Cusco to Puno: An Honest Look at the Route of the Sun

The stretch from Cusco to Puno, Peru, that so many folks traverse, it’s more than just a trip from point A to point B. It’s, almost, like a scenic adventure brimming with history and cultural gems. When weighing up your options for seeing what’s in between these famed cities, one tour, you see, stands out: “The Route of the Sun.” Does it live up to all the hype, yet? Let’s take a look at what this guided bus experience actually provides and if it’s something for you, you know?

What’s “The Route of the Sun” Anyway?

Think of it so as an all-day bus tour connecting Cusco and Puno (or vice versa). What makes this option, very, interesting, is that this is more than just transportation; this is sightseeing made easy, you know? Usually starting early in the morning, a bus is going to whisk you away to various archaeological sites and charming towns between the two cities. The promise is really a full day stuffed with gorgeous landscapes and, arguably, cultural insights, see?

First Stop: Andahuaylillas – The Sistine Chapel of the Americas

Just about an hour from Cusco is, potentially, where you’ll find the little town of Andahuaylillas, which, often, is the initial stop. Here stands what people have called the “Sistine Chapel of the Americas”. Now, why does it have such a grand moniker, right? It’s mostly due to the stunningly ornate interior of its church. The Iglesia de San Pedro Apóstol, it’s overflowing with artwork that, I think, is bright, vivid murals, and, arguably, baroque altars covered with actual gold leaf. Trust me, so you won’t be short on photo opportunities at this location.

Raqchi: Temple of Wiracocha

On you drive toward, probably, the Temple of Wiracocha in Raqchi, that, almost, is halfway between Cusco and Puno. Wiracocha, now, this fellow, it’s thought of as the creator deity in pre-Inca and Inca cultures. What you’ll find, in this place, is actually the towering remains of a temple dedicated to him. This site, arguably, gives a fantastic look at ancient Inca architectural methods. Walking around those tall walls and, you see, pondering over how old they are— that’s really something.

Lunch Stop: Sicuani

Okay, by the time noon rolls around, the bus stops in Sicuani for lunch. Generally, this is at some tourist-friendly restaurant, providing a buffet of, seemingly, regional Peruvian food. Try, very, hard, you know, not to eat too much, seeing how the trip is far from finished.

La Raya: The Andean Divide

Next up, anyway, is La Raya, the highest point on the road between Cusco and Puno. We’re talking over 14,000 feet (4300 meters) above sea level. It’s a land between Cusco and Puno; the views can be jaw-dropping, yet. Snow-capped mountains? Oh, definitely. Some local artisan shops? Well, typically, you’ll get them too. Remember that it will get cold so dress appropriately.

Pukara: A Pre-Inca Culture

You wrap the tour with Pukara. Now this pre-Inca place, arguably, provides a peek into what was around prior to the Incas rising up. Pukara is renowned because of its ceramics, particularly these “toritos” or little ceramic bulls which, allegedly, you will see atop homes to, kinda, bring about protection and prosperity. The on-site museum houses, seemingly, several artifacts and, perhaps, offers background on the Pukara culture. Then, you see, it’s onwards to Puno!

The Good and The Not-So-Good

The good stuff:

Easy peasy sightseeing: What can be so incredible, probably, is having transportation and tours set up as one single thing. No worrying on where to go.
It’s a decent chunk of history and culture: You are going to see various sites in only one day, perhaps, all offering you something cultural to, kind of, chew on.
Gorgeous sights: Peru is a very beautiful place. You will have tons of those moments for photo taking during this ride.

Stuff to keep an eye on:

Pace is Quick: Just the issue with full-day tours such as this one is that everything sort of rushes through quickly. You might feel, like your, rushed while seeing any single area.
Tourist Trappings: Almost certainly you can hit shops geared mainly, perhaps, for tourists.
Altitude sickness is for real: Bear in mind this ride can reach very, very, high elevations. Prepare yourself concerning altitude and, arguably, be sure to get hydrating.

So, Is “The Route of the Sun” Worth It?

Okay, now that comes down to that, in my estimation. What can make The Route of the Sun worth it, is if time can be tight for you and you would really love hitting some of those spots right between Cusco and Puno, you know? When you favor doing travel in a calmer or more deeply immersed method, perhaps take into account doing those stops yourself using, apparently, more time, though.

Things to Keep In Mind

Getting up really early: Just plan that it is going to be a super early morning. This journey usually begins long before daybreak.
Pack layers of clothes: Given altitude modifications from that Andes area, put on clothes that could possibly keep pace with ever changing temperatures.
Carry coca candies: Really good when dealing with that altitude and could reduce headaches etc., really.
Purchase tickets in advance: Well if taking trips in top seasons, its, allegedly, a smart decision when one can purchase one of those bus trip tickets earlier, you see?
Stay adaptable: Delays do occur from Peru, this really means, stay open, maybe?

In Conclusion (Sort Of…)

The “Route of the Sun” going from Cusco to Puno delivers some interesting glance at landscape also cultural legacy, perhaps, from your Peruvian altiplano area. It is easy; it hits, yet, some notable factors of interests along how you want that structured trip for the trip across two locations. Remember getting informed regarding potential considerations (altitude primarily!), so go enjoy all that Peru delivers.