Route of the Sun Tour – Puno

About this tour

Places visited

South of Cusco

Pickup point

Hotel

Drop-off point

Hotel (private service) - Plaza Regocijo

Departure time

07:00 am

Return time

05:30 am

Itinerary

1. Day 1 Day 1 – The Route of the Sun: Cusco to Puno

   Today we pick you up early at your hotel and transfer you to the bus terminal, where you will board your tourist bus. We set off on this beautiful route at 07:00 am heading south, and the first place we visit is:

   THE CHAPEL OF ANDAHUAYLILLAS (3,093 M.A.S.L.)

   A 17th-century church also known as the "Sistine Chapel of the Andes" for the beauty of its murals, its gold-leaf work and the paintings of the Cusco School that it houses.

   THE ARCHAEOLOGICAL COMPLEX OF RAQCHI (3,450 M.A.S.L.)

   Also known as the Temple of the god Wiracocha, the supreme Inca deity. Here we will find the largest concentration of colcas (storehouses), as well as magnificent buildings of stone and adobe.

   IMPORTANT: The visit lasts 40 minutes. We recommend wearing a hat and sunscreen.

   LA PASCANA TOURIST RESTAURANT

   A buffet lunch is included in the price at the well-regarded La Pascana tourist restaurant, known for its chef's excellent cooking. It is strategically located on the outskirts of the town of Sicuani. The buffet offers a wide range of national and regional dishes, starters, fresh vegetables, side dishes, delicious desserts and hot drinks (coca tea, coffee or tea), all included in the price.

   IMPORTANT: Lunch lasts 40 minutes. Cold drinks such as water, soft drinks or beer are not included in the buffet.

   LA RAYA PASS (4,335 M.A.S.L.)

   The border between the regions of Cusco and Puno, at more than 4,335 m.a.s.l., where the famous snow-capped Chimboya mountain, source of the Amazon River, can be seen. You will be able to take photos of the landscape.

   IMPORTANT: The stop lasts 7 to 10 minutes. We recommend bringing an extra layer of warm clothing and drinking coca tea to counter altitude sickness.

   THE PUKARA STONE MUSEUM (3,900 M.A.S.L.)

   The Pukara culture developed from 1600 BC to 400 AD, 106 km northeast of the city of Puno. In this museum we will find ceramics and sculptures depicting zoomorphic figures, among them the famous sculpture of the Hatun Ñaqaq, which today would translate as "the great beheader."

   ARRIVAL IN PUNO AT 05:00 PM

   At the private bus terminal, our staff will be waiting to take you to your hotel.

   INCLUDES:

   • Tourist bus Cusco – Puno
   • Route of the Sun tour
   • Entrance fees to the sites visited
   • Lunch
   • Tour guide
   • 1 night at a hotel in Puno
2. Day 2 Uros and Amantaní Islands

   UROS AND AMANTANÍ:

   The tour begins at 08:00 am. We first visit the floating islands of the Uros, boarding a comfortable boat from the port of Puno (30 minutes). After visiting 2 floating islands we continue to Amantaní Island (2½ hours), arriving around midday, where we will be warmly welcomed by the local families.

   Accompanied by the families, we walk about 30 minutes uphill to their homes on Amantaní Island, where we will have lunch featuring the island's typical Andean food. After settling in and resting, we hike to the top of the island to visit the Inca ceremonial temples of Pachamama and Pachatata.

   After admiring the beautiful views of the lake in all its splendor, we wait to watch one of the most beautiful sunsets in the world. Finally we return to the family homes for dinner. In the evening the families organize a welcome party (optional), where you can dance and dress in traditional local clothing, accompanied by local musicians.

3. Day 3 Visit to Taquile

   We start the day with a typical breakfast and then walk down to the port of Amantaní (around 8:00 am) to take our boat to Taquile Island. We walk uphill to the main square, from where we can take in the island and learn more about its customs and textile traditions. After lunch we walk down to the port of Taquile (01:00 pm) to return to Puno, arriving at around 03:30 pm.

   Once in Puno you will have the afternoon free to explore the city. According to the departure time on your Puno – Cusco bus ticket, we will take you to the bus terminal to board the bus back to the city of Cusco, a journey of about 8 hours.

4. Day 4 Arrival in Cusco

   Arrival in the city of Cusco at 05:00 am. Our staff will pick you up and take you to your hotel or to the airport.

What's included?

Prices

What to bring and tips

• Extra money
• Sunglasses
• Cap or hat
• Sunscreen
• Travel backpack or small suitcase
• Warm clothing
• Gloves