Besides being the most navigable lake in the world, Lake Titicaca is 3812 meters above sea level. In case you want to start this adventure, your gateway will be Puno, the closest city. Having said that, we introduce you to some options to make the most of this altiplano gem.
You can find the closest airport to Titicaca Lake in Juliaca, Puno. Daily flights depart from the Inca Manco Capac International Airport. In case you come from Lima, the duration of your flight will be a nonstop 1 hour and a half approximately. If you come from Cusco the duration will be 1 hour with no stops.
The cheapest method to go to Puno is via bus. Buses arrive in Puno often, coming every day from major cities in every country. The most common cities they come from are Cusco, Lima, and Arequipa.
This takes around 6 hours from Cusco or Arequipa. Bus tickets are typically bought just before boarding. Both starting sites have overnight buses, so you won't lose a valuable day traveling.
The Terminal Terrestre (Puno Bus terminal) is 2 kilometers southeast of Puno's center. This terminal serves Puno's long-distance bus operators. If you decide to go by bus in Peru, Cruz del Sur is a great option with comfy seats that recline nearly 180 degrees. A seat that practically doubles as a bed makes taking the nighttime bus more enticing. Regardless of how you arrive at Lake Titicaca and Puno, the trip will be worthwhile once you see the stunning lake.
Trains connect Lake Titicaca, Cusco, and Arequipa. The Belmond Andean Explorer is a first-class train that connects the three locations. The rails wind through the Peruvian Andes making it one of South America's most picturesque trips.
The trip begins in Cusco, stops in Puno, and ends in Arequipa. Itineraries take one or two nights, and the journey can be performed in reverse. This is the most luxurious method to go to Lake Titicaca from Cusco or Arequipa.
The PeruRail Titicaca Train also links Cusco to Puno. This train travel across the high Andes takes around 10.5 hours. While no stops are made, the service and amenities on board are lavish, and the vistas are stunning.
If you want to fly to Puno, keep in mind that you will arrive at Juliaca, which is around 43 kilometers from Puno. You may proceed to Puno from here, which will take around an hour.
Unfortunately, Juliaca is not generally the best choice for travelers since its environment may be unwelcoming, and you may want to limit your visit to a few hours. If you want a more fulfilling and organized experience, Puno stands out. It's an attractive town with a wide range of cultural and leisure options.
Once you've explored and enjoyed the charms of Puno, it's time to head to the port. From there, boats depart. They sail the waters of Lake Titicaca and take you to the fascinating Islands of the Uros.
These islands, built of totora reeds, are home to some families of the Uru ethnicity. However, it's important to mention: water pollution in this area is due to bad wastewater treatment. Unfortunately is a regrettable reality that cannot be ignored.
As you know, Lake Titicaca connects Bolivia and Peru, this lake has a Peruvian side (56%) and a Bolivian side (44%). You can cross the border by boat, you take it in la Isla del Sol (Island of the Sun). The other option to get to La Paz or Titicaca Lake from Puno is by bus, the cost varies around 25-30$ taking around 7 or 8 hours.
Remember that you need to show your passport before boarding another bus. Make sure your passport is valid for 6 more months after entering Bolivia.
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