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Enjoy the Cusco to Puno by Bus Route Full Day through the best destinations of both emblematic cities of Peru, we start in historic Cusco and take a legendary day trip down the Ruta del Sol. Discover the “Sistine Chapel of the Andes” in Andahuaylillas, the sacred Temple of Wiracocha in Raqchi, and the breathtaking high pass of La Raya. wrap up your trip in Puno, the colorful entry point to the enchanting Lake Titicaca.
Moderate
Culture, Adventure
4400 meters
Group Service
From majestic colonial churches and ancient Inca ruins to breathtaking mountain vistas, the Ruta del Sol with Inka Express is far more than a simple journey from Cusco to Puno. This full-day excursion seamlessly blends history, culture, and nature into an unforgettable travel experience.
Travel in comfort aboard a modern tourist coach, as knowledgeable and engaging local guides enrich each stop with captivating stories and unique insights you won’t find in any ordinary guidebook.
The Ruta del Sol offers a captivating journey through Peru’s cultural and historical treasures. In Andahuaylillas, marvel at the “Sistine Chapel of the Americas,” a colonial-era masterpiece adorned with intricate frescoes, ornate baroque details, and centuries of history. Continue to Raqchi, home to the “Temple of Wiracocha,” where impressive Inca stonework and ingenious engineering pay homage to the great creator god.
Midway, pause in Marangani for a buffet lunch in Sicuani, set in a picturesque valley and featuring a variety of fresh Andean and Peruvian specialties. The journey concludes with a visit to the Pucará Museum, where artifacts, pottery, and cultural relics reveal the legacy of one of the region’s earliest civilizations.
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Your adventure begins in the historic heart of Cusco, as you set out along the legendary Ruta del Sol — a journey that weaves together breathtaking landscapes, rich culture, and centuries of history.
The first stop is the charming town of Andahuaylillas, home to the famed “Sistine Chapel of the Americas.” This colonial masterpiece dazzles with intricate frescoes, ornate baroque details, and a timeless beauty that has endured for generations.
Continuing south, you’ll reach the impressive archaeological site of Raqchi, known as the “Temple of Wiracocha.” Here, towering adobe walls and ancient stonework reveal the ingenuity of Inca engineering, built in honor of the great creator god.
Midway through the journey, you’ll pause in the town of Sicuani to enjoy a hearty buffet lunch, showcasing the flavors of the Andes and the best of Peruvian cuisine — the perfect recharge before the afternoon’s discoveries.
As the road climbs higher, you’ll arrive at La Raya, the highest point along the route, where snow-capped peaks meet sweeping valleys in a panorama that feels almost otherworldly.
Descending once more, you’ll explore the Pucara Museum, home to fascinating artifacts and intricate pottery that tell the story of one of the region’s earliest civilizations.
The journey concludes in the vibrant city of Puno, gateway to the legendary Lake Titicaca — a fitting finale to a day filled with history, beauty, and unforgettable moments.
Group Price:
$60 USD per person
Private Price: Upon Request
TOILETRIES
WHAT TO CARRY IN YOUR BACKPACK
A small backpack (30 to 40L) is recommended for daily hikes. The rest of your belongings will be in your duffel bag carried by the horses.
The Cusco to Puno by Bus Full Day Tour is one of the most scenic and cultural journeys in Peru. Known as the Ruta del Sol, this route connects the historic city of Cusco with vibrant Puno, gateway to Lake Titicaca. Along the way, travelers experience a mix of breathtaking landscapes, colonial architecture, ancient Inca ruins, and Andean traditions — all in one unforgettable day.
During the trip, daytime temperatures generally range between 12°C and 22°C (53°F to 72°F). The climate varies depending on altitude: warmer in valleys and cooler at higher points like La Raya.
As this is a 1-day bus tour, travelers don’t typically face nighttime conditions. However, in destinations like Puno, nights can drop to 5°C (41°F) or lower, so carrying a warm layer is useful if you plan to stay.
Dry season (May–October): Clear skies, better visibility, and comfortable weather.
Wet season (November–April): Occasional rains, lush green landscapes, and fewer tourists.
