Route of the Sun: Unforgettable Guided Journey Through the Andes from Puno to Cusco

On our Route of the Sun guided bus tour, you’ll experience the best of the Andes as you travel from Puno to Cusco. You’ll visit iconic destinations like Pukará, La Raya, Raqchi, Andahuaylillas, and Cusco—all in one unforgettable day.

You’ll be picked up from your hotel in Puno at 6:00 a.m. At 6:20 a.m., you’ll complete your ticket registration and drop off your luggage. Then, at 6:40 a.m., you’ll depart promptly from the Puno bus terminal.

Your first stop is the Pukará Lithic Museum, where you’ll discover a fascinating culture that thrived between 1600 B.C. and 400 A.D. on the high plateau north of Lake Titicaca. You’ll see impressive zoomorphic pottery and sculptures, including the famous Hatunñaqqac, “The Supreme Executioner.” The guided visit lasts 30 minutes, and photography is not allowed inside.

Next, you’ll reach Abra La Raya, the highest point on the route at 4,335 m (14,222 ft), marking the border between Puno and Cusco. Here, you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking views of the Chimboya Glacier, where the Amazon River is born. You’ll have a 10-minute stop to capture photos, so be sure to wear warm clothing and enjoy a cup of coca tea to help with the altitude.

After that, you’ll arrive in Sicuani for a buffet lunch at the popular La Pascana restaurant. The meal and hot drinks are included in your Route of the Sun tour, with a wide variety of regional dishes and vegetarian options. You’ll have 40 minutes to enjoy the food, while cold drinks such as water, soda, and beer are not included.

Then, you’ll continue to the archaeological site of Raqchi, where you’ll explore the impressive Temple of Wiracocha, the “creator of the world.” You’ll see 156 colcas, circular storage houses used for grain like corn and quinoa, along with barracks, homes, and resting areas for the Inca messengers known as chasquis. The guided tour lasts 40 minutes, so bring a sun hat, as UV rays are strong at this altitude.

Next, you’ll arrive in Andahuaylillas, famously known as the “Sistine Chapel of America.” Built in the 16th century over Inca foundations, its interior is beautifully preserved and filled with murals, canvases, and gold-leaf ornaments. Your guided visit lasts 25 minutes, and photography is not allowed inside.

Finally, you’ll arrive in Cusco at around 5:00 p.m. at the private bus terminal located at 28 de Julio Avenue, Wanchaq (near the first bridge). From there, you’ll be transferred in private transport to your hotel in Cusco, completing an unforgettable Route of the Sun journey.