Puno Travel Forum

I've seen varied opinions on traveling to Puno via bus or train. The railroad portrays the $130 version as a great luxury tourist experience. Some say the $20 backpacker ticket is a rewarding journey. Some say the train is always delayed and rocks have been thrown through the windows. Some say the bus is faster, cheaper, just as scenic, just as comfortable. Others say the buses are rundown, smelly, motion sickness generators.

Does anyone have recent personal experience with these options, with specific company names or similar? Thanks.

I took the train a few years ago. I bought the first class ticket - but they are half price if you buy them the day before. There was a beverage/food cart and dancing and music in the car. I thought it was very nice. The mountains and view are spectacular. They stop once or twice in the middle of nowhere and locals come to sell their wares for very cheap. One of these stops I bought a gorgeous full size hand woven blanket for $5 USD. It is cheaper to buy things here than in Cusco or anywhere else I saw. The train takes around 8 hours, so I imagine it must be much slower by bus. We had no problems with anyone throwing rocks or anything of the sort.

Susan

i took the train, it was great.

Dandilion, How long ago did you take the train?

Hi! I took the Inca Express bus last week from Cusco to Puno and it was great fun. Very scenic, especially the pass at La Raya, and stopped at some interesting places. It was clean and efficient, and even supplied matte de coca! It cost $30. On the way back we took an overnight bus which was fine (very cheap too, about $6), but arrived in Cusco at 0230.

Enjoy your trip!