THE ROUTE OF THE SUN CUSCO - PUNO

THE ROUTE OF THE SUN: CUSCO TO PUNO

Discover the Route of the Sun between Cusco and Puno, a cultural bus journey through Andean landscapes and archaeological sites such as Raqchi, Andahuaylillas, and Pukará. An unforgettable experience in the heart of Peru!

At Imperios Travel, the best Tourist Transportation Company on the Route of the Sun Cusco - Puno or Puno - Cusco, we offer state-of-the-art buses. We also have a staff of tourism professionals, ensuring excellent service and providing our passengers with an unforgettable and pleasant journey.

Enjoy the tourist attractions offered by the famous "Route of the Sun". The journey begins in the city of Cusco and continues to Puno, covering almost 400 km between both cities. The service includes 5 stops to visit the colonial temple of Andahuaylillas, known as the Sistine Chapel of America; Raqchi (the Temple of Wiracocha); Sicuani (a rural area where we will enjoy a delicious buffet lunch); La Raya "a tourist stop with beautiful Andean landscapes"; and Pukará "known as the temple of fertility".

Includes

Spanish-speaking Guide
Guided Tours
Transfers
Accommodation
Lunch according to Itinerary
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THE ROUTE OF THE SUN


During our journey, which lasts approximately 10 hours, we will have 4 guided excursions to places of tourist interest along the southern highland corridor, visiting the temple of Andahuaylillas or Sistine Chapel of America, the Inka temple of Raqchi, the La Raya Pass at 4,335 meters above sea level, and the Inka-Aymara museum of Pukara.

Each visit lasts between 20 to 40 minutes, during which passengers can ask questions, take photos, and explore the attractions at their own pace, making this an unforgettable experience.

The buffet lunch: It consists of Andean foods used to prepare both typical and international dishes. The menu includes legumes, grains, red and white meats, a variety of salads, a selection of desserts, and a variety of hot drinks, all served in a cozy traditional restaurant in the city of Sicuani.

SUMMARY OF YOUR TRAVEL ROUTE

Day 1

FULL DAY | ROUTE OF THE SUN - CUSCO/PUNO

  • Breakfast before leaving the hotel in Cusco
  • Start of the tour at 7:00 a.m. and visit to the Sistine Chapel of Andahuaylillas
  • Visit to the archaeological site of Raqchi
  • Buffet lunch at San Pedro Restaurant - Sicuani
  • Stop at La Raya Pass – border between Cusco and Puno
  • Visit to the town of Pukara
  • Arrival in the city of Puno
Place / Stop Arrival Time Departure Time
Hotel in Cusco 07:00 AM
Oropesa 07:30 AM 07:45 AM
Andahuaylillas 08:00 AM 08:40 AM
Raqchi Archaeological Site 10:10 AM 11:00 AM
“Feliphon” Restaurant – S. Pedro 11:10 AM 12:15 PM
La Raya Pass (14,232 ft) 01:00 PM 01:15 PM
Pukara Lithic Museum 02:30 PM 03:15 PM
Hotel in Puno 05:00 PM

ITINERARY

First Stop: Sistine Chapel of Andahuaylillas

sistine chapel of america in andahuaylillas
Sistine Chapel of America

We will begin this adventure with breakfast at the hotel. After breakfast, we will pick you up around 7:00 a.m. to start the journey to the Sistine Chapel of Andahuaylillas, located about 50 minutes from the city of Cusco.

On the way, we will make a brief stop in the town of Oropesa, known for making the traditional "panes chuta" (chuta bread). If time permits, we may visit a local bakery, taste this delicious bread, and, if you'd like, purchase some.

Upon arriving at Andahuaylillas, we will admire the sober exterior of the church, built in a popular Renaissance style. We'll enjoy a guided tour of the interior, where we will see examples of baroque art, a style known for its intent to impress through exuberant ornamentation. The visit to the Sistine Chapel lasts approximately 45 to 50 minutes.


Second Stop: Archaeological Site of Raqchi

archaeological site of raqchi
Archaeological Site of Raqchi

After visiting Andahuaylillas, we continue to the archaeological site of Raqchi. There we will admire the impressive structures of the Temple of Wiracocha, an Inca building that rises up to 14 meters high, considered one of the tallest ever found from this culture. This temple was dedicated to the god Wiracocha, one of the most important deities of the Inca civilization.

