Cusco to Puno: Top ‘Route of the Sun’ Review and Guide

Thinking about a different way to get from Cusco to Puno, Peru? You know, flying is quick, but you miss so much. Maybe you want to take the road? Then the ‘Route of the Sun’ is for you! This route, traveling by bus, gives you sights of some stunning scenery and intriguing cultural stops. I mean, it turns travel day into a whole sightseeing event.

What is the ‘Route of the Sun’ Exactly?

The ‘Route of the Sun’ is, well, very much a specially planned bus tour linking Cusco and Puno. It is more than transportation; it’s actually an experience in itself! It’s often chosen by folks looking to soak in the views and culture in a relaxed and structured way. So, instead of just zoning out on a regular bus, you visit landmarks, grab some grub, and stretch those legs.

First stop: Andahuaylillas

Okay, first up is Andahuaylillas. This is where you find the Church of San Pedro Apóstol, almost like the ‘Sistine Chapel of the Americas’. Why this nickname? It is the amazing artwork that practically explodes with color and detail! It’s fairly unassuming from the outside, but wow, that inside. Walking in is kind of like stepping into another artistic dimension. You may just want to keep looking up!

Next up: Raqchi

Now, onward to Raqchi, so this site is really something. Raqchi holds what’s left of an appealing Inca temple dedicated to Wiracocha, who you might say was like a supreme being. The remains have this giant wall right in the center. It feels as if it’s telling tales from the past, doesn’t it? You know, wander around and that is one way to imagine old Inca ceremonies playing out.

Hello La Raya Pass

La Raya Pass, wow, the views there! Being at a top elevation of about 14,222 feet above sea level (4,335 meters), you find yourself almost on top of the world, it’s a bit majestic. That is, between the Vilcanota mountain range, and the chilly air, maybe this is a wonderful photo stop? It’s also very much the divide between the Cusco and Puno areas, so think of it like straddling two really distinct cultures simultaneously.

Lastly: Pukara’s History

Finishing up, we get to Pukara, also called the very first large settlement around Lake Titicaca. You see, the Pukara Lithic Museum is one place to check out. See, it showcases stone sculptures and ceramics of the Pukara people. That famed ‘Hatunqolla’ monolith is something! Anyway, you’ll have a glance into an advanced culture dating back centuries before the Incas. Very intriguing, right?

What to Expect on the Road

You know, typically, the ‘Route of the Sun’ bus services set themselves apart. These have, like, tour guides speaking both English and Spanish on board. Plus they sometimes have more legroom, to make your ride so comfortable, that is what you’re paying for. Anyway, plan for a full-day excursion – it’s likely to last about ten hours, with a blend of on-the-bus time plus visits to the different destinations.

The Good and Bad of Traveling This Way

Of course, there are ups and downs on this route, like there are on most, right?

What’s Appealing

Ease: Forget about planning those details – tickets, schedules, where to eat. They have that handled.
Insight: With guides who actually understand all the historic and cultural nuances, you get the story straight from a good source.
Saves Time: Considering that coordinating separate trips might just gobble up a lot of your energy and hours, this is quite a time-saver, it is like combining two things.

A Couple Drawbacks

Less Freedom: Everything runs on the company’s time frame, if you were going yourself, you could do anything.
Pace: You get the abridged versions of all these places, not nearly as much time to dive deep as you would like, is that fair?
The Cost: More money maybe compared to a public bus, certainly so. Still, you get so much, very often it’s a good deal.

Helpful Advice for Traveling the ‘Route of the Sun’

Before hopping on, make sure you’re good to go. Think altitude adjustment and comfort, so it goes without saying.

Adjust to High Altitudes: Consider giving yourself a couple days in Cusco just before your ‘Route of the Sun’ trip, allowing you to get a bit more acclimated before taking the journey.
What to Put On: Layer clothing! The Andes have microclimates, really. Have something ready for a cold wind, so as for sunshine.
Bring Snacks: Small bites may just fill the void, in-between official food breaks. This especially goes for the traveler with different diet needs, is what I hear.
Extra Money: Okay, in some of those stop-over places, it might come in handy to have small change or local currency for little souvenirs, and using the washroom sometimes!
Your Camera: Of course, make certain the battery isn’t dead. You won’t want those amazing moments uncaptured, might you?

Making a Decision About Taking the ‘Route of the Sun’

Then, is the ‘Route of the Sun’ the most perfect choice to travel between Cusco and Puno? Is that right for your plans?

Maybe take this tour if, it feels really important that you don’t miss significant landmarks and getting that local expert touch.
If that sounds like too strict a schedule and you are a solo, more spontaneous soul, then other methods may suit better. A taxi, another kind of public transportation, who knows.
Should that higher price versus hours on the local bus makes sense for what it brings, then okay, definitely!

In short, this is all very dependent on what kind of experience you are searching for. See, travel’s almost always a compromise, but what makes you tick is paramount! Weigh out how much time you want to use getting there versus digging into each site, versus saving extra money, too.

If, it means having historical treasures revealed, as that landscapes rolls on by safely and comfortably – that’s pretty hard to beat!

In sum, hopping on the ‘Route of the Sun’ could easily switch an ordinary point A-to-point B travel situation. It could switch to an amazing overview of all that Andean ground in between! You will probably collect incredible stories and photos. Isn’t that, really, what travel’s about?