Distance 330 km (206.3 miles) | |
Price range US$13-US$498 | |
Ride Duration Range 6h-10h 30m | |
Earliest Departure 11:30 | |
Latest Departure 23:00 | |
Most Popular Operator |
Taking a bus is the most affordable way to travel from Cusco to Puno. You can also take a train or plane, both of which are luxurious ways to travel, but tickets are more expensive. You’ll definitely want to visit and take pictures of Lake Titicaca, the world’s most navigable lake. Also bring money so you can dine out as the city is known for its great food and restaurants. January and February are a great time to visit because of the famous fiestas and festivities then.
Fastest bus: 6h
Cheapest bus: US$13
After seeing one of the most magnificent sites in entire South America, Machu Picchu, it’s time to continue your Peruvian journey. The next stop on your way is Puno, located at the spectacular Lake Titicaca.
When traveling 386 kilometer (240 mile) distance between Cusco and Puno, you have three options to choose from. If you’re short on time, you can travel on a regular, sleeper bus that takes around 7 hours to arrive in Puno. However, if you want to experience the magic of the ‘Route of the Sun’, the luxurious train or the daylight tourist bus are the perfect choice for you.
Puno has a moderate climate year-round, meaning you can visit it at any time of the year and have a great time. However, if you want to experience Peruvian carnivals in Puno, you should time your visit around February and March.
For those who chose sleeper options, there won’t be much to see outside of your window while traveling between Cusco and Puno. Use this time to rest and catch up with your sleep, so that you have plenty of energy for exploring Puno and Lake Titicaca tomorrow. There are plenty of things to see, and you’ll need all the energy you can get!
Those who are traveling on a bus or a train on the ‘Route of the Sun’ are in for a treat. This is not a regular “getting from point A to point B” journey, but a sightseeing trip which you’ll remember for many years! If you’re traveling on a bus, you’ll have the opportunity to see some amazing spots such as Wiracocha Temple of Raqchi, Church of Andahuaylillas, Raya Pass (the highest point of the route), as well as several museums and archaeological sites. Entrance fees and a tasty lunch are included in your ticket price, so you won’t have to worry about that.
Those who chose to travel on a luxury train will be traveling on a slightly different route, through the beautiful Peruvian Andes. The train has an observation car where you can take in all the beauty and make some amazing photos for your Instagram feed. During your ride, the train will make one stop, on Lake Titicaca.
Once you arrive in Puno, you’ll have plenty of things to explore. The city is a great center point for your Titicaca adventures. One of the most popular attractions on the lake is the fascinating Uros floating islands. Even though the islands attract lots of tourists every year, they still have well preserved traditional homes. If you want to explore some other islands, you can visit Amantaní and Taquile islands.
Back on the land, there are several more attractions worth your time. One of them is the intriguing Sillustani, a pre-Inca burial ground. Ancient Aymara people built several funeral towers, which are called chullpas that overlook the lake.
For those who like to explore the city streets, Catedral de Puno, Jirón Lima, and La Casa del Corregidor are some of the interesting sights inside the city itself. For a panoramic view over the town and the lake, head to Cerrito de Huajsapata. The climb is a bit steep, but the view is worth the effort.
Taking a bus
When traveling on a bus between Cusco and Puno, there are several different bus options available. You can get the basic daylight or sleeper tickets, or you can take a bus that travels on the ‘Route of the Sun’ and makes several sightseeing stops during your journey.
Regular buses are equipped with reclining seats, blankets, phone chargers, and a shared TV. All buses also have a toilet and A/C on board, and some might provide water and snacks.
Sightseeing buses are also well equipped with reclining seats, toilets, and A/C. However, on this journey, you’ll make a stop for a fancy, buffet lunch that’s included in the price.
Taking a luxury train
For those who like to travel with style, taking a luxury train from Cusco to Puno is the perfect choice. The train rides through the magnificent Peruvian Andes and makes a stop at Lake Titicaca. While you enjoy the stunning views, you’ll also receive a luxurious service on board. The train also features an observation car, where you can take in all of the beautiful scenery on your way, and a bar car where you can have a drink and relax.
A gourmet lunch, dinner, and afternoon tea are included in the price, and you can also purchase additional drinks and snacks on the train. The train is well equipped with A/C, toilets, and comfortable seating on board.
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From luxury trains to tourist buses, there are several ways to get from Cusco to Puno. Read on to discover the best option for your travel style.
Not sure what to pack for the long bus ride you have coming up? Here`s with a short list of things you can`t forget to take with you.
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