{"id":55718,"date":"2024-12-31T11:33:44","date_gmt":"2024-12-31T16:33:44","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/freewalkingtoursperu.com\/?page_id=55718"},"modified":"2026-06-17T22:46:00","modified_gmt":"2026-06-18T03:46:00","slug":"sun-route-from-cusco-to-puno-by-bus","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/freewalkingtoursperu.com\/en\/tours-cusco\/sun-route-from-cusco-to-puno-by-bus\/","title":{"rendered":"The Sun Route: from Cusco to Puno by bus"},"content":{"rendered":"\n\n\n
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Home<\/a><\/span><\/span><\/p> <\/div>\n \n\n

The Sun Route: from Cusco to Puno by bus<\/h1>\n
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\n Local website<\/span>\n NO MIDDLE MAN<\/span>\n <\/div>\n\n <\/div>\n\n \n \n
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\n Up to 35 people<\/span>\n GROUP SIZE<\/span>\n <\/div>\n\n <\/div>\n\n \n \n
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\n 3,700 m \/ 12,139 ft<\/span>\n MAX. ALTITUDE<\/span>\n <\/div>\n\n <\/div>\n\n \n \n
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\n Easy<\/span>\n DIFFICULTY<\/span>\n <\/div>\n\n <\/div>\n\n \n \n \n \n <\/div>\n \n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n
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Transform your road trip from Cusco to Puno into an exciting journey with strategic stops at tourist attractions.<\/strong> Forget about the conventional routes between the two cities and dare to experience the fascinating Sun Route<\/strong>, where you\u2019ll explore what others only see from the bus window.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

On the Sun Route<\/strong>, you\u2019ll discover the best of Andean Baroque at the “Sistine Chapel of America” in Andahuaylillas<\/strong>, uncover the majestic columns and Inca walls of the archaeological site of Raqchi<\/strong>, enjoy the high-altitude scenery of La Raya<\/strong>, the pass that marks the boundary between the Cusco and Puno regions. Once on the Altiplano, you’ll visit the Pukara Lithic Museum.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Departures are daily, so come along and explore the scenic tourist route connecting Cusco and Puno, two destinations full of history<\/strong>, tradition, culture, and nature.<\/p>\n\n\n

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<\/span>HIGHLIGHTS<\/h2>\n
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Meeting place<\/h4><\/div>
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Your tour departure to Puno is scheduled for 6:30 in the morning<\/strong>. At that time, we will pick you up from your hotel <\/strong>in the Historic Centre of Cusco (3400 m above sea level).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you’re staying in another area of the city, we’ll arrange a meeting point<\/strong> for you to join the group.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For more information on tour conditions, please check the Details and Notes tab.<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

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From Cusco to Andahuaylillas by road<\/h4><\/div>
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On the way to Puno, the bus will make several tourist stops<\/strong>. The first stop will be in Andahuaylillas<\/strong> (3121 m a.s.l.)<\/strong>, one of the districts of the Quispicanchi province, located 43 km from the city of Cusco<\/strong>. Travel time: 1 hour 20 minutes.<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Visit to the “Sistine Chapel of America”<\/h4><\/div>
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This is how the Church of San Pedro Ap\u00f3stol in Andahuaylillas<\/strong> is known, which was built in the 17th century. It is an outstanding example of Andean Baroque<\/strong>, a colonial artistic movement characterised by the inclusion of both Western and Andean religious elements.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you are passionate about religious art,<\/strong> in Andahuaylillas you will feel in heaven as you admire the frescoes, oil paintings, and sculptures created by local artists, under the guidance of the priest and patron Juan P\u00e9rez de Bocanegra. The creators incorporated the Sun and the Moon<\/strong>, among other elements of the Andean worldview<\/strong>, into their works.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

During your visit, please note that photography is prohibited.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

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From Andahuaylillas to Raqchi<\/h4><\/div>
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The archaeological site of Raqchi<\/strong> (3444 m a.s.l.) is located in the district of San Pedro (Canchis province). The distance between both points is 80 km<\/strong>, and the travel time is 1 hour 30 minutes.<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Raqchi Archaeological Park \u2014 “The Parthenon of the Incas”<\/h4><\/div>
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Wiracocha<\/strong> \u2014 the creator god of the universe <\/strong>(according to Andean religion) \u2014 was worshipped at Raqchi. His temple was built by the Incas with stone and adobe in the 15th century and is notable for its imposing columns, walls reaching up to 14 metres<\/strong> in height, and a large open area with two naves.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Additionally, this temple still shows the archaeological remains of a military garrison<\/strong><\/strong> and more than 200<\/strong> colcas<\/strong> (circular storage buildings for grain).<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Buffet lunch at a tourist restaurant<\/h4><\/div>
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You will enjoy the best of local cuisine with vegetarian options <\/strong>at a tourist restaurant in the city of Marangan\u00ed (3709 m a.s.l.). This district is located in the province of Canchis, 40 minutes from Raqchi. Distance: 34 km.<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

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La Raya Viewpoint<\/h4><\/div>
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After lunch, the bus will travel 27 km<\/strong> (approximately 30 minutes) to La Raya<\/strong>, the pass that marks the boundary between the Cusco and Puno regions, and also the highest point of the route<\/strong> (4438 m a.s.l.).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Herds of alpacas, the Cusco-Puno train station<\/strong>, and the Chimboya Mountain \u2014 which is covered in snow for much of the year \u2014 create an Andean and high-altitude landscape<\/strong> that will be etched in your travel memory.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

At La Raya, groups of artisans gather to showcase their creations. We recommend the textiles made from alpaca fibre<\/strong>. If you find something you like, don\u2019t hesitate to purchase it. Your purchase supports the local economy and helps preserve the tradition.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

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From La Raya to Pucar\u00e1 by road<\/h4><\/div>
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Once in the territory of the Puno region, the bus will take you to Pucar\u00e1<\/strong> (3910m a.s.l.). The journey from La Raya to this district in the province of Lampa takes approximately 1 hour 30 minutes.<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Pukara Lithic Museum<\/h4><\/div>
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The lithic legacy of the Pukara, a pre-Inca people from the Altiplano (500-380 AD), includes exceptional pieces such as the monoliths of the Beheader or Hatun \u00d1akaj and the Devourer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Take the opportunity during your visit to this district to have a look at the famous Pucar\u00e1 bulls.<\/strong> Of colonial origin, they are one of Peru\u2019s most popular handicrafts. The bulls are placed on house rooftops to ward off evil spirits.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

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From Pucar\u00e1 to Puno by road<\/h4><\/div>
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No more stops. After your visit to the Pukara Lithic Museum, the bus will head directly to the city of Puno<\/strong>, on the shores of Lake Titicaca. It will be a 2-hour journey along an asphalted road. Distance: 107 km.<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Ending place <\/h4><\/div>
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The Sun Route ends at the Puno bus terminal<\/strong> (3827 m a.s.l.) at 17:30<\/strong> hours<\/strong>. From here, you will find taxis that will take you quickly to your hotel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you booked a private tour, we will drop you off at your hotel<\/strong>. If you want to explore the city and its surroundings, keep in mind that we offer the best tours in Puno<\/a> and Lake Titicaca.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<\/div>

<\/span>PRICE<\/h2>\n
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The prices shown in the table are:<\/p>\n\n\n\n