Cusco Route of the Sun Tour: My Detailed Puno Adventure

Alright, so you’re thinking about the Cusco Route of the Sun tour that kicks off from Puno, huh? That’s so great you’re looking for a different way to go, as it can be a good option. Is it actually worth carving out two days of your precious vacation time, plus the added cost? I mean, you are wanting to get the real lowdown, so this review is all about my personal take after actually going on it. I’m looking to share some experiences and give you some tips.

Why Choose the Route of the Sun? Getting from Puno to Cusco Differently

Instead of flying or even taking a direct bus, the Route of the Sun thing from Puno to Cusco promises, I guess, a slower paced and more culturally rich experience. I guess most people skip Puno completely. And also that most of them go directly from Cusco to Lake Titicaca or back. Anyway this option actually gives you the chance to visit a bunch of lesser-known, fascinating places along the way. We’re talking pre-Inca ruins, charming colonial churches, and scenery that is, very much so, out of this amazing, stunning, picturesque and dreamlike world. You might, potentially, want something different. The regular, you know, Puno to Cusco travel scene, it can sometimes be a bit boring.

I was, anyway, hoping to break up the long journey with, almost, a bunch of worthwhile stops and get a greater feel for the region beyond just the typical tourist hotspots. So, too it’s an opportunity, maybe, to acclimatize to the altitude more gently, since the Altiplano is seriously high! Did the Route of the Sun live up to my expectations? Or was it another case of “sounds better on paper?” Keep reading and, also, I am here to try and provide all of the necessary intel!

Booking and First Impressions

I booked my tour online, it was, anyway, with a tour operator that seemed to have some fairly alright reviews and, more or less, a pretty decent itinerary. The whole thing came out to be pretty affordable (about $200, depending on the specific package). The big plus was that it included a hotel stay mid-route, which meant, basically, one less thing for me to worry about. That, actually, can make a huge difference when trying to do this all solo.

My initial communication with the tour company was, honestly, pretty good, so, too it was easy to book and, apparently, they were quite prompt in answering my questions. Now, when travel gets involved you, obviously, get a little bit worried. I was picked up, I mean promptly and very early at my Puno hotel by the tour bus. First impressions? The bus was, just a little, bit comfy and, also, seemingly pretty clean. The guide seemed rather friendly and seemed very fluent in both English and Spanish. Very important, also. So, also, things were seemingly off to a decent start, I suppose. This company I booked through used a number of busses so, in fact, it seems that what happened with them is what generally always happens.

Day 1: Pukara, La Raya, and Lunch with a View

The first day focused mainly on pre-Inca sites. So, we’ve first of all started with Pukara, which is this, very, pre-Inca archaeological site. That location actually isn’t nearly as widely known as Machu Picchu. It does, usually, draw fewer crowds. It offers a look at a culture that apparently dates way back, long before the Incas ever rocked up. The museum there isn’t too bad at all, with displays of pottery and stone carvings, seemingly all shedding light on the Pukara people and their civilization. The thing is, also, that it’s a decent spot to, too it’s almost, start wrapping your head around the depth of history in this part of the amazing world.

La Raya Pass was next on the list and marks the highest point on the road between Puno and Cusco. You know, as a matter of fact, you will for sure feel it when you’re there! The views are spectacular and, in that case, make for, kind of, an alright photo opportunity. And, frankly, that’s what most tourists were really after. It got kind of freezing because of the elevation, I mean, super nippy. So that’s a tip, make sure to pack layers, because honestly I froze! So, the vendors selling souvenirs there aren’t too bad, and if you just politely say “no gracias” that is, in that case, normally enough.

Lunch that first day was actually included and it was served at, in other words, this restaurant with, actually, a great view. The food? Sort of decent local fare. Anyway, the highlight had to be the stunning views. What made me laugh? In the meantime, I bonded with my travel companions which happened with other travelers from, more or less, a couple of countries.

