Route of the sun Peru

On the Route of the Sun Cusco to Puno tour, you’ll discover sites located in southern Cusco. You’ll visit the “Sistine Chapel of the Americas” in Andahuaylillas, then Raqchi, the Temple of Wiracocha, La Raya, and the Pucará Museum, and finally arrive in the city of Puno.

This tour offers a unique opportunity to explore history, Andean culture, and one-of-a-kind landscapes. Explore the Route of the Sun on a journey from Cusco to Puno and enjoy the cultural beauty of the Andes!

Highlights

Journey from Cusco to Puno along the Sun Route: travel through the southern Andes while discovering some of the main cultural and scenic attractions along the way.
Sistine Chapel of the Americas in Andahuaylillas: visit this 17th-century church, known for its murals, gold-leaf decorations, and paintings from the Cusco School of Art.
Raqchi Archaeological Complex: discover this important archaeological site and the Temple of Wiracocha, one of its most representative structures.
Landscapes of La Raya Pass: stop at one of the highest points along the route, surrounded by mountains and high-Andean scenery between Cusco and Puno.
Visit to Pucará before arriving in Puno: learn about part of the history of this ancient Andean culture before continuing to the city of Puno.

Itinerary

Day 1

Sun Route Tour - Cusco. Andahuaylillas, Raqchi, La Raya, Pucará, and Puno

Pick-up in Cusco at 6:30 a.m. - transfer to Puno - arrival approx. 6:30 p.m.

The tour begins with pick-up from your hotel at around 6:00 a.m.

On this journey, you’ll visit the Sistine Chapel of the Americas in Andahuaylillas, a 17th-century church renowned for the beauty of its murals, gold-leaf details, and paintings from the Cusco School.

Your next stop is the Raqchi archaeological complex, known for its impressive adobe structures and the precise urban planning of this archaeological site.

At midday, you’ll have lunch and then continue to a key stop at the boundary between Cusco and Puno, known as the La Raya Pass (Abra La Raya). Surrounded by the Peruvian Andes and snow-capped mountains, it’s an excellent spot for photos. Along the Route of the Sun toward Puno, you’ll also visit Pucará, where the pre-Columbian Pucará culture developed between 100 BC and 300 AD, noted for its pottery, pyramid-like structures, and hydraulic works.

Finally, you’ll arrive in the city of Puno, home to Lake Titicaca—the highest navigable lake in the world—where the tour ends.

PLACES WE WILL VISIT ON THE ROUTE OF THE SUN

Cusco: 3,400 m a.s.l. (11,154 ft) - Departure time: 6:40 a.m.
Andahuaylillas: 3,122 m a.s.l. (10,242 ft) - Visit time: 7:40 a.m.
Raqchi: 3,450 m a.s.l. (11,318 ft) - Visit time: 10:15 a.m.
La Raya Pass: 4,335 m a.s.l. (14,222 ft) - Visit time: 2:15 p.m.
Pucará Museum: 3,900 m a.s.l. (12,795 ft) - Time: 3:20 p.m.
Puno: 3,800 m a.s.l. (12,467 ft) - Arrival time: 5:30 p.m.

What's included?

What is included in the Route of the Sun Cusco to Puno tour?

Tourist transportation: transportation service throughout the entire journey between Cusco and Puno.
Professional bilingual guide: assistance from a Spanish- and English-speaking guide during the tour.
Buffet lunch: lunch included during the journey.
Onboard service: assistance during the trip on the tourist transportation.
Heating: vehicle equipped with heating for greater comfort during the journey.

What is not included in the Route of the Sun Cusco to Puno tour?

Hotel in Puno: accommodation in the city of Puno is not included.
Breakfast and dinner: these meals must be covered by the traveler.
Entrance fees: admission tickets to museums and archaeological sites visited along the route are not included.
Additional services: any service not expressly mentioned in the program.

What recommendations should you keep in mind for the Sun Route tour?

