This exceptional 3 day and 2 night journey provides a unique cultural bridge, flawlessly connecting the Inca heritage of Cusco with the ancient spirit of Puno’s Altiplano. This itinerary is an essential exploration of the most significant archaeological and living cultural sites in Southern Peru.
Group Services
The Historical Transit on the 'Route of the Sun' Tour
We initiate the journey with the revered Route of the Sun Tour, a full day guided transit focusing on Peru’s monumental history. You will enjoy insightful, expertly led visits to key landmarks:
- Andahuaylillas (The Sistine Chapel of the Americas): Step inside this astonishing colonial church, a jewel of baroque art, and admire its richly decorated interior, a crucial stop on the Cusco to Puno journey.
- Raqchi Inca Site: Explore the immense archaeological complex, famous for the colossal Temple of Wiracocha, showcasing unique Inca engineering unlike any other site.
- Pucara Lithic Museum: Gain deeper context on the region’s past by examining important pre Inca artifacts, a vital piece of the Southern Peru history tour.
Your scenic drive includes ascending the photographic La Raya Pass (14,222 ft / 4,335 m), the boundary between Cusco and Puno, which offers breathtaking high Andean landscapes. Mid day, relax and enjoy a delightful buffet lunch in Sicuani.
Day 2 & 3: Authentic Immersion on Lake Titicaca
The adventure culminates with an unforgettable boat excursion on Lake Titicaca, the world’s highest navigable lake, focusing on its vibrant, living cultures:
- Uros Floating Islands: Visit these genuinely fascinating, man made reed islands and engage with the ingenious locals who continue their ancient way of life.
- Amantani Homestay Experience: Enjoy an authentic cultural immersion by staying overnight with a traditional local family. You’ll participate in daily activities, enjoy genuine home-cooked cuisine, and experience the warmth of their deeply preserved traditions the most immersive Puno experience.
- Taquile: Conclude your exploration with a visit to this island, internationally renowned for its vibrant, UNESCO recognized textiles and strong communal customs.
This entire experience is carefully crafted to be safe, deeply engaging, and seamlessly organized, ensuring an enriching cultural connection along this historic corridor between Cusco and Puno.
Itinerary
Day 1: Cusco - Andahuaylillas Chapel - Raqchi - Pucara - Puno
Early we start our adventure by bus, heading south, on the way we will enjoy the wonderful landscapes of the South Valley of Cusco. First, we will visit the village of Andahuaylillas, place where a church of the same name is located, also called “The Sistine Chapel of America”, due to the high quality of the art pieces found in it. The structure was built in the XVI century. Then we will visit the archaeological center of Raqchi, also known as “The Temple of the God Wiracocha”, which presents a complex system of structures, warehouses, rooms and temples. Later we will arrive at the archaeological complex of Pucara, a military construction that also served as an administrative center. Finally, we arrive in the city of Puno to be transferred to your hotel.
Day 2: Puno - Titicaca Lake - Uros Islands - Amantani
Early in the morning we head towards the port of Puno where we will board a boat in direction to floating islands of “UROS”, an ancestral place that for generations have developed on artificial islands built with totora reeds. Nowadays, the families that live in the context of the floating islands carry out activities such as agriculture, handicrafts and the reception of visitors. Very proud of their culture, they will inform us about everything concerning their islands. Later we head to the island of Amantani, where the community kindly welcomes visitors, keeping alive their traditions, customs and colorful old-fashioned clothing. The islanders are skilled artisans and capture in each work amazing techniques developed for centuries by their ancestors. Then we will have lunch and finally return to the city of Puno.
Day 3: Puno - Juliaca - Airport
After saying goodbye to the hotel services, we head to Juliaca, where the airport is located, to board a flight to Cusco or Lima.
Included/Not Included
Included
- Premium Transit: All required ground transportation connecting Cusco to Puno.
- Local Transfers: Convenient transfers within the Puno and Juliaca areas (airport/bus station service).
- Accommodations: Two (02) nights of hotel lodging in Puno.
- Site Access: All mandatory entrance fees to the attractions visited throughout the itinerary.
- Lake Passage: Dedicated boat service for the Lake Titicaca excursions (Uros and Amantani/Taquile).
- Daily Dining: Two (02) satisfying lunches.
