Puno to Cusco Tourist Bus | Route of the Sun
- Duration
- Full day
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Altitude
- 4,335 m / 14,222 ft
- Group Size
- Max 40 People
Turn your journey between Puno and Cusco into an unforgettable cultural experience along the famous Route of the Sun, one of the most scenic travel routes in southern Peru, featuring guided visits to some of the region's most important attractions.
During the trip, you'll visit the Pucará Lithic Museum, the high Andean pass of La Raya, the archaeological complex of Raqchi, and the famous Church of Andahuaylillas, often called the "Sistine Chapel of the Americas" for its extraordinary colonial artwork and decorations.
You'll also enjoy a buffet lunch in Sicuani while traveling through some of the most beautiful landscapes of the Peruvian Andes.
This experience is ideal for travelers who want to make the most of their transfer between Puno and Cusco while discovering some of southern Peru's most important cultural treasures.
- Tour Type: Cultural, historical, and scenic.
- Ideal For: Cultural travelers, photographers, couples, families, and travelers moving between Puno and Cusco.
- Duration: Approximately 10 hours.
- Starting Point: Puno.
- Ending Point: Cusco.
- Departure Time: Approximately 7:00 AM.
- Difficulty: Easy.
- Languages: English and Spanish.
- Meals Included: Buffet lunch.
- Season: Available year-round.
- Service Type: Shared tourist bus or private service.
Tour Highlights
- Travel comfortably between Puno and Cusco.
- Visit the Pucará Lithic Museum.
- Enjoy panoramic views from La Raya Pass.
- Explore the Raqchi Archaeological Complex.
- Visit the Temple of Wiracocha.
- Discover the Church of Andahuaylillas.
- Buffet lunch included in Sicuani.
- Learn about pre-Inca, Inca, and colonial cultures.
- Enjoy one of Peru's most famous scenic routes.
- Reply within 24 hours
- Flexible cancellation
- Locally operated in cusco, Peru
Included
- Pickup from centrally located hotels in Puno (depending on the service selected).
- Comfortable tourist bus transportation from Puno to Cusco.
- Professional bilingual guide.
- Guided visit to the Pucará Lithic Museum.
- Guided visit to La Raya Pass.
- Guided visit to the Raqchi Archaeological Complex.
- Guided visit to the Church of Andahuaylillas.
- Buffet lunch in Sicuani.
- Assistance throughout the journey.
Not Included
- Tourist Ticket (Boleto Turístico) for Raqchi.
- Entrance fee to the Church of Andahuaylillas.
- Beverages during lunch.
- Travel insurance.
- Personal expenses.
- Tips.
- Services not specifically mentioned in the itinerary.
6:00 AM | Hotel Pickup and Transfer to the Bus Station
We begin the experience with pickup from your hotel in Puno and transfer to the departure station where you will board the tourist bus.
6:30 AM | Departure from Puno
We depart toward Cusco, traveling through the landscapes of the Peruvian Altiplano while enjoying panoramic views of mountains, lagoons, and small Andean communities.
8:30 AM | Pucará Lithic Museum
Our first stop is Pucará, one of the oldest cultural centers in the Andean highlands. We visit the Pucará Lithic Museum, where you'll discover important sculptures, monoliths, and archaeological artifacts belonging to the Pucará culture, a civilization that flourished centuries before the Incas.
10:30 AM | La Raya Pass
We continue the journey to La Raya Pass, the highest point along the route, located at over 4,300 meters (14,100 feet) above sea level. From this spectacular viewpoint, you'll enjoy breathtaking views of the Andean mountain range, take photographs, and observe the natural boundary between the regions of Puno and Cusco.
12:00 PM | Buffet Lunch in Sicuani
We arrive in the town of Sicuani, where we'll enjoy a buffet lunch featuring a variety of Peruvian dishes and regional specialties. This is the perfect opportunity to relax before continuing the journey toward Cusco.
1:30 PM | Raqchi Archaeological Complex
After lunch, we head to the Raqchi Archaeological Complex, one of the most important Inca sites in southern Peru. Here, we'll visit the famous Temple of Wiracocha, an impressive structure dedicated to one of the principal deities of the Andean world.
You'll also explore ancient storage buildings, ceremonial plazas, and residential sectors that demonstrate the strategic importance of this site during the Inca Empire.
3:30 PM | Church of Andahuaylillas
Our final stop is the Church of Saint Peter the Apostle of Andahuaylillas, known as the Sistine Chapel of the Americas. Its interior features stunning murals, colonial paintings, gilded altars, and remarkable religious artwork, making it one of the most beautiful churches in Peru.
5:30 PM | Arrival in Cusco
After completing the scheduled visits, we continue our journey toward the city of Cusco.
6:00 PM | End of the Tour
Arrival at the Cusco bus station, where the experience concludes.
Please note: All schedules are approximate and may vary depending on traffic, weather conditions, and time spent at each attraction.
What to Bring
- Passport or ID.
- Warm jacket.
- Sunscreen.
- Sunglasses.
- Hat or cap.
- Water.
- Camera or smartphone.
- Cash for entrance fees and personal expenses.
- Comfortable clothing for the journey.
Price
Shared Service
From USD 65 per person
Private Service
Custom pricing available upon request
Prices may vary depending on the season, availability, and type of service selected.
Options to Customize Your Experience
Private Service
Ideal for travelers seeking greater comfort, flexible schedules, and personalized attention throughout the journey.
Premium Route of the Sun
Subject to availability, premium services can be arranged with more spacious seating and smaller group sizes.
Extend Your Stay in Cusco
We can help you connect this experience with tours to the Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu, Rainbow Mountain, or a Cusco City Tour.
How long is the Route of the Sun between Puno and Cusco?
The experience lasts approximately 10 to 11 hours, including guided visits and lunch.
Is lunch included?
Yes. The program includes a buffet lunch in the town of Sicuani.
Are entrance fees included?
Some entrance fees may need to be purchased separately depending on the service option selected.
Is this just transportation or also a tour?
It is a combination of both. In addition to transportation between Puno and Cusco, the experience includes guided visits to important cultural and historical attractions.
What is the highest point along the route?
La Raya Pass, located at over 4,300 meters (14,100 feet) above sea level.
Can I bring luggage?
Yes. The bus has designated storage space for travel luggage.
Is this experience suitable for children and older adults?
Yes. It is a comfortable experience suitable for travelers of different ages.
What makes this experience special?
It allows you to explore some of the most important attractions between Puno and Cusco while making the most of your transfer between the two cities. The experience combines history, archaeology, landscapes, and culture into one unforgettable journey.
