Ruta del Sol 2024 – Everything You Need To Know
Inka Express is the OFFICIAL bus of the Ruta del Sol, with thousands of happy customers and over 25 years of experience!
The incredible Ruta del Sol, created by Inka Express, explores all the Incan ruins between Cusco and Puno. Read here everything you need to know about the Ruta del Sol!
Below we will describe the Ruta del Sol in various sections:
The Ruta del Sol is named after the Spanish term for “The Sun Route.” This was the route traveled by the Incas when they traveled between Lake Titicaca in Puno and Machu Picchu in Cusco.
The Ruta del Sol is the name given to the breathtaking scenic journey from Cusco to Puno or vice versa. This authentic local tour, created by Inka Express in 1999, allows you to connect with the past history and culture of the Incas through the highlands of the Andes, connecting Cusco (home to Machu Picchu) with Puno (home to Lake Titicaca).
Some of the ruins and historical places you will visit on the Ruta del Sol include:
Built in the 16th century, the Church of Saint Peter the Apostle is famously known as the “Sistine Chapel of America.” It stands atop a sacred Inca site and is a must-visit for anyone traveling to Peru.
The Inca Temple of Wiracocha is one of the largest Incan structures still existing today in Peru and is the most significant structure in the Raqchi complex.
Historical studies suggest that the temple was built by an Inca emperor to honor the invisible Superior God of the Andean people.
The incredible 50 foot high walls, surrounded by the standing ruins and unique history in the area make for a very special visit.
Home to the “highest Incan buffet lunch in the world”. Ask our Inka Express team any questions you may have about the various lunch options here!
Otherwise know as Abra La Raya, this stunning lake runs across the border between Cusco and Puno. Enjoy spectacular views and photo opportunities at this stunning destination.
Pucara was the home of the original Andean civilization, who used the Titicaca basin to help them survive living at such high altitude.
The Pucara Museum is considered one of the top historical museums in all of Peru and attracts thousands of visitors each year, all eager to learn more about the incredible Incan culture.
Inka Express is the official tour operator of the Ruta del Sol. Inka Express created the Ruta del Sol tour in 1999, from the dream of Jorge and Luis Concha, 2 local Peruvians who were keen for people to discover more of their culture.
To date, Inka Express has safely transported over 300,000 tourists in its 25 years of operations. In 2024, after a few tough years due to Covid, Inka Express was able to renovate its fleet of buses and now offers the most luxurious buses on the Ruta del Sol.
Be aware of other companies offering the Ruta del Sol. Many do not use huge luxury buses like Inka Express, and our guides are local people helping you discover the true essence of the Ruta del Sol in an authentic way.
Tours of the Ruta del Sol last a full day and allow you to see so much in a short space of time.
Inka Express buses run daily from Cusco to Puno or from Puno to Cusco, departing at around 7am each morning.
The Ruta del Sol tour, including all the stops, lasts the full day, and arrives to Puno at around 5pm on the same day. What should be noted is that, without stopping, this journey would be 7 hours, so breaking it up with amazing stops on the Ruta del Sol is highly recommended.
A list of some basic things you should bring on the Ruta del Sol:
Click here a detailed Cusco to Puno itinerary or here for a Puno to Cusco itinerary.