Passport: carry your identification document or passport during the journey.
Cash: bring Peruvian soles and, if necessary, U.S. dollars for personal expenses and payments during the trip.
Comfortable footwear: wear suitable walking shoes for the visits.
Warm clothing: bring clothing to protect yourself from the cold, especially when passing through higher-altitude areas.
Comfortable clothing: wear jeans or other clothing that allows you to move comfortably.
Cap or hat: recommended for sun protection during the visits.
Sunscreen: apply it during the journey, especially in areas with greater sun exposure.
Sunglasses: recommended to protect yourself from solar radiation.
Snacks: you may bring energy bars, dried fruit, chocolates, cookies, or other light snacks.
Water: bring enough water to stay hydrated during the journey.

Route map

MAPA TOUR VALLE DE LARES Y MACHUPICCHU 4D-3N

La ruta es referencial puede contar con pequeñas variaciones

Route of the sun Cusco to Puno tour prices

Choose the travel option that best suits you. Prices are shown per person and may vary depending on the type of service, accommodation, and availability of the services included along the route.

Route of the Sun Tour, Cusco to Puno: Raqchi, Sicuani, La Raya and Puno

Entrance tickets and bilingual guide

US$ 85

US$ 220

Are 4 or more people traveling?

We can offer a special rate for your group.

Ask about group rates

Experiences of Our Travelers on the Sun Route Tour Cusco Puno

A family journey along the route of the sun with Angélica

I traveled with my parents along the Route of the Sun from Cusco to Puno, and it was truly a wonderful experience that allowed us to continue discovering Peru. Although we had organized our vacation with little time in advance, the agency helped us coordinate everything so we could enjoy the journey with peace of mind.

The trip between Cusco and Puno was a different way to continue our journey while enjoying the landscapes along the way and the stops included on the route. Everything went exactly as planned, and Rubén stayed in touch with us throughout the experience, something we really appreciated while traveling as a family. We were very happy with the agency’s organization, attention, and responsibility. We returned home wanting to visit Peru again because there is still so much left for us to discover. An experience we definitely recommend!

Angélica L.

September 2019

More reviews from our passengers

    
 
 
       Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   kit f 
 
 
 
 Verified MACHU PICCHU/ RAINBOW MOUNTAIN
Great experience over all! We loved especially John our tour guide in Machu Picchu! Though everyone else was wonderful Yvonne, our city tour guide, Darwin our Sacred Valley Aguas Calientes tour guide and Henry our Rainbow mountain tour guide,they are all awesome! It was a very smooth process from picking us up from the airport to dropping as off ! Would highly recommend CuscoPeru .com and Efrain did great on coordinating everything. We did 5days 4 nights MACHU PICCHU / RAINBOW MOUNTAIN Tour!
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Aline K 
 
 
 
 Verified Tudo perfeito
Eu e meu marido adoramos o passeio. Tudo ocorreu muito bem desde a reserva que fiz diretamente com a Cusco Peru ainda no Brasil. Fui muito bem atendida pelo whatsapp. No dia anterior a visita a Macchu Picchu, Effrain foi ao nosso hotel, explicar todo o itinerário detalhadamente. No dia do passeio nosso motorista, Rosel, estava na porta do hotel pontualmente para nos deixar na estação de trem. De lá seguimos até Águas Calientes onde encontramos nossa guia Maria. Fomos muito bem direcionados e também muito bem recebidos por todos os colaboradores da empresa. Também ganhamos brindes para guardar de recordação.
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   macathy d 
 
 
 
 Verified history and culture
We had an amazing experience with Cuscoperu Our guide EFRAIN was friendly, knowledgeable, and made the tour really enjoyable. Everything was well organized, and we visited some incredible places. I especially loved Machu Pichu and Rainbow Mountain. EFRAIN was professional and easy to communicate with. I would definitely recommend this tour to anyone visiting Cusco Peru.
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Irena K 
 
 
 
 Verified Great trip, great experience!
The whole trip was wonderful experience and Efrain did excellent job taking care of everything. Trip program was very busy but we were able to see a lots of sites. Highly recommended!
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Daniela P 
 
 
 
 Verified Recomendación
Increíble experiencia, gracias por hacer de este viaje algo inolvidable. Nos vamos muy contentos y lo recomendaremos a todos nuestros amigos.
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Ken D 
 
 
 
