Cusco to BA... plz help!!

[gentissimo]

Ello boys and girls... me and a mate are going travelling in South America next year and have it all sorted apart from one bit. We need to get from Cusco To Buenos Aires. Now I Know this is a long journey but we'd really like to do it without flying. Otherewise we'll be missing
Lake Titicaca, Bolivia and northern Argentina out. We've got about a week to do it. Anyone got any suggestions on how best to do it: which buses run which routes, which bus companies to contact, estimated travelling time, things to see along the way.....
Any advice greatly appreciated
much love, genti.

[JK2]

My guess is that it would take more than a week even if you were flying from place to place!! Overland the distances are enormous and I'm sure you need much longer. However here are some good links to overland travel in South America that may help.

http://www.transitionsabroad.com/listings/trav el/articles/overland_travel_in_south_america.s html

Good article about overland travel with some good links at the end of the article

http://www.seat61.com/SouthAmerica.htm

All about train travel in South America

http://www.travellerspoint.com/forum.cfm?threa d=18244

A forum with some info on Buenos Aires to Cuzco

Hope you find something useful.

[JK2]

This link is to a travel company tour but the route is exactly what you are talking about doing so it may give you some ideas and maybe you could ring STA for same advice

http://www.statravel.com.my/Adventure_tours/Ar gentina/Buenos_aires/Bolivia_Crossing_Amazon_B uenos_Aires_to_Lima/AR_BUE_10961.aspx

Their trip takes 22 days including some flying!!

[dzug]

Do you just want to get from Cusco to BA at the end of your trip or do you wish to visit all those places en route?

If the former it will be simple enough by bus - probably via Lima.

If the latter you are pushing it but I wouldn't say it's totally impossible. You'll be travelling most of the time. Try the Lonely Planet Guides for bus routes and rough schedules.

[JK2]

Why on earth would gentissimo want to go all the way back to Lima when he can head from Cuzco down to La Paz ?

From La Paz I read on one forum that the person did it by bus/train/bus and it took 3 days if you don't stop off anywhere along the route.

[JK2]

Sorry meant to say 3 days from La Paz to Beunos Aires

You only have to google Cuzco to La Paz & then La Paz to Buenos Aires and loads of info comes up about transport and ways to do it.

[dzug]

Why on earth would gentissimo want to go all the way back to Lima when he can head from Cuzco down to La Paz ?


oops yes - should have looked at a map. I'd forgotten how far north Cusco and Lima are.

[jno]

there's a train from Cuzco across the altiplano to Lake Titicaca and a Paz, or was 20 years ago when I went on it. Magnificent. Not sure about onward travel to BA, though

[JK2]

Here's a link to Peru rail - the trains crom Cuzco to Lake Titicaca go 3 times per week.

[JK2]

Here's a link to Peru rail - the trains crom Cuzco to Lake Titicaca go 3 times per week.

http://www.orient-express.com/web/tper/tper_a2 a_home.jsp

[gentissimo]

Excellent stuff lads and ladies. Thanks so much for all your answers, keep any more advice coming. I'll have a look at all the links. JK2, I can't afford to do that organised trip unfortunately but everyhthing else you've given is gold! Looks like I'll prob do the train to Lake Titicaca and La Paz then head down from there to BA in one go if I have to. Will have a look at it all. Cheers for all the info and keep it all coming if you find anything more!!