Route of the Sun: Bus Trip From Cusco to Puno With Stops

The "Route of the Sun" bus trip from Cusco to Puno offers travelers a captivating journey through the Andes, covering 280 kilometers in approximately 10 hours. Along the way, they’ll experience stunning landscapes and discover notable cultural sites like the Sistine Chapel of the Andes and the ancient Raqchi Temple. With a buffet lunch featuring local cuisine and opportunities to explore fascinating museums, this trip promises a rich experience of Peru’s heritage. However, the true wonder lies in the unexpected moments that can transform a simple journey into an unforgettable adventure.

Key Points

• The bus trip from Cusco to Puno covers 280 kilometers and takes approximately 9 to 10 hours, featuring scenic Andean landscapes.
• The trip includes stops at historical and cultural sites like the Sistine Chapel of the Andes in Andahuaylillas and the Raqchi Temple.
• Travelers can enjoy a buffet lunch featuring national and regional cuisine, as well as a stop at the Museo Lítico de Pukara.
• The package includes hotel pickup in Cusco, professional guides, and all entrance tickets to the tourist sites.
• The bus service has an overall rating of 4.8/5 from 28 reviews, with positive feedback on the professionalism of the guides and the value for money.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Overview of the Bus Route

The bus trip from Cusco to Puno traverses the renowned Ruta del Sol, offering travelers a scenic journey through the stunning landscapes of the Andes.

The route covers a distance of approximately 280 kilometers, with the total travel time ranging from 9 to 10 hours, depending on traffic and weather conditions.

Along the way, the bus makes several stops at historic and cultural sites, allowing passengers to explore the region’s rich heritage.

This comprehensive bus tour provides a convenient and efficient way for visitors to experience the highlights of the Cusco-Puno corridor, seeing the natural beauty and cultural riches of the Andes.

Pricing and Cancellation Policy

A one-way bus trip from Cusco to Puno costs from $103.00 per person.

The duration of the journey is around 10 hours.

Travelers can take advantage of the free cancellation policy and cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Plus, the option to reserve now and pay later is available, allowing passengers to book their spot without paying upfront.

With these flexible booking options, travelers can plan their trip with ease and adjust their plans if necessary.

Pickup and Itinerary Highlights

Pickup from hotels in Cusco commences at 6:30 AM, kicking off an immersive 10-hour journey along the scenic Ruta del Sol.

The first stop is the 17th-century Sistine Chapel of the Andes in Andahuaylillas, where travelers explore the stunning church interior.

Next, they visit the archaeological complex of Raqchi Temple, dedicated to the Inca deity Wiracocha.

After a buffet lunch featuring national and regional cuisine, the bus reaches the Paso de la Raya, a scenic viewpoint at the border of Cusco and Puno.

The final stop is the Museo Lítico de Pukara, where ancient artifacts from the Pukará culture are on display before arriving in Puno around 5:00 PM.

Andahuaylillas: Sistine Chapel of the Andes

After the pickup from Cusco and the initial stops, the bus reaches the charming town of Andahuaylillas, home to the 17th-century Sistine Chapel of the Andes. This ornate church, often referred to as the "Sistine Chapel of the Americas," is renowned for its stunning interior frescoes and intricately carved altarpiece. Visitors have the chance to admire the impressive artistry and learn about the history of this architectural gem. The stop in Andahuaylillas offers a glimpse into Peru’s rich cultural heritage and the artistic sophistication of the colonial era.

Feature	Description
Name	Sistine Chapel of the Andes
Location	Andahuaylillas, Peru
Construction	17th century
Highlights	Frescoes, carved altarpiece

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Raqchi Temple and Pukara Museum

Next, the bus continues on its journey, making a stop at the impressive Raqchi Temple. This archaeological complex was dedicated to the Inca god Wiracocha and offers a glimpse into the architectural prowess of the ancient civilization.

Visitors can explore the temple’s massive stone walls and learn about its religious significance.

Following the Raqchi visit, the bus heads to the Museo Lítico de Pukara, where travelers can discover artifacts from the ancient Pukarás culture. This museum showcases a collection of stone carvings, ceramics, and other relics that provide insight into the region’s rich history and heritage.

The stops at these culturally significant sites enhance the overall educational experience of the bus trip.

Buffet Lunch and Border Viewpoint

During the bus trip, travelers enjoy a 1-hour stop at a local restaurant for a delectable buffet lunch.

The spread features a variety of national and regional dishes, offering a taste of Peruvian cuisine.

After the meal, the bus continues onward, making a brief 10-minute stop at the Paso de la Raya, a scenic viewpoint located at the border of the Cusco and Puno regions.

Here, passengers can admire the stunning Andean landscape and take in the picturesque surroundings before the journey continues toward Puno, their final destination.

The combination of a satisfying lunch and a breathtaking border viewpoint provides a well-rounded experience during the day-long bus trip.

Included Services and Accommodations

The bus trip from Cusco to Puno includes a comprehensive package of services to ensure a seamless and enjoyable journey. Travelers are provided with pickup from their hotel in Cusco, tourist transportation from Cusco to Puno, and a professional English and Spanish guide. Entrance tickets to all tourist sites along the way are included, as well as a delicious buffet lunch featuring national and regional cuisine. This all-inclusive package allows travelers to focus on the experience without worrying about logistics.

Included Services	Details
Transportation	Pickup from Cusco hotel, Tourist bus to Puno
Tour Guide	Professional English and Spanish guide
Admission Tickets	Entrance fees to all sites
Dining	Buffet lunch with national and regional cuisine

Customer Ratings and Feedback

Based on the overall 4.8/5 rating from 28 reviews, customers have largely raved about the comfort and quality of the bus trip from Cusco to Puno.

The transportation received a stellar 4.9/5 rating, with passengers highlighting the comfort of the vehicles.

Plus, the tour’s value for money was praised, earning a 4.5/5 score.

Positive feedback emphasized the professionalism of the guides, the enjoyment of the included lunch, and the convenience of hotel pickup and drop-off.

While a small number of reviewers noted minor issues, the overwhelming consensus is that this bus trip offers an excellent experience and exceeds expectations in terms of service and satisfaction.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Own Snacks on the Bus?

Passengers are generally allowed to bring their own snacks on the bus. However, it’s best to check with the tour operator beforehand to confirm their policy on outside food and drinks. Some companies may have restrictions or preferences.

Is the Bus Wheelchair Accessible?

The bus is wheelchair accessible. The company provides assistance for passengers with mobility challenges and can accommodate wheelchairs on the bus. However, it’s recommended to contact them in advance to ensure proper arrangements are made.

Do I Need a Permit to Take Photos at the Sites?

The tour generally allows photography at the sites, but visitors should check with the guide as some locations may require a permit or have restrictions. It’s best to be respectful and follow any site-specific photography guidelines.

Can I Split the Payment With a Friend?

Yes, you can split the payment with a friend for this bus trip. The tour operator allows multiple passengers to reserve and pay for their spots together, making it convenient to share the costs.

Is There Wifi Available on the Bus?

Unfortunately, there’s no mention of Wi-Fi being available on the bus for this trip. The listing focuses on the itinerary, inclusions, and customer reviews, but doesn’t specify if Wi-Fi is provided during the 10-hour journey.

Recap

The "Route of the Sun" bus trip from Cusco to Puno offers a comprehensive cultural experience, showcasing Peru’s stunning landscapes and rich heritage. Travelers can marvel at the Sistine Chapel of the Andes, explore ancient Inca sites, and savor local cuisine, all while enjoying the breathtaking Andean vistas. This journey promises a truly immersive and memorable adventure through the heart of the Peruvian Andes.

You can check if your dates are available here: