Puno stands at the edge of Lake Titicaca, the highest navigable lake in the world. This lake is known for its long-inhabited islands and cultural significance.
Most visitors to Puno come from Cusco as part of a longer trip to Peru. From Cusco, you may fly to Juliaca and drive from there. Or, you may choose the amazing, all-day long train ride across the Andes. From Lima, flights to Juliaca are also offered.
We’ll show you three ways to get to this high-altitude mysterious place.
The Inca Manco Cápac airport is 44 kilometers from Puno by road, which is about an hour's drive. This is the nearest airport to Puno City, located in the village of Juliaca. From Lima and Cusco, direct flights are available to Juliaca. As of right now, Puno is not accessible by direct international flight.
Most tourists stop at Puno when traveling to or from Cusco and Arequipa. Or, they stop when heading back to Lima to return home. At the moment, Puno is served directly by SKY Airlines and LATAM from Lima and Cusco.
This route goes from sea level in Lima to the high Inca Manco Cápac International Airport in Juliaca. Be aware, that altitude sickness may strike. You have to keep in mind that there’s no direct flight from Lima to Puno, that’s why the trip will be completed in two parts. The first one is flying from Lima to Juliaca.
Juliaca is another important city in the Puno region, arriving at the Inca Manco Cápac International Airport (JUL) in Juliaca, you will find yourself 44 kilometers north of Puno. The flight takes around one hour and forty minutes to get from Lima to Juliaca.
The following stage takes you to Puno via road once you land in Juliaca. Taxis and shared minibusses, or "colectivos" as they are called in Peru, are your options for this trip. For around S/20 to S/25 soles, you may ride one of these cars—which are often parked outside the airport exit—to Puno. An hour or so is needed for the trip.
The "colectivos" take off whenever the vehicle is full, which usually happens shortly after an aircraft lands. They don't have a set departure time.
The most popular road in Peru, the Highway Pan-Americana Sur, passes through Arequipa on the way to Puno, which is often reached by bus from Lima. This long route takes you halfway across Peru! The trip will be a 19 to 21-hour bus ride, but this depends on the road conditions and the driver's stops.
This journey takes many hours, so could be taxing. However, there are benefits. Buses run nonstop from Lima to Puno, making them the most flexible and least expensive way to get between the two cities.
Compared to the trip from Lima, taking a bus from Arequipa to Puno is significantly quicker. Six to eight hours are required to complete this journey, depending on the bus company and the time of day you travel.
With typical ticket prices ranging from S/. 35 to S/. 50, it's a cost-effective choice for individuals who want to see Puno's natural beauty from Arequipa. This is just something you should do if you plan to make a stop in Cusco along the way, which is what a lot of tourists do.
Buses from Lima to Cusco often take 24 to 30 hours, however, they can arrive in as low as 21 hours. Then, the trip from Cusco to Puno takes around six or seven hours. Given the distance and the exhausting nature of a 30-hour bus ride in Peru, it is quite likely that passengers will have to stop and spend the night in Cusco.
First, you have to come by plane or bus to Cusco where you may take the train heading to Puno, you have two options:
Belmond Andean Explorer Train
The Belmond Andean Explorer is the first luxury train in South America. It offers a remarkable way to discover Peru's natural treasures. Travelers taste cutting-edge Peruvian food. Take in a variety of scenery and sites, including Lake Titicaca and the floating island of Uros. You can do this from the comfort of your private cabin or the observation vehicle.
With personalized tours and spa services, this train offers a luxurious, transportable way to experience Peru.
Peru Rail Titicaca Train
The train goes from the historic Inca capital of Cusco to Puno. Puno is on the beaches of Lake Titicaca. The Andes provide a spectacular backdrop for the trip. You may take in amazing views as you travel through valleys and mountains on this about 10-hour and 30-minute train ride.
The route is full of amazing sights, such as herds of vicuñas and alpacas, from the Huatanay river valleys to charming Andean settlements.
Come to see the very best of Peru if you're thinking about visiting this stunning area. Don't put it off any longer, you can discover the best trip packages to see Peru at Viagens Machu Picchu. Contact us without delay to begin living your ideal journey.
