Follow the different ‘Hopstages’ of our route to see the different highlights at each of our destinations.
HOPSTAGE 1: Cusco to Puno
Puno is our first stop after departing from Cusco, the enthralling city famously known as the gateway to Machu Picchu. It is only a few hours away and is right by the highest lake in the world – Lake Titicaca, a must-visit for anyone in Peru.
The Culture Route
Upon arrival in Puno, we’ll enjoy a delicious yet cheap Peruvian breakfast. Afterward, for those that wish, we recommend the early morning boat ride out to the famous floating reed islands on Lake Titicaca (optional extra tour).
Top Things to Do in Puno
Night Stay on Isla Amantani at a local homestay. For more info. just ask your guide. Visit the captivating Sillustani burial towers. Kayak on the highest navigable lake in the world.
Top Thing to Do in Puno Floating Islands Tour – See how locals build and live on the floating islands of Lake Titicaca, the highest navigable lake in the world.
Peru Hop Departure Details
Departures: EVERY DAY Departures From: Peru Hop Private terminal just 10/15 minutes from hotels (address will be provided on booking confirmation). Departure Time: 22:00pm Arrival Time: 06:00am (next day)
Recommended Nights in Puno:
We recommend staying 1 night in Puno. Puno is a small place with not much to do apart from visiting the Uros floating islands, Isla Taquile, and Isla Amantani on Lake Titicaca. Overnight stays on Isla Amantani are possible for those who want to explore more of the islands. We can help you book your accommodation.
Drop-off: Any hostel/hotel in central Puno (within 1km of Plaza de Armas).
HOPSTAGE 2: Puno to Copacabana
The next part of our journey takes you from Puno to Copacabana. Both popular for being by Lake Titicaca, the highest lake in the world, yet both in different countries.
The Cultural Route
This scenic part of the route is arguably one of the most beautiful. It is also the only part of our journey where you’ll cross from one country to another! For the Peru/Bolivia border crossing, our guides will assist you with the necessary paperwork and immigration processes for crossing. Check with our office before departure for nationalities that may require additional VISA requirements. Please have your passport and immigration slips in order. Overstay fines should be paid before leaving.
Top Things to Do in Copacabana
Climb ‘El Calvario’ hill for amazing panoramic views of Lake Titicaca (sunset). Visit the sacred church and pilgrimage centre of the Basilica de Nuestra Senora de Copacabana. Hire a kayak or duck-shaped pedalow and head out onto the lake. Relax lakeside with a cold beer and dine on the local speciality of freshly caught lake trout.
Top Thing to Do in Copacabana Isla Del Sol (Island of the Sun) – According to Inca legend this small island in the middle of Lake Titicaca was home to their most revered god, Inti, and was the mythical birthplace of the first Inca ancestors. A 4 hour round trip in our private boat takes you out to see the ancestral terracing and ruins of the southern part of the island as well as the existing island communities (includes a 1 hour walk from the original sun temple to the small island town of Yumani). Includes island entrance fee.
Peru Hop Departure Details
Departures: DAILY Departures From: Any hotel/hostel in central Puno. Departure Time: 08:30am Arrival Time: 13:30pm
Recommended Nights in Copacabana:
We recommend staying 1 night in Copacabana. There’s not too much to do here but one night is optimal for any tours or activities you might be interested in doing around Lake Titicaca. We can help you book your accommodation.
Drop-off: Copacabana is a small village. Central drop-off/pick-up point used in Copacabana due to its small size and limited access. Meeting point is the White Anchor by the port, within a few minutes walk of all major hotels/hostels.
HOPSTAGE 3: Copacabana to La Paz
Leave Copacabana, the beautiful little town on Lake Titicaca and venture further into Bolivia to the huge spellbinding city of La Paz.
The Cultural Route
Copacabana to La Paz is not a very long journey however it does include the Tiquina lake crossing. Here you’ll get a short break from the bus to enjoy a passenger ferry across the Strait of Tiquina where you can also get some stunning snaps form the water. Boat fare is included with your Peru Hop pass.
Top Things to Do in La Paz
Take the newly constructed city Teleferico (cable car) for the most stunning views of the city. Visit the infamous witch market and buy souvenirs for your friends and family back home. Learn the history of the coca leaf and its continued use in indigenous culture in the Coca Museum. Feel on top of the world scaling the infamous peak of Huayna Potosi – 6000+m (3 days).
