Between Cusco and Puno lie 390 kilometres of road across the altiplano, and almost everyone covers them on a direct bus, staring out of the window. The Route of the Sun is the alternative: the same journey in a day, with guided stops at four of the most interesting sites in southern Peru, arriving in Puno, on the shore of Lake Titicaca, in the afternoon. This guide explains what you see, what the day is like and how it fits into your trip.
The stops
| Stop | Altitude | What you see |
|---|---|---|
| Andahuaylillas | 3,122 m | The church of San Pedro Apóstol, the “Sistine Chapel of the Americas” |
| Raqchi | 3,450 m | The Temple of Wiracocha and its circular storehouses |
| La Raya | 4,335 m | The pass between Cusco and Puno, the highest point of the trip |
| Pukara | 3,900 m | The museum of the Pucará culture, earlier than the Incas |
| Puno | 3,827 m | Arrival on the shore of Lake Titicaca |
Andahuaylillas
A plain-looking adobe church whose walls and ceilings inside are covered with murals, canvases and gold leaf. It is one of the finest examples of Andean baroque. If you want more, the South Valley has other sites a few kilometres away, which we cover in the South Valley guide.
Raqchi
The Temple of Wiracocha, one of the strangest Inca buildings: a central wall 92 metres long, with a base of cut stone and an upper part of adobe up to 1.65 metres thick, which held up one of the largest roofs in the empire. Around it stand dozens of circular storehouses in rows, and a village of potters.
La Raya
The pass that divides the Cusco and Titicaca basins, at 4,335 metres. It is a short photo stop: snow peaks, wetlands and herds of alpacas and llamas. From here the landscape opens out onto the altiplano.
Pukara
The museum of the most important ceremonial centre on the altiplano before the Incas, with carved monoliths and pottery of the Pucará culture. It is the last stop before Puno.
What the day is like
You leave Cusco early and reach Puno in the late afternoon, in about ten hours with all the stops. Lunch is at a restaurant on the way. The altitude rises gradually to La Raya and then stays on the altiplano: if you have spent a few days in Cusco, you will be fine. If not, read the acclimatisation guide first, because Puno is 400 metres higher than Cusco.
It works both ways: from Cusco to Puno after Machu Picchu, or from Puno to Cusco if you arrive from Bolivia or Arequipa.
The other ways from Cusco to Puno
| Option | Time | Who it suits |
|---|---|---|
| Direct bus | Six to seven hours, no stops | Those who just want to get there at the lowest price |
| Shared tourist bus | About ten hours, with stops | Those who want the stops with a large group and a fixed schedule |
| Private Route of the Sun | About ten hours, with stops | Those who want the stops at their own pace, with their own guide and hotel pickup |
| Flight to Juliaca | One hour’s flight and about 45 km by road to Puno | Those short of time |
Our private Route of the Sun includes private tourist transport, pickup at your Cusco hotel and drop-off at your Puno hotel, an official guide and entrance to the sites. Lunch is not included. The price depends on the group size and the vehicle, and we confirm it by quote.
What to see in Puno and Lake Titicaca
- The Uros islands, floating, built from totora reeds, half an hour by boat from the port.
- Taquile, about three hours by boat, known for its weavers, and Amantaní, where you sleep with local families.
- Sillustani, the Colla burial towers above Lake Umayo, 35 kilometres from the city.
- The Candelaria festival, in February, with thousands of dancers. It is Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
Two nights in Puno are enough to see the Uros and Taquile calmly. We arrange lake excursions with trusted local operators; read more in the Puno and Lake Titicaca destination.
Tips for the journey
- Dress in layers: the day starts cold, the altiplano sun burns at midday and La Raya is cold all year.
- High-factor sunscreen, sunglasses and a cap.
- Soles in cash for lunch and crafts along the way.
- Water and something to eat for the drive.
- Keep valuables with you and the rest of your luggage in the vehicle: on the private service it travels with you all day.
Frequently asked questions
How long does the Route of the Sun take?
About ten hours from Cusco to Puno, with the four guided stops and lunch.
Can you do it from Puno to Cusco?
Yes. The route is the same in reverse; being private, it adapts to your arrival time.
Does the altitude affect you?
The highest point is La Raya, at 4,335 metres, but it is only a short stop. Puno is at 3,827. After a few days in Cusco, most people do not notice it.
Is lunch included?
On our private tour, no. We stop at a restaurant on the way and everyone pays for their own.
How many days do you need in Puno?
Two nights for the Uros, Taquile and the city. Three if you want to stay overnight on Amantaní.
Book
- Route of the Sun from Cusco to Puno, private tour.
- Puno and Lake Titicaca: what to see and how to plan it.
- Cusco’s South Valley, on the same road.
