One of the most popular destinations in all of Peru, Cusco is a really popular place for travelers to head to. Here we can explore the Sacred Valley, see ancient Inca ruins and enjoy the Andean cultures.
Given the proximity of Puerto Maldonado from Cusco, it makes sense to visit the Amazon Jungle after you have finished seeing everything around Cusco.
In this guide we’ll explore how you can travel from Cusco to Puerto Maldonado. This includes your various options, and why some are better suited for different people.
Let’s explore the two main ways you can get from the sierra down to the Amazon Jungle, as well as which option is best for you.
Taking the bus is by far the most popular option of getting from Cusco to Puerto Maldonado, and is relatively simple too.
Several companies operate the route daily such as Palomino, Maldonado Tours and Grupo Iberia. They all depart from within the main bus terminal within Cusco, where you can easily buy a ticket there on the day or the day before. You can also buy your tickets online using sites such as RedBus or BusBus.
The bus takes roughly 12 hours and leaves in the evening, so you will arrive into Puerto Maldonado in the early morning. The cost of a one-way bus ticket is between $15-30.
It’s also important to know that buses connect Puerto Maldonado with many other regions, such as the neighboring country of Brazil. If you are thinking of arriving this way, then you can learn more about how to make the journey.
Flying is a much more straightforward and simple way of getting from Cusco to Puerto Maldonado.
LATAM Airlines currently offers one flight daily at this time of writing, which cuts your travel time down to just one hour. The Cusco airport is located close to the city center, so it’s just a case of taking a taxi or colectivo there from where you are staying.
A one-way direct flight costs roughly $120 without baggage included. You can also find a cheaper flight which involves an extra transit in Lima. Despite the geographic inconvenience (as you are flying back on yourself), you will save money and in total it will usually take between 4-6 hours.
It really comes down to you, your own preferences and your budget.
Those who want to save money will definitely want to take the bus. It’s also ideal since you will travel through the night, where you will save daylight hours and also not need to spend extra for accommodation that night. You won’t see any particularly beautiful landscapes given it’s dark outside, however the buses are reliable and comfortable.
If you prefer convenience and don’t mind spending more, then you can choose between a direct flight as well as the option with the layover in Lima. You will be traveling earlier in the afternoon, meaning you won’t arrive at awkward hours and can hit the ground running in Puerto Maldonado. You can also see some really stunning Andean peaks and the winding Amazon River when flying from above (it’s definitely worth getting a window seat for this journey).
And that’s all for this guide on how to travel from Cusco to Puerto Maldonado.
Both of these cities are gateways to amazing natural landscapes, and as such are must-inclusions on your itinerary around Peru. As we’ve seen you will have two main options to make the journey, and which one you pick really depends on you and your own preferences.
Are you still wondering what to do in Puerto Maldonado? Be sure to read our Ultimate Tambopata Jungle Guide to find out what you can see and do during your visit here.
Puerto Maldonado Amazon Tours: Your Gateway to the Rainforest
Transportation from Cusco to Puerto Maldonado is one of the most thrilling routes from the mountain chain of the Andes to the jungle district. Once you descend from the mountainous territory, the area offers one of the richest biodiversity in the world. Puerto Maldonado Amazon Tours is known as the door to the Peruvian Amazon which can make it the right vacation spot for activating various types of fauna, flora, or liquid landscapes.
Moving from Cusco to Puerto Maldonado
Travel between Cusco and Puerto Maldonado rainforest tours is equally an exciting experience on the tour. You can either take a nice ride on a bus or even a small flight is possible.
By Flight: From Cusco, it takes only 40 minutes to fly to Puerto Maldonado. It is the quickest with stunning features that allow one to view the Amazon aerial.
By Bus: But if you’re a fan of longer traveling with scenery changes you can always take a night bus from La Paz directly to the rain forest.
Well, whichever you choose, the destination is going to be worth the journey.
Discover Puerto Maldonado Amazon Tours
The Puerto Maldonado Amazon tours have been crafted to reflect the many variations of the natural landscapes of the region. Whether you’re an avid nature enthusiast or a curious traveler, there’s something for everyone:
Wildlife Spotting: Visit to watch Capybaras, Jaguars, Macaws, and Caimans from up close and with beautiful scenery.
Boat Excursions: Many tourists are impressed as they ride through the Tambopata River enjoying the peacefulness of the rainforest scenery around them.
Canopy Walks: Want an aerial view of this beautiful rainforest? Come and meet the colorful birds and plants.
Cultural Encounters: Read what indigenous peoples residing in the Amazon are used to.
Why Puerto Maldonado Rainforest Tours?
These Puerto Maldonado rainforest tours are a great combination of working hard and playing hard. Qualifying tour operators give you that most fulfilling adventure while at the same time not disturbing the fragile ecology of the parks. Several tours use environmentally friendly lodges and hence acts as a way of exploring the beauty of the rainforest.
You Need to Plan Your Adventure on Amazon Now!
Make sure that you do not squander this opportunity to visit one of the most splendid rainforests in the world. Visit Collpa Chuncho today and choose from our Puerto Maldonado Amazon tours that will make ecological adventures truly worthwhile.