Top Thing to Do in La Paz Bike the Infamous Death Road – One of Bolivia’s biggest attractions, this activity is not for the faint hearted. Death Road is perfect for any adrenaline-loving travellers and is among the most challenging activities you can do in South America.
Peru Hop Departure Details
Departures: EVERY DAY Departures From: White Anchor in Copacabana port Departure Time: 18:00pm Arrival Time: 22:30pm
Recommended Nights in La Paz:
We recommend staying 2-3 nights in La Paz. This will give you the chance to fully explore the beautiful city and do any of the many activities available in La Paz.
Drop-off: Any hotel/hostel in central La Paz. Click here to view map. (Cannot include districts such as Sopocachi, Zona Sur, airport)
HOPSTAGE 4: La Paz to Copacabana
This leg of the route takes you from the spellbinding city of La Paz to the beautiful little town on Lake Titicaca, Copacabana.
The Cultural Route
La Paz to Copacabana is not a very long journey however it does include the Tiquina lake crossing. Here you’ll get a short break from the bus to enjoy a passenger ferry across the Strait of Tiquina. Boat fare is included with your Peru Hop pass.
You will also have a stop at Tiquina Mirador. This breathtaking viewpoint gives one of the best photo ops of the lake with the snow-capped Cordillera Real creating the ultimate backdrop!
Top Things to Do in Copacabana
Climb ‘El Calvario’ hill for amazing panoramic views of Lake Titicaca (sunset). Visit the sacred church and pilgrimage centre of the Basilica de Nuestra Senora de Copacabana. Hire a kayak or duck-shaped pedalow and head out onto the lake. Relax lakeside with a cold beer and dine on the local speciality of freshly caught lake trout.
Top Thing to Do in Copacabana Isla Del Sol (Island of the Sun) – According to Inca legend this small island in the middle of Lake Titicaca was home to their most revered god, Inti, and was the mythical birthplace of the first Inca ancestors. A 4 hour round trip in our private boat takes you out to see the ancestral terracing and ruins of the southern part of the island as well as the existing island communities (includes a 1 hour walk from the original sun temple to the small island town of Yumani). Includes island entrance fee.
Peru Hop Departure Details
Departures: EVERY DAY Departures From: Any hotel/hostel in central La Paz. Departure Time: 07:00am Arrival Time: 11:30am
Recommended Nights in Copacabana:
We recommend staying 1 night in Copacabana. There’s not too much to do here but one night is optimal for any tours or activities you might be interested in doing around Lake Titicaca. We can help you book your accommodation.
Drop-off: Copacabana is a small village. Central drop-off/pick-up point used in Copacabana due to its small size and limited access. Meeting point is the White Anchor by the port, within a few minutes walk of all major hotels/hostels.
HOPSTAGE 5: Copacabana to Puno
The next part of our journey takes you from Copacabana to Puno. Both are popular for being by Lake Titicaca, the highest lake in the world, yet they are both in different countries!
The Cultural Route
This scenic part of the route is arguably one of the most beautiful. It is also the only part of our journey where you’ll cross from one country to another! For the Peru/Bolivia border crossing, our guides will assist you with the necessary paperwork and immigration processes for crossing. Check with our office before departure for nationalities that may require additional VISA requirements. Please have your passport and immigration slips in order. Overstay fines should be paid before leaving.
Top Things to Do in Puno
Night Stay on Isla Amantani at a local homestay. For more info. just ask your guide. Visit the captivating Sillustani burial towers. Kayak on the highest navigable lake in the world.
Top Thing to Do in Puno Floating Islands Tour – See how locals build and live on the floating islands of Lake Titicaca, the highest navigable lake in the world.
Peru Hop Departure Details
Departures: EVERY DAY Departures From: White Anchor in Copacabana port. Departure Time: 17:00pm Arrival Time: 20:00pm
Recommended Nights in Puno:
We recommend staying 1 night in Puno. Puno is a small place with not much to do apart from visiting the Uros floating islands, Isla Taquile, and Isla Amantani on Lake Titicaca. Overnight stays on Isla Amantani are possible for those who want to explore more of the islands. We can help you book your accommodation.
Drop-off: Any hostel/hotel in central Puno (within 1km of Plaza de Armas).
HOPSTAGE 6: Puno to Arequipa
The beautiful white city of Arequipa is the next stop after Puno. It is only a few hours away and is a must-visit for anyone in Peru.
