Route of the Sun Between Cusco and Puno in a Day With Buffet Lunch

Embarking on the "Route of the Sun Between Cusco and Puno in a Day With Buffet Lunch" promises an immersive exploration of Peru’s rich cultural heritage. Traversing the scenic landscapes between these two historic destinations, travelers can expect to uncover remarkable ancient sites, explore the region’s distinct Andean traditions, and savor a sumptuous buffet lunch along the way. With a knowledgeable guide providing insights in both English and Spanish, this captivating journey offers a unique opportunity to witness the enduring legacies of Peru’s diverse civilizations. As the route unfolds, one can’t help but wonder what captivating discoveries await on this captivating excursion.

This experience made our list of the 3 Best Lunch Experiences In Pucara Peru.

Key Points

• This 12-hour tour connects the historic city of Cusco and the lakeside town of Puno, covering approximately 385 kilometers.
• The tour includes hotel pickup/drop-off in Puno, a buffet lunch, and entrance fees to cultural sites like the Raqchi Archaeological Site and Pucara Lithic Museum.
• Highlights along the route include the "Sistine Chapel of America" (San Pedro de Andahuaylillas Church) and panoramic views from Abra La Raya at 5,300 meters.
• The tour is led by a live guide providing commentary in English and Spanish, and the package includes a one-way shared transfer from Cusco to Puno.
• Customers have rated the overall tour experience 5/5, praising the excellent organization, high value offerings, and culture opportunities.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Overview

The tour’s route runs between the historic city of Cusco and the lakeside town of Puno, also available in the reverse direction.

This 12-hour journey covers a distance of approximately 385 kilometers. Priced from S/. 1,879 per person, the tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

A live tour guide provides commentary in both English and Spanish, enhancing the experience. The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off in Puno, a buffet lunch, and entrance fees to select attractions along the way.

Travelers are advised to prepare by bringing necessary items and reserving their spot at least two days in advance to ensure availability.

Itinerary Highlights

Commencing at 6:00 a.m., the tour picks up guests from their hotels in Cusco. The first stop is the San Pedro de Andahuaylillas Church, known as the "Sistine Chapel of America" for its stunning frescoes and artworks. Next, the group visits the Raqchi Archaeological Site, where they explore the agricultural terraces and the impressive Temple of Wiracocha.

After an Andean buffet lunch in Sicuani, the tour makes a stop at the Abra La Raya, offering panoramic views of the Chimboya mountain at an altitude of 5,300 meters. The final destination is the Pucara Lithic Museum, where guests can admire the ancient civilization’s anthropomorphic stone designs.

Itinerary Highlight	Description
San Pedro de Andahuaylillas Church	Sistine Chapel of America with stunning frescoes
Raqchi Archaeological Site	Agricultural terraces and Temple of Wiracocha
Andean Buffet Lunch	Served in Sicuani
Abra La Raya	Chimboya mountain viewpoint at 5,300 meters
Pucara Lithic Museum	Showcases ancient anthropomorphic stone designs

Inclusions

Included in the tour package are hotel pickup and drop-off in Puno, a buffet lunch, and entrance fees to the Andahuaylillas Church, Raqchi, and Pucara Lithic Museum, totaling 50 soles.

Cold drinks are provided during the included lunch. The tour also covers a one-way shared transfer from Cusco to Puno.

This comprehensive package ensures a seamless and enjoyable experience for travelers along the Route of the Sun between the two cities.

Key inclusions are:

1. Buffet lunch in Sicuani
2. Entrance fees to all major sites
3. Hotel pickup and drop-off in Puno

Preparation and Recommendations

To make the most of the Route of the Sun tour, travelers should bring essential items like their passport or ID, warm clothing, sunglasses, a camera, and comfortable clothes.

Plus, it’s recommended to have some cash on hand to cover any incidentals or optional expenses.

Preparing in advance by reserving the tour at least two days prior helps ensure availability.

The tour includes transportation, a buffet lunch, and admission fees, so participants can focus on enjoying the scenic journey and cultural experiences along the way.

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Customer Feedback

Based on the outlined feedback, travelers seem to have been largely satisfied with the Route of the Sun tour.

With an overall rating of 5/5 based on 7 reviews, the tour appears to have delivered a positive experience.

While some noted issues with the bus temperature, the majority of comments praised the organization and overall experience.

The tour’s inclusions, such as the guided visits, buffet lunch, and transportation, seem to have met or exceeded traveler expectations.

Key highlights from the customer feedback include:

1. Excellent organization and tour experience.
2. Issues with bus temperature noted by some.
3. Overall high satisfaction with the tour’s value and offerings.

Pickup and Drop-off

The tour begins with a hotel pickup in Cusco at 6:00 a.m., ensuring a timely departure for the journey to Puno.

This seamless transportation service is included in the tour package, eliminating the need for guests to arrange their own means of getting to the starting point.

Upon completion of the day’s activities, the tour provides a shared one-way transfer from Puno back to the hotel in Cusco, delivering travelers conveniently to their accommodations.

The efficient pickup and drop-off logistics contribute to the overall smooth execution of the "Route of the Sun" tour, allowing participants to focus on the enriching cultural and historical experiences along the way.

Buffet Lunch

An included Andean buffet lunch in Sicuani provides tour participants with a delightful culinary experience during the day-long journey.

The buffet showcases a variety of traditional Peruvian dishes, allowing travelers to sample the rich flavors of the region. The meal includes:

1. Hearty potato-based dishes, a staple in Andean cuisine.
2. Flavorful stews made with local ingredients.
3. Freshly baked breads and pastries to complement the main courses.

Accompanied by cold drinks, the buffet lunch is a welcome respite during the tour, offering a chance to refuel and take in the gastronomic heritage of the Andes.

Ancient Civilizations

Along the route between Cusco and Puno, travelers have the opportunity to explore the remnants of ancient civilizations that once thrived in the region.

One of the highlights is the Raqchi Archaeological Site, which features agricultural terraces and the impressive Temple of Wiracocha.

Visitors can also discover the Pucará Lithic Museum, which showcases anthropomorphic stone designs and other artifacts from this ancient civilization.

These archaeological sites provide a window into the sophisticated societal structures, agricultural practices, and spiritual beliefs of the peoples who inhabited the Andes centuries ago.

Exploring these captivating ruins offers a deeper understanding of the rich cultural heritage of the region.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Book the Tour for a Different Date?

Yes, the tour can be booked for a different date. The overview indicates that the tour is available both from Cusco to Puno and Puno to Cusco, and there’s free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

How Many Participants Are Typically on the Tour?

The tour typically accommodates a small group size, often ranging from 10 to 15 participants. This allows for a more personalized experience and allows the guide to provide attentive service to each traveler.

Is There an Option for a Private Tour?

The tour provider doesn’t offer a private tour option for this itinerary. It’s a shared group tour with an English and Spanish-speaking guide. Travelers who want a more personalized experience may need to consider alternative tour companies or create a customized private tour.

Can I Request a Vegetarian or Special Dietary Meal?

Yes, customers can request a vegetarian or special dietary meal for the tour. The tour provider offers an Andean buffet lunch and accommodates dietary restrictions with advance notice.

What Happens if I Need to Cancel or Reschedule the Tour?

If the customer needs to cancel or reschedule the tour, they can do so up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. The tour operator offers free cancellation within this time frame to accommodate changes in plans.

Recap

The "Route of the Sun Between Cusco and Puno in a Day With Buffet Lunch" offers a captivating journey through Peru’s rich cultural heritage. Travelers can expect an immersive experience, visiting remarkable sites and indulging in a delicious Andean buffet lunch while enjoying stunning landscapes and insightful commentary from a live tour guide. This comprehensive tour is an excellent choice for those seeking to explore the highlights between these two remarkable Peruvian destinations in a single day.

You can check if your dates are available here: