Cusco Route of the Sun Tour: Puno Review with Hotel Tips

Planning a trip through Peru? So, the “Cusco Route of the Sun” tour from Puno is almost certainly something you’ve stumbled upon, and you are really, truly wondering if it lives up to the buzz. That trip, too, promises a day filled with ancient history, eye-catching landscapes, and a taste of Andean culture. That assessment, is that this article will share insights from my own experience to really give you a clearer idea of what you could very well expect and even offer some advice on choosing the great hotel in Puno to really round out your trip.

What’s the “Route of the Sun” Tour, Anyway?

Basically, the “Route of the Sun” is very popular full-day bus tour that connects Puno, which is, you know, on the shores of Lake Titicaca, to Cusco, which, as a matter of fact, is the old Inca capital. I mean, the tour is not just about getting from point A to point B; instead, that journey includes planned stops at several spots with cultural and archaeological importance. Actually, that beats sitting on a bus for 10 hours straight, right? At the end of the day, too it’s all about breaking up the travel and seeing things you’d usually miss.

Stops Along the Way: A Peek at What You’ll See

The tour usually, actually it makes about four to five key stops. So, let’s take a quick look at them:

Pukara: I mean, Pukara is often, that is the first stop, is a pre-Inca archaeological place. And it’s almost like, there you can visit the Pukara Lithic Museum, to honestly get a grasp of the culture that flourished there a very long time ago.
La Raya: This spot, anyway, marks the highest point on the route, that, at more than 14,000 feet above sea level! Of course, the views are usually totally breathtaking, that too, with snow-capped mountains.
Raqchi: You are pretty, pretty sure to check out the Temple of Wiracocha, which, honestly, is an interesting Inca structure. Basically, the sheer scale of the temple will really, actually blow your mind, to be honest.
Andahuaylillas: The Church of San Pedro Apóstol in Andahuaylillas, sometimes, is referred to as the “Sistine Chapel of America”. And I want to say that because, at the end of the day, this spot is full of fascinating religious art.

My Personal Experience on the Tour

I took the “Route of the Sun” tour during my visit to Peru last year. So, you know, it seemed like a solid idea at the time. But as a matter of fact, the main reason was that, that it would get me from Puno to Cusco with some sightseeing thrown in. The tour that I chose began very, very early –around 7 AM — and finished very, very late –about 5 PM, when it arrived in Cusco. This detail, just pretty, is always really worth knowing, right?

Anyway, now, as a matter of fact, let me share the things that actually stood out.

The Good Stuff

Knowledgeable Guide: Our tour guide was almost, actually, a star. Obviously, this man just understood everything about the history and also knew, kind of, how to tell it in an engaging way. Really, he was, too, able to answer every question that we had and provide a context for each stop that was meaningful, basically.
Comfortable Transportation: The bus that we took was actually, you know, really comfortable. That’s a great assessment because after many hours on the road, which is definitely a plus! Basically, there were reclining seats, you know, lots of legroom, and functional restrooms which can also prove beneficial to others looking for this travel route.
Delicious Lunch: As I recall, a buffet lunch was included in the cost. Actually, I didn’t expect all that much. But to be honest it really exceeded my expectations. As a matter of fact, there was, in general, an interesting selection of dishes –Peruvian of course –which provided, definitely, that perfect energy boost we needed, to be honest.

Things to Keep in Mind

Altitude can be a Factor: Do not ever underestimate the altitude! At La Raya, I literally began to feel the effects and found myself very, very breathless with only minimal walking. So, what I did was to take it a bit slowly and drank a ton of water (or even tea made from coca leaves). As I recall, almost everyone on the bus got affected somehow.
Pace could be Tiring: Because it’s that type of thing: the tour definitely covers a lot of ground (literally and figuratively!), so expect that you have very short time at each site. Obviously, this might really, very frustrate anyone that wants to spend way more time and fully see things, to be honest.
Souvenir Push: At various spots, it is pretty obvious you’re exposed to local sellers and shopkeepers which, arguably, may sometimes get really quite pushy. Although you really shouldn’t allow that to prevent you from actually getting that full, cultural experience, it’s more effective if one knows, isn’t it?

Finding a Solid Place to Stay in Puno

As a matter of fact, Puno has great hotels, really, if one knows precisely where one might seek. Because too, your selection can certainly impact the enjoyment of your entire visit and can make all those early-morning wake-up times simpler, alright?

My Puno Hotel Recommendations

Titilaka Lodge: A short way away, Titilaka offered wonderful lake views and what you might describe as personalized experiences. If you do consider something higher-end, this choice can actually be great to really help you get ready to visit the lake as such.
Hotel Libertador Isla Esteves: This particular hotel almost sits right at the lake’s edge, providing one wonderful views plus simple access when hopping onto a tour. Also, that might definitely simplify organizing things if one considers any trip onto the islands from the next day!
Casa Andina Premium Puno: Anyway, now as a matter of fact, if location has some significance, as this spot often sits really near Puno’s plaza, basically granting one straightforward access if someone likes seeking many shops, eats, and the local excitement.

Tips for Choosing a Hotel

Consider Proximity: First think hard what things, as an instance, one prioritizes – whether it’s that waterfront, a specific distance to town, for example. You, in any case can assist oneself quite a bit more by being clear about personal goals, of course!
Read Current Reviews: At any rate, really study people’s assessments – primarily those that tackle neatness, amenities, and the aid the employees can give. Basically, they almost frequently give truly solid awareness from experience which definitely does prove worthwhile!
Book Ahead: Puno, for instance, during tourist seasons, gets rather booked. At least prepare what might come as the obvious! That, basically is also so! By being really prompt in order to book – and being strategic as much as possible — one will possibly, probably find it easier to guarantee solid charges – as well possibly guarantee room to occupy, alright!

Is the “Route of the Sun” Tour Worth It?

Okay, now I feel at this point one, actually probably wonders basically just what someone suggests; if, too, to be frank, that one probably finds the trip truly great after the whole process, basically? I mean, right then, is always what it means.

Right then so, on a whole note, actually I might claim this did very much merit what you’re having to pay to secure it. However! Now one sees it! And truly; if it is the main purpose. However as well as should not prove truly high at one. Still it will, more or less. I, now would give as an ideal, great solid one whether aiming for great comfort, not, well. Not even just this: being really informed really is not ever truly to forget during making decisions.

Conclusion

In the meantime, the “Cusco Route of the Sun” tour from Puno can prove truly great means for, well, making its path within spots. Not only does the site deliver quite great opportunity meant for those seeking culture and natural wonder within great style but too the site would show to bring solid opportunity that brings one to take their own great means in taking solid steps – with proper plans that will in effect result in quite better visits.

By being sure and mindful, though? I mean, this too, definitely aids a little with being careful! One too often will not find one. Yet. Not within what all will lead and aid; that which gives and helps at times most.

#Cusco #Puno #Peru #Travel #Review #RouteOfTheSun