Overview
Tour Destinations : Andahuaylillas | Raqchi |Sicuani |Abra La Raya |Pukará Lithic Museum |Puno
Daily Outline
Route of the Sun, Tour from Cusco to Puno by Bus
Itinerary
Day 1 Route of the Sun, Tour from Cusco to Puno by Bus
6:30–7:00 a.m. | Hotel Pick-Up and Departure from Cusco
Your adventure begins with a transfer from your hotel in Cusco to the tourist bus station. After check-in and boarding, we will begin our journey south toward Puno along the famous Route of the Sun.
As we leave Cusco behind, the scenery gradually transforms into a beautiful landscape of agricultural fields, traditional Andean villages, and majestic mountains.
8:30–9:30 a.m. | Andahuaylillas – The Sistine Chapel of the Americas
Our first stop is the charming village of Andahuaylillas, home to the historic Church of Saint Peter, widely known as the “Sistine Chapel of the Americas.”
Inside, admire remarkable murals, intricate Baroque decorations, gold-leaf details, and artwork associated with the Cusco School of Art. This visit offers a fascinating glimpse into colonial religious art and the cultural heritage of the Andes.
10:30–11:30 a.m. | Raqchi Archaeological Complex
We will continue to Raqchi, one of the most remarkable archaeological sites along the Route of the Sun.
Explore the impressive Temple of Wiracocha, surrounded by ancient stone-and-adobe structures and colcas, traditional storage facilities used during the Inca period.
Discover the site’s religious, administrative, and economic significance during the Inca Empire.
11:45 a.m.–12:30 p.m. | Buffet Lunch in Sicuani
After visiting Raqchi, we will stop in Sicuani for a buffet lunch featuring a variety of Peruvian dishes and traditional Andean specialties.
Take this opportunity to relax, enjoy local flavors, and recharge before continuing our journey through the highlands.
1:10–1:20 p.m. | La Raya Pass – The Highest Point of the Route
We will continue toward La Raya Pass, a spectacular mountain crossing traditionally regarded as the boundary between the regions of Cusco and Puno.
Located at approximately 4,335 meters (14,222 feet) above sea level, it is the highest point along the route. Enjoy breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and vast Andean landscapes while capturing memorable photographs.
2:30–3:15 p.m. | Pucará – Lithic Museum
Our next stop is Pucará, a town associated with one of the important pre-Hispanic cultures of the Peruvian highlands.
Visit the Pucará Lithic Museum to discover archaeological artifacts, stone sculptures, monoliths, and other examples of the region’s ancient cultural heritage.
Pucará is also famous for the traditional Pucará bull, a distinctive symbol of Andean folk art and popular culture.
3:15–5:30 p.m. | Scenic Journey to Puno
After exploring Pucará, we will continue south toward Puno across the spectacular landscapes of the Peruvian Altiplano.
Along the way, admire vast highland plains, rural communities, traditional Andean scenery, and the remarkable natural beauty of southern Peru.
5:30 p.m. | Arrival in Puno
We expect to arrive at the Puno tourist bus station at approximately 5:30 p.m., marking the end of your Route of the Sun experience from Cusco to Puno.
What's Included
- Hotel pick-up and transfer to the bus terminal in Cusco.
- Tourist bus transportation from Cusco to Puno.
- Bilingual English- and Spanish-speaking tour guide.
- Entrance fees to all attractions.
- Guided visits to Andahuaylillas, Raqchi, La Raya Pass, and the Pucará Lithic Museum.
- Buffet lunch in Sicuani.
- Hot and cold beverages onboard.
- Medical oxygen and first-aid kit onboard.
What's Not Included
- Travel insurance.
- Meals not mentioned in the itinerary.
- Personal expenses.
- Tips (optional).
Price
GROUP TOUR
Minimum 1 Persona requiredPRIVATE TOUR
Minimum 2 people required* For groups of 4+ travelers, please contact us directly to unlock special volume discounts.
FAQs
Do I Need to Book the Route of the Sun Bus Tour in Advance?
Yes, we recommend booking the Route of the Sun bus tour at least one month in advance, especially during the peak tourist season. Seats may be limited, and booking early helps secure your preferred travel date and availability.
$0/pp — This rate applies to every traveler, regardless of age.
Adults
18+ · $80/pp
Students
18-25 · $80/pp
Children
0-17 · $76/pp · 5% off
If Circuit 2 tickets are sold out for your travel date, we’ll secure the best available alternative: Circuit 3 or Circuit 1. To secure your preferred circuit and times, we highly recommend booking your Machu Picchu trip as early as possible; tickets are limited and sell out quickly.
