Cusco to Puno & Uros Islands: A Detailed 2-Day Trip Review
If you’re thinking of visiting Peru and you are planning on seeing both Cusco and Lake Titicaca, then doing the 2-day trip from Cusco to Puno with a tour to Uros Islands could be, like your perfect option to see some unique landscape. The trip can really be pretty amazing if you understand just a little about what to realistically anticipate.
What to expect on a two-day bus trip from Cusco to Puno?
The trip gives you some fantastic views of the Andes Mountains, a good view of rural life, and a few cultural stops that can be interesting, so in some respects it can be more than just moving yourself from point A to B. Remember too it’s almost like you will be spending most of your time sitting on a bus. As a matter of fact, the ride is around 10 hours each day, yet the views, are really amazing, so it’s actually worth every moment.
Day 1: Cusco to Puno – An Exploration
Your day begins with, like your pick-up in Cusco, probably from your accommodation. Then, so you start to climb upwards. So, in a way you can sit back and start the scenic drive! As I was saying, it is a longer journey but hey you travel through very high-altitude areas, where there’s lots of opportunity to capture pictures of llamas, vicuñas, and the immense Andean landscapes.
Andahuaylillas is, naturally, the first scheduled stop. That is where the church known as the “Sistine Chapel of the Americas” can be found, that is so pretty, very ornate interiors. So too it’s almost like this is actually a little glimpse into the fusion of Andean and Catholic styles. You need a ticket for entrance. If you do want to buy the ticket on the door, take cash, in local currency.
Raqchi, with its Wiracocha Temple, now comes next which offers, arguably, a look into pre-Columbian architecture, that does highlight the ingenuity of the Inca builders. Typically, your guide will share some insights on Inca building techniques and the history here.
For lunch, usually, the bus will make a stop at a restaurant. At the end of the day it might be a buffet, that will provide a good selection of local Peruvian food. It’s good because you are catered for and have the option of different meal options that might, arguably, not all be to your tastes. It’s a solid experience that might surprise you at the very least!
La Raya Pass: The trip goes through La Raya, the highest point on the road between Cusco and Puno. At about 4,335 meters (14,222 feet), you’re usually going to want to pause to grab some photographs. And then, so you can breath in some pretty unique scenery.
So too it’s almost like, getting closer to Puno, you will notice that landscapes actually start to shift. Then there is that slow build up, right before you get close. Then it gets super gorgeous once you see the light reflecting of the water’s surface as you catch that glimmer off of Lake Titicaca!
Day 2: Discovering Lake Titicaca and the Uros Islands
Day two centers very much on Lake Titicaca. Early morning usually signals, literally, a transfer to the boat terminal, in order to go to the Uros Islands. The artificial islands crafted from totora reeds just astound you with the ingenuity of the Uros people. At the end of the day, it is something rather extraordinary when you take a closer look at these floating villages.
During the visit, island locals actually explain their traditions and lifestyle. I mean it really will give you some perspective how different groups of people actually live, that maybe we just don’t have the exposure to see and comprehend so well. Plus you might support the local population by actually purchasing handcrafts.
The Benefits of opting for the 2-Day Trip
Time Efficiency: By the way, this option does maximize travel time. What with getting from one city to the next, while actually cramming a bunch of experiences into one.
Seeing the Scenery: It really gives you a look, at landscapes that, honestly, a quick flight might not offer.
Making some stop offs: You get cultural insights, because you get some interesting places that will allow you to actually take time out and discover a bunch of interesting things, very different things than from your accommodation.
Things to Consider before you sign up to this trip
Altitude: Very High Altitude zones do come with this tour! I mean Cusco and Lake Titicaca are usually well above sea level. Get your acclimatisation hat on before you think about exerting yourself.
Being patient: Now, for your consideration is, actually, the patience required. I mean you really need it for these long journeys on the bus! Just plan ahead with some engaging things, that can occupy your time.
Things that cost you extra: There might be the need to pay some admission costs on top of paying for your tour, or just getting food and stuff, if this isn’t built into the ticket that you might purchase. So bear this in mind.
Pack appropriately for all weather types: A lot of the time the weather can often change. It’s fair to say to be prepared for all scenarios! From chilly mornings to sunny afternoons!
Is a two day trip for me?
People actually ask whether this journey is worthwhile. In some respects, it could actually depend on personal taste, or preference, what’s most valued is how the time spent travelling will outweigh your appreciation for what that experience will actually give you!
Tourists and Travelers usually choose it if they only have small periods to spend or do want an organised experience or just feel that an independently experience just feels a little too daunting!
Make sure you find reputable companies, and then start to review things that people mention about the journey and you might be surprised what the conclusion actually is.
- Scenic Route: The journey gives some amazing views.
- Cultural Experiences: With some brilliant scheduled stops to have some unique discoveries
- Lake Titicaca: Don’t miss this beauty spot when considering Puno and Uros Island