+51 984 751 486 perutravelcompany@gmail.com Cuesta Santa Ana N° 701 and siete cuartones Nº 245

Price

From$90

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844

Length

1 Day

Group

Min 1, Max 30

Trip Style

Cultural

Difficulty.

Easy.

Overview

The Route of the Sun tour from Cusco to Puno is a full-day guided bus tour and one of the best cultural tours in Peru. This Cusco to Puno bus journey includes visits to top attractions such as the Andahuaylillas Church (Sistine Chapel of the Americas), the Raqchi archaeological site, La Raya Pass, and the Pukará Museum. Ideal for travelers seeking Peru cultural tours, scenic routes in Peru, and Cusco to Puno day trips, this experience combines history, archaeology, and breathtaking Andean landscapes in a comfortable and organized journey.

Highlights:

Andahuaylillas: 17th-century San Pedro Apóstol Church, “Sistine Chapel of America” with stunning murals and gold leaf decorations.
Raqchi: Inca archaeological site with the impressive Temple of Wiracocha, massive adobe walls, and remarkable urban planning.
La Raya Pass: Highest point of the route, breathtaking views of the Andes and Chimboya Mountain.
Pukará: Pre-Columbian culture site known for ceramics, pyramids, and hydraulic works.
Puno: Arrival at Lake Titicaca, the world’s highest navigable lake.

At a Glance

Duration: 1 Day
Departure & Return: Cusco / Puno
Tour Type: Cultural & Scenic Bus Tour
Difficulty: Easy
Accommodation: Not included (full-day tour)
Meals Included: Buffet lunch included (in Sicuani)
Main Activities: Guided cultural visits, scenic drive through the Andes
Highlights: Andahuaylillas Church, Raqchi archaeological site, La Raya Pass, Pukará Museum, Andean landscapes
Best Time to Visit: Year-round (best April to October for clearer skies)
Group Size: Shared guided tour for a comfortable and organized experience

Inclusions

Pick-Up from your hotel to : Bus Station, You’ll be picked up from your hotel in downtown Cusco and transferred to the bus station, with pickups beginning at 6:20 a.m.
Transport from : Guided tourist bus from Cusco to Puno.
Professional Tour Guide: You’ll travel along the southern route to Puno with a professional bilingual guide (Spanish and English), who will share fascinating insights into the region’s archaeology and history.
Entrance Tickets: Included for all tourist attractions mentioned in the tour.
Meals:Lunch at Sicuani: Enjoy a delicious buffet lunch prepared with fresh local ingredients, featuring hearty soups, traditional Peruvian dishes, and crisp salads. A vegetarian option is available.
Photographic opportunities: The tour allows for plenty of photographic time to capture the stunning scenery, vibrant mountain colors, and panoramic views.
Adaptability to participants' pace: The walk will be at a pace appropriate to the overall fitness level of the group, with breaks as necessary for rest and acclimatization.

Excludes

Meals Breakfast, Dinner : Not included in the tour (only lunch is provided).
Travel insurance: Participants are generally responsible for their own travel insurance. It's important to have insurance for trekking at altitude and in case of any unexpected incidents.
Extra Energy Snack: Snacks such as chocolate bars and dried fruit are not included and should be brought by you to keep energized during the Excursion..
Alcoholic Beverages: Alcoholic drinks are typically not included with meals and must be purchased separately.
Tips for guides and staff: Gratuities for guides, drivers and other staff are not included in the tour price. Tipping is optional but appreciated for good service.
Optional Extras: Totora reed boat ride on the Uros Floating Islands: S/. 10 per person

What to Bring

Original passport: you can't use a copy of your passport; you need to make sure your original passport is valid for at least six months to enter and leave Peru. Also, make sure your passport has two blank pages for the stamps when you come in and out.
Warm clothing: During the excursion, when temperatures fluctuate day and night, you will need good clothing such as fleeces, long-sleeved shirts, down jackets and a waterproof layer.
Comfortable clothing:Dress for cold and windy conditions. A waterproof and windproof jacket is essential.
Comfortable shoes:Tennis shoes or hiking boots with good grip are important for walking on uneven or steep terrain.
Daypack:A comfortable, lightweight, and compact backpack to carry your personal belongings throughout the day.
Sun protection:Bring sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat to protect yourself from strong sun exposure at high altitudes.
Personal medication:Don’t forget to bring your personal medication and a basic first-aid kit.
High-energy snacks:Energy bars, nuts, fruit, or chocolate to help maintain your energy levels during the walk.
Emergency money:Bring extra cash for unexpected expenses. We recommend carrying 300 soles (approximately USD 90) in cash.

Itinerary

Day 1Cusco Hotel - Route of the Sun Bus Guided Tour - Puno.

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

Your first stop is Andahuaylillas, arriving around 8:30 a.m. This charming town is part of the Andean Baroque Route and is famous for the San Pedro Apóstol Church, also known as the “Sistine Chapel of the Americas.” You’ll be amazed by its stunning murals and golden decorations that cover the walls from floor to ceiling.

At around 11:00 a.m., you’ll explore the Raqchi archaeological site, one of the most impressive Inca complexes. You’ll stand in awe before the Temple of Wiracocha, with its massive columns and walls rising up to 15 meters high—a powerful reminder of the Inca Empire’s greatness.

Next, you’ll enjoy a delicious lunch before continuing to La Raya Pass, the highest point of the route. Here, you’ll take in breathtaking views of the Andes and the snow-capped Chimboya Mountain, perfect for photos and breathing in the crisp high-altitude air.

Then, you’ll visit the Pukará Lithic Museum, where you’ll discover ancient stelae, monoliths, ceramics, textiles, and other artifacts from the Pukará culture (100 B.C. to 300 A.D.).

Finally, you’ll arrive in the beautiful city of Puno, located on the shores of Lake Titicaca, the highest navigable lake in the world. You’ll reach Puno around 6:30 p.m., completing an incredible Ruta del Sol experience.

Photos

Gallery

FAQs

1.What time does the transfer from Puno hotel to the port start on Day 1?

The transfer from the Puno hotel to the port begins between 7:40 AM and 8:00 AM.

2.What are the main highlights of the visit to Amantani Island on Day 1?

On Amantani Island, travelers experience a home stay with local families, trek to the island’s summit at 4150 meters above sea level, visit the sacred Temples of Pachamama and Pachatata, enjoy a home-cooked dinner accompanied by authentic music performances, and stay overnight in rustic yet cozy accommodations provided by the local families.

3.What activities are included on Taquile Island on Day 2?

On Taquile Island, travelers explore ancient ruins, engage with locals renowned for their weaving skills recognized by UNESCO, enjoy a traditional lunch sampling local cuisine, and further connect with the community.

4.What time does the tour return to Puno on Day 2?

The tour returns to Puno around 4:00 PM on Day 2.

5.What meals are included on each day of the tour?

On Day 1, lunch and dinner are included, while on Day 2, breakfast and lunch on Taquile Island are provided.

Route of the Sun Guided Bus Tour from Cusco – Puno.