This scenic bus journey between Cusco and Puno offers a cultural and historical experience unlike any standard transfer. Designed exclusively for tourists, the route includes guided visits to some of the most emblematic sites of the Andean highlands. Travel in a fully equipped tourist-class bus while discovering magical and ancestral destinations such as the “Sistine Chapel of the Americas” in Andahuaylillas, the grand Temple of Wiracocha in Raqchi, the breathtaking La Raya Pass—where you’ll see the snowy peak of Chimboya—and the fascinating Lithic Museum of Pukara culture.
Cusco Hotel
Moderate
The tour begins early in the morning, and passengers are required to check in at the private bus terminal on Avenida Costanera 430 at 6:40 AM. The bus departs promptly at 7:20 AM, making this a comfortable and enriching way to travel between Cusco and Puno (or vice versa), with a full day of exploration, Andean landscapes, and guided insight into Peru’s ancient heritage.
The journey begins with a visit to the Pukara Lithic Museum, 106 km from Puno. This pre-Inca culture thrived between 1600 BC and 400 AD. The museum exhibits zoomorphic stone sculptures and ceramics, including the famous “Hatunñaqac” or “Supreme Decapitator.”
Important: 30-minute visit. No photography or video allowed. Entrance fee: S/ 8.00.
This is the highest point on the route and marks the border between Puno and Cusco. From here, you’ll see the majestic Chimboya snow-capped mountain—birthplace of the Amazon River.
Important: 7–10 minute stop. Bring extra warm clothing and coca tea to help with the altitude.
Enjoy a buffet lunch at the renowned La Pascana Restaurant. It offers a variety of regional and national dishes, fresh vegetables, desserts, and hot beverages such as coca tea and coffee.
Important: 40-minute lunch stop. Cold beverages (water, soda, beer) are not included.
Known as the Temple of Wiracocha, this sacred Inca site features massive adobe walls, a central ceremonial temple, and a large number of colcas (Inca food storage buildings).
Important: 40-minute visit. We recommend using a hat and sunscreen.
A 17th-century church known as the “Sistine Chapel of the Andes,” featuring stunning murals, gold-leaf baroque altars, and paintings of the Cusco School.
Important: 25-minute visit. No photos or filming allowed inside.
The tour ends at the private bus terminal in Cusco, located on Avenida 28 de Julio, near the 1st bridge.
The “Cusco to Puno Tourist Bus (Route of the Sun)” was a comfortable and scenic way to travel between these two amazing cities. The bus was spacious and well-equipped, making the long journey much more enjoyable. Along the way, we stopped at interesting sites like Andahuaylillas and Raqchi, which added great value to the trip. The guide was informative and kept us engaged throughout. If you want to see more of Peru while traveling comfortably, this is a great option.