Day 2: Raqchi and the Sistine Chapel of the Americas

Day two started, alright, with a visit to Raqchi, an Inca temple that’s so huge and kinda gives you a sense of just how big their empire really was. What happened with Raqchi is what makes history so fun. Apparently it’s dedicated to Wiracocha, the supreme creator god. You know, just imagining all of the ceremonies and happenings that occurred there makes the history seemingly come to life. And you should picture them because it makes things great.

The true highlight, anyway, of day two was definitely the San Pedro Apóstol church in Andahuaylillas. And so, too it’s also nicknamed the “Sistine Chapel of the Americas.” I guess as soon as you walk in, you will quickly see why! It’s interior is super lavish, covered pretty much entirely in beautifully vibrant murals. The artwork is apparently just stunning. All seemingly done by local artists in the 17th century. Photography was restricted which, definitely, sucked. But it just means you get to really spend the time, next, just enjoying the experience.

The Hotel Stay: A Welcome Respite

Alright so I can get to the accommodation part now. The hotel was in a random, small town along the route. Look, anyway, it wasn’t anything very fancy. But, frankly, it offered, you know, a comfortable bed, a hot shower, and a meal, and a bit of down time. And, as a matter of fact, that was totally welcome after a pretty hectic day of sightseeing and being on the bus.

The chance to recharge was welcome for sure! It gave me the fuel, still, to just keep trucking along and that really made a huge change for me. Don’t imagine that there’ll be a fitness facility there, alright, so any fitness fans reading need to know the situation!

Food and Drink Along the Way

The food along the Cusco Route of the Sun thing wasn’t exactly, you know, gourmet dining, to be fair. A great thing is that it did give you, clearly, the chance to sample a decent bit of regional cuisine. It just needed to get eaten, you see, as that was the plan. This actually helped me realize what I like so when I was able to spend some extra time around the rest of the country later. Anyway, I could pick and choose my dining choices!

Lunch on both days was, basically, a buffet style offering, with dishes that seemed typical of the Andes, such as quinoa soup, alpaca steaks (for an extra fee, apparently) and, like your, a variety of potato-based dishes. A bit, anyway, adventurous foodies might want to lower expectations just a little. For others? Frankly, It’ll work and be absolutely alright. Bottled water was, I mean thankfully, readily available for purchase at each stop and, for example, I’d highly recommend stocking up since, definitely, the altitude can really dehydrate you, as a matter of fact.

Things I Really Enjoyed

The small group vibe was what was really nice! As I was saying, I connected with the other travelers. Because the group was fairly intimate, I had the opportunity, next, to just get to actually chat with people from different backgrounds and, honestly, share experiences. This enhanced my whole trip for sure.

The San Pedro Apóstol church thing in Andahuaylillas? Wow. The “Sistine Chapel of the Americas” title, frankly, isn’t hyperbole! You just absolutely shouldn’t miss it at all! The local guides were also brilliant.

Things That Could Be Better

The bus rides did, honestly, get kinda long. A good set of earphones or any, really, offline entertainment is gonna be pretty key if you want to stave off boredom. Maybe think about loading up your phone, anyway.

A thing is that the explanations offered in English sometimes felt very brief compared to those offered in Spanish. I can actually speak pretty good Spanish, and, as a matter of fact, I just wonder what the other guys made of it. In some respects, it wasn’t all that balanced for some folks, clearly. So hopefully they adjust this at the company, you know?

Is the Route of the Sun Worth It?

And that’s what we’re really trying to decide, so you know I’ve been honest. For people after, almost, a different and deeper travel experience between Puno and Cusco, I’d argue yes, anyway. I believe this thing would be for them.

You will want to know: this tour provides a slower, richer and, also, seemingly way more interesting trip than, I’m sure, what a regular bus could provide. The sites along the way are seemingly fascinating, and so, too it’s almost, the opportunity to break up the travel is gonna be really valued by some folks. I really do see a value in taking this option!