Cusco Route of the Sun Tour Review: Is it Worth it?

Thinking about doing the Cusco Route of the Sun tour and staying in a hotel in Puno? This pretty detailed review looks at whether the tour’s actually a great experience. I’m going to share things like, tour highlights, what the hotels are *actually* like, plus if it’s seriously good value for money.

What Is the Cusco Route of the Sun Tour?

The Route of the Sun is, well, it’s this very touristy bus tour that travels between Cusco and Puno. Often it’s touted as a scenic alternative, and less so a practical thing, than other standard routes. Covering ground between these two seriously incredible Peruvian cities, the tour typically spans two days, with like, an overnight stay in Puno so that you can rest your weary legs. What’s really neat, you get to see a variety of archaeological sites and landscapes, with this blend of nature, and local cultures.

Quick Glance at the Tour Stops

Andahuaylillas: They say that this church is also called the “Sistine Chapel of America,” due to some artwork inside.
Raqchi: There’s a Temple of Wiracocha. It, like, used to be really significant in the Inca times.
La Raya: The highest point, and it’s more or less between Cusco and Puno. A place for seriously scenic snapshots.
Pukara: Check out some pre-Inca architecture at the Pukara Lithic Museum.

Booking My Tour: What to Keep in Mind

Booking any tour can, sometimes it can be a bit much, I’d say, but for the Route of the Sun, there are pretty well plenty of companies to pick from. What is *actually* helpful, is looking at what other travelers said, comparing deals from different companies and, maybe more than anything, clarifying what kind of hotel situation it will be, beforehand.

Important Questions for Booking

The Reputation of the Tour Operator: Like, see what people are commenting online on places like TripAdvisor, or check some Peru travel forums. What are they like when you need something?.
Cost Details: Just so that you know, is it including meals, entry fees, and hotel situations. What’s not really included?
Hotel Specifics: Which of the hotels? Where is it located.
Bus Particulars: Is the bus cozy, and are they sticking to just the highlights listed?.

Day 1: Cusco to Puno – Ancient Sites and Breathtaking Views

Day one’s ride from Cusco to Puno is basically one long viewing session of stuff worth the price alone, in my opinion. Like the gilded interiors of Andahuaylillas, and even the striking remains at Raqchi – each spot had a charm that gives so much information on Andean history. At La Raya, the views from up high are totally breathtaking and should definitely be on Insta!

Andahuaylillas: A First Glimpse of Splendor

I mean, entering the Church of San Pedro Apóstol de Andahuaylillas is like walking straight into an artsy wonderland. Seriously, they do not lie about the Sistine Chapel of America title – it’s bursting with all sorts of vibrant frescoes and gilded decor. What is often glossed over, these art pieces are actually super helpful for grasping the area’s history, specifically looking at some blends in some local and Catholic symbols. You do, however, want to take photos – but they have asked everyone not to use flash for these. Is that fair? Probably, I suppose. You don’t want to damage it.

Raqchi: Discovering Inca Ingenuity

Arriving at the Raqchi archaeological site really feels as though you’ve jumped back in time. The Temple of Wiracocha, even in its partially ruined situation, will really wow you with its architecture, and how technically sound everything was. My own guide offered that Raqchi, like, wasn’t only a temple though, and also more of, like, a pretty major hub for those Incas where they stored grains and provided lodging. Basically, knowing that stuff beforehand really lets you put together the entire historical image as you see it. That’s interesting, or what do you think?

La Raya: Standing on the Roof of the World

Basically, standing at La Raya which sits at 14,232 feet? Whew, you may well get lightheaded at that height, and is the highest point that’s actually on the tour between Cusco and Puno. But wow, the vistas? You cannot deny they are something else, almost magical – of distant snowy peaks, vast plateaus and just, like, total open skies. It makes you want to capture it, so people should make sure they’ve charged everything to the max. There can be little market here with touristy knick knacks that everyone should ignore.

Accommodations in Puno: Setting Expectations

Let’s just say it straight – when it is a package tour, like, that hotel isn’t necessarily a four star spot. But a hotel provides a clean bed, and running hot water so that you can shower before things ramp up again. Do some fact finding beforehand and see what that particular operator really gives its patrons, and, maybe look up hotel scores beforehand.

