The fastest, the cheapest and the most beautiful options to get from Cusco to Lake Titicaca
Lake Titicaca is not only the highest commercially navigable lake in the world, it is also one of the top tourist attractions in Peru. There are so many things to do on Lake Titicaca that you will probably need a week to see it all. Most tourists will come from via Cusco to Lake Titicaca, and personally speaking, this route makes the most sense.
That being said, there are four different options to reach Lake Titicaca from Cusco, and I thought it would be quite helpful to show you the differences. Depending on your budget and time, you may want to choose a different one. Most people will want to start out in Puno on the Peruvian side, so this is where I will focus in this guide. I added, however, a little paragraph about the Bolivian side as well
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Wondering what to do in Cusco? Here is a massive list of 20 things to do!
1. Taking the PeruRail Titicaca Luxury train
PRO: Most luxurious option with the best view
CON: Takes the most time
The most spectacular way to travel to Lake Titicaca is by train. Peru Rail operates the Titicaca Luxury train between Cusco and Puno four days a week. The train is frequently described as the most beautiful train ride in South America and also ranks among the top 10 in the world.
If you got the time and money to spare, you really should opt to take the Andean Explorer. 10 hours may sound long, but time will pass by like a breeze. There is food on the train, a spectacular observation deck, live music & folklore shows, and even a bar. Personally speaking, I spent 9 of the 10 hours watching the beyond spectacular landscape pass by.
The highest point of the train ride will be the La Raya pass with an altitude of 4.335 meters (the train will stop here).
Journey Time: 10h 30 Minutes
Price: ~ 180 US-Dollar
Departures: Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday
Note: There is also the Andean Explorer Luxury Train by Belmond. This will cost about 2,000 USD per trip.
2. Cusco to Lake Titicaca by plane
PRO: Fastest option
CON: You won’t see the spectacular landscape up close
If you are short on time, then taking the plane will be the best option. There is no airport in Puno itself. There is only one in Juliaca some 40 kilometers’ way. Be aware that this is not an international airport, so you will only be able to fly in from Lima or Cusco. It will take you roughly one hour to get from Juliaca to Puno, as the roads aren’t in the most pristine condition.
Depending on your time of arrival, you might want to consider to check out the amazing market in Juliaca (the biggest in the whole Andean region)
Time: 1 hour
Airlines: Avianca & LATAM
Price: roughly 200 US-Dollar
3. Cusco to Lake Titicaca by Bus
PRO: Cheapest & lots of stop
CON: You are stuck in a small bus
If the Andean Explorer is too expensive for you, but you still want to enjoy the scenic drive, then you can also take the bus from Cusco to Puno. There are a couple of bus companies. As the ride will take you roughly 7 hours I recommend you to pick one of the more expensive options (like Tourismomer) where you got a comfortable seat.
These buses usually make a couple of stops along the road. This is actually a big advantage compares to the Andean explorer, as you will be able to check out a couple of other sights as well.
The dead cheap option would be to catch a colectivo or a regular bus, but don’t expect being able to enjoy the landscape. Also note, that you will have to look out for luggage very carefully – don’t store it out of sight.
Time: 6 – 7 hours
Price: 15 – 50 US Dollar
4. Taking the Car (self-driving)
PRO: You can stop where & when you want
CON: Only for experienced travelers & drivers
Generally speaking, renting a car can be a very smart option to travel from Cusco to Lake Titicaca. First of all, your hotel will probably not be in Puno itself, so you will have to arrange for transfer anyway. And secondly, a car is a good option to tour the sacred valley around Cusco as well.
You should be an experienced driver, as the roads in Peru (especially on the Altiplano which you will be crossing) are kind of rough. Also, the Peruvians tend to interpret traffic rules a bit loosely. But other than that it will give you the option to stop when and where you want. If you got a working navigation system, the chance of getting lost is minimal as well.
Time: 7 Hours
Price: roughly 100 US-Dollar
How to get from Lima to Lake Titicaca
If you are starting out in Lima, then plane really is your only option. There is, theoretically speaking, a road. But it is a very difficult road and it will take you roughly 24 hours one way. So, bus (there are no direct connections!) or car really is not recommended.
The plane will take 1 hour and 40 minutes to reach Juliaca.
How to get to the Bolivian side
Lake Titicaca is shared between Peru and Bolivia. Before you plan an itinerary that involves visiting the sights on the Bolivian sight (like Tiahuanaco or Copacabana), you really should know that the relationship between the two countries is tenuous at best. The borders are open, but that is about all.
You will probably need a visa (depending on your nationality obviously), and the customs procedures will take roughly 30 minutes to 1 hour. US citizens will have to pay 160 US-Dollar to be able to enter Bolivia. There a are very few tourist buses, but most of them aren’t exactly cheap. It will not be possible to take the taxi across the border (You’d have to stop at the border and look for a new one on the other side). There are a couple of colectivos, though.
