La Paz Travel Forum

Hi guys,

IŽll be visiting La Paz for a couple of days in September and then the plan is to take a bus to Cusco, Peru. I was wondering how much time that busride will take? Also do you recommend any overnightstops along the way, f.e. somewhere near Lake Titicaca?

Finally, since I wont be in La Paz for along time, I was wondering if there was possible to get a guide to walk me and my friends through the city for a day or so and point out the major sights?

Best wishes,
Bearzy.

Hi and thanks for your answer.

What is the duration of the busride to Puno or Copabanca respectively? Which place do you guys recommend? :)

Are comfortable overnightbuses available if I decide to go the whole way in one leg?

Thanks again,
Bearzy.

Bearzy, I have only traveled the route from La Paz to Copacabana (twice though). It is about 2.5 hours by car. When you go by car, you can stop at some of the nice places along the way that are located on the shore of Lake Titicaca (restaurants, view points, Straits of Tiquina, etc.). I don't know what your budget is but I would send Mario Nina at Zig-Zag Eco Tours and Treks (http://www.zigzagbolivia.com/home.html) an e-mail and check his prices for a half day La Paz tour and a trip to Copacabana. He is the best guide I have had in Bolivia and his prices are very reasonable.

LOL, I had not checked his web page lately until just now. Ignore that old guy on them. He really does not work for Mario. He is just a satisfied customer. Tiwanaku is interesting but if it were me, I would try to spend a night (or least some time) on Isla del Sol. You can see Puno across the lake from Copacabana. Maybe someone does a boat trip from Copacabana to Isla del Sol and then on to Puno, where I am sure you can get a bus to Cusco.

Hola! Although in reverse I have just done this trip. I recommend that you go to the islands in Lake Titicaca from the Peruvian side (Puno). We visited Uros, Amantani (where we stayed with a local family) and Taquile for a 2 day trip. I also stayed on Isla del Sol on the Bolvian side which you get to from Copacabana but I do not think it is as good... more touristy.

In La Paz there is a half day bus tour which will take you around the city and show you the main sites. The commentary is a bit funny but it is a good way to see the city in a safe and quick way. You can purchase tickets from a travel agency - ask for the $6 tour bus.

To get to Cusco you will need to take the 2 1/2 hour bus to Copacabana and then on from there to Puno. You can elect to stop in Copacabana if you like or go direct to Puno (probably an hour stopover included). Puno is 3 hours from Copacabana. In Puno you can get a direct bus to Cuzco or there is a train. We took an overnight bus from Cuzco to Puno so I am sure there are overnighters. The train is more expensive - especially "tourist class".
Puno itself is a hole but the trip to the island was worth staying there.

i've taken an interesting and cheap service in La Paz...something as "photo tour", it's a car tour that take 3 or 4 hours and the company that sale the tour is natural, www.naturalcustom.com. They show you the sights of the city...really interesting.

the trip takes about 12 hours, and there are a few places near lake titicacca

Mario Nina from Zig Zag tours is tops, great personality and speaks good english.