What are the best options to get from Cusco to Arequipa as of October 2019? Read on and learn from an experienced, local company with more than 10 years’ experience traveling in southern Peru.
Option # 5 – Local Bus
If you need to get from Cusco to Arequipa as quickly and affordably as possible, then the local bus is the way to go. Fortunately, there are several good companies that cover this route and offer good buses with toilet and fully reclinable seats. The journey takes approximately 10 hours and most departures are overnight.
Option # 4 – Tourist Bus
The tourist bus is also another good option that is more expensive but has the advantage of being relatively direct (some companies have sightseeing stops on the way) as opposed to some local companies that stop to drop or pick passengers up on the way. Surprisingly, most tourist buses are not as comfortable as the – reputable – local bus companies since their seats are not fully reclinable. Some travelers have reported that their drivers were not much better than local buses’ drivers as well (Peru has a reputation for having terrible drivers on the roads).
Option # 3 – Flight
There are several daily flights that cover this route. Prices can be very low if booked in advance. The airlines with most flights are LATAM and VivaAir respectively but there are others with layovers in Lima.
Option # 2 – Train via Puno
It is also possible to travel by train from Cusco to Arequipa on the Belmond Andean Explorer although the price will set you back a few thousand dollars and departures are limited to once a week only. The landscapes are truly beautiful traveling across the Peruvian highlands but if you would like to see the same (or more beautiful) sights for not as high a price, read below.
Option # 1 – Overland Tour via Colca Canyon with Inca Frontiers
Since most people who travel to Arequipa will be doing a Colca Canyon tour at some point (often the main purpose), why not save money and TIME by joining an organized tour that starts in Cusco and allows you to see the beautiful countryside in between both cities, but best of all, thanks to our knowledge of secret roads through stunning country, will already visit the Colca Canyon on the way so that by the time you arrive in Arequipa you will have already seen the soaring Condor of the Andes and continue with your travels without the need of making yet another trip there. See our three, five, seven and more days options here.
We hope this article helped you get to know the best 5 ways to get from Cusco to Arequipa and make an informed decision. Regardless of your choice, we hope you enjoy your time in southern Peru’s most beautiful region.
