Puno - Getting To and Away

Transportation

By Amanda Massello

The most scenic option for getting to Puno is from Cusco by rail service.  Perurail trains leave every Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday at 8 and arrive at 5:30 going both directions. Tickets cost $143 for Andean Explorer First Class (can be booked ahead), or $19 for Backpacker class (not available for pre-booking). If pressed for time, you can also to fly to the airport in Juliaca, which is 45 minutes from Puno. Buses will get you there in less time and for cheaper, but of course will not be as plush, although Ormeño runs a first class bus service for $17, departing daily at 9 am from Jr. Melgar 354. Imexso and Civa run buses for around $5-6 at 7:30am and 7:30 pm from the same station. Cruz del Sur also runs a 1pm bus.  The Puno bus station is located southeast of the centre, so you´ll have to take a taxi into town.  For those heading into Bolivia, a combi will take you to Yunguyo (for Copacabana) for $1, and take roughly an hour and a half, leaving from the corner of Av. El Puerto and Av. El Sol.  Or hop on a direct bus to La Paz on the same street. Buses cost $9 and leave once daily at 8 am.

Inka Express

If you don’t want to spend the $143 to take the first-class train to Puno, but don’t want to settle for a regular bus, Inka Express is a good option. Leaving from Cusco at 8 a.m. daily, they offer a “day-trip” with a difference: you will visit the site of Raqchi and the picturesque village of Andahuaylillas, home to the “Sistine Chapel of the Americas,” enjoy lunch in a country restaurant, and end your day arriving in Puno at around 6 p.m. Urb. El Ovalo Pachatutec C-32, Cusco, Tel: 51-84-247-887, and Jr. Tacna 346, Puno, Tel: 51-51-365-654. URL: www.inkaexpress.com.