Travel From Cusco To Puno
James Bustamante is Native to New York but born to Peruvian parents. He has been traveling throughout Latin America since early 2003 and finally made his home in Peru. James has made his way by eating and traveling through almost every country in Central and South America.
Last Updated on May 19, 2022 by James Bustamante
Going from Cusco to Puno is relatively easy. Several methods of transport range from an hour and a half to just over eight hours. The most scenic way of getting from Cusco to Puno is through a six-hour tour called the Route Of The Sun. Why travel to a destination when you can take a guided tour showcasing beautiful landscapes, Incan fortresses, and pre Incan architecture constructions on the same day? Let’s go over the route of the Sun and the other methods of travel between the two destinations.
Cusco To Puno: Route Of The Sun Tour
The Cusco to Puno tour is called the “Ruta Del Sol” or Route Of The Sun. The trip starts in the city of Cusco with an early morning pick-up at your hotel. After that, the bus ride has pre-determined stops along the way to Puno and onto the city of Juliaca.
Route Of The Sun Outline
- Andahuaylillas
- Raqchi
- La Raya
- Pukapukara museum
- Sicuani
Andahuaylillas Chapel
The first stop on our route extending from Cusco to Puno is The Andahuaylillas district, where we’ll visit the Andahuaylillas chapel. IT is considered one of the most beautiful chapels in the Americas. The chapel’s construction dates back to the 16th century during the colonialization period in Peru.
Raqchi
Raqchi is our next stop on the way to Puno. The archaeological is in the Canchis Province, San Pedro District. This Incan construction is known as the Temple of Wiracocha and has increased in popularity in recent years. It gets well over 150,000 visitors each year.
La Raya
We then move on to “La Raya” pass and the Raya Occobamba thermal baths. These natural spring waters reach a temperature of 126 degrees Fahrenheit (52 Centigrade) and are said to have healing properties. We use la Raya as a midpoint in the trip and will schedule a break at this point.
Pukapukara Archaeological Complex
Puka Pukara is our next stop on our way from Cusco to Puno. The name is in the Quechua language, “Red Fortress.” This Inca construction has a red, almost copper color due to the materials used for its build. It is located in the Puka Pukara archaeological complex in the province of Cusco.
Sicuani
We then travel through the beautiful Andean town of Sicuani, which is the capital of the Canchis region in Cusco. It is known for impressive views and rides on horseback through the countryside.
The entire route of the sun tour will take around 8 hours before we eventually arrive in the province of Puno. We will then continue on our way to Lake Titicaca.
Is Touring From Cusco To Puno Safe?
Yes, the “route of the sun” from Cusco to Puno is a safe tour, entertaining, and visually appealing way to reach your destination.
The best part about taking the Route Of The Sun Tour is adding it to a 10-day Peru itinerary that includes destinations like Lima, Cusco, The Sacred Valley, Aguas Calientes, Machu Picchu, and Lake Titicaca.
Flying From Cusco to Puno
There are faster ways of reaching Puno from Cusco. But, by far, the quickest is by taking a flight from the Velasco Astete Airport in Cusco to the Inca Manco Capac International Airport in the city of Juliaca, province of Puno.
At the moment of this article, two airlines travel this route. The approximate flight time is an hour and twenty minutes in total. You will also need to add 15-20 minute transportation time from your Cusco hotel to the airport. After your flight to Puno, you will have to board transportation to Lake Titicaca. The approximate time is 30-40 minutes.
LATAM and Skyairlines. Each has 2-4 flights every day between the two destinations.
How Much Is The Flight From Cusco to Puno?
The flight cost between the two destinations will vary from $30-$110 each way. The price depends heavily on the availability, and the time of the year you will be traveling.
Taking The Train To Puno
The train ride from Cusco to Puno is considered one of the best and most beautiful rides in all of South America. The train is run by PeruRail, the same line that manages rides from Cusco, Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes for Machu Picchu hikes.
This train ride departs from the Huanchac station in the city of Cusco. There are two main services. The Wednesday, Friday, and Sunda services leave in the mornings and arrive several 10 hours later in the evening.
You can also board the luxurious Adena Explorer train that departs weekly on Tuesday evenings. This luxury-oriented train ride depart takes a full day to reach its destination in Puno. Both train options are visually impressive, but they come with high price tags. It is the most luxurious way to get from Cusco to Puno, though, and it will provide an unforgettable experience.
Getting to Puno From Cusco By Bus
The bus to Puno is typically an overnight trip that takes around 8 hours to complete. Travelers will board the bus at 10:00 pm, travel through the night and reach Puno by 6:00 am. Several bus companies manage this service. You can check them out here. The bus usually is a double-decker with fully reclinable seats. Pricing can vary from $10-$20 each way.
Driving From Cusco to Puno
If you want to test your driving skills, you can rent a car and drive to Puno. I wouldn’t recommend this particular method to anyone that is a first-timer in South America, but the option is there. Peruvian roads in the provinces can be very dark at night and aren’t always marked appropriately. Alternatively, you can pay for a private driver to take you to Puno. The drive will of just under 6 hours to complete. This service would have a cost ranging from $40-$80.
What Is The Fastest Way From Cusco To Puno?
The fastest way to get from Cusco to Puno is by plane. It takes an hour and a half to fly from Cusco to Juliaca.
What Is The Most Scenic Route To Puno From Cusco?
The most scenic way to travel is the Route of the Sun. You get to see some of the best highlights located on the Cusco to Puno route. The luxurious and scenic route is the Andean Explorer train. The path it takes from Cusco to the highland city of Juliaca is a thing of beauty and a once-in-a-lifetime experience. It is also the most expensive way to travel to Puno.
Conclusion
There are several ways to reach Puno from the city of Cusco. The time will range from an hour and a half by plane to a full day if you decide to take the Andean express train, you can even do this after a Machu Picchu day trip from Cusco. You can also opt for a full-day tour with interesting stops along the way or purchase a bus ticket. Lastly, you can rent a car or pay for a private service to drive you between the two cities. If you need additional information, contact one of our travel advisors today!
