Cusco to Puno and Lake Titicaca: bus, tourist bus, train or plane

Puno, on the shore of Lake Titicaca, is the natural next stop after Cusco for many travellers touring southern Peru or heading to Bolivia. It's about 390 km across the altiplano, and there are four main ways to make the trip. The choice depends on whether you want to get there fast, see sights along the way or travel in comfort.

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Options at a glance

• Direct bus: the cheapest and most frequent option, day or night, about 6–7 hours.
• Tourist bus: leaves in the morning and stops at sights with a guide; a full day (about 10 hours).
• Scenic train: a luxury tourist service crossing the altiplano by day in about 10 hours; runs on certain days of the week.
• Plane: Puno has no airport; you fly to Juliaca (usually via Lima from Cusco), then it's about 45–60 minutes by road to Puno. Rarely worth it time-wise.

Direct bus

Buses leave from Cusco's Terminal Terrestre. Companies range in quality: the better ones offer semi-cama or cama seats, toilets and passenger checks. For overnight travel, choose a formal company and keep valuables with you.

Tourist bus with stops

A way to turn the transfer into an excursion. Typical stops:

• Andahuaylillas, with its church known as the "Sistine Chapel of the Americas".
• Raqchi, with the great Temple of Wiracocha.
• Sicuani or nearby for lunch.
• La Raya pass, at about 4,300 m, the divide between Cusco and Puno, with views of snow peaks.
• Pucará, with its stone museum and famous ceramic bulls.

• Cusco's South Valley: Tipón, Pikillacta, Andahuaylillas and local flavours

Scenic train

An experience in itself: carriages with meals on board, an observation car and short stops, at a high price. Check the departure calendar and book ahead.

Altitude and arriving in Puno

Puno sits at about 3,800 m, higher than Cusco. If you're acclimatised from Cusco you'll notice it less, but take it easy on day one. Nights are very cold: bring warm layers.

• Altitude sickness in Cusco: how to prevent it and what to do

What to do on Lake Titicaca

• The Uros floating islands, made of totora reeds, a short boat ride from Puno.
• Taquile Island, known for its textiles, recognised by UNESCO as intangible heritage.
• Amantaní Island, with homestays with local families.
• From Puno you can continue to Copacabana and Isla del Sol in Bolivia.

• Cusco to La Paz (Bolivia): routes, border crossing and tips

Which option to choose?

• Short on time or money: a daytime direct bus; you'll arrive mid-afternoon and can rest.
• Want to make the most of the journey: the tourist bus combines transport and a South Valley and altiplano excursion, with guide and lunch, at a moderate price.
• Looking for something special: the scenic train, with on-board service and open views of the altiplano.
• Continuing to Bolivia: reach Puno, spend at least a day on the lake and go on to Copacabana or La Paz.

A sample 2–3 day itinerary

1. Day 1: Cusco–Puno by tourist bus with stops; night in Puno.
2. Day 2: trip to the Uros and Taquile islands; or a two-day tour with a homestay on Amantaní.
3. Day 3: visit Sillustani, the pre-Inca and Inca funerary towers (chullpas) on Lake Umayo, then continue your trip.

• Best time to visit Cusco and what to pack

Before you go

eSIM for Peru

Land connected: install an Airalo data eSIM before you travel and switch it on when you land. Check first that your phone supports eSIM and is unlocked.

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Notice: This guide shares advice and recommendations based on research and local experience. Prices, opening hours and rules may change: always check with official sources and operators. Cusco Tips is not responsible for third-party services, bookings or decisions made using these guides; some links are affiliate links (see our affiliate policy).