The Culture Route
Arequipa is probably Peru’s most beautiful city. It is surrounded by 3 volcanos and is known as ‘The White City’ because many of it’s buildings are constructed from sillar, a white volcanic stone. We highly recommend taking time to explore this incredible place.
Top Things to Do in Arequipa
Colca Canyon Trek – requires more time to adjust to the altitude but is considered a must-do activity when staying in Arequipa Go white water rafting – a fun activity for people of all ages Explore the marvelous snow-capped volcano, Misti Mountain
Top Thing to Do in Arequipa Colca Canyon Tour: A relaxed mix of bus rides and walking for those who cannot stay 4 or 5 days in Arequipa to do a difficult trek.
Extra Colca Canyon Tour Info:
Colca Canyon 2 day tour begins at 08:00am (can be done on the same day as arrival).
Full day tour begins at 03:00am (stay 1 night Arequipa, do this tour the next day).
2 and 3 day treks that begin at 03:00am are available also.
Peru Hop Departure Details
Departures: EVERY DAY Departures from: Any hotel/hostel in central Puno. Departure time: 21:30pm Arrival time: 05:30am (next day)
Recommended Nights in Arequipa:
We recommend staying 2 nights in Arequipa. This way you can do a quick tour or trek of Colca Canyon and spend some time exploring the stunning city. We can help you book your accommodation.
Drop offs: Any hostel/hotel in central Arequipa (within 1km of Plaza de Armas).
HOPSTAGE 7: Arequipa to Nazca to Huacachina
After the wonderful white city of Arequipa, it’s time to move further up Peru towards the incredibly hot and picturesque Huacachina. But first, enjoy seeing the famous Nazca lines for yourself from the viewing tower free with your Peru Hop pass.
Top Things to do in Nazca & Huacachina
Explore the only desert oasis in South America Visit a Pisco Vineyard and learn all about how the national drink of Peru is made Camp overnight in the dunes and gaze at the stars Relax by the pool and soak in the heat of the desert
Top Thing to Do in Nazca Nazca Flights Information: If you want to do the Nazca Lines Flight, stay the night in Nazca, do the flight the next morning, and then take a public bus to catch-up in Huacachina. Or stay longer in Nazca and wait for the next Peru Hop bus (4 times per week)
Top Thing to Do in Huacachina Dunebuggy and Sandboarding in Huacachina: Guaranteed to be one of the biggest adrenalin rushes you will have in your life! Dune Buggy through the dunes of the desert, sandboard down and finish it all off by taking some stunning snaps of the desert sunset at the end. The tour begins at 16:30pm and lasts 2 hours.
Peru Hop Departure Details
Departures: EVERY DAY Departures From: Any hotel/hostel in central Arequipa. Departure Time: 05:45am Arrival Time: 18:45pm
Recommended Nights in Huacachina:
We recommend staying 1 night in Huacachina. This way you can enjoy looking at the stars from the desert oasis during the night and also experience the fun day time activity of a dune buggy and sandboarding tour! We can help you book your accommodation.
Note: We do not recommend spending time in Nazca as there is not much to do, but your ticket does allow you to hop off in Nazca and get on the next bus if you so wish.
Drop off:Huacachina is a small town, where the bus can only drive on one street. Wild Rover Hostel is our drop-off point and is less than a 5 min walk from all other popular hostels and hotels.
HOPSTAGE 8: Huacachina to Paracas
Paracas is only a short one hour 15 min journey from Huacachina but feels like travelling from one paradise to another. Leave the only desert oasis in all of South America and arrive at the quaint cultural home of the National Reserve.
The Cultural Route
Take a tour of a boutique Pisco vineyard to discover how Pisco, the national drink of Peru, is made. Best of all, get lots of free samples of pure pisco, sweet wine, and Pisco baileys! The tour begins at 13:00pm so we will do the tour during the day and return to Huacachina for some time before departing at 18:30pm to Paracas
Top Things to do in Paracas
Rent normal bikes or quad bikes and drive around the desert Paraglide over Peru’s largest protected natural habitat Practice kite surfing on the waves that crash against the desert Chill out by the pool or at the beach that stays sunny all year round
Paracas National Reserve where the desert meets the sea. Check out our Instagram for some pics of this unbelievable spot. Note: Free with your Peru Hop wristband.
Enjoy Ceviche, the national dish of Peru, on the rooftop of Restaurant Paracas – with one of the best views of the city. Note: exclusive discounted price when you show your Peru Hop wristband.
