You're about to travel from Cusco to Puno, and this complete guide will be of great help in planning your adventure.
Puno, located in the Peruvian highlands, is one of the most important regions in the country due to its rich culture and impressive landscapes. It is best known for the majestic Lake Titicaca, the highest navigable lake in the world, and the famous Uros floating islands, a group of artificial islands made from reeds. Other must-visit destinations include Taquile Island, renowned for its textile tradition, and Amantaní Island, which offers an immersion into local life.
The distance between Cusco and Puno is 386 km, and the journey can be done by bus, train, or plane, with options varying in duration and comfort. Puno is located at an altitude of 3,827 meters above sea level, so it's recommended to take precautions to avoid altitude sickness. Be sure to acclimatize properly before engaging in intense activities such as hiking or visiting the islands.
In addition to its natural landscapes, Puno is known as the 'Folklore Capital of Peru' due to its numerous festivals, the most notable being the Festival of the Candelaria, celebrated every February with traditional dances and music. The city also offers a varied gastronomic scene, with dishes like lake trout and alpaca chicharrón among the favorites.
There are three main ways to get to Puno: by plane, bus, and train. Each option has particular characteristics, which we detail below:
The fastest way to get there is by plane, although there are no direct flights to Puno. The flight lands in the city of Juliaca, at the Inca Manco Cápac Airport (AAP), located 43 km from Puno. From Juliaca, you can take a shared minivan to Puno, costing between S/. 15.00 and S/. 20.00 soles, allowing you to reach your destination quickly and conveniently.
The approximate price of the flight is USD 76.00 per person, equivalent to S/. 293.00 soles, making this the fastest and most convenient option if you prefer to save time on the journey.
If you're looking for a more economical option, the bus ride is an excellent alternative, with several companies offering different departure times. There are two types of buses for this route:
Sun Route Bus: One of the most popular options is Turismo Mer, which offers a journey full of charm and culture. During the trip, passengers can enjoy stops at historical and natural sites, such as the Sistine Chapel of America or the Andahuaylillas Chapel, the imposing Temple of the god Wiracocha, the majestic La Raya Pass (the road boundary between Cusco and Puno, with views of the Chimboya Snow-capped Mountain), and the fascinating Lithic Museum of Pukara Culture.
The total travel time is 10 hours and 30 minutes, and the cost per seat is USD 47.00 (equivalent to S/. 180.00 soles).
Regular Bus: This is the most economical option for travel, with prices ranging from S/. 35.00 to S/. 100.00, depending on the company and the service. Although it's a simpler option, it remains a comfortable way to travel between Cusco and Puno.
If you want to experience something unique, traveling by train is an excellent option to enjoy an unforgettable journey through the imposing Peruvian Andes to reach the majestic Lake Titicaca. Along the way, you'll make a stop at the impressive La Raya Pass, located at 4,300 meters above sea level, with the imposing Chimboya Mountain as a backdrop.
For this trip, you have two train options:
PeruRail Titicaca: This train operates on Sundays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, departing from Wanchaq station at 7:50 a.m. and arriving in Puno at 6:20 p.m. The ticket cost is USD 270.00 per person, equivalent to S/. 1,032.00 soles.
This train offers the following included services:
Andean Explorer Luxury Train, Belmond Train: This exclusive luxury train operates only on Tuesdays, departing at 10:00 a.m. and arriving in Puno the next day at 8:30 a.m., providing an unforgettable experience while traversing the stunning landscapes of the Peruvian highlands.
Prices vary depending on the type of accommodation chosen, with three options available:
This train offers the following services:
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