What to Look for in Your Puno Hotel

Neatness: You seriously want a spot to bed down in that’s kept clean.
Warm showers: Just a straight up given, thinking how cool those Andean nights turn.
Breakfast Offerings: Complimentary breakfast that helps with getting on going when you get a super start on those travel days.
Centrally Located: Staying near enough to Plaza de Armas could make hitting dinner and seeing some sights loads simpler..

Day 2: Puno and Lake Titicaca – Floating Islands and Cultural Immersion

Going out into Lake Titicaca in Puno would, for some, may be the prime bit of the whole shebang, even from Raqchi! Getting on the Uros Floating Islands is totally surreal. So that everyone knows, they are created just using reeds? It gives those tourists that seriously unique view of local customs. Taquile Island gives stunning vistas and woven materials worth watching out for! But this portion isn’t really technically part of “The Route of the Sun”. It’s like a tag-on from overnighting.

Uros Floating Islands: Walking on Water

Think how it is going on these floating islands created from, like, totora reeds: just mind blowing. Islanders show how they construct and sustain these things, talking you through the traditional cultures. You’ll support communities whenever those visitors procure those local items directly. It makes you wonder what else is actually possible, right?

Taquile Island: A Step Back in Time

Visiting Taquile gives people these gorgeous views from, up high plus a look at cultures maintained over ages. Taquileños happen to be very well regarded because of the excellent textile stuff going on; so all tourers could find handmade goodies sold right in central plaza. Taking some stroll up the walkways does allow you some serious angles regarding lake and scenery – worth those huffing climbs, I’d say!

Is the Route of the Sun Tour Worth It? Weighing the Pros and Cons

Okay, now you need to know if taking this route to see some sights is a thumbs up situation, here’s some lowdown:

Advantages

Ease: It gives everything when considering transport, accommodations and those must-do places.
Worth it Price wise: Once everything comes together — transfers, hotels, plus excursions–it is seriously manageable priced against self-booking.
Qualified Guidance: Experienced speakers are so ready when answering queries that will deepen that history experience!.

Disadvantages

Tied to a Set Program: How some people do stuff might feel way too regulated due timetable factors of these package trips
Hotel Qualities Change: Where staying is super based on that trip option, those hotel deals change often.

Helpful Tips for the Route of the Sun Tour

Getting those arrangements set is great; make things far better taking along that right mindset for your trips. To get ready for being there and stay super comfy from the high elevations think over:

Essential Packing List

High-SPF sunblock: Those sunlight hits pretty firm being that distant from equator!
Layers Upon Layers: Climates might do that pivot very sudden
Hiking sturdy sneakers: Getting over bumpy pathways wants well-padded kicks
Altitude meds: Go consult one doc from personal health pro regarding meds for height if this gets seriously bothersome.

Tips for Altitude Sickness

Go Relaxed the very instant: Providing your frame additional hours settling back upon touchdown does some solid prevention regarding ill feelings.
Coca Goodies: Coca teas plus just gumming those foliage tends getting quite traditional and can greatly provide remedies.
Light Snacks: Don’t push overstuffing stuff rather munch gently often which keeps digestion smooth which stops stress which lessens feeling heavy right away.

Final Thoughts: Is the Cusco-Puno Route of the Sun Tour for You?

So, that Cusco Route of the Sun tour — with your hotel bit included at Puno — does give a way to chill going between those cities, without all that stress of planning the things yourself. What do you think about ancient sites? What are the landscape scenes worth? Also it covers how those local interactions might grab travelers and maybe it might simply win you all through the ease and affordability factor alone.

However – do make sure about checking and matching all your levels with comfort, interest plus that freedom scale. Some would value convenience a ton? Other persons want complete power for itinerary. Basically is checking everything right, and figuring out, does the tour hit all one’s hopes – this enables some unforgettable and gratifying bit via what that attractive heart related regarding those Andes, and nearby stuff there. That is, without any nasty upsets later!

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