During the visit, we will also see the colcas—storage buildings used for preserving agricultural products during the Inca Empire. The visit is scheduled for 45 minutes.


Third Stop: Sicuani – Restaurant in San Pedro

view of sicuani city
Sicuani

After visiting Raqchi, we head to the restaurant located in the town of San Pedro, just 5 minutes away. There, we’ll enjoy a buffet lunch offering a wide variety of options: appetizers, main courses with meat, chicken, fish, and vegetarian dishes, as well as desserts and hot drinks. Lunch time will last approximately one hour.


Fourth Stop: La Raya

la raya, border between cusco and puno
La Raya, border between Cusco and Puno

We continue our journey to the highest point of the Route of the Sun: La Raya Pass, located at 4,338 meters above sea level. This natural pass marks the border between the regions of Cusco and Puno.

The trip from the restaurant takes about 45 minutes. Upon arrival, we’ll make a short stop to take photos and enjoy the stunning views of the Andean snow-capped mountains. From here, we begin our descent toward the highlands of Puno.


Fifth Stop: Town of Pukara

stone museum of pukara town
Pukara Lithic Museum

Next, we continue for about 1 hour and 15 minutes to reach the town of Pukara. There, we’ll visit the lithic museum, which houses important sculptural pieces from the Pukara culture. If time allows, we may also tour the archaeological complex of the same name. The visit can last between 30 to 60 minutes, depending on the group’s interest. We’ll also have the chance to taste a delicious coffee from Puno, prepared and served by a local entrepreneurial family.


Arrival in Puno

To conclude our adventure, we’ll travel for about 1 hour and 50 minutes to reach the city of Puno. Upon arrival, hotel check-in will take place, after which you’ll have free time to explore the city and enjoy dinner either at the hotel or downtown, according to your preference.


INCLUDES

  • Private transportation from Cusco to Puno for the scheduled visits.
  • Professional guide throughout the tour.
  • Visit to the Sistine Chapel of Andahuaylillas.
  • Visit to the archaeological site of Raqchi.
  • Photo stop at La Raya Pass at 4,338 m.a.s.l.
  • Visit to the lithic museum of Pukara.
  • Entrance tickets to Andahuaylillas, Raqchi, and Pukara.
  • Buffet lunch at “Feliphon Restaurant”.
  • Snacks and drinks during the tour.

NOT INCLUDED

  • Meals not specified.
  • Tips
  • Others not mentioned

Travel Recommendations

To enjoy your trip along the Route of the Sun, consider the following tips:

  • Small backpack
  • Light clothing
  • Walking shoes
  • Hats or caps for sun protection
  • Sunglasses
  • Sunscreen
  • Camera

RESERVATIONS:

To make a reservation, it is required to provide the following PASSENGER information:

  • To make a reservation, it is required to provide the following PASSENGER information:
  • Passenger’s full name.
  • Identity document
  • Name of the selected hotel
  • Flight itinerary for scheduling transfers
  • Dates: Check-in and Check-out
  • Service vouchers issued by travel agencies must include the reservation data

PRICE FOR THE ROUTE OF THE SUN

Amount
PRICE PER PERSON $65

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Availability 2025 & 2026

Inca Trail Permits 2025 & 2026

Trip reviews

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Si están pensando viajar a Punta Cana, no lo duden. Es un lugar de ensueño y con esta agenda es mas fácil, la atención es personalizada, cero complicaciones y muchas sonrisas. Viaje sin preocupaciones, no tuve que pensar en nada mas que en disfrutar de esta hermosa experiencia.


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Departure date: Jul 4th 2025

5 star rating 5/5 stars

Fue una escapada a Cartagena que terminó siendo mucho más que un viaje. La mezcla de historia, mar y alegría me envolvió por completo. Todo salió tan bien que parecía que alguien había leído mi mente y organizado exactamente lo que necesitaba.


Mi viaje a Panamá
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Departure date: Jul 4th 2025

5 star rating 5/5 stars

Mi viaje a Panamá fue sorprendente. No tuve que pensar en nada: desde los traslados hasta los tours, todo estaba coordinado al milímetro. Qué tranquilidad poder enfocarme solo en disfrutar, sin correr ni improvisar. Así deberían ser todos los viajes.


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