About the ride from Copacabana to Cusco
There’s no doubt that the buzzing streets of Copacabana pack loads of charm. Still, after a few days in the bustling lake town, chances are you’ll be up for a change of pace. Your best bet? Head across the Peruvian border to visit the historic Incan town of Cusco. The 330 mile journey from Copacabana to Cusco might sound like a lot, but the ride is definitely well worth it.
To make the trip, you’ll have several options to choose from. Number one, you can hop on a direct bus line, a journey which typically takes 12 hours. Two, you can get a bus to the town of Puno, and then catch a train to Cusco. That will take you around 14 hours. Last but not least, you can go from Copacabana to Cusco by car, which is a 9 hour journey.
Obviously, the options differ depending on your budget and comfort requirements. If you prefer comfort and taking things easy, a single bus ride is your best bet. Traveling by bus takes the better part of the night, so you’ll effectively save a night’s worth of accommodation, too. You can save some time if you drive, but you’ll need to put a little more effort to make the journey.
Whichever option you go for, make sure to check the expiration date on your passport. The Peru border control won’t let you through unless your passport is valid for at least another six months. One neat thing about crossing the border with Peru is that the crossing is just 20 minutes from Copacabana. So no need to break your beauty sleep to get your documents!
What to see when traveling from Copacabana to Cusco
A Copacabana to Cusco excursion will take you along the western bank of Lake Titicaca. Buses from Copacabana to Cusco typically depart at 5:00 pm letting you enjoy a picture-perfect sunset as you go. After a good night’s sleep, you’ll arrive just in time to soak in the sunrise coming to Cusco and the mesmerizing Sacred Valley.
If you don’t mind driving for 9 hours, you can make the journey by day and take this beauty in at your own pace.
If you prefer to go by train, you’ll need to take a bus to Puno, a city located on the western bank of Lake Titicaca. After that, you can sit back and enjoy the ride through the Peruvian Andes in a 1920s-style carriage.
How to get from Copacabana to Cusco
Taking a bus
Getting a bus from Copacabana to Cusco is as simple as it gets. There’s a direct line that leaves every day, with two operators to choose from: Transzela and Huayruro Tours. Both offer a Tourist bus, with Huayruro boasting a more comfortable VIP bus as well.
All options offer amenities like A/C, TVs, onboard toilet, reclining seats, food and drinks, chargers for your phone, as well as a blanket in case you get cold.
Going by train
If you’re a romantic at heart, a train ride to Cusco is just for you. With stunning vistas and an old-school dining experience, you’ll feel like you’ve jumped straight into an Agatha Christie novel!
The Peru Rail train offers observatory-style carriages offering wide views of the surrounding areas. There’s also a bar where you can enjoy a drink and relax. The whole experience is made even more memorable by the traditional dances and live music show.
But a heads up for more romantic types that get distracted - the train from Puno (a short bus ride from Copacabana) to Cusco leaves on Mondays, Thursdays and Saturdays, so make sure you time your outing right. The price for the ride with all the amenities included is around $263.
Driving a car
Driving from Copacabana to Cusco definitely has its advantages, but there are a few things you should know. First, you need to be at least 18 years old to drive in Bolivia and Peru. Second, both countries require you to have your driver’s license and car insurance with you. Pretty standard stuff, right? But here comes the tricky part.
The city of Copacabana doesn’t offer a car rental service. You can rent a vehicle in Juliaca, but you’ll need to take a bus to get there first.