The Original Ruta del Sol Operator – Est. 1999

Inka Express - Ruta del Sol

Puno to Cusco Bus

Overview

The Puno to Cusco touristic bus route with Inka Express, also known as the ‘Route of the Sun’, is one of Peru’s most beautiful journeys.

The scenic trip through the Andean countryside includes 4 guided tour stops at unique sites such as at one of the Inca’s biggest surviving structures and at the Sistine Chapel of America. The stops are full of history, culture and charming communities that still maintain ancient traditions, allowing you to catch a glimpse of how life was before.

With over 24 years of providing quality service, we are the OFFICIAL Ruta del Sol bus operator. Our modern, luxury buses depart daily and include service on board. Read below for the full itinerary and all that’s included on this tour!

What’s included (quick summary)

  • 5 hidden gem stops (known as the Ruta del Sol)
  • Onboard local expert guide
  • Delicious buffet lunch
  • Free high speed Wi-Fi on bus
  • Tea, coffee, and snacks served onboard

Puno to Cusco Bus


Price from: $$50 USD


Groups of 5 or more get 20% off with the
code IEGROUP20OFF at checkout

WHAT TO EXPECT

Detailed itinerary & map

Departure from Puno bus terminal.

Pucará was the first regional population nucleus in the Titicaca basin north of the lake during the Late Formative Period (500 BC-200 AD), which provides valuable information about the origins of the Andean civilization in the highlands. During its heyday, it covered more than a square kilometer and housed thousands of bureaucrats, priests, artisans, farmers, shepherds, and possibly warriors.

The Pucará style is identified by impressive monolithic sculptures with a variety of geometric, zoomorphic, and more intricate anthropomorphic images, and multi-colored ceramics in a variety of ritual and domestic forms.

Pucara Museum

We stop at Abra La Raya (La Raya), the watershed which splits the regions of Puno and Cusco, right at the border of both. We’ll enjoy an amazing view of of regions and the Andes mountains that surround us.

Abra La Raya

Sicuani is a relatively large city of the highlands. The city is an important intersection, with the road to Puno / Arequipa passing through here. This city is surrounded by beautiful snowy hills. Afterward, you have a buffet lunch in our exclusive restaurant with a family atmosphere.

We arrive in Raqchi, an archaeological site with a myriad of Inca ruins and ranked as one of the “Best Tourism Villages”.

Here we’ll visit the Inca Temple of Wiracocha, the most important structure in the Raqchi complex and one of the biggest surviving Incan constructions. According to ancient writings, the temple was built by an Inca emperor in honor of the invisible Superior God of the Andean people.

The impressive 15 meter high walls combined with the remaining ruins and deep history/culture make for a unique visit.

Raqchi Complex - Puno to Cusco

Our first visit – the beautiful Church of Saint Peter the Apostle in Andahuaylillas, also known as the “Sistine Chapel of America”. Built by the Jesuits in the 16th century, and like many other Spanish and religious constructions of the time, it was built atop a sacred Inca site.

A unique and small church, made of adobe and brick which looks simple on the outside but with a jaw-dropping interior full of gold, paintings, and more astonishing decorations.

Sistine Chapel of America - Puno to Cusco

Arrive in bus terminal Cusco

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What's included

  • Luxury tourist bus to Cusco with reclining seats and panoramic windows
  • Bilingual guide sharing stories, culture, and insider history at every stop
  • Guided visits to Andahuaylillas (Sistine Chapel of the Andes), Raqchi, La Raya viewpoint, and the Pukará Museum
  • Buffet lunch in Sicuani featuring fresh local cuisine in a scenic valley restaurant
  • Complimentary drinks on board: coca tea, herbal infusions, coffee, soda, Inca Kola, and bottled water
  • Oxygen supply and heating system for maximum comfort at high altitudes
  • Clean onboard facilities with hygiene protocols always in place
NEED-TO-KNOW

Frequently asked questions

Yes, there is an entrance fee for Andahuaylillas, Raqchi Complex, and Pucara Museum that must be paid upon arrival. Total cost is 53.00 soles.

The Ruta del Sol with Inka Express includes guided stops at four incredible sites:

  • Andahuaylillas (known as the Sistine Chapel of the Andes)
  • Raqchi (Temple of Wiracocha)
  • La Raya Pass (the highest point of the route with panoramic views)
  • Museum of Pukara

It also includes a stop for a delicious, buffet lunch.

Inka Express uses modern, comfortable tourist-class buses equipped with reclining seats, air conditioning, onboard Wi-Fi, and panoramic windows to enjoy the views along the route.

Yes, there’s a secure luggage compartment for large bags and suitcases. You can travel comfortably without worrying about your belongings.

Yes, all Inka Express buses have a clean and functional onboard toilet available throughout the journey.

Absolutely. Inka Express has operated since 1999 and is one of the most trusted tourism transport services in Peru. All routes are accompanied by professional staff, experienced drivers, and highly trained guides.

Have a question about this trip?

Feel free to contact us and we’ll help with all the questions/inquiries you may have!

Going from Cusco to Puno? Check out our Cusco to Puno option here.

Puno to Cusco Bus


Price from: $$50 USD


Groups of 5 or more get 20% off with the
code IEGROUP20OFF at checkout

Book your ticket now