What's Not Included
These items allow for personal preference and flexibility:
- Air travel tickets (domestic or international).
- Dinners (two nights) and all personal beverages/drinks.
- Gratuities (tipping) for guides, drivers, and local hosts
Recommendations
- To maximize your comfort and enjoyment on the route:
- Daypack Essentials: Carry a small backpack containing personal necessities like a water bottle, sun block, and a rain poncho.
- Continuing Travel: If Puno is a transit point for another destination, please bring your full luggage with you on the tour bus.
Prices
GROUP SERVICE
$ 170 USDPRIVATE SERVICE
- 02 people 0 USD
- 03 people 0 USD
- 04 people 0 USD
- 06 – 08 people 0 USD
The Floating Islands of Uros and Their Unique Culture
Picture this You are standing in the Peruvian highlands, gazing out at Lake Titicaca in Puno. It is the world’s highest navigable lake, sitting way up there at 12,507 feet (3,812 meters). This massive, mystical body of water cradles the truly unforgettable Uros Floating Islands an archipelago of about 80 remarkable, hand-made platforms. These are not natural islands they are a wonder of ancient engineering. The Uros people (one of South America’s oldest cultures, predating the Inca!) have thrived here for centuries, building their homes from expertly layered and woven totora reeds. They are incredibly self-sufficient people, relying on fishing, hunting, and unique crafting.
The Uros Experience It’s All About Connection
Forget the standard photo stop. If you’re looking for the real magic, opt for our experiential tourism packages. This means you actually get to live and engage with the community. Local families genuinely welcome you to learn their daily routines you might find yourself trying your hand at reed cutting, traditional fishing, or even learning to cook local dishes. As the President of the Uros Island Experience Tourism Association shared “We don’t just sell a bed we want the tourist to feel like family. That kindness truly comes from the heart.” For your comfort, we’ve ensured modern touches like solar panels and eco friendly toilets are available, making your cultural immersion both comfortable and sustainable.
Route of the Sun Tour Seamless Historical Transit
This is the smart, fascinating way to connect the powerful history of Cusco with the Altiplano. Your journey follows the historic Route of the Sun Tour, guaranteed to be a seamlessly organized and totally safe travel day.
The trip is packed with unmissable historical stops
- Andahuaylillas Check out the magnificent baroque church that everyone calls the “Sistine Chapel of America.” The art inside is absolutely mind-blowing!
- Raqchi Walk around the huge archaeological site dedicated to the ancient god Wiracocha.
- Pucara Get genuine historical context on the pre-Inca cultures at their Lithic Museum.
You’ll also cruise over the breathtaking high-altitude Raya Pass and enjoy an excellent buffet lunch in Sicuani. Everything is taken care of!
Amantani Island Where Mystery Lives On
If you’re looking for that deep cultural connection, Amantani Island is your destination. This beautiful spot in the Titicaca archipelago offers an amazing mix of ecotourism, archaeology, and community life, showing off platforms built by ancient cultures. Amantani isn’t just scenic it’s deeply spiritual.
You’ll find ceremonial centers like Pachatata and Pachamama that are still active, hosting annual rites and rituals that honor the mountain spirits (Apus).
The famous Qhapaj Pachamama Raymi ceremony, focusing on fertility and protection, still happens every January. Travelers consistently rave about the comfortable homestays here. It’s the perfect opportunity for a genuine connection, sharing traditional dances, music and meals made from native foods. If you can, aim for the period between May and October the weather is ideal, and the island truly shines during its festival season.
Frecuently Asked Questions
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- Passport or identity document.
- Comfortable clothing (windproof jacket).
- Cash for optional extra purchases.
- Photographic camera.
- Poncho in cases of rain.
- Personal toiletries.
- Snacks and rehydrating drinks.
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This overland journey is commonly known as the “Ruta del Sol” (Route of the Sun) and includes stops at major cultural and archaeological sites between the two cities. It typically lasts about 10 hours, with guided visits and a buffet lunch included along the way.
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The city of Cusco is at 3,399 meters above sea level while the city of Puno is at 3,827 meters above sea level. At these altitudes it is common for visitors to experience symptoms of altitude sickness (such as fatigue, nausea and headache).
