Cusco to Lake Titicaca
Price: US$ 295 per vehicle (up to 3 people)
Book a private vehicle from Cusco to Lake Titicaca Puno ride with free stops at Inca sites along the way (tickets can be paid in person).
You can travel in 6 different ways from Cusco to Lake Titicaca, or in the opposite direction, from Lake Titicaca to Cusco, explore the transportation options between these two amazing destinations.
Traveling from Cusco to Lake Titicaca is possible by private vehicle with stops along the way, direct tourist bus, guided bus, luxury train, plane, or car.
At Lake Titicaca the amazingly crafted Uros Islands have been built out of locally grown reed following a process that has been passed down for generations among the Uros people. The distinct textiles and traditional folk dances found on Taquile Island are also one-of-a-kind. The people and cultures living on Lake Titicaca’s islands make it so unique. Get to know the largest in South America and the highest navigable body of water in the world.
Lake Titicaca is easily accessible, with six primary transport options connecting Cusco to Puno, the principle city in the area. Explore below how to get to Lake Titicaca from Cusco by private vehicle:
By Private vehicle
The ride from Cusco to Lake Titicaca takes between 6 and 8 hours, making various stops along the way at archaeological sites, lookout points, rest stops and a restaurant.
Traveling on the private vehicle from Cusco to Puno will enjoy photo stops at the following locations along the route:
Andahuaylillas
Known as the “Sistine Chapel of the Americas,” this church features an exhibition of colonial art work dating back to the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries.
Raqchi
This is the first temple dedicated to Wiracocha, the supreme God of the Incas.
After stopping and visiting the temple, check out the small market near the entrance for souvenirs.
La Raya
The highest point along the route, reaching 14,222 feet or 4335 meters, guests are able to appreciate snow-peaked mountains, alpacas and the amazing scenery of the Andean countryside.
Pukara
Dedicated to an ancient archaeological complex, the Lithic Museum of Pukara features artifacts dating as far back as 4,000 B.C. Additionally, there is time to try locally-grown, organic coffee or the more uncommon exotic coffee, using beans that have been passed through the digestive system of the coati, a mammal native to the Amazon Jungle.
PROS of booking this way to get Lake Titicaca from Cusco
- The most flexible and taylor-made option
- Interesting stops visited
- Passing through the scenic highlands
- Daily departures
CONS of booking this way to get Lake Titicaca from Cusco
- Not a luxurious option as traveling by train
Drive Cusco to Puno doing stop at Rainbow Mountain. Amantani homestay tour and Sillustani tour en route to Juliaca airport.
By Train
The train from Cusco to Lake Titicaca is longer than the bus ride, lasting just over 10 hours. While the bus features first class accommodations for a vehicle of its variety, the first class accommodations on the train are significantly more opulent with lounge-chair seating, fine china and silverware used for first-rate, delicious meals. The train makes no stops, but there is a separate lookout-car where guests can leisurely enjoy the scenery of the Peruvian highlands.
PROS
- Luxurious
- Seeing the highlands along the way
- Lunch included
CONS
- No stops along the way
- Most expensive option
- Only departs three times per week*
*The Peru Rail Titicaca Train from Cusco to Puno departs every Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday while the return train from Puno to Cusco departs every Monday, Thursday, and Saturday.
By Plane
To travel from Cusco to Lake Titicaca by plane, you can catch an hour long flight to the Juliaca airport. Most best hotels in Puno are located just over one hour from the airport by car. There are one or two direct flights departing Cusco daily, depending on the season. These flights arrive to Juliaca in the late morning or early afternoon, rather than in the evening like the other options.
PROS
- Shortest travel time
- Budget-friendly
- Daily departures
CONS
- Skips over the beautiful overland route
- No meals included
By Car
The sixth option to reach Lake Titicaca from Cusco is by a private transfer. This direct route lasts between 6 and 7 hours.
PROS
- Private experience
- Seeing the highlands along the way
- Door to door service between hotels
CONS
- No stops along the way
- No meals included
- Expensive compared to the bus and flight options
Above all, the mode of transport you choose depends on your personal preference and budget. There are spectacular views on the overland route, especially as you approach Lake Titicaca, but flying may be the best fit for you. Reach out to one of our personal travel advisor to discuss these options further!
Plan your own Peru tour. Call and chat with one of our expert travel advisors via WhatsApp +51 965154772 (Fredy at Headquarter)
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If you have questions and doubts about Cusco to Lake Titicaca, take your time in telling us your inquiries and we’ll show you a lot more options to do (or re-design it).
Just email us at:
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+51 965154772 (Fredy, the guy responsible of answering your emails and inquiries at headquarter)
How to book
- You can get it fully booked by paying an Initial Amount via PayPal and the Total Balance must be paid in USD or PEN cash at the end of tour, then this is how you’ll get your Tour Confirmation from us.
- After we receive your “Booking Request”, we'll back to you as soon as possible with the PayPal link and the exact first amount to be paid.
- Additional information and requirements will be detailed on the email (or via WhatsApp).
After we receive your email we'll back to you as soon as possible with the PayPal link.
The exact amount and additional requirements will be sent to you later.
Now please, start by filling the Booking Form below.
