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Author: HowToPeru Editorial Team
Ica to Cusco by Bus: 2025 updated information about Bus Schedules, Bus Safety, and the Best Bus Companies to take!
The direct Ica→Cusco ride takes roughly 17–19 hours on public buses via Nazca and the Andes. Many travelers prefer the safer, more scenic southern route that breaks the journey via Arequipa and Lake Titicaca. If you want hotel pick ups, onboard help, and hidden gem stops (Nazca viewing tower, Lake Lagunillas), a hop on/off service such as Peru Hop is the simplest door to door option. Cusco sits at 3,399 m, so plan a gradual ascent and a light first day on arrival. The driving distance is about 789 km; book in advance during holidays and the dry season.
“Really enjoyable trip, excellent guides, comfortable buses, great logistics and an easy way to explore Peru.” — Liz, United Kingdom, November 2025.
“Well organised, comfortable coach, knowledgeable host.” — Steven Anderson, United Kingdom, November 2025.
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A unique bus service in Peru which started in October 2013 and has quickly become a traveler favorite with over 15,500 excellent reviews on their Tripadvisor page, which is quite impressive. Being the first and only hop-on, hop-off bus system in Peru, the company covers the Ica to Cusco route while going through Nazca as well as other destinations like Arequipa, with a chance to stop in La Paz too! It offers a variety of flexible bus passes, in which you can stay however long you want in any of the destinations, letting you enjoy travel at your own pace. Apart from this, there’s onboard bilingual assistance on all their busses, as well as discounts on accommodation and restaurants in all the destinations.
They pick-up passengers at hotels and hostels in all destinations which is a huge bonus here in Peru (no getting unsafe taxis or going to dangerous bus terminals) and from there take the safer route through the south of Peru. Definitely a service that is recommended for people wanting to travel safely and discover Peru!
We strongly suggest traveling with Peru Hop through Peru. Their unique hop on hop off service is one of a kind in South America and allows you to always travel like a local.
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These companies are aimed mostly towards locals, with customer service only offered in Spanish and terminals located far from hotels & hostels. Quality of bus and service varies widely from local bus companies and it’s one of the instances where you truly get what you pay for. All of them offer direct travel from Ica to Cusco with no free tours or stops along the way. Their overall rating on Tripadvisor, Facebook, and other review sites aren’t usually the best and some are known for having frequent accidents. This option would mostly be recommended for locals or those who are perfectly fluent in Spanish.
| COMPANIES | SCHEDULE | DEPARTURE TIME | DEPARTURE LOCATION | ENGLISH SPEAKING ASSITANCE | TRIPADVISOR RATING |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| TEPSA | DAILY | 06:50 and 21:45 | PUBLIC TERMINAL | NO | N/A |
| PERU HOP | DAILY | 13:00 | HOTEL PICK-UP & DROP-OFF | YES | 98% |
| CIVA | DAILY | 05:45 and 20:45 | PUBLIC TERMINAL | NO | N/A |
Do they collect you at your hotel or hostel?
Some bus companies and all hop-on hop-off companies do actually pick you up at your hotel, thus offering a much safer and secure service rather than taking local taxis.
How is their safety record?
Simply put the name of the bus company, and the word “accident” or “hijacking” into google and see which companies are the best.
What onboard facilities do they have?
Tv’s, toilets (clean!!), semi-cama or cama seats…all of these things will help decide which is the best company.
What is hop on hop off?
A ticket for a hop on hop off bus covers all journeys that the bus company takes. Rather than paying for all bus journeys separately, hop on hop off tickets allow passengers to board as many buses as they want and stay in destinations for as long as they please. They have been described worldwide as the best way to experience all that a country has to offer, and such has been the feedback from those who boarded the Peruvian hop on hop off buses. For more information click here.
Other benefits?
Some bus companies have loyalty points schemes (e.g. Cruz del Sur) and others have accommodation and other discounts (e.g. Peru Hop) so shop around and see what other benefits you get with each company
The journey from Ica to Cusco can be long and unsafe if travelling with the wrong bus company. Be sure to weigh up all your options before you decide! If you are looking for more information about Cusco then make sure to check out this guide, complete with what to do, where to go and everything you need to know before you travel
