Being the fast-travel addict I am, I couldn’t possibly just go to Puno. I obviously had to travel from Puno to Copacabana. Crossing into Bolivia was a must. Because… I was so close… and it would’ve been rude not to.
Earlier this year, after a solid month in Arequipa studying Spanish, I desperately needed a change of scenery. I rarely stay in one country for an entire month, let alone a single city. So a long weekend trip to Puno, with a border crossing from Puno to Copacabana, was so on.
Even if you’re not as restless as I am, I’d genuinely recommend doing this. If you’ve made the effort to get to Puno, acclimatise to 4000m, and brave the cold, you might as well hop across the border. The scenery is amazing, and comparing the islands of Lake Titicaca from both sides is fascinating. Also you can do this crossing and come back again all in one day. *screams in nomad mania regions*
Transport options from Puno to Copacabana
So I did this as a one-day trip from Puno to Copacabana and back again through an organised tour. This is totally the lazy way out, but it is what it is. Honestly, I didn’t have the mental energy to juggle same-day cross-border coaches, and I really wanted to visit Isla del Sol. So I booked a Tripadvisor tour that handled everything: hotel pickup and drop-off, buses, lunch, a guided Copacabana tour, and a boat trip to Isla del Sol with a guide explaining the history — all for about $100. There was only one company offering this and it was hard to find, but it does exist and is legit. I even booked last minute.
The buses used were regular ones departing from Puno bus station. There are several buses throughout the day with companies like Trans Titicaca and Transzela. Find links and timings on Rome2Rio – some sites ley you book online. Or honestly just go to the bus station the day before and they’ll help you out. If you’re planning to come back to Puno, book the return in advance. The Copacabana side was chaos, full of tourists fighting over the bus tickets to get to Cusco via Puno.
If you can, go for the ‘first class’ seats. Not all of the buses have them, but if they do, they’re basically lie flat almost-beds. And are only a few $ more. Highly recommend.
The journey from Puno to the border is around 2 hours and the views of Lake Titicaca are INCREDIBLE. Sit on the left hand side of the bus to take full advantage. There’s a pit stop around 15 minutes before the border. Think bathroom, coffee, and money exchange.
Currency tip: Bolivia currently has an unofficial exchange rate. You’ll get a decent rate on the Peru side At the pitstop, but a better one in Bolivia. Especially if you bring USD. There are places to exchange right as you cross the border.
Step-by-Step: Border Crossing at Kasani
The Kasani border crossing is small, easy, and set against the backdrop of Lake Titicaca — not a bad immigration queue view.
1. Stamp out of Peru
The bus stops near Peruvian immigration. You’ll get off, queue briefly, and receive your exit stamp. If you entered Peru by air you won’t have gotten a stamp. But you do get one on the way out and you must make sure you have this. The process usually takes under 10 minutes.
2. Walk to the Bolivian Side
Once stamped out, walk around 200m along the road to Bolivian immigration. It’s flat and easy, and there’s usually a curious dog or two hanging around. There are also stalls to get water, snacks etc. And lots of signs welcoming you to Bolivia – yay! There is nobody actually guiding you with this, you’re just wandering in no-man’s land.
3. Stamp into Bolivia
This part can be confusing. Walk past the first hut and go into the main immigration office to get stamped. Then walk back slightly to a different office to scan a QR code and register your details. Officials then check you did it. They usually also check your name against your bus passenger list. Make sure you complete everything — without the stamp, you’re not legally in Bolivia and this can cause issues when you try to leave.
4. Wait for the Bus
You’ll probably finish before the bus. Expect to wait 10–15 minutes while it catches up. Grab snacks, water, or use the bathroom (a few soles).
Bonus: Doing the Return Journey
I did the trip both ways in one day — four stamps in 12 hours, my passport was crying.
At night on the return journey, Peruvian immigration officers waited by the bus to check everyone’s stamps. We weren’t allowed to board until this was done. People often accidentally miss one side of the process and only have one of the stamps. Probably because you have to work out what to do on your own. Anyway, don’t skip anything.
Time Zone Difference
Bolivia is one hour ahead of Peru. My phone was super confused in the border area. Almost as confused as I was trying to work out which office was which. Factor this time difference into bus and tour schedules, especially if you’re returning the same day. Also just manually adjust your phone.
Arriving in Copacabana
The ride from the border to Copacabana takes 10–15 minutes. You’ll be dropped in the town centre, and it’s easy to walk everywhere. Copacabana is compact, with plenty of places to eat, sleep, and book boat trips.
You can totally walk around the town yourself. I had a tour as part of the trip I booked but it only had a few stops. The Basilica of Our Lady of Copacabana was well worth a visit – no photos inside but the paintings and orante decorations are stunning. Right in front of the Basilica there’s a main plaza with a cute Copacabana sign too. Gotta get that proof you were there…! There’s also a market nearby with local snacks and tourist parafernalia – useful if you forgot hat, scarf etc.
You don’t need more than 45 minutes for this. There are loads of restaurants offering Menu del día (menu of the day) for a really low cost – chill here.
Bonus: Isla del Sol
As part of my tour, I visited Isla del Sol, the sacred Inca island. I honestly loved this tour. Loads of places in the centre and by the lake were selling last minute tours in the afternoon. It was a 1 hour boat trip each way, with amazing views of the lake the whole way. It was freezing on the top of the boat though, so take layers if you want to sit outside.
You make two stops on Isla del Sol. One at a temple, and another at a small uphill walk. The altitude makes the stairs at both a bit of a pain, but it’s well worth it. At the temple, you learn about the significance of this lake, island and temple for the Incas, the relationship to the Sun God, etc. At the walking spot, you head up a load of stairs and get beautiful birdseye views of the Lake. There is also a stall with beers at the bottom – bonus!
If you’re doing the Peru-side island trip, this is an interesting contrast. This is much more focussed on Inca history and culture, and lake views. The Peru side was more about current culture and customs. More on that in an upcoming blog!
Final Thoughts
And then after all of that it was time to head back!
Crossing from Puno to Copacabana was my first South American land border, and it turned out to be one of the most relaxed overland journeys I’ve ever done (looking at you, West Africa 👀).
Whether you do it as a day trip like I did or as part of a longer route through Bolivia, I highly recommend it. And don’t miss Isla del Sol — it’s full of Inca history, beautiful views, and a completely different vibe from the Peruvian side of the lake.
