bus-latam

Desaguadero is the busier, hectic, scam-prone crossing favored by locals/cargo — longer waits than Kasani despite the shorter road. Multi-leg buses from Cusco/Arequipa can run 1–2h late by Puno. Current point-to-point fare unconfirmed.

Fastest, purely functional — good if you’ve already done Lake Titicaca and just want to reach La Paz. Skips Copacabana and the Tiquina ferry. You manage the border yourself.

You MUST do both the Bolivian entry stamp AND the QR registration — miss the second and you can be fined or blocked from leaving. Change USD AFTER crossing into Bolivia for a better rate. Book your RETURN seat in advance.

Direct, easy and scenic (sit on the LEFT for lake views). Downside: the DIY border — no one walks you through it unless on a hop service. Usually a ~15 min pit stop before the border (toilets, coffee, money change).

The Tiquina Strait is the surprise: everyone gets OFF and crosses as foot passengers on a launch (~2 BOB, often paid separately) while the empty bus is barged across. ~30–45 min, and the reason there are no night buses. Carry small BOB coins.

Intra-Bolivia, no border. Straightforward ~3.5–4h ride, cheap (30–50 BOB). Larger tourist buses feel safer than the small minibuses on the mountain road.

Prices are per-segment and cash-only; the Puno→Yunguyo leg (~8 PEN) does not include the border-to-Copacabana hop. Same two-step Bolivian entry trap. No fixed schedule — plan the return.

Cheapest and flexible, but you stitch together 2–3 vehicles and handle the border yourself. Best for confident, Spanish-speaking budget travelers.

The Tiquina Strait is the surprise: everyone gets OFF and crosses as foot passengers on a launch (~2 BOB, often paid separately) while the empty bus is barged across. ~30–45 min, and the reason there are no night buses. Carry small BOB coins.

Intra-Bolivia, no border. Straightforward ~3.5–4h ride, cheap (30–50 BOB). Larger tourist buses feel safer than the small minibuses on the mountain road.