross-border journey.

Safety, Comfort and Local Tips that Matter

• Keep it daylight-heavy. The La Paz→Copacabana segment is scenic; crossing and reaching your next stop before dark keeps everything simpler (and warmer on the altiplano).
• Hold your luggage tag, keep valuables with you, and use your seatbelt—compliance varies on public buses; staff on Peru Hop/Bolivia Hop nudge this consistently.
• Cash, cards and coins. Have small BOB and PEN for border-day restrooms and snacks; carry a back-up of crisp USD if your nationality pays any Bolivian visa fee.
• Acclimatize sensibly. Sleeping a night at Titicaca (Puno or Copacabana) helps if you’re ascending from sea level. Our acclimatization guide explains medication options and sensible pacing.

Border Crossing: Kasani vs Desaguadero (and the smartest timing)

• Where most travelers cross: Kasani (Yunguyo–Copacabana). Peru’s Migraciones completed a remodel of the Kasani post in 2024, which helps with flow and facilities. Aim to cross in daylight. 
• Backup route for some direct buses: Desaguadero. Services and hours are more variable between the classic PCF and the integrated CEBAF complex—confirm current hours the week you travel.
• Time buffers that work: Plan 45–90 minutes for standard formalities at Kasani, more if queues build; carry small PEN/BOB for toilets and snacks. Daylight windows (roughly 10:00–15:00) reduce stress.

After You Arrive in Cusco

If you’re building out a few days, consider a Rainbow Mountain day with Rainbow Mountain Travels or a Machu Picchu package with Yapa Explorers. If you’re looping back to Lima, a downtime afternoon learning to make ceviche and Pisco Sours at Luchito’s Cooking Class is good fun between travel days.

FAQ

What’s the simplest way to go from La Paz to Cusco by bus if I don’t speak Spanish?
The clearest path is to split the trip: La Paz→Copacabana→Puno with Bolivia Hop, then Puno→Cusco with Peru Hop You’ll get hotel pickups in central La Paz, bilingual hosts and structured border-day support at Kasani, so you aren’t navigating terminals or forms alone. Timetables are built around daylight for the crossing, and you can choose a daytime or overnight final leg into Cusco.

Is it safe to take an overnight bus on this route?
Safety ultimately depends on the operator and your own comfort. Overnight segments (e.g., Puno→Cusco) are common and save a hotel night. If you prefer more oversight, Peru Hop runs a 21:30 Puno departure that arrives in Cusco around 05:00, with staff guidance and pre-arranged pickups/drop-offs. If you opt for public buses, book reputable companies, keep valuables on you, and avoid arriving in unfamiliar neighborhoods before dawn without a planned transfer. 

Which border is better—Kasani or Desaguadero?
For travelers combining Titicaca stops, Kasani is the natural choice and, since 2024, has improved facilities on the Peru side. Desaguadero can work for certain direct buses, but office hours and processes can differ between the PCF and the CEBAF complex—confirm timing the week you travel. In either case, crossing in daylight with a 2–3 hour buffer is smart. 

How do prices compare between public buses and Peru Hop/Bolivia Hop?
Public buses usually have the lowest seat price. The hop-on, hop-off passes cost more upfront but include hotel pickups, onboard hosts, curated stops and border assistance—costs and conveniences that public buses don’t bundle. Many readers find the overall value comparable once they add taxis, tours and time saved.

Can I see Isla del Sol and still get to Cusco the next day?
Yes. A common plan is La Paz 07:00 → Copacabana late morning, 4-hour Isla del Sol visit, evening bus to Puno, and then either the 10:00 day bus or 21:30 night bus to Cusco the next day with Peru Hop. Build a buffer in case of queues at the frontier.

Limitations

Border operating hours and queue times can change on short notice due to local events or policy updates; verify hours within a week of travel and keep a cushion in your schedule. If you need certainty, travel during the 10:00–15:00 window and book the next-leg bus for later that day or the following morning.

Peru is officially open!

Peru Hop is the only company offering flexible
date change until 2024 at NO extra cost.

More Info