No major hiking is required, but some stops involve light walking at high altitude (over 3,500 m / 11,500 ft). Spending at least 1–2 days in Cusco before the tour helps with acclimatization and reduces the risk of altitude sickness.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
The Briefing
A briefing will occur the night before the trek at 6 p.m. at our office, located at Portal Confiturias N° 211, Plaza de Armas
Luggage Storage
You can store your main luggage at our office or your hotel during the Humantay Lake 2-day Trek.
Booking the Cusco Puno 1-Full Day Tour
To book, complete our booking form by clicking on the “BOOK NOW” button on our homepage or use the link provided.
Please have the following information ready for each participant:
Ben Tooth2025-06-23Verified "Amazing experience with Incas Expeditions on the Slcante Trek. From the logistics to the knowledgeable guides, everything was planned out. We were able to fully appreciate the region's rich history and scenic splendor during the walk. Great value for a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Highly recommended for hikers of all skill levels. René Lehrer2025-06-14Verified An Unforgettable Journey Through Cusco. Incas Expeditions went above and above! Transportation, lodging, and guiding were excellent, and their staff made everything run smoothly from the minute we arrived in Cusco. Every ruin was brought to life with stories by our guide, who was quite educated about Inca history. Highlights of my trip included the walk to Machu Picchu and the Sacred Valley excursion. Throughout the entire process, I felt motivated, informed, and safe. Excellently suggested. Diego Fernando R2025-06-12Verified Amazing Inca Trail Salkantay Trek tour with friends I booked with my friends the Inca Trail Salkantay Trek tour with a group of friends and it was an experience that changed my way of seeing the Andean tours. The first day we walked around the city of Cusco and started the Inca Trail and camped at night but one of my friends got hurt during the last day in the Salkantay Pass and the guides were ready with their first aid kit and the attention was great! I recommend you to have a good stamina for this kind of multi-day treks. This tourism agency in Cusco is the best for trekking to Machu Picchu, thank you very much Incas Expeditions! Arianna O2025-06-12Verified The best travel guide We traveled with our teenage children and chose the short Inca trail with camping because it offered the right balance of adventure and comfort. It was our kids' first time camping and they loved it! The porters and guides were very friendly and always made sure we were ok. The trail itself was breathtaking, especially the views of Wiñay Wayna. At night, we stargazed and shared stories by the tent. I want to thank Incas Expeditions who took care of the logistics and even the food! My family and I will be returning to Cusco in a few months and we are happy to do the tour with you again :) Belén Lázaro2025-05-08Verified My experience on the Cusco day tour I'm going to tell you about my experience with Incas Expeditions. The truth is that they exceeded all my expectations. From the moment I arrived in Cusco, everything was perfectly organized. The guides were not only professional but also incredibly passionate about Peruvian culture and history, which made each tour feel personal and unique. They were also very attentive and helped me arrange some free time to explore on my own, which I truly appreciated. If you're looking for Peru tour packages, Incas Expeditions is, without a doubt, the best option. An incredible experience from start to finish! Departure586242359702025-05-08Verified An unforgettable trip to Machu Picchu My partner and I had always dreamed of visiting Machu Picchu, but we wanted to make this experience something unique. From the first contact with Incas Expeditions, everything was perfect. The team was incredibly attentive and helped us create a personalized itinerary that suited our preferences, and the guides explained the history and even taught us a little Quechua. Arriving at Machu Picchu was a dream come true, and having the opportunity to explore it so intimately on our personalized tour was something we will never forget. We definitely recommend Incas Expeditions to any couple who wants to experience the magic of Machu Picchu in a unique and worry-free way. Russ M2024-09-13Verified This was the best and most amazing tour. This was the best and most amazing tour. I wonder how I hadn't come across it sooner. Everything they did was perfect, from the accommodation to the hospitality—they did a great job. Nenuz M2024-09-12Verified We both enjoy this tour together with our kids. We both enjoy this tour together with our kids. It was an awesome feeling and experience. Guide were friendlily from the beginning to the end and we were took to my place. They're the best.
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