Our first stop, about kilometers south of Cusco, is the picturesque village of Andahuaylillas, situated at meters of altitude. Here, we will visit the Church of San Pedro Apóstol, affectionately nicknamed the Sistine Chapel of the Americas. Built by the Jesuits in the 17th century, the simplicity of its adobe exterior contrasts with one of the most ornate interiors on the continent. Its walls and ceilings feature impressive frescoes created by artists of the Cusco School of colonial art, gold-leaf frames, and a spectacular Mudéjar-style ceiling carved in wood. The guide will explain how Baroque art was used as a powerful tool for evangelization and religious syncretism in the Andean cultural transition.
Continuing south in the Vilcanota Valley, we will reach the Archaeological Complex of Raqch’i ( meters of altitude). This is one of the most imposing and unique archaeological sites of the Inca Empire. The highlight of the complex is the majestic Temple of Wiracocha, built to honor the creator god of the universe in Andean cosmology. The structure features a giant central wall of carved stone and adobe that measures an impressive meters in height, the largest known remaining roofed Inca wall. In addition to the main temple, we will explore the colcas (large circular grain storehouses) and the stone dwellings that housed the imperial armies, understanding the Incas’ advanced storage and logistics strategies.
After the historical immersion, we will make a strategic stop in the town of Sicuani ( meters) to enjoy a complete buffet lunch, which includes options of regional meats, healthy salads, and vegetarian sides prepared with fresh local ingredients.
With a full stomach, the bus begins the climb toward the highest geographical point of the entire trip: the La Raya Pass, located at meters ( feet) above sea level. This point marks the natural border between the Cusco and Puno regions. It is the watershed between the Amazon basin and the Lake Titicaca basin, offering an indescribable panoramic view of the snow-capped mountains of the Vilcanota Range and the cold plains where herds of llamas and wild alpacas graze under the vast blue sky of the Altiplano.
Our final stop takes us to the traditional village of Pucará ( meters of altitude), home to one of the oldest and most important pre-Inca cultures of the Altiplano ( B.C. to A.D.). We will visit the Pucará Lithic Museum, which houses a valuable collection of stelae, monoliths, and stone sculptures representing deities and elements of the local sacred fauna. Pucará is also world-famous as the cradle of the Toritos de Pucará (Pucará Bulls), charming colorful ceramic figures that local families place on the roofs of their houses as a symbol of spiritual protection, fertility, financial prosperity, and happiness for the home.
We ensure that the hours of travel are relaxed, safe, and very pleasant. See the benefits of our onboard service:
Onboard Attendant: An assistant will be present to offer hot drinks (such as coca or muña infusions) and cold drinks for free throughout the trip.
Physical Comfort: The bus is equipped with reclining seats, panoramic windows with UV filters, air conditioning, odor purifiers, and an onboard chemical toilet.
Technology: Free Wi-Fi (available in areas with mobile network coverage) and USB ports to charge your mobile devices.
Emergency Equipment: We have an oxygen tank onboard and a first aid kit to mitigate the effects of altitude at La Raya Pass.
The Route of the Sun (Ruta del Sol) is much more than simple transportation between two of the most famous cities in Peru. It is one of the most complete and comfortable land journeys in all of South America. Instead of spending long hours on a tiring, direct route on a standard bus, this trip allows you to discover stunning colonial temples, mysterious imperial ruins, and the majestic geographical transition between the agricultural valleys of Cusco and the mystical Altiplano of Lake Titicaca.
At Tayra Tours, we ensure this crossing is made with premium comfort and without logistical worries. Our route includes pick-up from your hotel in Cusco, all entrance fees for the sites visited, a delicious buffet lunch in Sicuani, and onboard service from our attendant (terramoza) serving hot and cold drinks along the way. Our buses are equipped with comfortable reclining seats, restrooms, Wi-Fi, and oxygen tanks to ensure a smooth crossing through the highest point of the route.
The Sun Route from Cusco or Puno includes five stops. You will visit the Sistine Chapel of Andahuaylillas and the Raqchi Temple. We will stop for lunch in a village called Sicuani. Continuing on the Sun Route to Puno, we will make stops at La Raya – a beautiful Andean hot springs resort, and Pucara – known for its landscapes and referred to as “the temple of fertility”.
