Cuzco Travel Forum

Hi guys,

Im trying to decide the best way to travel from Cuzco to La Paz, like so many. I havent found exactly these questions in the forum so I´ll just shoot!

I arrive to Cuzco on the 30th august and have a flight from La Paz the 7th September. I plan to spend 3 days in Cuzco (MP), 2 night around Lake Titicia and then 3 nights in La Paz.

How is the scenery from Cuzco to Puno? Im wondering if I should take a overnight bus or if I should spend valuable day-time in a 8 hours bus/train (that is the approx. travel time, right?).

From Puno I was wondering if it was possible to visit some of the islands and then get a boat to Copacabana (maybe one night stop-over in Isla del Sol). If that is possible has anyone got a link to a website of such a company?

Also it would be great if somebody had the name/website of a bus-company that goes from Puno to Copacabana - so I can make some comparison :)

Ţakka ykkur fyrir,
Bearzy.

Cusco-Puno: the train is quite expensive and doesn't run daily, check on
www.perurail.com
There is also a (tourist) bus with stops on the way:
www.inkaexpress.com

You may want to check my VT-friend Ken's pages also: kzapanta

I went from Cusco to Puno with San Martin buses at 2.30pm - 7 h, 20 soles ($6)- it was possible to travel on the same bus for 15 soles but I learned that rigid economy was never the best idea on bus journeys in SA?! I stayed at Hostel Europa in Puno for 30 soles ($10) private double with bath, very clean. Booked floating island/sillustani/isla taguile tours (two days in total 60 soles, $18) with a company round the corner - forget the name... Got a bus with Americano from Puno to Copacobana (3h, 15 soles $5). Got a launch from the harbour for an afternoon trek to Isla del Sol (15 Bolivianos return $2). More comfortable and cheaper to stay on the mainland in the evening. Stayed at Hostal Colonial (25 Bs, $6.25) double bed and private bath. Transferred to La Paz with Colectur (5h 25Bs, $6.25)...Stayed at Hostel Angelo Colonial but it was a bit rubbish and I wouldn't recommend it... Hope I've been some help. Please be in touch if you need more info. Helly x

Just got back and took the train. It was gorgeous, although at 9 hours or so with 1 stop it was a little long. But the advantages of a train over a bus are obvious- ability to get up and walk around, order food, good bathroom (comparatively), etc. Scenery is gorgeous. Mountains, mud brick cities, etc. Very typical of Peru. Also, get to meet new people around the "tables" and play cards, etc. Very fun.

I didn't got to Bolivia (new $100 charge for Americans was prohibitive). But this is South America - almost any hotel or port will have people more than willing to help you find your way if you just give them a buck. If you speak Spanish you'll probably be fine, even without reservations. I didn't check your profile, but that is all assuming you are either not alone, or not a female. Otherwise, exercise the obvious cautions.

Take the train over a bus anytime. The 5 hour bus we took from Puno to Arequipa would have been great (REQUST THE TOP FRONT SEATS FOR EXTRA ROOM!!!!!) but a lady bought a seat right next to me for her- and her 2 children!! Not quite the same.

Also - I read a previous post that said the price of the train was prohibitive, that is not true. It is for the "first class" one, but not the backpacker one. It is only $19 from Cusco to Puno. Just book your ticket as soon as you get to Cusco and you'll be fine.

A thought on hostels - always ask if they have hot water, and if you can see the room first and then test the hot water. Also ask the price of breakfast. If you don't like what you see, there is probably another hostel within a block. With $1 taxis, you can afford to drive downtown and take it from there - if they don't solicit you right out of the station (did for us!) Hostels (and hotels) can also be very helpful for tourist help as well. One hostel we were at in Puno (Santa Maria) was very nice, hot water, and the lady booked our Uros Islands tour, bus tickets, etc. Even made sure the bus seats were up front.