Peru: How to Get From Cusco to Puno (and Back), Cusco, Peru

There are a few different ways to get from Cusco to the city of Puno, which is the home of Lake Titicaca. Lake Titicaca is the largest lake in South America and the highest navigable body of water in the world! It is also where you’ll find the “Islas Uros” a.k.a floating islands.

I’ll be sharing more details about Lake Titicaca and the Islas Uros next week, though. Today’s post is sharing how exactly you can get to Puno in the first place.

There are 3 main options to get from Cusco to Puno (and vice versa): train, tourist bus, and local bus. The one you choose will depend highly on your budget and personal preference. I personally tried 2 out of the 3 and will share my experiences below.

I know, I know, anytime a traveler hears the words “tourist bus” they generally want to run in the opposite direction. But hear me out on this one. The tourist buses in Peru are really nice, and they are also very affordable. You will leave Cusco at 7 a.m. and arrive in Puno by 5 p.m. And there will be short stops at 4 interesting sites along the way plus a buffet style lunch. Overall, it was a nice way to break up a long bus ride. (We had booked through TURISMO MER.)

Granted, this isn’t the most interesting looking church on the outside. However, once you step inside, you’re greeted by incredible frescos. It was also built an ancient Inca site at the end of the 16th century and is an interesting mix of both Inca religious depictions and Christian. Sorry, as with the real Sistine Chapel, photos are not allowed inside. But click here if you’re interested in seeing photos of it. (And decide for yourself if it lives up to the name!) ...... (follow the instructions below for accessing the rest of this article).