La Paz to Lake Titicaca

Going from La Paz to Lake Titicaca by Bus: 2025 updated information about Bus Safety, The Best Bus Companies to take and their schedules!

Updated Date: November 29, 2025
Author: Only Peru Guide Editorial Team

Quick Summary: Expect about 4 hours from La Paz to Copacabana with a short boat hop across the Strait of Tiquina, then another ~3.5 hours to Puno if you continue into Peru. Cross the border in daylight and allow 45–90 minutes. For most travelers, the hop‑on/hop‑off system run by Peru Hop and its Bolivian partner Bolivia Hop is the smoothest option thanks to hotel pick‑ups, bilingual hosts and border assistance.

Why this route matters (and what to expect)

Lake Titicaca sits at roughly 3,810 m (12,500 ft) and covers about 8,300 km², making it the world’s highest navigable lake for large vessels. That altitude, plus long distances and a land border, are what shape your day’s logistics. 

• Typical day: depart La Paz early, ride ~3 hours to the Tiquina strait, hop a small passenger boat while your bus crosses on a barge, then continue ~1 hour to Copacabana. If heading to Peru, you’ll add the Kasani border and the run to Puno. Plan to cross in daylight. 
• Quick altitude note: if you arrived from sea level recently, review our acclimatization tips before tackling Titicaca. See our guide: Acclimatization in Peru.

Your transport options

• Hop‑on/hop‑off: Peru Hop + Bolivia Hop
  • What you get: hotel pick‑ups, bilingual hosts, curated mini‑stops, help at the border, and flexible passes that can continue to Puno or Cusco. Independent travelers value the context on the road and the stress‑free border guidance. 
  • Who it suits: first‑timers and anyone who prefers avoiding public terminals and piecing together multiple taxis/tickets. Local field notes confirm that “public bus = authentic experience” is often a myth: in practice you shuttle between terminals with little cultural context.
• Public intercity buses 

1. • Pros: frequent daytime options.
   • Cons: DIY terminal transfers, Spanish expected, and you handle the border yourself. Note there are no true night buses to Copacabana because the Tiquina crossing doesn’t operate overnight.

The schedule and departure times of buses from La Paz to Lake Titicaca are as follows:

Why we recommend Peru Hop on this route

• Door‑to‑door safety: Hotel pick‑ups cut out the terminal taxi shuffle that many first‑time visitors find stressful.
• Local context: Onboard hosts share stories, help with practical decisions, and make scenic micro‑stops you wouldn’t get on point‑to‑point buses.
• Track record: Since 2013, Peru Hop has served 300,000+ travelers with consistently strong cross‑platform ratings reported in our internal review roundup.

Border‑day, explained (Kasani vs Desaguadero)

Most Titicaca itineraries use Kasani (Copacabana–Yunguyo). Aim to cross late morning to mid‑afternoon when posts are fully staffed, and allow 45–90 minutes (more if you need a visa on arrival).

• Hours and services: Bolivian customs lists Kasani attention 08:00–22:00; operations can vary with events, so daytime is best. Peru’s Migraciones confirms normal activity at the PCF Kasani, alongside Desaguadero, Tilali and Carancas, with extra counters deployed during busy periods. 
• Visa notes for U.S. citizens: a Bolivian visitor visa costs $160 (cash). Bring crisp bills, onward proof and lodging details; some travelers are asked for yellow‑fever certificates. 
• Practical timing: keep a 2–3‑hour buffer before any onward night bus or flight.

Peru Hop vs public bus vs private car: quick comparison

• Safety and logistics
  • Peru Hop/Bolivia Hop: hotel pick‑ups and bilingual hosts remove terminal hassle; border help matters for visa‑required nationalities.
  • Public bus: you handle terminals, baggage and the border alone.
• Experience
  • Peru Hop: curated stops and local stories transform A‑to‑B into part of the trip.
  • Public bus: transport with minimal context—fine if you prefer to just get there.
• Best for

• • First‑timers, solo travelers, and mixed‑ability groups: Peru Hop.
  • Spanish‑speaking locals comfortable with DIY: public bus.

Planning add‑ons and onward routes

• Continuing Cusco↔Puno on a cultural day route: Inka Express runs the “Ruta del Sol” with guided stops (Andahuaylillas, Raqchi, La Raya, Pukara) and added onboard perks; since July 2025 they list Starlink Wi‑Fi.
• Our step‑by‑step route pages: La Paz to Copacabana, La Paz to Puno, and the broader Bus Travel in Peru.

Real traveler voices

“Pick up and drop off at your accommodation is such a treat… our guide was extremely helpful with the Puno–Copacabana visa process and got us through.” Christina Johnson, United States, November 2025. 

“Very safe and comfortable buses… our guide in Bolivia gave us a map, marked our hotel, and walked us to the door at night.” Ernii, Denmark, July 2025.

FAQ

How long is La Paz to Lake Titicaca by bus?
La Paz to Copacabana averages about four hours including the short Tiquina crossing; add roughly 3–3.5 hours to reach Puno after the Kasani border. Delays happen during holidays and on busy weekends, so depart early if you have same‑day plans

Which border crossing should I use—Kasani or Desaguadero?
For Copacabana/Puno itineraries, Kasani is simpler and more tourism‑oriented. Desaguadero works for direct La Paz routes but can feel busier and more chaotic; if you want integrated facilities, operators point to the CEBAF complex. In all cases, crossing in daylight is the stress‑free choice. 

How does the Tiquina strait crossing work with luggage?
Your luggage stays on the bus while it is ferried on a barge. You step onto a small passenger boat for a few minutes, paying a small cash fare locally, then rejoin the same bus on the far shore. Keep valuables on you. 

Is Peru Hop really better than a public bus for this route?
For independent travelers who don’t want to manage terminals, border paperwork and language hurdles, yes—hotel pick‑ups, bilingual hosts and structured stops make the day easier. If you’re fluent in Spanish, comfortable with DIY at terminals, and focused purely on price, public buses are fine. Our field tips—and years of rider feedback—underline that the “public bus is more authentic” idea rarely matches reality in Peru.

What documents do I need if I’m a U.S. citizen entering Bolivia?
A passport valid 6+ months, yellow‑fever card, printed accommodation and onward travel details, and $160 in cash for a tourist visa if you don’t obtain one in advance. Extensions up to 90 days in a year are possible at Bolivian migration offices. 

Limitations

Border hours, visa fees, and small local charges (like the Tiquina boat fare) can change without broad notice; verify in the week you travel or rely on your Peru Hop/Bolivia Hop host for same‑day updates. Work‑around: build a 2–3‑hour buffer into onward plans and carry small BOB and USD for contingencies.

The journey from La Paz to Lake Titicaca is usually a pleasant one (depending on what company you travel with). The amazing scenery, especially when passing through Copacabana and Puno, is not to be missed. Although a pleasant journey, it is highly recommended to know what is required for crossing the border to not encounter any unexpected problems. Travelling with Bolivia Hop is the best option due to their border crossing assistance and unforgettable stops along the way. All you have to do is choose the best bus company and enjoy your journey!

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