Exploring the breathtaking landscapes of Peru, the Route of the Sun Tour from Puno to Cusco offers a captivating daylong adventure. Priced at $50 per person, this 11-hour journey showcases the region’s rich culture and history, with stops at the Pucara Museum, Abra La Raya, and the impressive Raqchi Temple. Travelers can expect comfortable transportation, delicious Andean cuisine, and knowledgeable bilingual guides. Whether you’re a seasoned adventurer or a first-time visitor, this tour promises an unforgettable experience that will leave you…
Key Points
- The Route of the Sun Tour is a full-day excursion from Puno to Cusco, priced at $50.00 per person and lasting 11 hours.
- The tour includes climate-controlled bus transportation, bilingual guides, a buffet lunch, and on-board refreshments.
- Key highlights of the itinerary include visits to the Pucara Museum, Abra La Raya, and the Raqchi Temple of Wiracocha.
- The tour is highly rated by reviewers, with an overall experience rating of 4.7/5 and a value for money rating of 4.8/5.
- The tour departs from Terminal Terrestre Puno at 6:40 AM and concludes in Cusco around 5:30 PM.
Tour Overview and Pricing
The full-day Route of the Sun Tour from Puno to Cusco is priced from $50.00 per person.
The tour lasts 11 hours and is limited to 15 participants, so it’s likely to sell out. Travelers can reserve now and pay later, and there’s free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
This tour lasts 11 hours and is limited to 15 participants, so it’s likely to sell out. Travelers can reserve now and pay later, with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
The tour includes climate-controlled bus transportation, bilingual guides, a buffet lunch, and on-board refreshments.
Reviewers praise the comfort of the bus, knowledgeable guides, and breathtaking views, rating the overall experience 4.7/5 and the value for money 4.8/5.
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Itinerary Highlights
Departing from Terminal Terrestre Puno at 6:40 AM, the tour first visits the Pucara Museum to explore the origins of Andean civilization.
Next, the group stops at Abra La Raya, the highest point between Puno and Cusco, for panoramic views.
A buffet lunch featuring traditional Andean cuisine is served at 11:35 AM in Marangani – Sicuani.
The tour then explores the Raqchi Temple of Wiracocha, notable for its 15-meter high walls, and the Andahuaylillas Church, known for its gold leaf and intricate murals.
The tour arrives in Cusco at 5:30 PM.
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Pucara Museum: Explore the origins of Andean civilization.
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Abra La Raya: Take in panoramic views at the highest point between Puno and Cusco.
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Buffet Lunch: Enjoy traditional Andean cuisine in Marangani – Sicuani.
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Raqchi Temple and Andahuaylillas Church: Visit notable Inca and colonial sites.
Included Services
The tour includes climate-controlled bus transportation and bilingual guides (English, Spanish) who provide commentary at key sites like Andahuaylillas, Raqchi, La Raya, and Pucará Museum. Travelers will enjoy a buffet lunch featuring traditional Andean cuisine in Marangani – Sicuani. Onboard refreshments like tea, coffee, herbal infusions, Coca Cola, Inca Kola, and mineral water are provided. The bus also has a clean bathroom and an oxygen tank for comfort during the high-altitude journey.
| Service | Included |
| — | — |
| Transportation | ✓ |
| Bilingual Guides | ✓ |
| Site Commentary | ✓ |
| Buffet Lunch | ✓ |
Customer Reviews and Ratings
Travelers have overwhelmingly praised the Route of the Sun tour, awarding it an impressive 4.7 out of 5 stars based on 70 reviews.
The Route of the Sun tour has received an impressive 4.7 out of 5 stars from 70 reviews, according to overwhelmingly positive traveler feedback.
The guide rating stands at 4.9/5, while the transportation and value for money received 4.8/5 each.
Positive feedback highlights the comfort of the bus, the knowledgeable guides, and the breathtaking views.
The tour offers:
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Climate-controlled bus transportation
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Bilingual guides (English, Spanish)
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Buffet lunch featuring traditional Andean cuisine
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Onboard refreshments and amenities.
