Puno to La Paz tickets

About the ride from Puno to La Paz 

Going from Puno, Peru, to La Paz, Bolivia, feels like stepping out of a zen dream and into a storm. Puno, situated on the shores of the deep blue Lake Titicaca, has a relaxed pace. It feels old. Traditions aren't performances but everyday life.

Then comes the rush of La Paz. It's loud, chaotic, and alive. It has an electric mix of old and new, grit and beauty. Compared to Puno's calm, La Paz is a high-altitude beast with sensory overload. 

The only way to get between these two destinations is on an overland bus or minivan. It's a 164-mile (265 km) journey that should take anywhere from six to fourteen hours, depending on the company you choose. 

The good news is that a large portion of the journey involves the scenery of Lake Titicaca, which is mesmerizing. 

This is a cross-border drive along major highways, so it'll be a smooth ride. You'll cross the border at Desaguadero, so be sure to have your passport documents ready with applicable visas for an easy transfer through immigration.  

Pro tip: Peru is one hour behind Bolivia — keep that in mind if you are planning anything right away in La Paz. 

Top five super unique things to do in La Paz

1. Ride the Mi Teleférico. Forget buses. La Paz's cable cars are the coolest way to get around. Glide above the city's chaos like a real-life drone. Bonus: it's super cheap. Each line takes you through a different part of the city, from the colorful houses of El Alto to the deep valleys below, giving you a whole new perspective on the city.
   
   

2. Bike the Death Road. If you like your adrenaline with a side of "holy cr*p," this downhill ride from the mountains into the jungle is for you. Narrow roads, sheer cliffs, and insane scenery make it one of the most thrilling bike rides in the world.
   
   

You'll start at freezing altitudes near glaciers and end in the humid rainforest, stripping off layers as you go.

3. Get lost in the Witches' Market, known locally as the Mercado de las Brujas. This isn't your average souvenir shop unless you call llama fetuses, love potions, and mystical amulets average. Chat with the local witch doctors, or yatiris, who can read your fortune in coca leaves and offer spiritual remedies for anything from bad luck to heartbreak.
   
   

4. Hike the Valle de la Luna. Just outside the city, this surreal landscape of jagged rock formations looks like something from another planet. It's an easy, trippy little hike with otherworldly views. The strange, eroded clay pillars and craters create a maze-like trail, and the silence here is almost eerie compared to the nonstop buzz of the city.
   
   

5. Party in Sopocachi. When the sun sets, Sopocachi is where La Paz lets loose. 

Dive into bohemian bars, live music spots, and underground clubs filled with travelers and locals. From cocktail lounges with rooftop views to sweaty dance floors packed until dawn, the neighborhood has something for every kind of night owl — just remember, the altitude makes those drinks hit quickly.

How to get from Puno to La Paz

Overland is the only way to get between these two destinations. You can hop on a cheap bus or a not-so-cheap minivan. Here are all the details you need:

Option one: Bus

Duration: 6-14 hours

Starting price: $19

Traveling by air-conditioned bus is the cheapest way to reach La Paz. 

Most buses have reclining seats, but some recline more than others, so read all the details before you book. 

Others have restrooms and televisions to make the trip more comfortable.  

Some even boast about having WiFi, but it's unlikely it'll be fast. And far more likely, it'll just annoy you. Come prepared with your own entertainment. Download your favorite shows, podcasts, books, or all of them. You are going to need them. 

The luggage allowance varies by bus company, but it is typically one 51 lb (23 kg) bag plus a handbag. 

The bus usually departs early in the morning from the Terminal Terrestre in Puno and arrives at the Terminal De Buses in La Paz. 

Option two: Minivan 

Duration: 8.5 hours

Starting price: $78

Traveling from Puno to La Paz by air-conditioned shared minivan is much more expensive. The trip requires at least two passengers, and tickets start at $78 per person. 

The luggage allowance is one 44-lb (20 kg) bag and one handbag. 

The minivan departs at 7 a.m. from Cajamarca 243 in Puno and arrives at the Terminal De Buses La Paz.

When is the best time to go to La Paz?

The dry season, from May to October, is definitely the best time to visit La Paz. Days are sunny, the skies are clear, and there's little rain to mess with your plans. 

Daytime temps typically range from 59°F to 68°F (15°C to 20°C). And nights can get pretty chilly, dropping to 32°F to 41°F (0°C to 5°C), especially in the higher areas of the city. Be sure to bring clothes to layer. It's the only way to pack. 

If you love a good festival, the Fiesta del Gran Poder in May or June is the biggest and most colorful festival in the country. You'll witness massive parades, traditional Andean dances, extravagant costumes, and nonstop music. It's a mix of religious devotion and pure party energy.

Avoid November to March, when the rainy season hits. Heavy downpours can turn streets into rivers and make Death Road even sketchier than usual.

How many days should you stay in La Paz?

Three to four days is a solid amount of time in La Paz. Five if you're a slow traveler and want to take a day trip or two.  

Where should you travel after La Paz? 

Sucre is known as Bolivia's most beautiful city. But more than that, it has well-preserved colonial architecture, dinosaur footprints (yep, you read that right), rich history, and a laid-back vibe — a little something for everyone. You can fly from La Paz to Sucre in an hour. 

Another option is the foodie capital of Cochabamba. It has a lively atmosphere with a mix of modern and traditional culture, plus an incredible mountain backdrop. You can fly there in under an hour or take an eight-hour bus ride.