However, the symptoms of altitude sickness usually reduce on their own after a day or two of acclimatization. It is recommended to spend a few days beforehand in a high-altitude city like Puno or Cusco. In the same way, it is recommended to drink hot infusions (such as coca tea).
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The Ruta del Sol tour to Puno or Cusco includes a visit to the Andahuaylillas church (Sistine Chapel of America), the Inca site of Raqchi (the Wiracocha temple), the Raya mountain pass (views of the snow-capped mountains of Puno and Cusco) as well as the Pucara lithic museum.
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The tour can be done on two possible routes: from Cusco to Puno or from Puno to Cusco. The route from Cusco to Puno follows the route: Cusco – Andahuaylillas – Raqchi – Sicuani – La Raya – Pucara – Puno. The route from Puno to Cusco follows the same route, but in reverse.
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The Ruta del Sol tour lasts 10 hours (Full Day). It begins in Cusco or Puno with the pick-up of the tourist and departure by tourist bus at 7 am. It ends with arrival in the city of Cusco or Puno at approximately 5 pm.
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Yes, Ruta del Sol tour can be canceled by sending a request by email to info@machupicchuterra.com. Cancellation of the tour has a penalty of 25% of the total value paid (75% refund). The last deadline to request cancellation is 5 days before.
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Yes, the tour can be modified (in date or service holders) by sending a request to the email info@machupicchuterra.com. The penalty is 10% of the tour value. Payment is made through a payment link that you will receive in your email). The last deadline to request changes is 5 days before the tour.
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To pay for the tour you must first click on ‘Book’. Then you must complete the required information and, finally, make the payment with Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Diners Club or PayPal credit or debit cards.
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Yes, the tour includes buffet lunch at the La Pascana restaurant in the city of Sicuani (Cusco). The buffet consists of a wide variety of dishes such as: hot soups, fresh vegetables, side dishes, pastas, stews, fruits, the most delicious desserts, hot drinks (coca maté, coffee or tea) and more.
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Yes, the tour is available all year round except in exceptional cases of natural disasters or protests. In any case, it is recommended to wear comfortable clothing with jackets, slippers, personal hygiene items, snacks, cash, as well as a passport or identification document.
This is a tour plan that explores the south of Cusco (Andahuaylillas and Raqchi) and the north of Puno (Pucara). on its first day. During the second day the most important attraction is the exploration of the highest navigable lake in the world “Titicaca Lake” and the locations in: Uros, Taquile and Amantani.
Take the Cusco to Puno tour visiting incredible tourist attractions along the way. The ‘Ruta del Sol’ tour lasts 10 hours in which you will visit important Andean tourist attractions such as the Andahuaylillas church (Sistine Chapel of America), the archaeological site of Raqchi (Wiracocha temple), the Raya pass (border of Cusco and Puno at 4,335 meters above sea level) as well as the Pucara lithic museum. The tour also includes buffet lunch at the La Pascana tourist restaurant (in the city of Sicuani). Everything came in a well-organized, safe and all-inclusive service.
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We understand that life happens, even when planning a high-end trip. While the government strictly prohibits refunds or transfers on the initial permit purchase, we offer flexible solutions for the remainder of your package. Contact your travel designer immediately, and we will work to reallocate your costs, allowing you to postpone your journey without losing the substantial investment made in your exclusive services (e.g., luxury glamping setup, private chef, and therapist services). Our goal is to secure your experience, not penalize necessary changes.
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A: For the Luxury Inca Trail, our focus is on maximum comfort right after the trek. The Vistadome Observatory (or 360° Train) provides large panoramic windows and a dedicated observation car, offering the best visual experience of the Sacred Valley after your hike. Upgrading beyond this level like to the Hiram Bingham often involves schedules that don’t align efficiently with the end of the Inca Trail, forcing unnecessary waiting time. We prioritize seamless transit and comfort, ensuring your luxury experience concludes immediately and effortlessly.
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This is a valid concern, and the answer lies in our team. We utilize a private, dedicated culinary staff not standard trail cooks who are accustomed to preparing gourmet, multi course meals in remote settings. Our service includes fresh ingredients transported daily, high quality tableware and tailored menus (with wine/champagne options) that rival urban restaurant quality. This is fine dining under the stars, guaranteeing a culinary experience commensurate with the investment in your Luxury Inca Trail tour.
Group Services