Meeting Point and Additional Information
Where does the tour depart from? The tour departs from Terminal Terrestre Puno.
While the itinerary is subject to change, the day-long excursion includes stops at notable sites like the Andahuaylillas Church and Raqchi Temple.
Entrance fees for these attractions aren’t included in the tour price and must be paid separately upon arrival, totaling 53 soles.
Hotel drop-off in Cusco is also not provided at the end of the tour, which concludes around 5:30 PM.
Travelers should keep these details in mind when booking to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience on the Route of the Sun tour from Puno to Cusco.
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Discovering the Pucara Museum
One of the highlights of the Route of the Sun tour is the chance to explore the Pucara Museum. The museum showcases the origins of Andean civilization, providing visitors with a deeper understanding of the region’s rich cultural heritage.
The museum features:
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Exhibits on the Pukara culture, which thrived in the region from 200 BC to 700 AD.
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Impressive stone carvings, pottery, and textiles that offer a glimpse into the daily life and beliefs of the Pukara people.
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Explanations of the architectural and engineering feats of the Pukara, including their advanced agricultural techniques.
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Guided tours that bring the museum’s artifacts and history to life.
Admiring the Panoramic Views at Abra La Raya
As the bus climbs higher, passengers can’t help but be in awe of the breathtaking panoramic views that unfold at Abra La Raya.
At an elevation of 4,335 meters (14,222 feet), this is the highest point between Puno and Cusco. Travelers are treated to sweeping vistas of the Andes mountain range, with snow-capped peaks stretching out as far as the eye can see.
At an elevation of 4,335 meters, travelers are treated to sweeping vistas of the Andes, with snow-capped peaks as far as the eye can see.
It’s a truly magnificent sight, a testament to the raw, untamed beauty of the Peruvian highlands.
This stop provides an opportunity to stretch one’s legs, breathe in the crisp mountain air, and take in the grandeur of the landscape.
Exploring the Raqchi Temple and Andahuaylillas Church
The tour next takes visitors to the impressive Raqchi Temple, a noteworthy architectural marvel built by the Inca emperor Pachacuti.
This site is known for its:
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Towering 15-meter high walls, which showcase the engineering prowess of the Inca civilization.
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Complex religious and cultural significance, as it was a temple dedicated to the creator god Wiracocha.
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Intricate stone carvings and decorative elements that provide insight into Inca artistic traditions.
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Preservation of the site, allowing visitors to gain a tangible connection to the Inca heritage.
After exploring Raqchi, the tour continues on to the Andahuaylillas Church, famous for its ornate gold-leaf interior and vibrant murals.
Since You Asked
What Is the Dress Code for the Tour?
The tour doesn’t have a strict dress code, but comfortable, layered clothing and sturdy walking shoes are recommended. Dressing in layers is advised as the weather can vary throughout the day during the tour.
Can I Bring My Own Food and Snacks?
Yes, you can bring your own food and snacks on the tour. The tour includes a buffet lunch, but you’re welcome to supplement it with your own provisions if desired. Just be mindful of any dietary restrictions at the lunch.
Is There an Option to Customize the Itinerary?
The tour itinerary is fixed, and there’s no option to customize it. However, the tour provider may accommodate special requests if notified in advance, though they can’t guarantee changes to the core itinerary.
Do the Guides Provide Insights on Local Culture?
The guides provide insightful commentary on the local Andean culture during the tour, sharing details about the historical significance and traditions of the sites visited along the Route of the Sun itinerary.
Is There a Discount for Children or Seniors?
There’s no specific discount for children or seniors on this tour. The price is a flat rate of $50 per person, regardless of age. The tour is best suited for adults and older children able to handle the full-day itinerary.
The Sum Up
The Route of the Sun Tour from Puno to Cusco offers a captivating journey through Peru’s breathtaking landscapes and rich cultural heritage. With a range of fascinating stops, delightful local cuisine, and comfortable transportation, this full-day tour provides an immersive experience for travelers seeking to discover the wonders of this remarkable region.
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