Puno to Cusco Scenic Day Trip with Lunch (Route of the Sun)

Highlights

Inclusions

Itinerary

1. Step Into the Ancient World of Pucará. Discover one of the most important pre-Inca cultures in the Andes! Pucará is more than a stop—it’s the birthplace of highland civilization in the Lake Titicaca region, dating back to 500 BC. At its peak, this thriving city stretched across a full square kilometer, home to priests, artisans, farmers, and warriors. But what makes Pucará truly unforgettable are its stunning monolithic sculptures and colorful ceramics. You’ll see intricate designs—geometric, animal, and human—that still captivate archaeologists and visitors alike. Wander through temples, feel the ancient energy of this sacred site, and witness the artistry of Peru’s earliest cultural pioneers.

   45 min

2. Welcome to the highest point of your journey—Abra La Raya, a breathtaking mountain pass that marks the natural border between Cusco and Puno. Perched at 4,335 meters (14,200 feet) above sea level, this spot delivers 360° views of the snow-capped Andes, glacial streams, and endless skies. Keep your camera ready—you’ll often spot peaceful alpacas grazing beneath towering peaks. Feel the crisp mountain air, take in the silence of the highlands, and experience the raw beauty of Peru’s Altiplano. It’s more than a photo stop—it’s a moment you’ll remember forever.

   20 min

3. Midway through your journey, you’ll enjoy a relaxing 1-hour buffet lunch—a flavorful highlight of the tour. Set in a scenic Andean town, this meal showcases the rich culinary traditions of the highlands. Sample a wide variety of authentic local dishes, including quinoa soups, grilled meats, native potatoes, fresh vegetables, and traditional sauces made from regional spices. There are plenty of options for vegetarians, and the buffet is served in a clean, comfortable dining hall with friendly staff and great views. It’s more than just a meal—it’s a cultural experience that will leave you satisfied, energized, and ready for the next leg of your adventure.

   1 hAdmission included

4. Step into one of the most sacred and impressive Inca sites on the Route of the Sun. Raqchi, officially recognized as one of the Best Tourism Villages, is home to Wiracocha Temple—a massive, 15-meter-tall was built by an Inca emperor to honor Wiracocha, the Andean people’s invisible Superior God Explore crumbling walls, ceremonial halls, and ancient storage silos that once supported a bustling Inca settlement. The scale, symmetry, and stonework are truly astonishing, offering insight into both the spiritual beliefs and engineering genius of the Inca Empire. Whether you’re a history buff or simply curious, Raqchi is one of those places that lingers in your memory long after the journey ends.

   1 h

5. Our journey ends with a showstopper—the stunning Church of Saint Peter the Apostle, better known as the “Sistine Chapel of the Andes.” Tucked inside a quiet village, this humble-looking 16th-century church hides an interior of pure visual drama: gold-leaf altars, ornate wood carvings, and ceiling-to-wall frescoes that blend Andean traditions with European baroque style. Built by Jesuits atop a sacred Inca site, the church is a powerful symbol of Peru’s layered spiritual history. It’s the perfect finale—rich in color, meaning, and wonder.

   45 min

Cancellation

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience starts, for a full refund.

Reviews

Ratings come from 131 reviews collected by our booking partner. They are travellers' own words, in the order they were written — never reordered to flatter the experience.

Showing reviews written in English.

• 5A good experience

  Comfortable bus with a good choice of foods for the buffet lunch that’s included. A scenic way to travel between Puno and Cusco. Including the stops along the way. 3 guided tours cost extra if not included with your ticket. The guide was excellent, speaking in good English and Spanish, giving details of areas we were passing , as well as explanations at the sites.

  Roxanne_SOctober 2026via Viator

• 5We are very happy and satisfied

  wonderful experience with Inca express. Everything is well prepared. Everyone is friendly and thoughtful. Guide is good. Food is good. There is smooth arrangement. We are very happy and satisfied.

  nadinec51October 2026via Tripadvisor

• 5Smooth operator and excellent knowledge

  Our guide Mathias was fantastic. He did a great job speaking in English and Spanish. His knowledge was excellent. The tour was very well organised. In the end the negative part of our experience were some of the other passengers who chose not to follow the simple and clear instructions on what time to meet. Consequently we arrived over an hour later than expected - none of this was Inka’s fault. People can be so disrespectful. The driver and guides handled it much better than I would have and they were fantastic.

  E7621DHtanyasSeptember 2026via Tripadvisor

• 5Great comfortable trip

  Very comfortable seats with inclination to take a nap. Nice stops throughout trip, so you don't get tired. Excellent lunch buffet with many choices. Our guide shared many details in Spanish & English. He accompanied us from early morning in Puno until our arrival in Cusco in the evening. Long trip, but Inka Express made it confortable

  ThanasisTsSeptember 2026via Tripadvisor

• 5Best journey by bus in Peru

  Absolutely the best way to get from Puno to Cusco! 🩷

  P2256AGasiamSeptember 2026via Tripadvisor

• 5Long but very enjoyable...

  Long but very enjoyable day travelling from Puno to Cusco. Stops were very interesting, scenery fantastic, guide very friendly and knowledgeable and the lunch was delicious

  Janet_HSeptember 2026via Viator

Know before you go

How it compares in Puno

• Its from-price is 32% below the median of the 229 experiences we list in Puno.
• Its length is typical for the group.
• By number of reviews it ranks 7 of 229.
• The operator lists free cancellation on it.

About Puno

Puno is a high-altitude Peruvian city on the shore of Lake Titicaca, the base for the floating reed islands of the Uros, Taquile Island and Sillustani.

Puno stands at about 3,800 metres on the shore of Lake Titicaca, in the Altiplano of southern Peru, with its bay filled with reed beds. The Plaza de Armas is framed by a baroque 18th-century cathedral with a carved stone façade, and viewpoints on the surrounding hills give views over the lake. Puno is called the folklore capital of Peru, for its dances, costumes and music.

Top-ranked sights in Puno: Uros Floating Islands (Islas Uros), Taquile Island (Isla Taquile), Lake Titicaca.

See all 229 experiences in Puno