Day Trip, Sun Route Circuit between Cusco and Puno

Imagine a full day spent weaving through some of the most iconic sights of southern Peru—from sacred temples and churches to high mountain passes—all in just about 10 hours. This Sun Route tour takes you between Cusco and Puno, offering a taste of the region’s deep-rooted history and natural beauty. Whether you’re a history buff, a lover of scenic drives, or simply eager to see more beyond the typical tourist spots, this tour packs in a lot of value.

Starting early, around 6:30 AM, you’ll hop aboard a comfortable bus, with options to depart from either Cusco or Puno. The journey is carefully curated to include stops at Andahuaylillas’s “Sistine Chapel of America”, the ancient temple of Wiracocha at Racchi, and the Lithic Museum of Pukara. We particularly love how the itinerary balances cultural exploration with breathtaking mountain scenery—including the famous Abra La Raya pass at over 14,000 feet.

One thing to keep in mind: this is a long day in high-altitude terrain, so good physical condition and acclimatization are helpful. The tour does not include hotel transfers, so you’ll want to arrange that separately if needed. But the price—around $90 per person—reflects a comprehensive experience, including guided visits, lunch, and all entry fees. This tour suits travelers who want to maximize their cultural exposure without sacrificing comfort, especially those with a full day available and a curiosity about the region’s sacred sites and ancient civilizations.

Key Points

• Cultural Highlights: Visit the “Sistine Chapel of America” and the Wiracocha temple, offering insights into Peru’s spiritual past.
• Scenic Mountain Pass: The Abra La Raya at over 14,000 feet provides stunning views and photo ops.
• Comprehensive Tour: Includes guided visits, buffet lunch, and entrance tickets, making it convenient for travelers.
• Long but Rewarding: Expect a 10-hour day, perfect for those who love full-day adventures and high-altitude scenery.
• Authentic Experiences: Stops at historic churches and archaeological sites give a real taste of Andean heritage.
• Flexible Booking: Options for pickup and drop-off can be added, and cancellation is free up to 24 hours beforehand.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Exploring the Itinerary in Detail

Starting the Journey

The tour kicks off early at 6:30 AM, with options to meet in Cusco or Puno. Setting out early makes sense: your day will be packed, and traveling at dawn ensures you beat the crowds at key sites. The bus is comfortable, and with bilingual guides (English and Spanish), you’ll get plenty of context along the way.

First Stop: Andahuaylillas – The “Sistine Chapel of America”

Just about an hour into the trip, you arrive in Andahuaylillas, a quaint town with a stunning church—San Pedro Apóstol—that often earns the nickname “Sistine Chapel of America” due to its exquisite murals and baroque decor. This guided 45-minute visit is a highlight, especially for those interested in religious art and colonial architecture. We loved the way the guide explains the symbolism and history behind the paintings, making the visit both beautiful and educational.

Raqchi: The Temple of Wiracocha

Next, you’ll explore Raqchi, an archaeological site that was once a major center of worship devoted to Wiracocha, an important deity in Andean culture. The site features impressive stone structures and a large temple that speak to the skill of ancient builders. The guided 45-minute tour here helps visitors understand how the Incas and earlier civilizations honored their gods and what legacies endure today. We appreciated how the guide described the transition of worship from indigenous to Christian practices after the Spaniards arrived, providing context for the site’s layered history.

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Lunch Break in Sicuani

A highlight of the trip is the buffet lunch in Sicuani, an opportunity to sample local flavors and recharge before the next phases of the journey. The meal offers a welcome break after several hours of sightseeing and altitude, with plenty of energy-boosting options.

Abra La Raya: Over 14,100 Feet

After lunch, your bus climbs to Abra La Raya, one of the highest points on the route. Here, you’ll be treated to panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. The altitude—over 4,300 meters—may cause some travelers to feel a bit short of breath, so take it slow and enjoy the crisp mountain air. This pass is photo-worthy and provides a sense of the region’s rugged grandeur.

Pukara Lithic Museum

The final cultural stop is the Lithic Museum of Pukara, where you’ll learn about the early inhabitants of the highlands. The exhibits showcase ancient artifacts, stone carvings, and explanations of how these early civilizations laid the groundwork for later Inca culture. The guide’s insights help you appreciate the depth of history preserved here, making it more than just a collection of old stones.

