As we have said many times here, Peru is Cusco, Machu Picchu and so much more! Our country has a lot of unforgettable tours to offer! This time we will tell you about the wonderful Route of the Sun, an exciting bus tour that starts in Cusco City and ends in the southeast town of Puno, a typical Andean one, on the banks of the Titicaca lake, on the Peruvian High Plane, at an average 3,800 meters above sea level (12,470 feet approximately).
The Route of the Sun covers prehispanic, Inca archaeological remains, Spanish domination places, natural highlights of the Andes range and finally arrives at the Puno region, with its ancient pre-inca civilizations and the unique beauty and energy of the Titicaca lake.
Let’s break down for you the unforgettable places and experiences the Route of the Sun – Cusco City to Puno includes:
Andahuaylillas Church:
Spanish conquerors reached the Cusco region in 1532. They brought here Catholic religion and also the architecture and sacred art of Renaissance Europe. This church is very famous here, even called the “Sistine Chapel of America”, in comparison to the Vatican. On the outside, it looks like a regular Spanish Catholic church, but on the inside, it is a real wonder of baroque, exquisite, refined art, with golden ornaments all around. It is indeed a great stop to learn about the mixing of Spanish and Inca cultures. Also, as is usual in the Andes, the town of Andahuaylillas is in the middle of a valley, surrounded by beautiful, high mountains, which are the source of a powerful, reinvigorating flow of natural energy.
Raqchi Archaeological Site:
Next stop for the Route of the Sun tour is this great village, which in Inca times was home to a mighty temple in worship of Wiracocha, creator God in Andean religion. The temple was covered with a large roof and was quite spacious; nowadays we can observe the 2 main walls which still make for a really valuable experience. Moreover, Raqchi was an agricultural hub, where crops were stored in big barns that are still standing there. You will walk across a fabulous Andean countryside, admiring beautiful range landscapes and letting all the stress away, filled by the peaceful energy flow of nature.
La Raya Pass:
Again aboard the bus, and after a delicious, typical Andean lunch in Sicuani, a beautiful, cozy town in the mountainous heights, riding on a highway crossing the Andean massive mountains, next stop is the La Raya pass. This is a heavenly place filled with silence, peace and soft natural energy; also, it is an observation point to see the Andean camels: alpaca, vicuna and the llama! Top place to look around and spot the many snowies, perfect for unforgettable pictures and videos. Finally, you’ll be able to buy fine clothing from countryside Andean people, with Inca designs. The La Raya pass is the border point between Cusco and Puno.
Pukara civilization:
Now already in the Puno region, it’s time to know about the ancient Pukara society, which developed prior to Tiahuanaco and the Incas. We will take you to the amazing Museum, where you will find out about their architecture, sculptures, religion and more. The famous “torito de Pukara” (Pukara bull), is a tradition there and in many places in Peru; it’s a small figurine of a bull which is believed to bring good luck to the houses, where it is usually hanged from a door.
Puno City:
Finally, we’ll head to the town of Puno, southeast of Cusco, the very cozy area next to the Titicaca lake, where the Route of the Sun tour comes to an end. However, Puno is also a place where visitors can have a great time too, for example, on a motorboat ride across the wonderful lake!
The Route of the Sun – Cusco City to Puno tour is a full day experience, riding peacefully on a bus watching a marvelous range landscape, totally relaxing, reinvigorating. Then stepping out to enjoy the amazing destinations we have shown above.
The Route of the Sun tour is a mix of road traveling, typical gastronomy, landscape observation, archaeology, history, religion, connection to natural energies. Certainly, it is a totally relaxing and educational journey!
If you have decided to visit Cusco, contact our professional staff and ask about the Route of the Sun – Cusco City to Puno tour. We are sure it will be an unforgettable traveling experience!
