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Puno Essentials |
| Maps of Puno |
Puno to Cusco
Cusco is 388km from Puno. You can travel by bus, train or plane. If travelling overland remember to take plenty of warm clothes with you especially if travelling at night since it can get very cold.
By Plane
There are several daily flights for Cusco. The flight time is about 45 minutes but you may find some services go via Arequipa making the flight time about 2 hours. Airline companies operating this route are Lan www.lan.com
By
Bus (local bus)
There are many daily buses leaving for Cusco. The journey takes about 8 hours (longer in the wet season). Price are about US$8-10 depending on the service. Some companies depart in the morning and arrive in Cusco late in the afternoon while others depart in the evening and arrive in Cusco early in the morning. If you find yourself in Cusco as early at 04:00 or 05:00 you can ask the driver to stay on the bus and get some rest until a more reasonable hour (07:00).
By
Bus (special tourist bus)
As well as the regular local buses between Puno and Cusco there are also a couple of companies that offer a better quality package service. One of the most popular of these is a company called First Class. Their service includes a guide on the bus and the bus stops at several places of interest on the way. The price is about US$30 per person and includes a good buffet lunch. Tickets can be bought through most travel agents in Puno one or two days in advance. Other companies that have daily services during the day include Inka Express (US$30) which stop at places of interest en-route and Imexo (US$15) which is really just a local bus that tends to be full of tourists.
By
Train
Reservations for tickets from Puno to Cusco should be made 1 day in advance. You can make reservations directly at the train station in the centre of town or through many local travel agents. For up-to-date timetables and prices visit the Peru Rail web site www.perurail.com
Puno to Arequipa
Arequipa is 297km from Puno. You can travel by bus, train or plane. If travelling overland remember to take plenty of warm clothes with you especially if travelling at night since it can get very cold.
By Plane
There are several daily flights for Arequipa. The flight time is about 45 minutes. Airline companies operating this route are Lan www.lan.com
By
Bus (local bus)
There are many daily buses leaving for Arequipa. The journey takes about 6 hours. Price are about US$8-10 depending on the service. Most companies depart in the morning and arrive in Arequipa late in the afternoon while others depart in the evening and arrive in Arequipa early in the morning. However there are several other departures throughout the day.
By
Train
The train no longer operates between Arequipa and Cusco apart from freight traffic and the occasional charter train.
Puno to Lima
By
Plane
There are a couple of flights daily between Juliaca (airport nearest to Puno) and Lima. All flights make a short stop at Arequipa on the way although you don't leave the aircraft. Flight times vary but generally allow 2 hours. Airline companies operating this route include Lan www.lan.com
By
Bus
Bus companies in Puno sell tickets to Lima but you will find all buses go to Arequipa first where you will have to take a connecting bus on to Lima. There may be very long periods between these connecting buses and you will probably have to change bus. Quite often you will find that the bus from Puno to Arequipa travels overnight (to avoid the high temperatures during the day) arriving early in the morning. The onwards bus to Lima may also depart in the evening and arrive early in the morning in Lima, allowing you to spend all day visiting Arequipa. You can store your bags at the bus station but always take your valuables with you. Cruz del Sur operate this route but are by no means the only company or the best. Reservations can be made through local travel agents in Puno.
