Arequipa to Puno bus
We were looking for a way to reach Copacabana (Bolivia) from Arequipa (Peru). After a few researches it seems the best way was to transit to Puno and later reach Copacabana by bus.
So first we need to get to Puno:
- The plane options we found at this time were always with a transfer. There wasn’t any direct flight, plus it would mean going to Juliaca as all flights go there and not po Puno.
- The taxi option would be too expensive.
- Then come the only other way, the bus from Arequipa to Puno
So here we go, let’s take the bus from Arequipa to Puno. After checking we opted for “Cromotex” a local bus company which seems Ok based on its online comments. Plus, you could buy online tickets.
Table of Contents
Arequipa to Puno bus Map
Where to stay in Arequipa
If you are looking for an accommodation in Arequipa, we would recommend the following :
Arequipa bus terminal
As a good morning routine, we launched our day with a yoga session followed by breakfast. Full of energy we left the hostel for the bus terminal. We had organized the day before a taxi. It was a 25min ride by taxi and cost us 10 sol.
We booked 2 bus tickets from Arequipa to Puno with Cromotex with a “Cama bus” departure at 10:30am. When we arrived at the terminal, we first went to their counter to check-in and get our ticket as well as to know what to do and where to go. At this time, they told us that their bus broke down and transferred us to another bus company. Our new company was Transzela with an Inca suite bus.
The bus company told us to be there 45min prior to departure but that’s not necessary. You can get on the bus until 5min prior to the departure, but keep in mind that the bus leave on time, so don’t be late.
Arequipa to Juliaca
The bus from Arequipa to Puno we took had a seats layout on the upper deck of 2+1 seats. They were comfortable but the bus was a real sauna! Even when we boarded it (before the departure), it was super stuffy and hot. We had the first seats behind the windshield on the upper deck which had a great view but was even warmer when the sun was hitting on the windshield. Plus, it might be the most dangerous place on the double decker bus in case of crash.
Beginning of the trip from Arequipa to Puno, we got a speech about behavior on the bus. Keep your shoes on, respect others, only pee in the toilet, and so on… and then it goes on about religion and the guys job. Of course, in hopes of tips.
Apart of the heat, the ride was great and comfortable but we were sweating like hell and it was hard to breath.
Juliaca to Puno
We finally made it in Juliaca by 4:45pm, our journey was from Arequipa to Puno was slow, but we will make it there. It seems this town had nothing to offer. There was basically only one street with a real road, not a single house had decoration and were only made of raw bricks.
At the bus terminal, we made a 5 min break. At this time the father of a family of 4 went out to buy snacks. But while out, the bus left without him. We realized it when the bus stopped at the exit of the terminal, and the dad went in. Oh boy! He was running after the bus to catch it back!
We finally made it to Puno at 6pm with around 2h delay.
Puno
Conclusion is that the bus from Arequipa to Puno was spacious but nothing else. It was a dirty, old and smelly bus, without AC or ventilation. But it was the cheapest option.
Some people pay for Haman and sauna, we got it for the same price as a simple bus ticket from Arequipa to Puno.
We then just went to our hostel to check-in and took a 5sol taxi for the “plaza des Armas” to exchange money and have dinner as the hostel are only accepting cash in sol or USD.
We didn’t really get to see the town, but it looked like there was only a main square and one street worth visiting. We picked a restaurant “la Hosteria” in the main street. The food was ok and once done we head back to rest. The ride kinda killed us!
Where to stay in Puno
If you are looking for an accommodation, we would recommend the following :
Unique Stay
If you have more time, you could consider staying 1 more day in Puno and enjoy an accommodation on lake Titicaca :
“The more I traveled the more I realized that fear makes strangers of people who should be friends.” – Shirley MacLaine
