Cusco to Puno: A Route of the Sun Tour Review

Alright, so you’re thinking about heading from Cusco to Puno, Peru, is that right? Very well, then! Now, a tour they call the ‘Route of the Sun’ comes to mind as a seriously great way to travel between these two interesting cities. Yet, before you hand over your hard-earned money, it seems fair to figure out if it is a worthy investment, in a way. So, that’s exactly what we’re going to break down here, going over what you get, what to anticipate, and whether or not it will fulfill the things you hope for when checking out this bit of Peru.

What’s the “Route of the Sun,” Actually?

The “Route of the Sun” might be a popular bus tour that is taking you, very safely, from Cusco to Puno (or vice versa), and it actually is not just a plain old point A to point B kind of ride. Instead, what it truly does, is blend transportation with planned stops at a bunch of compelling landmarks. You know, like you will see old ruins, striking churches, and unreal vistas. This tour, so it seems, will really give you a taste of the history and natural loveliness that exists between these two hubs of Peruvian culture. Think of it less as a simple commute and more like a guided look into the heartland of the country.

Andahuaylillas: The Sistine Chapel of the Americas

Right then, so picture this: Your initial stop will be at the Church of Andahuaylillas. You could describe this church with something like, “The Sistine Chapel of the Americas.” That title? Seriously earned, it would seem! So, while the plain exterior kind of tricks you, the inside actually explodes with incredibly vibrant murals, complicated gold leaf work, and ornate altars that, actually, create this complete feast for the eyes. Is that not what everyone wants? Then, when you hear a local guide tell some cool tales about the history and meaning behind the church’s artistry, the beauty is, arguably, deepened.

Raqchi: Temple of Wiracocha

So, onward we move towards Raqchi, that would be home to the Temple of Wiracocha. Now, these impressive ruins basically celebrate Wiracocha. Very interesting indeed. What is Wiracocha, you might ask? So, this god, in this case, is basically a very big cheese in Inca lore. Arguably, what makes this spot very cool are the really towering adobe columns. Imagine structures that tell stories about the old world, basically hinting at the ingenuity and nonsecular ways of the Inca civilization. As I was saying, these are places you cannot miss. You’ll get a feel for the history, while you get a great view as well.

La Raya: The Dividing Line

So, next up is La Raya, so what happens, is that you’re driven to this spot, a mountain pass that marks the highest point on the route, more or less sitting about 14,222 ft above sea level. So, besides the, honestly, gasp-inducing views of the Andes Mountains, there is this brisk, biting air that’s going to totally wake you up. So, here, there’s this little market where local artisans sell all kinds of handcrafted souvenirs, and yet, really, it’s the panoramic sight that will genuinely stay in your mind for longer, seemingly.

Pukara: Pre-Inca Civilization

Right, so last stop prior to arriving to Puno would be Pukara, just a pit-stop to let you into what Peru was like pre-Inca times. Here, they will have you visit the Pukara Lithic Museum. The artifacts from the culture that called Pukara home would seemingly give a perspective, on top of what you’ve learned. But, maybe, a little less compelling than the previous locations, and could be that it is due to fatigue at the very end of the line.

What Is Included in the “Route of the Sun” Tour, Typically?

Right, so, if you are asking “What exactly am I paying for?”. Well, a bunch of these tours seemingly cover pretty much the same bases, more or less. Usually, there’s the bus ride between Cusco and Puno (and potentially back if you do the round trip). Very convenient. So, you will also receive guided tours at all these stops we just went over. Very informative, right? You might, similarly, receive lunch as part of the offer. Still, things such as, individual refreshments are typically up to you to sort, actually, and it would be very clever to budget accordingly.

Comfort Level & The Ride

Right then, let’s address comfort; and, truthfully, it matters. The buses running the “Route of the Sun” tend to be okay, more or less equipped with reclining seats and restrooms, which really is crucial for such a stretch. Even so, these seats tend to be fairly normal seating, very much like buses in Europe. Still, remember that it’s an all-day thing on the road, more or less meaning you might want to bring something such as, a travel pillow. More than that, download books, or download something you want to watch because the hours can get to you, for sure.

