Cusco to Puno Scenic Day Trip with Lunch (Route of the Sun)
Pick your date
Highlighted days have spots open. Grey days are sold out or not running.
September 2026
Loading live availability
Who is going?
Adults
Age 13 and over
Children
Age 12 and under
Select a highlighted day to see live departure times and the exact price for your group.
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before. Same price on Viator, Outty earns a commission.
Traveler rating
4.8/5
Based on 348 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Cusco to Puno Scenic Day Trip with Lunch (Route of the Sun) worth booking?
Cusco to Puno Scenic Day Trip with Lunch (Route of the Sun) is a 10-hour experience in Cusco, Peru, from $50 per person. It scores 82 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Exceptional”, based on a 4.8/5 rating across 348 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 82 / 100
- Rating
- 4.8/5 (348)
- Duration
- 10 hours
- From
- $50 per person
Get ready for the most scenic road trip through the Andes. This isn't just a transfer from Cusco to Puno — it's the legendary Route of the Sun, and it more than lives up to its name. Travel in comfort aboard a luxury com
What you get
- Service on board - hot and cold drinks
- Private, luxury bus transport to Puno
- Oxygen tank
- Andean buffet Lunch in Marangani – Sicuani
- In-vehicle air conditioning
- On-board restrooms
About this experience
Get ready for the most scenic road trip through the Andes. This isn't just a transfer from Cusco to Puno — it's the legendary Route of the Sun, and it more than lives up to its name. Travel in comfort aboard a luxury comfortable bus with onboard service as you journey through breathtaking landscapes and make four unforgettable cultural stops. You'll visit one of the Inca’s largest surviving temples, step inside the "Sistine Chapel of America", and immerse yourself in the deep history and traditions of Andean Peru. With over 24 years of experience, we’re proud to be the official Ruta del Sol operator, offering daily departures and a seamless blend of comfort, culture, and panoramic beauty. Why settle for a basic ride when you can turn your journey into an epic Andean adventure? ✔️ Scenic stops in the Andes ✔️ Guided visits to cultural heritage sites ✔️ Buffet lunch included ✔️ Comfortable transport with onboard facilities
What's included
Included
- Service on board - hot and cold drinks
- Private, luxury bus transport to Puno
- Oxygen tank
- Andean buffet Lunch in Marangani – Sicuani
- In-vehicle air conditioning
- On-board restrooms
- Guided visit to Andahuaylillas, Raqchi, La Raya and the Lithic Museum of Pucará
Not included
- Entrance tickets for Andahuaylillas, Raqchi Complex, and Pucara Museum – 53.00 soles in cash
What you'll see and do
San Pedro Apostol de Andahuaylillas
Our journey begins in Andahuaylillas, home to the breathtaking Church of Saint Peter the Apostle — often called the “Sistine Chapel of America.” Built in the 16th century by Jesuit missionaries atop a sacred Inca site, this architectural treasure blends Spanish Baroque style with Andean symbolism. From the outside, its adobe-and-brick façade is modest. But step inside, and you're surrounded by gold-leaf altars, vivid frescoes, and intricate paintings that make this one of the most stunning religious sites in South America.
60 minutes here · Admission not included
Parque Arqueologico De Raqchi
Next, we explore Raqchi, a remarkable Inca archaeological site and official “Best Tourism Village.” The highlight here is the Temple of Wiracocha - one of the largest Incan structures still standing. According to ancient chronicles, this grand temple was built by an Inca emperor to honor Wiracocha, the invisible Supreme God of the Andean people, this massive temple stood 15 meters tall and showcases the Inca’s masterful engineering. Surrounded by ancient ruins and rich spiritual legacy, Raqchi is a powerful step back into the heart of Inca civilization.
60 minutes here · Admission not included
Midway through the journey, we’ll stop for a relaxing 1-hour buffet lunch featuring the best of traditional Andean cuisine. This is more than just a meal — it’s a chance to savor local flavors like quinoa soup, roasted vegetables, Andean potatoes, fresh salads, and regional meats, all prepared with highland ingredients. Set in a peaceful highland town, the restaurant offers stunning mountain views and a warm, welcoming atmosphere — the perfect break to recharge before continuing on to Puno.
60 minutes here · Admission included
La Raya Pass
We pause at Abra La Raya, the dramatic mountain pass that marks the natural border between Cusco and Puno. At over 4,300 meters above sea level, it’s the highest point of the journey and a breathtaking showcase of the Andes in full glory. Surrounded by snow-capped peaks and endless sky, this is a perfect moment to stretch your legs, take photos, and feel the vastness of Peru’s highlands.
30 minutes here
Museo Litico Pukara
Our final stop is Pucará, the earliest major settlement of the Titicaca Basin, dating back to 500 BC. Once a thriving highland center, Pucará housed thousands — from priests and artisans to farmers and warriors. Today, it offers a rare window into pre-Inca civilization, known for its monolithic stone sculptures with striking geometric and animal forms, and vibrant multi-colored ceramics used in both daily life and sacred rituals. A fascinating glimpse into the roots of Andean culture.
60 minutes here · Admission not included
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Cusco
Passengers must be at the station 30 minutes before departure time, which is 5:40 am, as the bus departs at 6:10 am. Look for the Inka Express sign
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
The bus arrives at the bus terminal, the address is Jirón primero de Mayo #703
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 15 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Inka Express
Know before you go
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Photos
Good to know
- Duration
- 10 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 122
- Verdict
- Exceptional
Why this scores 82
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Cusco to Puno Scenic Day Trip with Lunch (Route of the Sun): questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Cusco.
How much does Cusco to Puno Scenic Day Trip with Lunch (Route of the Sun) cost?
+
Prices start at $50 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Cusco usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Cusco to Puno Scenic Day Trip with Lunch (Route of the Sun) take?
+
Plan for about 10 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Cusco is not rushed.
Is Cusco to Puno Scenic Day Trip with Lunch (Route of the Sun) worth it?
+
It holds an Outty Ranking of 82 out of 100, which we label "Exceptional". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.8/5 across 348 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Cusco, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Cusco to Puno Scenic Day Trip with Lunch (Route of the Sun)?
+
Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Cusco to Puno Scenic Day Trip with Lunch (Route of the Sun) suitable for kids and families?
+
Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 10-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Cusco to Puno Scenic Day Trip with Lunch (Route of the Sun)?
+
Around 122 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Cusco can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
+
Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Cusco and add a light layer if any part of the 10-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Cusco to Puno Scenic Day Trip with Lunch (Route of the Sun) start and how do I get there?
+
The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Cusco within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Cusco?
+
On Outty we rank every Cusco experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Sacred Valley Full Day Tour, Peruvian Cooking Class Cocktails and Market Tour in Cusco, Cusco: Rainbow Mountain & Red Valley Premium Day Trip with Meals. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Cusco?
+
Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Cusco?
+
Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
+
Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
Ready to lock in your spot?
Pick a date, choose your group, and see the exact price for Cusco to Puno Scenic Day Trip with Lunch (Route of the Sun).
Pick your date
