Temple of Wiracocha at Raqchi on the Route of the Sun
TOURIST BUS CUSCO → PUNO

Route of the Sun (Ruta del Sol) Tourist Bus from Cusco to Puno

  • 1 Day (10 hours)
  • Cusco · Raqchi · La Raya · Puno, Peru
  • From $65 USD ≈ S/ 224
Church of Andahuaylillas, the Sistine Chapel of the Americas, on the Route of the Sun
Huaro Church in Cusco’s South Valley on the Route of the Sun
Lake Titicaca in Puno, the destination of the Cusco to Puno tourist bus

Travel from Cusco to Puno while sightseeing: the Sistine Chapel of the Americas, the Temple of Wiracocha at Raqchi, La Raya Pass and the Pukará museum, with a buffet lunch.

DURATION 1 Day (10 hours)
MAX ALTITUDE 4,335 m (La Raya Pass)
DIFFICULTY Easy
GROUP SIZE Shared group
SIGNATURE EXPERIENCE

Experience Overview

The Route of the Sun (Ruta del Sol) turns the trip from Cusco to Puno into a full-day tour. Instead of a regular bus, you ride a tourist bus with an onboard guide that stops at the main attractions along the way, with a buffet lunch included. It is the best way to connect both destinations without “losing” a day to travel.

Stops along the route

  • Andahuaylillas: the Church of San Pedro Apóstol, known as the “Sistine Chapel of the Americas” for its murals and Baroque altarpiece.
  • Raqchi: the Temple of the god Wiracocha, with a central adobe wall on a stone base more than 12 m high, plus the colcas, circular storehouses.
  • Sicuani: buffet lunch featuring regional cuisine.
  • La Raya Pass (4,335 m): the border between Cusco and Puno, with views of snowcapped peaks and herds of alpacas; the Vilcanota River is born here.
  • Pukará: stone sculpture museum of the Pukará culture, one of the oldest on the Altiplano, home of the famous ceramic “torito” (little bull).

Approximate schedule

Departure from Cusco at approximately 06:30 – 07:00 and arrival in Puno between 17:00 and 17:30. The route covers about 390 km in approximately 10 hours, including stops.

Tips

  • Bring a warm jacket for La Raya Pass and sunscreen for the outdoor stops.
  • Cash in soles (S/) for the entrance fees to the tourist sites.
  • Your luggage travels in the bus hold; keep what you need in a small backpack.

Signature Highlights

Travel from Cusco to Puno with guided visits along the way.
Andahuaylillas, the “Sistine Chapel of the Americas”.
Temple of Wiracocha at Raqchi.
La Raya Pass at 4,335 m with views of snowcapped peaks.
Pukará museum and buffet lunch in Sicuani.
STEP BY STEP

Detailed Day-by-Day Itinerary

Each day has been carefully planned to optimize acclimatization and avoid peak tourist hours.

DAY 01

Cusco – Andahuaylillas – Raqchi – Sicuani – La Raya – Pukará – Puno

⛰ 4,335 m a.s.l. 🚶 390 km ⏱ approx. 10 hours ⛺ Arrival in Puno

We pick you up at your hotel and head south. We visit the church of Andahuaylillas and continue to Raqchi to explore the Temple of Wiracocha. We have lunch in Sicuani and climb to La Raya Pass, the highest point of the route. Once on the Altiplano we visit the Pukará museum and continue to Puno, arriving at sunset, and transfer you to your hotel.

FULL TRANSPARENCY

What's Included in the Expedition

✓

Included Luxury Services

  • Pickup from your hotel in Cusco.
  • Cusco – Puno tourist bus with onboard guide.
  • Buffet lunch in Sicuani.
  • Water and hot drinks on board.
  • Transfer from the bus terminal to your hotel in Puno.
✕

Not Included

  • Entrance fees to Andahuaylillas, Raqchi and Pukará (paid in soles, S/).
  • Tips.
WE ANSWER YOUR QUESTIONS

Frequently Asked Questions about Route of the Sun (Ruta del Sol) Tourist Bus from Cusco to Puno

Can I take the Route of the Sun from Puno to Cusco?

Yes. The service also runs from Puno to Cusco, with the same stops in reverse order.

How much luggage can I bring?

Generally one large suitcase in the hold and one carry-on backpack per person.

Is it better than a regular bus?

Yes, if you want to make the most of the trip: regular buses make no sightseeing stops and take almost the same amount of time.