Ending the Day in Puno

By around 5:30 PM, the tour concludes back at the Puno bus station, giving you ample time for dinner or further exploration. The long day is packed, but the variety of sites and the scenic mountain drive make it worthwhile.

What Travelers Say

Reviewers have given this tour a stellar 5-star rating, with comments like “Spectacular excursion, more than 10 hours of absolutely enjoyable travel” and “Very pleasant. The places visited were very varied, which helped to ensure that the trip did not become tiresome.” These comments highlight how the mix of historical sites, scenic stops, and good organization create a memorable experience.

Some reviewers mention the high-altitude nature of the trip, which is something to consider if you’re sensitive to altitude. However, most find the stops and guided explanations add a lot of value, especially for those eager to understand Peru’s cultural layers.

The Value of This Tour

Priced at $90 per person, this tour delivers an impressive lineup of sites, guided commentary, and a convenient all-in-one package. The entrance fees to the churches and archaeological sites are included, so there are no hidden costs once you’re on the bus. The buffet lunch is a practical perk that saves time and money, offering a variety of local dishes.

While it’s a full day, the experience offers excellent value for travelers wanting to see a diverse array of historical and scenic highlights without the hassle of organizing separate transport and entries. The comfortable bus, guided explanations, and included meals make it accessible and enjoyable for most travelers, especially those interested in culture, history, and stunning mountain scenery.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This trip is ideal for history enthusiasts, culture lovers, and anyone eager to explore Andean traditions beyond Cusco and Puno’s main squares. It’s perfect if you enjoy scenic drives and want a guided, hassle-free experience. The tour suits travelers who are generally in good health and can handle high altitudes, as some stops are at over 14,000 feet.

It’s also a good choice for those with limited time who want to maximize their exposure to Peru’s sacred sites and spectacular landscapes in just one day.

The Sum Up

The Sun Route between Cusco and Puno offers a compact yet rich journey through some of the region’s most meaningful sites. You’ll visit a breathtaking church dubbed the “Sistine Chapel of America,” marvel at an ancient temple dedicated to Wiracocha, and see the Andes from one of its highest passes. The guided visits, comfortable transport, and included meals combine to create a seamless experience suited for those eager to learn and see more beyond the obvious highlights.

While it’s a long day—packed with sights—it’s precisely that sense of immersion and variety that makes this tour appealing. If you enjoy cultural discovery, scenic mountain passes, and historical sites, this trip will leave you with lasting memories of the highlands’ spiritual and natural beauty. Just be prepared for the altitude, and you’ll have a rewarding, full-day adventure.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is hotel pickup included in this tour?
No, hotel pickup is not included by default, but you can add this service during booking or arrange it separately. The tour starts at designated meeting points, which may vary depending on your booking.

What is the duration of the tour?
The tour lasts approximately 10 hours, starting around 6:30 AM and ending back at the Puno bus station around 5:30 PM.

How much does the tour cost?
It costs about $90 per person, which includes transportation, a bilingual guide, entrance tickets, and a buffet lunch, offering good value for such a full day.

What sites are visited during the tour?
You’ll visit the Church of San Pedro Apóstol in Andahuaylillas, the archaeological site of Raqchi, the Lithic Museum of Pukara, and the scenic Abra La Raya mountain pass.

Is this tour suitable for travelers who are sensitive to high altitude?
The stops occur at high elevations—over 14,000 feet at Abra La Raya—so travelers should be prepared for altitude effects and consider their health and acclimatization.

Are guides bilingual?
Yes, the tour is guided in both English and Spanish, making it accessible to a wide range of travelers.

Can I cancel this tour?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, giving you flexibility if your plans change.

Is food included?
Yes, a buffet lunch is included, allowing you to enjoy local dishes without extra expense or hassle.

What should I bring?
A valid passport for entry to sites and for identification. It’s also wise to bring sunscreen, sunglasses, and layers, as mountain weather can be variable.

This Sun Route tour offers a well-rounded, enriching day exploring some of the best cultural and scenic highlights between Cusco and Puno. If you’re craving a mix of history, scenic views, and local flavor on a manageable schedule, it’s a strong choice that will give you a memorable taste of the Peruvian highlands.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby