The route of the sun, is one of Peru’s most popular and spectacular tourist routes, connecting the imperial city of Cusco with Puno (Lake Titicaca). This road trip crosses the imposing Andes Mountains and offers stops at archaeological sites, colonial temples, and high-altitude natural viewpoints.
Many travelers widely consider the Route of the Sun (Ruta del Sol) the best way to travel between Cusco and Puno.
Instead of a direct, monotonous 6-hour drive, this 10-hour guided tour turns a travel day into a cultural expedition across the Andean plateau.
Several agencies like Pacha Expeditions operate this route, and they standardize the itinerary to ensure you hit the most significant historical and scenic landmarks. The Route of the Sun
The Route of the Sun – Quick Itinerary Overview.
Time
Activity / Stop
Highlight
06:30 AM
Pickup & Departure
Transfer from your hotel in Cusco to the bus station. we start our The Route of the Sun
08:00 AM
Andahuaylillas
The “Sistine Chapel of the Americas.”
10:30 AM
Raqchi
The monumental Temple of the God Wiracocha.
12:30 PM
Sicuani
Buffet lunch featuring traditional Peruvian cuisine.
02:00 PM
La Raya Pass
Highest point (4,335 meters) with glacier views.
03:30 PM
Pukara Museum
Ancient lithic sculptures and “Toritos de Pucará.”
05:30 PM
Arrival in Puno
Drop-off near the main square or your hotel. finish The Route of the Sun
Key Stops Along the Way
Andahuaylillas: A humble exterior hides one of the most beautiful colonial churches in Peru. The interior is covered in gold leaf and intricate 17th-century frescoes. The Route of the Sun
Raqchi (Temple of Wiracocha): An immense Inca site featuring 12-meter high walls and 150+ colcas (circular storehouses). It’s a masterclass in Inca engineering.
La Raya Pass: This is the natural border between Cusco and Puno. It’s the perfect photo op for the snow-capped Chimboya peak and herds of grazing alpacas.
Pukara Lithic Museum: Learn about a pre-Inca civilization (dating back to 400 BC) known for their stone carvings and the famous pottery bulls you see on roofs throughout the region. finish our The Route of the Sun.
Whats Included (Typically)– The Route of the Sun.
Bilingual guide (English/Spanish).
Buffet lunch in Sicuani.
Onboard service (water, coca tea, coffee).
Entry fees (some budget options exclude these, so check your booking with Pacha!).
The Route of the Sun – Travel Tips
Hydrate: You’ll be crossing a high mountain pass at over 14,000 feet. Drink plenty of water and coca tea to ward off altitude sickness.
Cash for Toilets: Keep some small change (Soles) handy. Most stops charge a small fee (usually 1 or 2 Soles) to use the restrooms.
The “Toritos”: If you want to buy the famous Pucará ceramic bulls, the museum stop is the most authentic place to get them in The Route of the Sun
Practical Information:
Duration: Approximately 10 hours (including stops).
Transportation: Generally by specialized tourist buses that include an onboard guide and lunch.
Recommendation: Bring warm clothing for the stop at La Raya, as it can be quite cold due to the altitude.
