Cusco to Puno Scenic Day Trip with Lunch (Route of the Sun)
Description
Get ready for the most scenic road trip through the Andes. This isn't just a transfer from Cusco to Puno — it's the legendary Route of the Sun, and it more than lives up to its name. Travel in comfort aboard a luxury comfortable bus with onboard service as you journey through breathtaking landscapes and make four unforgettable cultural stops. You'll visit one of the Inca’s largest surviving temples, step inside the "Sistine Chapel of America", and immerse yourself in the deep history and traditions of Andean Peru. With over 24 years of experience, we’re proud to be the official Ruta del Sol operator, offering daily departures and a seamless blend of comfort, culture, and panoramic beauty. Why settle for a basic ride when you can turn your journey into an epic Andean adventure? ✔️ Scenic stops in the Andes ✔️ Guided visits to cultural heritage sites ✔️ Buffet lunch included ✔️ Comfortable transport with onboard facilities
Tour Options
Itinerary
Our journey begins in Andahuaylillas, home to the breathtaking Church of Saint Peter the Apostle — often called the “Sistine Chapel of America.” Built in the 16th century by Jesuit missionaries atop a sacred Inca site, this architectural treasure blends Spanish Baroque style with Andean symbolism. From the outside, its adobe-and-brick façade is modest. But step inside, and you're surrounded by gold-leaf altars, vivid frescoes, and intricate paintings that make this one of the most stunning religious sites in South America.
Next, we explore Raqchi, a remarkable Inca archaeological site and official “Best Tourism Village.” The highlight here is the Temple of Wiracocha - one of the largest Incan structures still standing. According to ancient chronicles, this grand temple was built by an Inca emperor to honor Wiracocha, the invisible Supreme God of the Andean people, this massive temple stood 15 meters tall and showcases the Inca’s masterful engineering. Surrounded by ancient ruins and rich spiritual legacy, Raqchi is a powerful step back into the heart of Inca civilization.
Midway through the journey, we’ll stop for a relaxing 1-hour buffet lunch featuring the best of traditional Andean cuisine. This is more than just a meal — it’s a chance to savor local flavors like quinoa soup, roasted vegetables, Andean potatoes, fresh salads, and regional meats, all prepared with highland ingredients. Set in a peaceful highland town, the restaurant offers stunning mountain views and a warm, welcoming atmosphere — the perfect break to recharge before continuing on to Puno.
We pause at Abra La Raya, the dramatic mountain pass that marks the natural border between Cusco and Puno. At over 4,300 meters above sea level, it’s the highest point of the journey and a breathtaking showcase of the Andes in full glory. Surrounded by snow-capped peaks and endless sky, this is a perfect moment to stretch your legs, take photos, and feel the vastness of Peru’s highlands.
Our final stop is Pucará, the earliest major settlement of the Titicaca Basin, dating back to 500 BC. Once a thriving highland center, Pucará housed thousands — from priests and artisans to farmers and warriors. Today, it offers a rare window into pre-Inca civilization, known for its monolithic stone sculptures with striking geometric and animal forms, and vibrant multi-colored ceramics used in both daily life and sacred rituals. A fascinating glimpse into the roots of Andean culture.
Highlights
What's included
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Reviews(272)
The journey itself is an enjoyable experience, The guide was excellent and the bus comfortable. Included lunch was also good. Communication leaves much to be desired. Had booked hotel pick up and drop off also. There was no contact by the operator and messaged them 2 days before to confirm details of the pickup. There was no response and then called them the day before. Again no response but got a messsge asking which trip we had booked and which hotel was pick up from !! Messaged back that this information was in their voucher which I had sent them earlier in the day. Again silence and then was informed in the evening that pickup would happen 6.20am. On arrival in Puno there was no body to guide us to the included and prepaid hotel transfer. After looking for the driver in vain arranged our own transportation. Messaged the operator and they casually replied that the Driver had a breakdown. Suggest only book the tour and no add ons.
Excellent experience! The torito experience was a different way to enjoy the Pucará time
Great way to observe and understand part of this beautiful and complex country: landscape, history, society.
Hi Zeu, Thank you very much for your kind review! We are delighted to hear that you enjoyed the journey and had the opportunity to discover Peru’s beautiful landscapes while learning more about its rich history and culture. Our goal is to offer an experience that goes beyond transportation, allowing our passengers to connect with the places, traditions, and stories that make this country so unique. We truly appreciate you choosing Inka Express and sharing your experience with us. We hope to welcome you again on another memorable journey through Peru!
We chose this tour to travel from Puno to Cusco, and it was a great choice. The bus was very comfortable, with the option to enjoy tea and coffee throughout the trip. The lunch was excellent, served buffet-style with a panoramic view. The sites visited were very interesting, thanks also to the detailed explanations from Eli, our guide, who was extremely knowledgeable and helpful with us. We recommend it!
Hi Davide, Thank you very much for your wonderful review! We are delighted to hear that choosing Inka Express for your journey from Puno to Cusco was the right decision. It is great to know that you enjoyed the comfort of our bus, the onboard tea and coffee service, and the buffet lunch with its beautiful panoramic views. We are especially happy to hear your kind words about Eli, our guide. We will be sure to share your compliments with her, as we know how much passion and dedication she puts into making each journey informative and memorable. Thank you for recommending us and for choosing Inka Express. We hope to welcome you again on another unforgettable experience through Peru!
Great experience, the trip was amazing and the guide Elly very kind and provided us great explanations on all the sites. Super recommended!
Hi Anna Lisa, Thank you very much for your fantastic review! We are thrilled to hear that you had a great experience with us and enjoyed the journey. It is wonderful to know that Elly made your trip even more special with her kindness and the interesting explanations about each site. We truly appreciate your recommendation and are grateful that you chose Inka Express for your journey. We hope to have the pleasure of welcoming you again on another memorable adventure through Peru!
Great bus, great service, wifi (starlink), great guide. We took also the train (Peru rail and Inka) and the bus is way better.
Hi Cesar, Thank you very much for sharing your experience! We are delighted to hear that you enjoyed your journey with Inka Express and appreciated the comfort of our bus, the service provided, the onboard Wi-Fi, and the guidance from our team. It is wonderful to know that you found the bus experience a great alternative compared to other transportation options in Peru. Our goal is to make the route between Puno and Cusco as comfortable, informative, and enjoyable as possible. Thank you for choosing Inka Express and for your kind recommendation. We hope to welcome you again on another unforgettable journey through Peru!
Top Tour. Especially If you want to go from Cusco to Puno. Interesting stops and not much longer than the normal Bus. Elli had a lot of great information and made the trip a delight!
Hi Lucas, Thank you very much for your excellent review! We are delighted to hear that you enjoyed your journey from Cusco to Puno and found the stops along the way interesting and worthwhile. Our goal is to transform the trip into a memorable experience by combining comfort, culture, and fascinating insights about the places we visit. We are especially happy to hear your kind words about Elli. We will gladly share your compliments with her, as we know her knowledge and enthusiasm help make the journey even more enjoyable. Thank you for choosing Inka Express and for recommending our tour. We hope to welcome you again on another wonderful adventure through Peru!
Great trip, nice stops! Ellie was a great guide!
Hi Maximilian, Thank you very much for your kind review! We are happy to hear that you enjoyed the trip and the stops along the way. It is wonderful to know that Ellie made your experience even more special with her guidance and knowledge. We truly appreciate your feedback and your kind words about our team. Thank you for choosing Inka Express, and we hope to welcome you again on another memorable journey through Peru!
Thank you for the Amazing Tour Elli! We learned a lot and time flew by very fast!
Hi there, Thank you very much for your wonderful review! We are delighted to hear that you had an amazing experience with us and that the tour was both enjoyable and informative. It is great to know that you learned a lot during the journey and that the time passed quickly while discovering the fascinating places along the route. We will be happy to share your kind words with Elli. Her passion and knowledge are truly valuable in creating memorable experiences for our passengers. Thank you for choosing Inka Express, and we hope to welcome you again on another unforgettable journey through Peru!
Best company, photo this wrong... goes by inca, bus all yellow.... Guide to your Manoellllll