Top Thing to Do in Paracas Ballestas Islands: See Paracas wildlife such as penguins, sea lions, marine birds and sometimes even dolphins or whales. The tour of the ‘poor man’s Galapagos’ lasts about 2 hours and begins at 08:00am or 10:00am.
Peru Hop Departure Details
Departure: EVERY DAY Departures From: Wild Rover Hostel (within close walking distance of most hotels/hostels in Huacachina). Departure Time: 19:00pm Arrival Time: 20:30pm
Recommended Nights in Paracas:
We recommend staying at least 1 night in Paracas. This way you will have the chance to experience the Ballestas Islands boat tour, seeing the wild marine animals and visit the Paracas National Reserve, where the desert meets the sea. We can help you book your Paracas accommodation onboard.
Drop off: Paracas is a small town, where the bus can only drive on one street. Hotel Frayles is our drop-off point – 1 minute walk from all popular hotels and hostels.
HOPSTAGE 9: Paracas to Lima
Finally, leave the hot relaxing beach town of Paracas for the huge busy city by the sea, Lima. Only 4 hours away but like entering a whole new world.
The Cultural Route
See for yourself where the desert meets the sea at Paracas National Reserve on our way back to Lima. Check out our Instagram for some pics of this unbelievable spot that comes free with your Peru Hop wristband.
Before arriving to Lima, we’ll have one more stop full of fascinating culture and history – the slave tunnels. Hacienda San Jose, Chincha is where we’ll show you the 17km of underground tunnels from the 17th century that were only discovered 100 years later!
Top Things to do in Lima
Do a tour or rent bikes yourself and cycle along the beautiful cliffside in Miraflores Paraglide over Peru’s capital city and see the skyscrapers and ocean from a birds-eye view Visit the vastly interesting Historical center of Lima Walk through the enchanting water fountain park at Circuito mágico Del agua and watch the spectacular evening light show
Top Thing to Do in Lima Larcomar: Built into the side of the cliff and mostly underground, this mall makes for quite the sight. It has incredible views of the Pacific Ocean and is perfect to spend an afternoon shopping.
Peru Hop Departure Details
Departure: EVERY DAY Departures From: Residencial Los Frayles (within close walking distance of most hotels/hostels in Paracas). Departure Time: 17:30pm MON/WED/THU/FRI/SAT/SUN; 20:00pm TUE Arrival Time: 23:45pm MON/TUE/WED/THURS/FRI/SAT/SUN
Note: The tour of the secret slave tunnels is only available on the 17:30pm bus.
Recommended Nights in Lima:
We recommend staying at least 2 nights in Lima. This way you will have the chance to see the center and cycle around the area of Miraflores or do one of the many other activities this city offers.
Drop off: Any hotel/hostel in Miraflores or Barranco. Selected points in downtown (old town) Lima.
Simply choose your preferred departure date and get your personal timetable within a second. Follow that recommended schedule to see and do it all at the perfect pace or hop off and stay anywhere longer! Feel free to download, print and share it with your friends!
NOTE: The itinerary planner does not factor in any break periods we have (e.g. around Christmas and the fact that we do not operate buses in February). Please check the important notes section under each pass for more information about this.
1. Read DOWN ↓ for recommended bus plan based on our expertise. Example: Leave Cusco on a Sunday and arrive to Lima on Wednesday 10 days later.
2. Read ACROSS → for next bus if you want to stay longer (hop off).
MAIN ACTIVITY IN PUNO:2-Hour Floating Islands Tour at 6:30am at Lake Titicaca. Visit the floating islands and continue with bus to Bolivia the same morning or hop off in Puno and stay longer… Full Day or Homestay Tours (1 night) are also available.
Basic breakfast stop on arrival to Puno.
HOP STAGE 2
PUNO TO COPACABANA
EVERY DAY
PUNO (DEPART)
08:30
PERU/BOLIVIA BORDER
11:00
COPACABANA (ARRIVE)
13:30
*MAIN ACTIVITY IN COPACABANA:Isla del Sol boat trip (4hr round trip). Departs 14:00pm from the White Anchor. Returns in time for our bus the same day. Or stay on the island and return the next day.
