About the ride from La Paz to Puno
After the colorful and exciting intensity of the big city experience of La Paz, Bolivia, consider stepping back in time with a visit to the quiet city of Puno. This city lies in the southeastern corner of Peru, on the shores of Lake Titicaca. Various Indigenous groups have inhabited this area throughout history, offering a rich cultural, historical, and natural landscape to explore.
La Paz, Bolivia is 166 miles (267 km) from Puno, Peru. Journey times and costs vary depending on the mode of transportation. A bus is cheaper but takes longer, while a minivan is more expensive but also more comfortable.
Four fascinating things to do in Puno
Here are some great things to see while in Puno:
Visit the Uros and Taquile Islands. Lake Titicaca, at 12,500 ft (3810 meters) above sea level, is home to 62 artificial islands built from totora reeds. The Uros lived on the land almost 4000 years ago but made islands to escape from the powerful Inca.
Take a guided tour to learn about their culture and history. Handicrafts are sold to help them with the costs of upkeep that tourism damage has necessitated.
Taquile Island is especially famous for its textiles. The people of Taquile make fabric that is protected as a UNESCO World Heritage subject. Women do the weaving, and men do the knitting.
Visit the Plaza de Armas, the town square of Puno. Check out the beautiful Cathedral Basilica of St. Charles Borromeo, which dates back to 1757. A fire in the 1930s destroyed much of the interior, but the exterior is an incredible work by the architectural genius Simón de Astro.
Take a stroll. From the Plaza de Armas, head north to Jirón de Lima Street and walk to the Parque Pino, created in 1901 to honor a local war hero, Dr. Manuel Pino. Along the street, you will find shops, cafes, restaurants, bars and souvenir markets.
See the Sillustani Chullpas. Sillustani is about 20 miles (33 km) northwest of Puno on the Umayo Lagoon. There are around 90 chullpas here, which are ancient tombs built above ground.
The nobility buried here were mummified and buried with some of their belongings. Look for the Lagarto chullpa, famous for its foundation of large stone blocks.
How to get from La Paz to Puno
There are two ways to travel from La Paz to Puno: bus or minivan.
By bus
Traveling by air-conditioned bus is the cheapest way to reach Puno. Tickets begin at $17, and the journey takes between seven and twelve hours. Many buses have reclining seats, restrooms, WiFi, and television to make the trip more comfortable.
The luggage allowance is typically one 51-pound (23 kg) bag and a handbag.
The bus departs from the Terminal De Buses La Paz and arrives at the Terminal Terrestre in Puno.
By minivan
Traveling by air-conditioned shared minivan is faster but more expensive. The trip requires at least two passengers, and tickets start at $78 per person. The journey takes about eight hours.
Passengers are allowed one 44-pound (20 kg) bag and one handbag.
The van departs from the Terminal De Buses La Paz and arrives at Cajamarca 243.
What to expect on the journey from La Paz to Puno
The journey from La Paz to Puno is a lengthy one, taking anywhere from seven to twelve hours. Be sure to check out the beautiful landscape as you travel. It is not to be missed! A large portion of the journey involves the scenery of Lake Titicaca.
The drive between La Paz and Puno follows major highways, so it’ll be a smooth ride. You’ll cross the border at Desaguadero and along the lake to Puno.
Be sure to have your passport documents ready with applicable visas for easy transfer through the Bolivian and Peruvian stations.
When is the best time to visit Puno?
Puno is most enjoyable between May and August when there is less rain and beautiful clear skies. The high temperature is around 55-60℉ (13-15℃). The low temperature is around 30℉ (-1℃).
Most festivals and celebrations are held in January and February, which, unfortunately, are the wettest months. If those celebrations draw you to Puno, it will be way more humid and warmer at night, and there will be quite a bit of rain.
How many days should you spend in Puno?
A visit to Puno does not need to be a lengthy one. Consider staying two nights and one full day to take in all the sights.
Where to visit after Puno?
From Puno, continue your Incan adventure by visiting the city of Cusco.
This 241-mile (388 km) trip will take you right to the heart of the ancient Incan empire. You can visit Machu Picchu, interact with llamas and alpacas, and soak up the history and culture.