The road winding around Lake Titicaca is in good shape but doesn’t allow for fast driving. It might be a better option to take a plane directly to La Paz and visit the sights on the Bolivian sights starting from there.
Once you are there: Where to stay in Lake Titicaca
The hotel standard around Lake Titicaca isn’t especially high. If you are looking for luxury, there is basically just one option: The Titilaka Lodge. You might want to check out my review of this spectacular hotel. For me, it’s one of the best hotels in South America. Private tours around Lake Titicaca will be included in your room fare!
Other than that you might consider staying a night on the amazing floating reed Islands of the Uros. Taquile, a UNESCO World Heritage site, might also a wonderful place to stay a night or two if you really want to get in contact with the traditional way of life around Lake Titicaca.
So, that’s it. Hope I was able to answer you how to get from Cusco to Lake Titicaca / Puno. Got any questions? Ask them below. And don’t forget to pin this article for later!
Hey thanks for spelling out how to get to Lake Titicaca. My inclination would be a car rental. Except in addition to the cons you mentioned, I’d be concerned about getting caught in rain storms and worsening road conditions. What about bandits? I’d be worried about the old tree across the road scheme and when you stop the car to try to move, guess who jumps out of their hiding spot to rob you. I think it will be the train for me. It sounds like a fun trip with live entertainment aboard and incredible scenery to enjoy.
Hey Cheryl,
there are no trees on the altiplano – so do not worry! ;-) The biggest risk are other drivers and the streets itself. Rain storms only occur during the rainy season. As most tourist visit between May and August, these are highly unlikely!
Still, the train is lovely (hope you read my review).
I guess that gives the banditos less places to hide then!
are there banditos? Is it safe to travel alone or two women?
If you take the train, I don’t see why there would be any problems. The train station in Puno is a different matter. I’d recommend organizing a pick up from the hotel you are staying as there are hm..some shady people around the station.
What a great site!! Thanks for sharing it. I did my graduate research in the Bolivian Altiplano and didn’t have a chance to make it to Peru. So now I’m excited to introduce the wonders of the Altiplano to my daughter.
I didn’t know that it costs $100 to cross from Peru to Bolivia. Our plan is to Land in Lima- bus to Nazca- plane to Cusco – train to Puno – then Bolivia (Tiwanaku, La Paz, Potosi, Santa Cruz), and then maybe onto Iguazu Falls.
Once I cross into Bolivia, how do I get to La Paz? Can we stop to see Tiwanaku along the way to La Paz (or do I have to get to La Paz first, and then arrange a trip back to Tiwanaku?)
Thank you!!
Henri
Hello,
I figured I’d let you know I found this pin and was instantly excited about the train ride but with further investigation those cost around 2,000 USD per ticket which is no where near your quoted 180 or 315 on your blog. Just thought I’d let you know maybe if you change it, it could save future readers from the heartbreak =(
Hey Christine,
sorry for the confusion. Shortly after my visit Belmond seems to have bought the rights to Andean explorer and now runs one of their super luxury trains on the same connection but a different train.
Peru Rail still operates on the same connection, but it’s called Peru Rail Titicaca now.
Hi
I am a 65 year old female traveling alone on a UK passport. My starting point will be La Paz and from there I would like to visit lake Titicaca , Cuzco and areas around there, including of course Machu Pichu . I would like to leave La Paz on May 8th and I fly out of Cuzco at 8am on May 16th. Any help, suggestions or companies to book with would be most appreciated. Sadly the train option is out of my budget
Many thanks in advance
Stella
Hey Stella,
cannot really help you there. I don’t put together custom itineraries. But i’m sure there are many capable travel agents in the uk!
Thanks for responding. I live in Guatemala , so difficult to find travel agencies for out of country travel
Thanks anyway
Stella
Is the scenery really spectacular from Cusco to Puno?? I have looked a lot on the web and can’t say i have read a lot about it being a “must see.” i am interested in taking the bus trip. Would it help at all with Altitude sickness to go from flying from U.S. to Lima, one day in Cusco, then Cusco to Puno and Lake T by bus? thank you!
I found it to be quite amazing – especially as you are covering quite some different altitude levels it changes a lot. The train ride is frequently among the top 10 in the world, so dunno what pages you have been looking at.
hello, me and my boyfriend were wanting to take the car rout but it seems most places dont allow you to cross over into bolivia border with rental, what are our options once we get into Puno with our rental? can we take some sort of boat or fairy into Bolivia? please HELP! Also will there be a fee to get into the border no matter what rout you take?
Hey Kassandra,
not sure if I can really help you there. Peru and Bolivia are not exactly on good terms, to put it mildly. Hence the problems. The best way to get into Boliva is by plane.