Cusco Route of the Sun: A Detailed Review of the Two-Day Puno Tour with Hotel

So, you are maybe thinking of taking the Cusco Route of the Sun tour over a couple of days, with a stay in Puno? Very well, this is something you absolutely should give some thought to. Getting from Cusco to Puno (or the reverse, really) is often seen as just a transit thing, yet the Route of the Sun tour makes it quite the destination all on its own. What’s particularly lovely is how it incorporates a handful of extremely interesting spots along the way. Also, I will be giving you the scoop on my experiences, alongside some advice, so you’ll know what is waiting for you.

What’s Included? Route of the Sun Tour Highlights

That said, what actually comes with the Route of the Sun tour, that is such an adventure? First of all, you get transportation, generally a comfortable tourist bus. Too, it’s almost that these buses are outfitted with big windows, which really let you see the fantastic scenery. Guides are also a huge part of the trip, plus, the guides are frequently locals who just simply know a lot about the areas you’re going through. Then, is that there are the entry fees to all the archeological places and destinations featured in the tour. Then there’s the hotel situation: It can be just a simple, basic place, very clean and functional, and allows you to rest up before beginning the next segment of your travels.

So, these stops usually make up the bulk of the itinerary: Andahuaylillas, frequently referred to as the Sistine Chapel of the Americas, because of its pretty remarkable colonial art and ornate interiors. Raqchi, is that another stop? Raqchi is essentially the Wiracocha Temple, a really quite huge construction constructed by the Incas. Finally, La Raya, a viewpoint on the way where you find yourself between Cusco and Puno at the very, very highest point – great picture taking ops await.

Day 1: Cusco to Puno – A Breathtaking Drive

So, your adventure will begin fairly early, very possibly with a pickup right from the hotel in Cusco. Too it’s almost that, as the sun comes up, you’re already driving out, where the landscape begins changing quite quickly. From that lush, green valley near Cusco to the drier, much higher terrains headed towards Puno, it’s very scenic. Anyway, you visit Andahuaylillas, and the church there, well, it’s quite the experience, certainly not what one might think from the exterior, ’cause inside there’s art covering practically every surface. Later you find yourself at Raqchi; also, a big complex that tells of just how great Incan engineering skills were, as the guide really does a wonderful job telling you all about its significance.

In that case, lunch happens mid-route – maybe a buffet offering Peruvian cuisine; it varies. Of course, at La Raya you should certainly take time to step out, breathe that crisp air and just take pictures. Next thing you know you are arriving in Puno by the late afternoon or early evening. Then it’s time to get some rest in that hotel after what has been an incredibly busy day.

Hotel Stay in Puno: Comfort and Location

Is that, very much so, an important aspect of this trip? The choice of accommodation really sets the tone for a relaxing next day. Very well, what I experienced could vary – everything from very modest, family-run hotels to some chain locations, too. By the way, make certain it’s actually well-located so you could walk to the plaza or take in a little slice of life when you are not out exploring. In fact, ask your trip organizer for details regarding specific lodging before really sealing that booking!

Day 2: Exploring Puno and Lake Titicaca (Optional)

Well, so there, the tour usually covers getting you from Cusco to Puno with that accommodation included. Anyway, once there you can plan on enjoying some pretty special trips out on Titicaca Lake (which really should not be skipped when here.) Now there’s the floating Uros Islands; built totally out of reeds; the Taquile Islands and its really living culture and great weaving traditions… those are easy trips to fit in after you have arrived!

So, arrange such tours ahead or look for options at your lodging upon checking in: the point being, simply, take full advantage of Puno itself once the Route of the Sun part finishes!

Making the Most of the Route of the Sun: Tips and Advice

In some respects, some ideas can seriously make this trip run so smoothly, so take this advice. Clearly, altitude sickness will probably be your foe on the trek because those elevations are challenging so, acclimatize, you really should, to Cusco a bit before doing this. In short, dress practically with layers that permit easy adjustments when those temperature fluctuations occur, like between warm sunlight and shadowy, chillier spots. As a matter of fact, never not have sunscreen available either. Really, I mean it, even on what seem like cloudy days up in higher elevations that sun is surprisingly potent!

So, drinking bottled water avoids getting sick and keeps you totally hydrated when climbing at those high altitudes. Actually, taking little Peruvian Sols really helps with snacks, souvenirs or just giving something back during village stops en route. Finally, fully charge every device (camera, telephone) as there’s very seldom a convenient power socket around.

Is the Route of the Sun Worth It?

As a matter of fact, asking yourself, if all of this effort provides benefits worth the effort? Absolutely! Instead, you are not merely zipping between Cusco and Puno; yet, you discover parts in Peru seldom observed by standard traveling, all while traveling fairly comfortably. Obviously, for folks who like experiencing cultural richness with pretty landscapes intermixed: This absolutely is their thing, certainly. Also, by easing logistic burdens, allowing local insight (from guides), a well done Route of the Sun trip honestly transforms transit days to ones brimming with Peruvian discoveries.

Things to Note

So, keep an eye on just what things get incorporated. You see, certain packages can cost quite a bit more depending on added bells or whistles: higher end meals, maybe even exclusive lodging picks! Clearly, knowing what aspects one truly esteems allows anyone matching offers up suitably relative personal travel needs!

Too it’s almost always a clever move actually reserving somewhere well ahead during peak visitation to Peru: specifically if those plans require particular lodgings.

By the way confirm thoroughly with that trip coordinator how many persons tend participate – much smaller groups can permit heightened immersive vibes as regards connecting not only culturally during way stops – plus much individual guide interactions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of clothing is best for the trip?

Anyway, wearing clothing organized into multiple layers offers benefits: you’ll be preparing oneself for varying climatological changes given highland routes have tendency seeing fluctuating daytime conditions often – between chill morning zones & balmier mid afternoon environments specifically so dress considering thermal management while visiting across various geographical locations en-route plus perhaps possessing packable outerwear whenever unexpected precipitation occur proves judiciously astute action by savvy trippers .

Will I get altitude sickness?

Too it’s almost anybody runs this jeopardy traversing great heights but adaptation period within destinations before your program assists reduce vulnerabilities; continue ingesting quantities liquid refreshments alongside moderate exercises assists greatly whereas one’s physician potentially recommend prescribing related pharmaceutical deterrents contingent situations assessment!

Are meals included?

In that case scrutinize exactly what constituents exist through booking particulars concerning refreshments provided whilst undertaking transit tours as specific packages generally feature specified food whereas other bundles needs separately provisioning which depends on preferred snacking interests alongside eating arrangement alternatives located across road segments.

Is the tour available year-round?

Frankly many operators provide year circular opportunities along the ‘Route of the Sunlight’ however particular month alternatives maybe face circumstantial modifications regarding accessibility caused mainly during certain times relating periodic precipitation volumes possibly provoking transitory route changes while journey!