How to Get to
 Lake Titicaca

Quick tips to keep in mind:

• Each side of the lake has its charm – make sure to enjoy the most of them.
• Flights are the least recommended option. High costs & additional planning can become stressful quickly.
• If coming from Peru, most travelers recommend Peru Hop.
• Day Trips from Cusco & Day Trips from La Paz are great options for those looking to visit the lake quickly.

Quick links: By bus | By plane | By train | By day trips |

Quick links:

• By bus
• By plane
• By train
• By day trips

Getting to Lake Titicaca by bus

Getting to Lake Titicaca by bus is the most popular choice for travelers in both Peru and Bolivia. Buses offer an affordable, scenic, and relatively comfortable way to reach the lake, with various options depending on your travel style.

While public buses are the most common form of transport for locals, there are also tourist-friendly services that provide a more comfortable and hassle-free experience.

Let’s go into more detail.

In Peru

If you’re traveling to Puno, you’ll find several bus connections from Lima, Cusco, and Arequipa, making it one of the easiest ways to reach the lake. You can choose between public buses (best for locals) or traveler-friendly options that offer additional services.

Public buses are the most budget-friendly options, commonly used by locals. However, they often make multiple stops along the route, picking up and dropping off passengers, which can extend travel time by several hours. If you choose this option, it’s important to research companies carefully.

Two recommended options are:

• Cruz del Sur: Known for its safety and relatively comfortable seating.
• Civa: Offers affordable rates with various service levels.

Before booking, check TripAdvisor reviews and search online for “‘company name’ accidents” to ensure you choose a safe and reliable operator.

Peru Hop is another popular choice among tourists as it is designed with travelers’ needs in mind. Unlike public buses, Peru Hop provides extra care, flexibility, and guided experiences.

• Operates on a hop-on, hop-off system, allowing travelers to explore different destinations at their own pace.
• Offers daily departures from Lima, Arequipa, and Cusco with flexible itineraries.
• Includes bilingual, local guides onboard every bus to provide tips and historical insights.
• Provides free tours at unique stops along the route.
• Ensures better safety and comfort than public bus options.

For those crossing into Bolivia, Peru Hop also assists with border crossing paperwork, making the process smoother—an important perk, as the Peru-Bolivia border can sometimes be a challenging experience for travelers.

Additionally, if you’re traveling from Cusco, Inka Express is another excellent option. This is more than just a bus—it’s a guided experience along the Ruta del Sol (Sun Route), stopping at various Inca ruins, colonial towns, and archaeological sites that would be missed on a regular bus ride. It’s a great choice for those who want to combine transportation with sightseeing.

Whether you prefer a budget-friendly public bus or a tourist-oriented service with guided experiences, there are plenty of options to reach Puno and Lake Titicaca comfortably.

In Bolivia

If you’re traveling to Copacabana, the only way to get there is from La Paz. Unlike in Peru, there are fewer reliable bus options, but the journey itself is unique. One of the highlights is the short ferry ride across the Strait of Tiquina, a narrow waterway separating Copacabana from the rest of Bolivia.

Buses will drop passengers off to take a small boat, while the bus itself is ferried across separately before continuing the journey.

There are two main types of buses available for this route:

• Public buses (best for locals who make the journey daily): These are the most affordable option but often lack amenities, make frequent stops, and experience delays. While public buses are commonly used by locals, travelers should be mindful of their belongings, as theft can be an issue when buses stop to pick up and drop off passengers.
• Bolivia Hop (traveler-friendly option): Bolivia Hop is the sister company of Peru Hop, offering the same flexibility, comfort, and safety-focused service. This option is ideal for travelers, as it provides:
  • Border-crossing assistance for those entering Peru from Bolivia.
  • Comfortable buses with bilingual guides on board.
  • Fewer stops, making the journey more efficient compared to public buses.

Tip: No matter which side of the border you’re on, there are a few key things to keep in mind when taking buses in Peru and Bolivia:

• Travel times listed by public bus companies are on the more optimistic side. In reality, Peruvian and Bolivian public buses are frequently delayed. Be especially prepared for delays when crossing the Peru-Bolivian border on a public bus.
• Be attentive to your belongings if traveling on a public bus with pick-up/drop-off stops.
• Choose a reputable bus company. The roads can be windy and steep which is why it’s important to prioritize safety over everything else.
• Traveler-friendly options make the trip stress-free and more enjoyable.
• If the price seems too good to be true, it probably is. Extremely cheap bus tickets often mean poor service, unreliable schedules, or safety concerns.

While Bolivia has fewer bus options compared to Peru, choosing the right service can make a huge difference in your experience. Whether you go with a budget-friendly public bus or a tourist-friendly service like Bolivia Hop, the journey to Copacabana is a scenic and memorable part of your trip to Lake Titicaca.

Getting to Lake Titicaca by plane

Getting to Lake Titicaca by plane

Flying directly to Puno or Copacabana is not an option, as neither city has an airport. However, on the Peruvian side, travelers can fly to Juliaca, the nearest airport to Puno, and then continue by bus or taxi.

While this may seem like a convenient option, there are several downsides to consider:

• Flights to Juliaca are limited and expensive: The only departures to Inca Manco Cápac International Airport (Juliaca) are from Lima and Cusco, with no direct international flights. Due to low airline competition and the airport’s remote location, fares tend to be higher than other domestic routes in Peru.
• The onward journey from Juliaca to Puno is not ideal: After landing, travelers must still make their way 44 km (28 miles) to Puno, which can take up to 3 hours, depending on the mode of transport. Options include:
  • Taxis – Faster but can be cramped and uncomfortable, especially on winding and poorly maintained roads.
  • Buses – Cheaper, but not always reliable or comfortable for long-distance travel.

Because of the high costs, lack of flexibility, and challenging ground transportation, many travelers—including locals—choose to avoid flying to Juliaca. Instead, buses offer a more practical and budget-friendly way to reach Lake Titicaca with fewer complications.

Getting to Lake Titicaca by train

For those looking for a scenic and luxurious way to reach Lake Titicaca, taking the train from Cusco to Puno is an unforgettable experience. This route winds through the breathtaking Andean landscapes, offering stunning views of snow-capped peaks, rolling highlands, and remote villages along the way.

However, this journey is not for budget travelers, as it is a high-end, luxury experience rather than a regular commuter train. Here’s what you need to know:

• Luxury sleeper train experience: The Belmond Andean Explorer is a luxury sleeper train that operates between Cusco and Puno, providing elegant cabins, gourmet dining, and panoramic observation decks.
• Travel time and cost: The journey takes approximately 10 hours, with prices starting at $270 per ticket.
• Limited departures: The train only runs on Sundays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, so travelers need to plan accordingly.

If you have the budget for this experience, it’s one of the most beautiful train journeys in the world and an excellent way to see the Peruvian countryside in comfort. For more details, check out our Train to Lake Titicaca page.

Day Trips to Lake Titicaca

If you’re short on time but still want to experience Lake Titicaca, a day trip is the best option. These tours allow you to explore the most famous islands without the need for an overnight stay. Whether you’re coming from Cusco (Peru) or La Paz (Bolivia), there are great options to choose from.

Day Trips from Cusco (Peru)

For those on the Peruvian side, day trips from Cusco offer a chance to visit the lake’s most iconic attractions:

• Visit the Uros Floating Islands: These man-made islands, constructed entirely from totora reeds, are unlike anything else in the world. The Uru people have lived here for centuries, maintaining a way of life deeply connected to the lake.
• Homestay experiences: If you have extra time, some tours include overnight stays with local families on the islands, allowing you to immerse yourself in traditional Andean culture.

Check out our Day Trips from Cusco options for more details.

Day Trips from La Paz (Bolivia)

If you’re on the Bolivian side, day trips from La Paz focus on exploring Isla del Sol, one of the lake’s most sacred locations:

• Discover Isla del Sol: Known as the birthplace of the Inca civilization, this island is home to ancient ruins, terraced landscapes, and stunning lake views.
• Option to stay overnight: Some tours offer overnight stays, allowing you to experience the island’s peaceful atmosphere after the day-trippers leave.

Explore our Day Trips from La Paz for more details.

A day trip to Lake Titicaca is a perfect way to experience its beauty and history without committing to a longer stay. Whether you’re visiting the floating islands of Peru or the legendary Isla del Sol in Bolivia, these tours offer an unforgettable glimpse into Andean culture and traditions.