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Puno is a pretty tourist city on
the shores of Lake Titicaca on the Altiplano of Peru. The city's biggest
attraction is its proximity to Lake Titicaca.
By Train
Trains to and from Cuzco travel only 3 times per week. Other trains travel
down to Arequipa. The rail trip from Puno to Cuzco, which is run jointly
by Peru Rail and Orient Express is spectacular, one of the world's great
train journeys. It is not cheap - about US$220 one way.
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.
By Bus
Daily buses depart to and from Cuzco and Arequipa. The ride form Puno to
Cuzco takes around 8 hours. There's a night bus leaving Puno at 19h30 and
arriving in Cusco at 4h30 am.
Daily buses depart to and from La Paz, Bolivia on two slightly different
routes.
Direct route, faster.
Via ferry boat across Lake Titicaca and Copacabana.
You should change some money at the border in order to be able to pay the
ferry in Bolivianos. Be prepared to change buses in Copacabana. This will
mean you will lose your good seats.
When the overnight bus to Cusco stops at the state line for the police to
inspect cargo underneath the bus, get out and watch your backpack. My mp3
player was stolen in this way.
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