 Verified Cusco & Machu Picchu
It was very well done. CuscoPeru did a fantastic job with my tour. Efrain picked me up on time at the airport. Both Julio and Henry did a great job with super information the first 2 days. The buffet lunch the tour provided was top shelf, including sushi. On day 3 Eddy did a wonderful job explaining all of Machu Picchu. My tour was for Circuit 1, but he somehow managed to get me on Circuit 3 as well. It was a day I will never forget. All hotel accommodations were very comfortable. I would recommend this tour to anyone
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Sunny 
 
 
 
 Verified Highly recommended
The trip was great! Our driver Roselito picked us up from the hotel and was very knowledgeable in the history of region, took us on the scenic route. Once we got on the train, it included snacks and drinks (water, coffee, or tea). Once we got to Aguascalientes, we were met by our tour guide Renato and Norma. Norma made sure we met our tour guide Renato, and made sure we got on the bus. Once we arrived at the entrance of Machu Pichu, we were met by our tour guide Renato. It was a pleasant experience. Pictures don’t do the site justice. Our tour guide Renato gave us an overview of the site and significance of the layout. I highly recommend booking with the company, and if possible make sure you get Roselito as your driver from Cusco to the train station.
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Karen D 
 
 
 
 Verified Fun and exciting!
I had a custom 9-day tour. I told the booking agents the things I wanted see and do in Peru and they came up with an itinerary. I really enjoyed all the day trips and when I needed to make an adjustment during the tour, Efrain (my coordinator) was right on it. He was always available to answer my questions, which really made me feel comfortable travelling alone. Also, the tour guides and drivers were very friendly, helpful and knowledgeable. I highly recommend CuscoPeru to anyone who wants interesting/fun tours and/or needs a little assistance in planning what to do!
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   ptlyogesh 
 
 
 
 Verified Spring vacation
Great communication and good tours
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Georgeta R 
 
 
 
 Verified Cusco Peru-equipo que hace orgulloso un pais
Elegí Cusco Peru por que Maria estaba siempre para aclarar mis dudas. Todos que nos atendiron,Rosa,John,Rosel,y los chicos que nos llevaban en coche,son personas muy bien preparadas,educadas,puntuales. Un 10 para todos! Recomiendo sin duda ❤️❤️❤️

Moments from route of the sun Peru journey

Explore images from the Cusco Route of the Sun Peru journey: the church of Andahuaylillas, the Raqchi Archaeological Complex, the landscapes of La Raya Pass, the visit to Pucará, and the journey through the Andes until reaching the city of Puno.

Frequently asked questions about the Route of the Sun Cusco to Puno tour

Find answers to the main questions about the duration of the journey, schedules, places visited, altitude, meals, entrance fees, included services, and recommendations for taking the Sun Route tour between Cusco and Puno.

What is the difference between the Sun Route and a direct bus from Cusco to Puno?

The Sun Route is not simply transportation between the two cities. During the journey, stops are made at attractions such as Andahuaylillas, Raqchi, La Raya Pass, and Pucará, accompanied by a guide. It is an alternative designed for travelers who want to make the most of the journey between Cusco and Puno while learning more about the history and landscapes of the southern Andes.

Can I travel with my luggage during the tour from Cusco to Puno?

Yes, this journey is designed for passengers continuing their trip to Puno, so it is normally possible to travel with your luggage. It is recommended to keep valuables, documents, money, and important personal items in a small backpack that stays with you during the visits.

Does the route of the sun Cusco to Puno require a good level of physical fitness?

This is not a trekking tour and does not involve long hikes. However, during the different stops, you will walk through churches, archaeological sites, and other attractions. Comfortable footwear is recommended, and you should keep in mind that part of the journey takes place at high altitude.

What is the highest point of the journey?

La Raya Pass is the highest point of the route, located at more than 4,300 meters above sea level. The stop is relatively short, but some people may feel the effects of the altitude, especially if they have not yet acclimatized.

Is lunch included during the journey?

Yes. The tour includes a buffet lunch during the journey between Cusco and Puno. Breakfast and dinner are not included, so it is recommended to have breakfast before starting the tour and plan to have dinner once you arrive in Puno.

Can I continue my trip on Lake Titicaca the same day I arrive in Puno?

It is best to plan excursions on Lake Titicaca for the following day. The Sun Route takes up almost the entire day, and arrival in Puno is in the afternoon, so scheduling another major excursion for the same day may not be practical.