Ruta Del Sol Cusco to Puno Full-Day Trip: My Review
Thinking about making the scenic drive between Cusco and Puno? So, you know, there are different ways to go about it, right? Flying is quick, that is right, but you skip so much! Taking a local bus is way more budget-friendly, of course, but then again, very time-consuming and potentially less comfy. We wanted something in the middle, is that right, a way to see the landscapes and still have some interesting stops on the route, yet that’s the reason we chose the Full Day on the Ruta Del Sol tour! I want to walk you through our day, talking about what we saw, what we enjoyed, and what you maybe ought to be aware of.
Why Choose the Ruta Del Sol Tour?
The Ruta Del Sol, “Route of the Sun”, that is what it means in Spanish. It links Cusco and Puno, two pretty well-known Peruvian spots, actually, and the tour promises to show you some fascinating spots in between, or very, very fascinating, I might add! Instead of just getting from point A to point B, as a matter of fact, you get to see archaeological spots, churches, and stunning scenery. For us, that combination was the kicker.
We wanted to make the most of our travel day, arguably, instead of just zoning out on a plane. Plus, the idea of someone else dealing with the transportation while we could relax and soak it all in? That was too enticing. We ended up booking with a company that had very solid reviews, really, so that was the plan. It had fairly comfy buses and also spoke decent English, to be honest, and these things do matter when you’re, like, traveling in a foreign place, alright?
The First Stop: Andahuaylillas – The Sistine Chapel of the Americas
Our day got going pretty early! We were picked up from our Cusco hotel right at, like, 7:00 AM. That first stretch was a bit sleepy, for sure, but after a couple hours, the scenery started to get super amazing! So, our first stop was Andahuaylillas, a small town very well known for its church, the Iglesia de San Pedro Apóstol. From the outside, arguably, the church doesn’t look like much, very ordinary is what I’d say. That said, the inside is something else! It’s drenched in amazing frescoes, gilt decorations, that is just a sight to behold.
The detail is impressive! Yet you understand why it’s called the “Sistine Chapel of the Americas”. Our guide pointed out several of the most significant features, that’s right, explaining the symbolism and history behind the art. Keep in mind, is that right, that you often cannot take pictures inside. Just appreciate it and purchase a postcard to support the church’s preservation!
Raqchi: Temple of Wiracocha
Next up was Raqchi, a more or less interesting archaeological spot. It features the remains of the Temple of Wiracocha, so named for a very, very crucial Inca deity. Very big walls and massive columns dominate the area, or massive adobe columns I should state, and that almost provides you a sense of how grand it used to be.
Our guide explained the Temple of Wiracocha served an important ceremonial purpose, arguably, and as a key stopping point along the Inca road system. It had great significance! Walking around the site made it pretty simple to appreciate the Inca’s architectural capabilities, for sure, plus their very sophisticated understanding of construction. There were other smaller ruins too, literally, some old houses and storage buildings to inspect.
Lunch with a View
Lunch was included in our tour package! Just stop and recharge a bit! So it was at a restaurant somewhere between Raqchi and La Raya Pass, or just about. The meal was buffet-style, for instance, providing a wide array of local Peruvian dishes, yet quinoa soup, alpaca stew, that stuff.
The food was decent, not incredible, as a matter of fact, but good enough to refuel. However, arguably, the highlight was the view! We had panoramic vistas of the Andes mountains, clearly! That provided the setting a delightful experience, so that was cool!
La Raya Pass: Standing on the Continental Divide
La Raya Pass has an amazing stop on the journey. It marks the highest point on the road between Cusco and Puno. Or that’s about 14,232 feet above sea level, that is absolutely staggering! Is that not a sight for sore eyes?
We got out of the bus to take some pictures and enjoy the views! Yet just so you know, the air is thin! And of course it is, naturally. Moving around too much can be quite a chore, alright? This location too marks the continental divide, so, too it’s almost, right where the waters split between the Amazon basin and Lake Titicaca. It’s touristy, there are several vendors selling local crafts, right. But I would state it’s something else to take a moment, and enjoy just the vastness of the Andes!
Pukara: A Pre-Inca Culture
Our last stop was at Pukara! This spot is an archeological site and a museum focused on the Pukara culture! This pre-Inca society grew in this place sometime between 100 BC and AD 300! Honestly I did not know very much about this particular culture, that is fair.
The museum showcases a bunch of pottery and sculpture and, frankly, offers understanding on their religion and their everyday life. The actual archeological location is something to walk through. However, it wasn’t the most exciting thing we saw that day, really, if I’m really honest. Is that because we had been so blown away from all the stuff previously? Still, the archeological stuff is quite informative!
Arrival in Puno
By about 5:00 PM, we came to Puno, yet after a really, really long day on the road. We were dropped off right at our hotel. Pretty beat up! We felt like we made good usage of our transit day! In short, this turned out way more than just a boring travel day! In some respects, you know? The Ruta Del Sol trip? Honestly it’s quite a really comfortable way to get between Cusco and Puno!
Things to Keep in Mind
If you are interested in booking the Full Day on the Ruta Del Sol tour, by the way, here’s what I suggest, alright?
- Altitude Sickness: The high altitude can affect several people, or people very, very badly! Give it your all, you will do okay if you take it gently and maybe drink some coca tea.
- What to Bring: Layers are extremely helpful! That’s from sunshine to rain, literally! So, too it’s almost all possible in one day, literally. Honestly wear snug shoes for walking, a hat, sunglasses, plus sunscreen.
- Photography: You can not use flash photography inside the church in Andahuaylillas, arguably. However, I’d give it a try, so ask first before assuming.
- Souvenirs: Every stop comes with local sellers that provide all kinds of handicrafts, obviously. Be ready to haggle if you wish to do so.
Is the Ruta Del Sol Tour Worth It?
If you are short on time and wish to visit several interesting sites between Cusco and Puno, definitely, the Ruta Del Sol tour is a good option, right? We enjoyed seeing these locations, is that, but taking in these amazing views? Without, as a matter of fact, stressing over the navigation part. I suppose you have to appreciate slow pace of the adventure, like your very early starts plus some very lengthy stretches on a bus! The trip runs all day, just!
Should I suggest the Ruta Del Sol tour? Definitely yes!