The “Ruta del Sol” (Route of the Sun) is a cultural and tourist bus journey designed to offer a unique experience between Cusco and Puno. This route includes strategic stops and guided visits to sites of great historical and cultural value, combining comfort, learning, and breathtaking scenery.
During the trip, passengers can enjoy:
The tour includes:
This tour is ideal for travelers looking for a rich experience, combining culture, history, and the magic of the Peruvian highlands’ landscapes, while enjoying a comfortable and well-organized journey.
You can also take this trip from Puno to Cusco, visiting all the itinerary stops in the reverse order.
The tour begins with pickup from your hotel in Cusco at approximately 6:20 AM to be transferred to the bus station. The bus will depart punctually at 7:00 AM. The first stop will be at the Andahuaylillas Sistine Chapel, known as the “Sistine Chapel of the Americas,” at 8:00 AM. This 17th-century church, modest on the outside, is famous for its impressive interiors. The stop here will be about 25 minutes.
Then, at 10:30 AM, we will arrive at the Raqchi archaeological complex, dedicated to the god Wiracocha, the creator of the universe according to Inca mythology. We will spend approximately 40 minutes exploring Raqchi. At 12:30 PM, we will head to a tourist restaurant in Sicuani, La Pascana, where you will enjoy a buffet lunch for 45 minutes.
At 2:00 PM, we will arrive at La Raya Pass, a high-altitude point at 4,355 meters above sea level, which marks the border between Cusco and Puno. During this 10-minute stop, you can admire the impressive views, including the Chimboya Glacier. Later, around 4:00 PM, we will visit the Pucará Museum, featuring sculptures and ceramics from the ancient Pucará civilization. This stop will last about 30 minutes.
Finally, at around 5:40 PM, we will arrive in the city of Puno, ending the tour.
Short Itinerary:
You can also take this trip from Puno to Cusco, visiting all the itinerary stops in reverse order.
On the Cusco to Puno route:
On the Cusco to Puno route:
This 17th-century church is famous for its nickname, the “Sistine Chapel of the Americas,” due to the impressive quality of its interior frescoes. The exterior of the church may appear modest, but once inside, you’ll be amazed by the vibrant colors and biblical scenes depicted on its walls and ceiling, created by anonymous artists during the colonial era. Andahuaylillas is located in the Vilcanota Valley, a place that preserves the history of the fusion between indigenous beliefs and the European art brought by the colonizers.
This site is known for its imposing temple dedicated to Wiracocha, regarded as the creator god of the universe in Inca mythology. According to beliefs, Wiracocha emerged from Lake Titicaca, creating the sun, stars, and moon. Raqchi is famous for its monumental architecture, including large stone walls that reflect the magnificence of the Inca Empire. The Wiracocha temple is a clear example of the advanced engineering that characterized the Incas, and the site also includes storehouses, plazas, and rooms that were part of a religious and administrative complex.
Situated at 4,355 meters above sea level, this pass marks the border between Cusco and Puno. It is known for its breathtaking views of the mountains and the Chimboya Glacier, a sacred site for local communities. Additionally, it is believed that the Amazon River has its source in the Chimboya Glacier, giving it both mythical and geographical significance. This pass is also a connection point between two major tourist destinations in Peru, Cusco and Puno, offering travelers a spectacular view of the majesty of the Andes.
The Pucará Museum is dedicated to the ancient Pucará civilization, which flourished between 1600 BC and 400 AD. The Pucará were known for their skills in pottery and sculpture, and the museum houses a rich collection of artifacts, including ceramic figures and lithic sculptures. These artistic representations reflect the worldview and religious practices of the civilization, which centered on earth worship and agriculture. The museum is an excellent place to learn about the culture and legacy of the Pucará, a civilization that had a significant influence on the Andean highland region.