🛣️ How to get to Uyuni from Puno? A complete guide for your Bolivian adventure
If you’re in Puno, Peru, enjoying the majestic Lake Titicaca and planning to continue your journey to the stunning Salar de Uyuni in Bolivia, here are all the available routes, recommendations, and tips to make your trip comfortable and safe.
✈️ Options for getting to Uyuni from Puno
1. Most common land route: Puno – La Paz – Uyuni
This is the most popular option for travelers who want to combine culture, history, and Andean landscapes.
➤ Puno – La Paz
Duration: 7 to 8 hours
Transportation: Tourist bus or direct service
Recommendation: Companies like Trans Titicaca or Bolivia Hop offer daily departures. The route includes crossing the lake by ferry at Tiquina and a brief immigration check at the Desaguadero or Copacabana – Kasani border crossing.
Estimated price: $20 – $30 USD
➤ La Paz – Uyuni
Duration: 10 to 12 hours by overnight bus
Transportation options: Sleeper bus or flight
Recommended bus companies: Todo Turismo, Trans Omar, or Panasur
Schedule: Departure between 8:00 and 9:00 PM, arrival around 7:00-8:00 AM
Estimated price: $25 – $40 USD
📌 You can also choose to fly from La Paz to Uyuni with Amaszonas or Ecojet, on 1-hour flights, although the cost may be higher, starting at $100 USD.
2. Alternative with more stops: Puno – Copacabana – La Paz – Uyuni
A more relaxed and tourist-oriented option if you want to visit Copacabana and Isla del Sol (Island of the Sun).
➤ Puno – Copacabana
Duration: 3 to 4 hours
Recommendation: Depart in the morning to enjoy the lake in Bolivia
Estimated cost: $10 – $15 USD
➤ Copacabana – La Paz
Duration: 4 to 5 hours
Estimated cost: $10 USD
➤ La Paz – Uyuni (bus or flight)
Same procedure as the first route.
🧳 Are there direct buses from Puno to Uyuni?
Currently, there are no direct buses from Puno to Uyuni. At least one stop in La Paz is necessary, although specialized agencies can help you organize the entire transfer with border assistance and coordinated connections.
🗺️ Travel Recommendations
- Make sure your passport is valid and has both the exit stamp from Peru and the entry stamp from Bolivia.
- Check immigration requirements based on your nationality (some countries require a visa).
- Currency Exchange: Exchange Peruvian soles for Bolivian bolivianos at the border or official exchange bureaus.
- Weather: Uyuni is cold at night. Pack warm clothing even if you’re traveling during the dry season.
- Book in advance: especially during peak season (June to August and December).
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
- How much does it cost to get from Puno to Uyuni in total?
Depending on the mode of transport and stops, the entire trip can cost between $40 and $150 USD, combining buses and flights.
- Is it safe to travel by bus at night in Bolivia?
Yes, as long as you use reputable companies. Buses are usually comfortable and have heating and restrooms.
- Can I book the entire trip through an agency?
Yes. Several agencies in Puno or Cusco offer complete packages that include transfers, border assistance, and the tour to the Salar de Uyuni.
