Travel to Puno

jointly by Peru Rail and Orient Express is spectacular, one of the world's great train journeys. It is not cheap - about US$220 (US$245 as per September 2011). The other way (from Puno to Cuzco) is 'only' US$150 (May 2012)one way. Don't look for the backpacker class for less money, it is not running anymore.

The trip takes in Andean mountains and valleys of the Huatanay River, before reaching the Andean Plains, La Raya (the highest point of the route) and finally Cuzco.The train stops at La Raya for about 10 mins to allow passengers to get off. There are stalls selling local handicrafts e.g. alpaca sweaters, rugs, chess sets. Ensure that you bargain hard. Without a doubt, the best way of travelling to Cuzco and Macchu Picchu.

Bus

Daily buses depart to and from Cuzco and Arequipa. The ride from Cusco to Puno takes between 5 and 8 hours, depending on the bus company. TourPeru has a nice bus leaving at 8.30 a.m and p.m and arrives at 13.15 H and 1.15 a.m. respectively.

Other companies often stop on the way, picking up passengers and salesmen, which delay the trip and often turn the bus into a driving, smelly restaurant. There are 3 companies leaving at 10.00 pm and arriving around 6.00 am in Puno; by no means take San Luis which have very bad buses!

Inka express has a special tourist bus starts at 7:30am in Puno with several stops to take photos on the interesting points. It takes 8 hours to Cusco.

Buses depart to Copacabana twice daily. There are 4 buses that depart at 7:30am (15 soles) but only Titicaca has an afternoon service that leaves at 2pm (20 soles).

Daily buses depart to and from La Paz, Bolivia on two slightly different routes.

Direct route via Desaguadero (the fastest route, about 5 hours