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Cultural Experiences

Route of the Sun

Duration1 Day
DifficultyEasy
Group sizeMax. 15

Overview

🚐 From Cusco to Puno – An unforgettable journey! 🌄 Transform your trip into a unique experience, with stops at the main tourist attractions between the Andes and Lake Titicaca. 💙✨

🚐 From Cusco to Puno – An unforgettable journey! 🌄
Transform your trip into a unique experience,
with stops at the main tourist attractions between the Andes and Lake Titicaca. 💙✨

General conditions

Passport Mandatory: You must bring your original physical passport for check-in at the bus departure point, identity verification, and entry access to historical sites along the route.
Point-to-Point Luggage Handling: Primary luggage travels inside the bus’s secure lower compartment throughout the entire journey, allowing seamless transfer between your Cusco hotel and Puno hotel.
High Altitude Route: This full-day journey crosses La Raya Pass at 4,335 meters (14,222 feet) above sea level. Adequate hydration and prior altitude acclimatization in Cusco are recommended.
Non-Refundable Reservations: Long-distance bus seats, designated guide services, and pre-reserved tickets are non-refundable and non-transferable once booked.
Inclusions & On-Site Entrance Fees: Standard packages include guided group transport, on-board host, and a buffet lunch in Sicuani. Site admission passes (Andahuaylillas Church, Raqch'i Temple, Pukara Museum) are paid separately on-site in local cash (Peruvian Soles) unless pre-bundled into an all-inclusive ticket.

Itinerary

Day 1Raqchi Archaeological Complex

Known as the "Temple of Wiracocha," this archaeological site is renowned for its impressive architectural complex, which includes a temple dedicated to the Inca god Wiracocha, a deity associated with creation and the universe.

This structure is one of the most impressive from the Inca era. The temple's most striking feature is its adobe wall, which stretches approximately 92 meters long and reaches a height of 25 meters, forming what remains of a massive rectangular structure.

Originally used as a warehouse, the Incas stored their goods there, thanks to the preservation provided by the natural cooling of the site. Furthermore, the temple served as a supply point for the entire Cusco Valley, highlighting its historical and logistical importance to the Inca civilization.
Day 2Sistine Chapel of Andahuaylillas

Located in the small town of Andahuaylillas, it is often called the "Sistine Chapel of the Americas" because of its dazzling Baroque art. Built in the 17th century by Spanish colonizers on the foundations of an earlier Inca structure, the chapel is a stunning example of religious architecture from the colonial era.

The chapel's modest exterior contrasts sharply with its richly decorated interior. Upon entering, visitors are greeted by a burst of color and ornate detail. The walls are covered with magnificent frescoes depicting religious scenes, such as the life of Christ, saints, and angels, all created by indigenous artists in the Andean Baroque style.

The highlight of the chapel is its magnificent gilded altar, a masterpiece of Spanish Baroque. This altar is adorned with intricate gilded carvings, marble details, and numerous sacred images, creating a sense of opulence and grandeur.
Day 3La Raya – At an altitude of 4,313 meters

Located at an altitude of 4,313 meters and marking the highest point along the railway route connecting Cusco and Puno, La Raya is not only a strategic stop for travelers crossing the Peruvian Andes, but also a place that offers breathtaking views of the rugged mountains and verdant valleys stretching as far as the eye can see.

The pristine landscape is one of the main attractions, giving visitors the opportunity to appreciate the majesty of the Andes in all their splendor, offering unique views of mountains and snow-capped peaks, ideal for spectacular photographs.

In addition to the scenery, La Raya is a strategic stop for travelers to rest and enjoy the fresh mountain air before continuing their journey.
Day 4Pukara Museum

It is a cultural institution known for preserving and exhibiting archaeological artifacts from the pre-Incan Pukará culture. This culture flourished in the region between 200 BC and 300 AD, and the museum offers a fascinating glimpse into this ancient civilization.

The museum houses an impressive collection of ceramics, stone sculptures, tools, textiles, and other artifacts. These objects provide valuable information about the life, religion, art, and cultural practices of the ancient inhabitants of Pukará.

START: 6:30 AM in Cusco or Puno / END: 5:00 PM

What's included

Included

• 1 lunch on the Sun Route
• 1 lunch at Lake Titicaca
• Boat transportation on Lake Titicaca
• Entrance fees to the Floating Islands

Not included

• Entrance fees to the Ruta del Sol resorts: S/ 55.00
• Personal expenses
• Accommodation

What to bring

• Bring personal documents: ID card or passport
• Sunscreen
• Hat or cap
• Comfortable sneakers
• Raincoat during rainy season
• Appropriate clothing for cold weather
• After finishing the tour, check everything carefully before getting off the van.

Frequently asked questions

What sights and stops are included along the Route of the Sun?

This tour features four primary cultural stops: the colonial church of Andahuaylillas (often called the "Sistine Chapel of the Americas"), the archaeological Temple of Wiracocha at Raqch'i, the high-mountain natural border at La Raya Pass (4,335 m / 14,222 ft), and the pre-Inca Lithic Museum of Pukara.

How long is the Route of the Sun journey, and what are the departure times?

The full-day route takes approximately 9 to 10 hours. Buses typically depart from Cusco around 6:40 AM to 7:00 AM and arrive at the terminal or drop-off point in Puno around 5:00 PM.

Is food provided during this full-day transfer?

Yes, the journey includes a mid-day Peruvian buffet lunch at a dedicated restaurant in Sicuani. The buffet offers a variety of traditional local dishes, soups, hot entrees, and options suitable for vegetarians.

How does this tour function as a transfer service between Cusco and Puno?

Instead of taking a plain long-distance transit bus or flight, the Route of the Sun combines intercity travel with high-value sightseeing. You board in Cusco with all your main luggage, tour major monuments along the route, and arrive in Puno that evening ready for hotel check-in.

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