Tour overview
The Route of the Sun is the most rewarding way to travel between Cusco and Puno. Instead of a direct bus, you ride a guided tourist bus along the same route that once linked Inca Cusco with the Titicaca high plateau, stopping at some of its finest sites. You'll see the Andean Baroque church of Andahuaylillas and the massive walls of the Temple of Wiracocha at Raqchi. You'll reach the trip's highest point at La Raya Pass, with snowcapped peaks, alpacas and vicuñas, and see the stone sculptures at the Pukará museum. At dusk you arrive in Puno, on the shores of Lake Titicaca. Magone Viajes takes care of your bus, guide, lunch and entrance fees.
-
Best time to travel Year-round. From April to October the high-plateau views are clearer
-
Maximum altitude About 4,335 m / 14,220 ft (La Raya Pass)
-
Physical difficulty Easy (short walking stops)
-
Minimum number of passengers 1 adult
-
Maximum number of passengers 40 passengers on the tourist bus
-
Booking lead time 2 to 3 days in advance
-
Permits Entrance fees for the Andahuaylillas church, Raqchi archaeological park and Pukará museum, included or not depending on the program
Highlights
- A one-day guided tourist trip between Cusco and Puno.
- Route: Andahuaylillas, Raqchi, Sicuani, La Raya Pass, Pukará and Puno.
- The Andahuaylillas church, known as the "Sistine Chapel of the Americas."
- The Temple of Wiracocha at Raqchi.
- Buffet lunch in Sicuani.
- Price on request per person, with buffet lunch included.
Itinerary
Pickup in Cusco
We pick you up from your hotel at around 6:30 a.m. and take you to the tourist bus terminal or departure point, depending on the program.
Andahuaylillas
We visit the Church of San Pedro Apóstol, with its 17th-century murals, painted ceilings and gold leaf.
Raqchi
We explore the Temple of Wiracocha, with its huge central adobe wall on a stone base, and the circular Inca storehouses called colcas.
Lunch in Sicuani
A buffet lunch with traditional regional dishes.
La Raya Pass
We stop at the highest point of the trip, about 4,335 m (14,220 ft), on the border between Cusco and Puno, with views of snowcapped peaks and herds of alpacas and llamas.
Pukará
We visit the Pukará lithic museum, with sculptures from one of the oldest cultures of the high plateau, and see the town's famous ceramic bulls.
Arrival in Puno
We arrive in Puno at around 5:00 p.m. and transfer you to your hotel, if included in the program.
Tips
- Dress in warm layers, because La Raya Pass is very cold.
- Wear sunscreen and sunglasses, since the high-plateau sun is very strong.
- If you're prone to altitude sickness, drink water, eat light and tell your guide. The bus carries oxygen, depending on the program.
- Carry cash in soles for entrance fees, if not included in the program, handicrafts and restrooms.
- Store your big luggage under the bus and keep the essentials in a small backpack.
- Photos aren't allowed inside the Andahuaylillas church.
What's included
Included
- Pickup from your Cusco hotel.
- Tourist bus from Cusco to Puno.
- Magone Viajes guide, bilingual depending on the program.
- Buffet lunch in Sicuani.
- Entrance fees for Andahuaylillas, Raqchi and Pukará, if included in the program.
- Transfer to your hotel in Puno, if included in the program.
- Water, coca tea and oxygen on board, if included in the program.
Not included
- Entrance fees, if not included.
- Breakfast and dinner.
- Tips.
- Travel insurance.
- Any services not listed in this program.
Frequently asked questions
How long is the trip?
About 10 hours with stops, from morning to dusk.
Is it better than the direct bus?
The direct bus takes 6 to 7 hours, but the Route of the Sun turns the transfer into a tour, with a guide, lunch and visits, so you don't lose a travel day.
Can I do it from Puno to Cusco?
Yes. It runs in both directions, with the same stops in reverse order.
Will the altitude affect me?
The highest point is La Raya Pass, at about 4,335 m (14,220 ft), but the stop is short. Puno sits at about 3,830 m (12,570 ft), so take it easy your first day there.
What happens with my luggage?
It travels under the bus for the whole trip.
Should I take the bus or the train?
PeruRail's luxury Titicaca train covers a similar route in more comfort, but at a much higher price. The Route of the Sun includes more stops and guided visits.
