Route of the Sun – Cusco to Puno by Bus

Itinerary

The Route of the Sun tour takes you on the scenic route from the Inca city of Cusco to Puno, a Peruvian city on the shores of Lake Titicaca. The 10-hour bus journey will take you through picturesque Andean towns and mountainous valleys, showcasing the beauty of the Cusco/Puno region.

The bus makes 5 stops along the way, treating you to 3 guided tours. These include the Sistine Chapel of America, the Temple of the god Wiracocha, and the Lithic Museum of the Pukará Culture. Aswell as a buffet lunch in the Andean town of Sicuani and an opportunity to take breathtaking photos atop the highest point of the route, the Abra La Raya Pass.

The tourist bus will be equipped with everything you’ll need for a comfortable journey to Puno. This includes; heating and air conditioning, toilets and sanitary facilities and refreshing drinks served on board such as tea, coffee, Coca Cola and water.

• 6:15am : Pick up in private transport from hotel in Cusco
• 6:40am : Register bus ticket and load luggage onto bus
• 7:00am : Depart by bus from Cusco bus terminal
• 8:00am : Arrive in Andahuaylillas – 15 minute tour of the town
• 8:15am : 25 minute tour of Church of St Peter the Apostle
• 8:40am : Depart Andahuaylillas – 90 minute drive to Raqchi
• 10:10am : 40 minute tour of archaeological complex of Raqchi
• 10:50am : 30 minute drive to the town of Sicuani 
• 11:40am : Arrive in Sicuani – Buffet lunch in La Pascana restaurant 
• 12:30pm : Depart Sicuani – 45 minute drive to Abra La Raya
• 1:15pm : Stop for photos atop Abra La Raya (highest point on route)
• 1:25pm : Depart Abra La Raya – 90 minute drive to Pukará
• 2:50pm : Arrive in Pukará – Tour of the Lithic Museum
• 3:30pm : Depart Pukará – 90 minute drive to Puno
• 5:00pm : Arrive at our private bus terminal in Puno
• 5:05pm : Private transport to hotel in Puno

1. DEPART FROM CUSCO BUS TERMINAL

• 6:15am : Pick up from the hotel in Cusco.
• 6:40am : Registration time for your ticket and luggage.
• 7:00am : Exact departure time from the bus terminal.
• Address : 28 de Julio Avenue, Wanchaq, Cusco (ref. first bridge)

2. ANDAHUAYLILLAS – CHURCH OF ST PETER THE APOSTLE

• Famously named the ‘Sistine Chapel of America’.
• Built in the 16th century, constructed out of the foundations of destroyed Inca constructions local to the town.
• Its beautifully preserved interior is full of treasures, murals, canvases, and ornaments made of gold leaf.
• 25 minute guided tour : No photography inside the church. Entry fee per person is S/. 15.00.

3. SAN PEDRO – THE ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITE OF RAQCHI

• The Temple of Wiracocha, the ‘creator of the world’, one of the most important deities of the Inca Empire.
• The site contains 156 ‘Colcas’, circular storehouses, used to store grain, corn and quinoa.
• There are barracks and houses for the settlers, and the Inca messengers (chaskis) passing through.
• 40 minute guided tour : Wear sun hat as UPV is strong at altitude. Entry fee per person is S/. 15.00.

4. SICUANI – BUFFET LUNCH AT ‘LA PASCANA’ RESTAURANT

• Buffet lunch at La Pascana tourist restaurant on the outskirts of Sicuani.
• Food and hot drinks are included in the price of the Route of the Sun tour.
• Broad variety of regional food on offer, including options for vegetarians.
• 40 minute stop for lunch : Cold drinks including water, soda and beer are not included.

5. CUSCO / PUNO BORDER – ABRA LA RAYA PASS

• The highest point on the route at 4,335 m / 14,222 ft.
• Marks the border between the regions of Cusco and Puno.
• Spectacular views of the Chimboya Glacier where the Amazon River is born.
• 10 minute stop for landscape photos : wear warm clothes and drink Coca tea for altitude.

6. PUKARÁ – THE LITHIC MUSEUM OF THE PUKARÁ CULTURE

• Pukará culture existed between 1600 B.C. and 400 A.D and lived on a high plateau in the north of Lake Titicaca.
• Engaged in herding and fishing, domesticating alpacas and engineering water management systems that enabled intensive agriculture on the floodable lands beside the lake.
• Museum contains zoomorphic pottery and sculptures, including the HATUNÑAQAC, meaning ‘The Supreme Executioner’.
• 30 minute guided tour : No photography inside the museum. Entry fee per person is S/. 10.00.

7. PUNO – ARRIVE AT PRIVATE BUS TERMINAL IN THE CITY

• 5:00pm : Arrival at private bus terminal in Puno.
• Address :  430, Costanera Avenue, Puno, 21001
• Pick up in private transport and transfer to hotel in Cusco.