Since time immemorial, this enormous body of water has had a mystical impact on Puno society, as Lake Titicaca is the protagonist of two of the most widespread legends in this southern Peruvian region. What is said about this lake? Well, that the world originated here. Nothing less. And also, that the two founders of the Inca Empire emerged from the depths of Lake Titicaca.
The god Viracocha emerged from its waters to create the world as we know it. Among his most notable creations are Inti (Sun), Killa (Moon), and the stars, as well as the first inhabitants of the Earth, to whom he entrusted the worship of the created Gods. There is also a legend that Manco Capac and Mama Ocllo, sons of Viracocha, emerged from Lake Titicaca with the mission of founding the powerful and majestic Inca Empire, the most vigorous culture that prevailed in Peru.
Beyond the magical stories passed down from generation to generation, Lake Titicaca is today a tourist attraction for countless reasons, beyond the traditions passed down by Puno's ancestors. It is not for nothing that it is the highest navigable lake in the world (3,812 m above sea level), with depths of up to 281 m across its approximately 8,300 km² area.
How to get to Puno and Lake Titicaca from Lima?
How to get to Puno?
Plane:
Take a flight from Lima (Jorge Chávez Airport) to Juliaca (Inca Manco Capac Airport). Approximate duration: 1 hour 30 minutes.
In Juliaca, take a bus or taxi to Puno, where Lake Titicaca is located. Approximate travel time: 1 hour.
Note: There are no direct flights from Lima to Puno, so you'll need to make that stopover to see Lake Titicaca.
Bus:
Go to the bus terminals that serve the Lima-Puno route. Approximate travel time: 20 hours.
Note: While it's a budget-friendly option, the bus ride can be uncomfortable due to the long journey time.
How to Get to Lake Titicaca from Puno
To get to Lake Titicaca from Puno, you can use these two options.
How to Get to Lake Titicaca by Train
The only way to get to Lake Titicaca is by train from Cusco to Puno, and then visit the incredible views of Lake Titicaca.
How to Get to Lake Titicaca by Bus
To get to Lake Titicaca, you need to take a commercial bus from Lima, Arequipa, or Cusco to Puno, from where you can begin your journey to Lake Titicaca. You can also take a tourist bus along the Ruta del Sol (the most popular route), which will make several stops at tourist sites along the way.
How to Get to Lake Titicaca from Lima
From Lima, there are only two travel options: by bus or by plane.
Traveling to Lake Titicaca by Bus
The route to Lake Titicaca (Puno) will take you almost a day, but you might wonder why it takes so long. The trip will be in two stages. First, you'll have to travel from Lima to Arequipa, which will take about 16 hours; then, from Arequipa to Puno, it's another 5 or 6 hours.
Once you arrive in Puno, you'll need to head to the port of Puno and depart for the islands of Lake Titicaca. The most popular airlines are Cruz del Sur and Civa.
Traveling to Lake Titicaca by Plane
You must take a flight from Lima to Juliaca, as Puno doesn't have an airport. Airlines that offer direct flights are LATAM Airlines, Sky Airline, JetSMART Perú, and Viva Air, and the estimated arrival time is one hour and forty minutes.
How to Get to Lake Titicaca from Arequipa
Arequipa offers two ways to get to Lake Titicaca.
Buses
To get to Lake Titicaca from Arequipa, you can take several different companies. The best-known is Cruz del Sur, which takes 5 to 6 hours to get there.
Airplanes
If you're visiting Lake Titicaca from Arequipa, you must take LATAM Airlines with a stopover in Lima or Cusco, from where you'll continue to Puno by land.
Why is it advisable to visit Lake Titicaca with a travel agency?
Visiting Lake Titicaca with a travel agency will help you greatly. By hiring their services, you won't have to waste time searching for tours, reservations, accommodations, and even places to eat. Travel agencies organize your entire itinerary based on your interests and budget.
Therefore, visiting Lake Titicaca with a travel agency will help you make the most of your visit to the different islands. All you have to worry about is taking good photos, getting to know all the places, and dedicating yourself to visiting all the attractions.
Are you ready to plan your next vacation and make it a success? Then hire the services of Tierra de los Andes travel agency, which is committed to providing you with a unique experience.