HOP STAGE 3
COPACABANA TO LA PAZ
EVERY DAY
COPACABANA (DEPART)*
18:00
TIQUINA FERRY CROSSING
19:00
LA PAZ (ARRIVE)
22:30
*DEPARTURE POINT FROM COPACABANA: WHITE ANCHOR – Please don’t be late or you will miss this bus!
ARRIVAL LA PAZ: Hotel/hostel drop-off.
HOP STAGE 4
LA PAZ TO COPACABANA
EVERY DAY
LA PAZ (DEPART)
07:00
TIQUINA MIRADOR VIEWPOINT
09:45
TIQUINA FERRY CROSSING
10:00
COPACABANA (ARRIVE)
11:30
*MAIN ACTIVITY IN COPACABANA:Isla del Sol boat trip (4hr round trip). Departs 13:00pm from the White Anchor. Returns in time for our bus the same day. Or stay on the island and return the next day.
HOP STAGE 5
COPACABANA TO PUNO
EVERY DAY
COPACABANA (DEPART)
17:00
BOLIVIA/PERU BORDER
17:30
PUNO (ARRIVE)
20:00
DEPARTURE POINT FROM COPACABANA: WHITE ANCHOR – Please don’t be late or you will miss the bus!
MAIN ACTIVITY IN PUNO:2-HourFloating Island Tours, Full Day and 2 Day/1Night Homestay in Titicaca.
HOP STAGE 6
PUNO TO AREQUIPA
EVERY DAY
PUNO (DEPART)
21:30
NEXT DAY
AREQUIPA (ARRIVE)
05:30
MAIN ACTIVITY IN AREQUIPA:Colca Canyon Tours and Treks. 2 Day Tours begin at 08:00am, and are possible to do on the same day as arrival. 1 Day Tours and Treks begin at 03:00am.
HOP STAGE 7
AREQUIPA TO NAZCA TO HUACACHINA
EVERY DAY
AREQUIPA (DEPART)
05:45
LUNCH STOP
13:00
NAZCA (ARRIVE/DEPART)
16:00
NAZCA VIEWING TOWER
16:30
HUACACHINA (ARRIVE)
18:45
AREQUIPA PICK-UPS:Between 05:15-05:45am. Be ready at reception at 05:15am.
*If you arrive to Arequipa on Monday and leave on Tuesday it is not possible to visit Colca Canyon. Taking the bus on Thursday could be better.
MAIN ACTIVITY IN HUACACHINA:Dune Buggy and Sandboarding – Tours at 16:30pm. Tours last 2 hours.
HOP STAGE 8
HUACACHINA TO PARACAS
EVERY DAY
PISCO VINEYARD TOUR
11:00
HUACACHINA (DEPART)
19:00
PARACAS (ARRIVE)
20:30
MAIN ACTIVITY IN PARACAS: Ballestas Islands – 2 Hour Tours begin at 10:00am.
HOP STAGE 9
PARACAS TO LIMA
EVERY DAY
PARACAS NATIONAL RESERVE
14:30
PARACAS (DEPART)
17:30
CHINCHA SLAVE TUNNELS
18:30
LIMA (ARRIVE)
23:45
LIMA HOTEL/HOSTEL DROP-OFFS:Miraflores and Barranco districts.
Bolivia Hop will run as normal at the end of 2018 except on:
CUSCO - PUNO NO BUS ON: 22-25 DEC; 30-31 DEC; 01 JAN
PUNO - COPACABANA NO BUS ON: 23-26 DEC; 31 DEC; 01 JAN
COPACABANA - LA PAZ NO BUS ON: 23-26 DEC; 31 DEC; 01 JAN
NEXT BUS DEPARTING CUSCO: TUESDAY 1 JANUARY 2019
14 APRIL - 20 APRIL 2019 SEMANA SANTA
Easter weekend holidays. Hostel and tour prices increase during this period. We will not be able to assist you booking any accommodations during this period. Please book in advance.
RAINY SEASON 2019 BREAK
JANUARY - buses restart JANUARY and run for several weeks before closing for rainy season.
LAST BUS DEPARTING CUSCO: MONDAY 21 JANUARY (ARRIVE LIMA: THU 31 JAN)
MUST follow the minimum recommended schedule - hop-offs to stay longer are not permitted
NEXT BUS DEPARTING CUSCO: FRIDAY 01 MARCH
27, 28 & 29 JULY 2019 - INDEPENDENCE DAY CELEBRATIONS (PERU)
Biggest public holidays of the year. Hostel and tour prices increase during this period. MUST book accommodation in advance!