What Do People Actually Think of the “Route of the Sun?”

So, feedback usually paints a picture of a well-rounded travel approach. So, many people rave about hitting multiple sights in just one trip and are grateful for the understanding insights shared by their guide. Anyway, here and there, opinions on the bus quality or the provided meals are very different. Some call the lunch great. Then some others might find these a bit blah. So, keep this in mind as well, so you have some understanding.

Other Ways to Get from Cusco to Puno

Okay, so this tour will give you structure and, in addition, it may expose you to stops you were completely unaware of. Though it can also limit you, it could be just a ‘cookie-cutter’ version of what you want from Peru. I want to give you other ways to do this bit.

Taking the Public Bus

So, traveling from Cusco to Puno doesn’t just come in one kind of format. Do you like your experiences very simple? I mean, just transportation without the sightseeing stops in between? If so, I guess taking a normal, public bus would actually get the job done. So, it is the more economic route but is lacking the organized perks and learning occasions you will have on the “Route of the Sun”. Remember, because they’re a ‘normal’ bus, they have lots of pit stops and can feel a lot slower, even though it tends to be shorter.

Take a Train

So, another way for doing this travel bit would be the train ride via PeruRail. This way will present you a trip from Cusco to Puno. Keep in mind that this route will usually demand a transfer in a city such as Juliaca. PeruRail may lean towards the luxury way to experience traveling from Cusco to Puno; so you should really keep that in mind if it matches your preference and finances.

Private Transport

You like the ‘Route of the Sun’, however, wish there were adjustments made? In that situation, why not just look into setting up a private transport? Yes, I’m suggesting a way where it lets you establish your very own timetable, in some respects, and pick particular attractions which really catch your eye. Understand, though, doing it in a ‘custom’ way is naturally higher on the cost scale.

Is The “Route Of The Sun” A Good Choice?

Very well, should you do it, that being, go on the “Route of the Sun?” I guess that truly hinges on what you value during a trip. So, if your travel style benefits from efficient, well-rounded tours, blending landscapes with narratives, then seemingly it’s perfect! In contrast, should you hate scheduled group agendas, a more customized strategy may match you better. One that favors self-chosen activities, in a way.

Tips To Make the Most of Your “Route of the Sun” Tour:

• Acclimatize First: Pay Cusco a few days prior to deal with high altitude difficulties; this would keep mountain sickness far away, you know.
• Layer Your Clothes: Temperatures throughout a single day, are constantly evolving. Better ready for everything.
• Bring Snacks/Water: While lunch gets covered, I recommend more in-between munchies/hydration. Very essential!
• Cash on Hand: Smaller villages often don’t deal with cards; therefore carry just enough cash, alright.
• Be socially engaged: Discuss what intrigues with you; you could find even more, if your guide gets talkative; also enjoy the social interactions; that can sometimes really enrich any excursion in itself

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the “Route of the Sun” safe?

For sure. It is seen as a monitored group tour operated on an established route; yet common sense precautions such as securing belongings are advised everywhere during travel; it is wise to do the same here, yes.

How long does the tour take?

Count on, essentially, a complete day, ranging somewhere between ten/twelve hours typically, which makes sense once you start adding up journey alongside location sightseeing minutes.

Can I do the “Route of the Sun” in reverse, from Puno to Cusco?

It may surprise you; though many tours run each direction to adapt into different itineraries people create! Plan depending upon either departure point which better integrates what your route will resemble.

Are there restrooms on the bus?

Sure is. So, usually these types come equipped with a restroom facility making any long stretch between Cusco/Puno truly way less challenging than before.

What kind of food is served during the included lunch?

Usually they are, actually, more inclined to show off cuisine indigenous throughout Peru – and anticipate selections include traditional Andean offerings! Vegetarian choices mostly exist; therefore it’s ideal when indicating nutritional needs with tour providers before leaving.

Okay, to wrap up: ‘Route of the Sun’ offers one enriching approach transitioning among these captivating settings! Being that any travel taste is super specific means, make your calls aligned just alongside interests while weighing all these diverse ways so one genuinely optimizes a total travel venture throughout magical Peru!

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