A 3 Sentence Summary
One of the most popular and cost effective ways to travel between Cusco and Puno (Lake Titicaca) or vice-versa is aboard a Cusco to Puno Tourist Bus. There are a couple bus companies that offer the 10 hour route, which stops at various points of interest along the way. We think that Wonder Bus Expeditions offers the best service.
The Route:
Cusco (3,400 m.a.s.l / 11,155 f.a.s.l)
Either the start or end point of the trip. Buses typically departing around 7.15 am or arrive around 5pm. Cusco was the capital of the Inca Empire, and was once the most important city in the continent.
Andahuaylillas (3,198 m.a.s.l / 10,492 f.a.s.l)
In the small village of Andahuaylillas 50 minutes from Cusco the bus stops for 30 minutes visit to the church of San Pedro de Andahuaylillas. Named as the Sistine Chapel of the America´s, due to its high quality art work, the church houses exquisite art work from the 17th century, most notably from Luis Riaño which represents the path to glory and the path to hell.
Raqchi (3,450 m.a.s.l / 11,318 f.a.s.l)
117 km / 73 miles from Cusco the bus stops for a 45 minute tour of the archaeological site of Raqchi. The remarkable Wiracocha temple, 100 meters (328 feet) long and 20 meters (66 feet) wide is made of adobe walls built on top of volcanic stone foundations. The complex also includes a residential area made for the Inca nobles and dozens of circular warehouses to store food. Built in the fifteenth century, it is considered by the historians to be one of the most audacious Inca constructions.
Sicuani (3,554 m.a.s.l / 11,660 f.a.s.l)
Sicuani is the stopping point for lunch. A specially prepared buffet lunch is available, offering food typical to the Cusco region plus some of international dishes. You can expect a selection of hearty soups, several main dishes including chicken, fish and meat plus vegetarian options. Deserts and hot drinks are also included.
La Raya (4,335 m.a.s.l / 14,222 f.a.s.l)
La Raya is the highest point on the trip, and is roughly located half way between Cusco and Puno. A 10 minute photo stop is included to allow you time to capture the striking scenery and also stretch your legs. La Raya marks the point where the landscapes change from rolling hills to the flat altiplano.
Pucara Museum (3,900 m.a.s.l / 12,795 f.a.s.l)
107 km / 66 miles from Puno the Pukara is famous for its pottery, especially the “Toritos de Pucara,” the ceramic bulls that are traditionally placed on the roofs of Andean houses. The Pucara Museum houses a collection of lithic sculptures and ceramics found in the area from the Pucara pre-Inca Culture. The stop is usually around 45 minutes. There are also toilets here.
Puno / Lake Titicaca (3,800 m.a.s.l / 12,476 f.a.s.l)
Either the start or end point of the trip. Buses typically departing around 7.15 am or arrive around 5pm. Puno is the gateway to Lake Titicaca, the mythical birth place of the Inca civilization.
Operators
Wonder Peru Expeditions
Starting operations in May 2011 Wonder Peru Expeditions, often referred to as Wonder Bus are the newest company serving the Cusco – Puno route. They operate a fleet of Spanish made Irizar PB and i6 luxury coaches which hold between 42 – 52 passengers. Buses feature panoramic windows, climate control, oxygen enriched air supply, wifi, 3 televisions and a toilet.
Contact Information
Peru Phone: +51 (0)84 251 616
Website: http://www.wonderperuexpedition.com/
Reservations: reservascusco@wonderperuexpedition.com
Departure / Arrival Points
Cusco: Av. 28 de Julio R-2.1 Urbanizacion Ttio.
Puno: Terminal Terrestre Puno (general bus terminal).
Times: Departs at 07.15 am / Arrives at 5.00 pm.
Price (2014)
Option 1: US$ 60 per person.
Includes all entrance tickets and buffet lunch.
Our Thoughts
Wonder Peru Expeditions are our first choice for all of our clients that travel from Cusco to Puno or vice versa. Their buses are the most modern and comfortable of all the operators on this route, and they seem to offer a good service which so far has never had a complaint. To book you need to send a contact form through their website or email them directly. Payment methods are limited.
Inka Express Bus
Inka Express have been operating the Cusco – Puno route since 1999. Their 40 seater luxury coaches offer an oxygen enriched environment, have unlimited wifi (no streaming), power outlets for laptops etc., coffee/tea facilities and an on-board bathroom.
Contact Information
USA Phone: 305 906 5395
Peru Phone: +51 (0)84 247 887
Website: http://inkaexpress.com/ (website having problems with malware so not linked!).
Departure / Arrival Points
Cusco: Avenida 28 de Julio (5to paradero Urbanizacion Ttio)
Puno: Terminal Terrestre Puno (general bus terminal).
Times: Departs at 07.15 am / Arrives at 5.00 pm.
Price (2014)
Option 1: US$ 50
Price does not include entrance tickets in: Andahuaylillas church, lithic museum of Pukara and Archaeological complex of Raqchi. Price does not include lunch.
Option 2: US$ 65
(not available on the website)
Includes all entrance tickets and buffet lunch.
Our Thoughts
We once used to use Inka Express for all of our Peru package tours, but nowadays we prefer Wonder Bus. Generally clients were happy with the services they provided, but we did receive some complaints, which were mainly directed at the quality of the on-board guides. Their website, although recently updated is hard to navigate, and actually difficult to find the button that allows you to buy the tickets. Their website is poorly written and in places really quite rubbish. Payment is by PayPal only.
