Cusco to Puno: Sun Route Bus Tour with Andes Stops & Lunch

Summary

Andean temples, mountain passes & living history between Cusco and Puno

You’ll cross the Andes from Cusco to Puno on the legendary Sun Route bus tour—exploring Inca temples at Raqchi, marveling inside Andahuaylillas church’s golden interior, pausing at La Raya Pass for those wide-open mountain views, and sharing a hearty buffet lunch along the way. Expect real moments with locals and guides—and maybe a little surprise at how much you feel by journey’s end.

What’s the experience like?

We rolled out of Cusco before I’d even finished my coffee, and suddenly there was that sharp Andean morning air through the bus window — a bit like eucalyptus, honestly. Our guide, Julia, had this way of switching between Spanish and English mid-sentence (she joked she dreams in both), and before I knew it we were stepping into San Pedro de Andahuaylillas. From the outside, you’d never guess what’s inside that church — gold leaf everywhere, walls painted in wild colors. I tried to whisper “Sistine Chapel of America” but probably said it too loud; Julia just grinned.

The road kept climbing. At Raqchi, we wandered among these huge stone columns — the Temple of Wiracocha is massive up close. There was a kid selling little clay bulls by the entrance; he offered me one for luck. I’m still carrying it around in my bag. Lunch came right when I needed it: quinoa soup so thick you could almost stand your spoon up in it, roasted potatoes that tasted earthy in that high-altitude way. Everyone at our table swapped stories about altitude headaches and favorite parts of the day trip from Cusco to Puno.

Somewhere past Marangani, the landscape got wild — snow on distant peaks, llamas grazing near La Raya Pass. It’s over 4,300 meters up there; I felt lightheaded but couldn’t stop staring at how open everything looked. Julia pointed out where Cusco province ends and Puno begins — no sign or anything, just a cold wind and endless sky. The last stop at Pucará was quieter than I expected: old stones carved with animal shapes, a few locals selling bright ceramics under blue tarps. By then my brain was fuzzy from altitude but also full — not sure if that makes sense.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Scenic Andes journey from Cusco to Puno

• Visit Church of Saint Peter the Apostle
• Explore Raqchi archaeological site
• Enjoy buffet lunch in highland town
• Stop at Abra La Raya mountain pass
• Visit Pucará pre-Inca settlement

Top questions

How long is the bus ride from Cusco to Puno on this tour?

The journey takes about 10 hours including all scenic stops and lunch.

Is lunch included on the Sun Route bus tour?

Yes, a buffet lunch featuring traditional Andean dishes is included midway through the trip.

What are the main stops on the Cusco to Puno Sun Route?

The tour stops at San Pedro de Andahuaylillas church, Raqchi archaeological site, La Raya Pass, and Pucará village.

Is there an onboard restroom during the transfer?

Yes, there is a restroom available on board the luxury bus.

Are guided visits included at each stop?

Yes, a local guide leads visits at each main attraction along the route.

What altitude does La Raya Pass reach?

La Raya Pass sits at over 4,300 meters (about 14,100 feet) above sea level.

Does this day trip run daily from Cusco to Puno?

Yes, departures are available every day with official Ruta del Sol operators.

Are drinks provided on board during the trip?

Hot and cold drinks are served during your journey between stops.

What’s included

Your day includes pickup in Cusco by luxury air-conditioned bus with onboard service (hot and cold drinks), guided visits to Andahuaylillas church, Raqchi ruins, La Raya Pass and Pucará museum; plus oxygen tank access if needed and a full Andean buffet lunch in Marangani-Sicuani before reaching Puno in comfort.