Tour Details:
Travel along one of Peru’s most scenic and culturally rich journeys — the legendary Sun Route. This full-day experience takes you from the Imperial City of Cusco to the folkloric capital of Puno, with fascinating stops at key archaeological sites, colonial churches, and traditional Andean towns. Continue your journey the next day with a full-day boat tour on Lake Titicaca, visiting the floating Uros Islands and the culturally vibrant Taquile Island.
Highlights:
- Comfortable tourist bus journey with panoramic Andean landscapes
- Guided visit to Andahuaylillas Church, known as the “Sistine Chapel of the Andes”
- Exploration of the Raqchi archaeological complex, dedicated to the god Wiracocha
- Buffet lunch in the highland town of Sicuani
- Scenic stop at La Raya Pass, the highest point of the route (4,335 m / 14,222 ft)
- Visit to the Pukara Museum to explore pre-Inca history and ceramics
- Full-day Lake Titicaca boat tour with visits to:
- The Uros Floating Islands, home to families who preserve centuries-old traditions
- Taquile Island, known for its stunning landscapes, Inca customs, and world-renowned textile art
- Bilingual guide (English/Spanish) providing cultural and historical insights throughout the journey
Gallery
Itinerary
DAY 1: Cusco | Sun Route to Puno | Andahuaylillas | Raqchi | La Raya Pass | Pucará | Arrival in Puno
After an early breakfast, we will pick you up from your hotel and transfer you to the bus terminal for your scenic journey from Cusco to Puno along the famous Sun Route—a full-day adventure rich in culture, history, and breathtaking Andean landscapes.
Traveling in a comfortable tourist bus, you’ll enjoy guided visits at several key sites along the route, as well as a buffet lunch en route.
Our first stop is the picturesque town of Andahuaylillas, home to the Church of San Pedro, often referred to as the Sistine Chapel of the Andes. This colonial church features ornate murals, baroque architecture, and a richly decorated altar.
We then continue to Raqchi, an impressive archaeological site once an important religious and administrative center during Inca times. Here you’ll find the massive Temple of Wiracocha, along with large stone walls, ceremonial fountains, and storehouses.
After enjoying a buffet lunch in Sicuani, the journey continues to La Raya Pass (4,335 m / 14,222 ft), the highest point on the route and the natural border between the Cusco and Puno regions. This stop offers magnificent views of snowcapped peaks, highland plains, and herds of alpacas.
Our final cultural stop is in Pucará, a town known for its iconic ceramic bulls (toritos de Pucará) and its small archaeological museum, which displays artifacts from one of the region’s oldest pre-Inca cultures.
We arrive in Puno in the late afternoon. Upon arrival, our team will transfer you to your hotel. Located on the shores of Lake Titicaca, Puno is a city rich in folklore and surrounded by stunning highland scenery.
Overnight in Puno.
DAY 2: Puno | Lake Titicaca Experience | Uros Floating Islands & Taquile Island
After breakfast at your hotel, we will head to the port of Puno to begin a full-day adventure on Lake Titicaca, the highest navigable lake in the world and a place of great spiritual and cultural significance for Andean civilizations.
Our first stop is at the remarkable Uros Floating Islands, handmade by the Uros people using layers of totora reeds. As you step onto these unique islands, you’ll meet local families who have preserved their way of life on the lake for centuries. Your guide will explain how the islands are constructed, how reeds are used for food, fuel, and shelter, and what daily life is like on the water.
We then continue by boat to Taquile Island, renowned for its beautiful landscapes and strong cultural identity rooted in Inca traditions. The islanders live communally and are known for their exceptional handwoven textiles, recognized by UNESCO. You’ll enjoy a traditional lunch prepared with fresh local ingredients and have time to explore the terraced hillsides and interact with the welcoming local community.
In the afternoon, we return by boat to Puno, arriving around 5:00 PM. The evening is free to relax, explore the city, or enjoy dinner with views of Lake Titicaca.
Overnight in Puno.
DAY 3: Puno | Transfer to Juliaca Airport | Departure
Enjoy your final morning in Puno with a relaxed breakfast at your hotel. At the scheduled time, our team will pick you up and provide a comfortable transfer to Juliaca Airport, located about 1 hour and 15 minutes from Puno.
Along the way, take one last look at the serene landscapes of the Peruvian highlands, filled with rolling hills, alpacas, and traditional Andean villages.
We’ll assist you with everything you need for your flight—whether you’re continuing your journey through Peru or heading home, we hope you leave with unforgettable memories of your time in Cusco, Machu Picchu, and Lake Titicaca.
Thank you for traveling with us. We wish you a safe and pleasant flight!
Included / Excluded
- 2 nights of accommodation in selected hotels + 2 breakfasts
- 2 lunches
- Door-to-door service (hotel pickup and drop-off)
- All ground transportation and transfers (guaranteed)
- Drop-off at Juliaca Airport (JUL)
- Drop-off at your hotel after each tour (guaranteed)
- Entrance tickets to Andahuaylillas, Raqchi, and Pucará
- Entry ticket to Lake Titicaca, including the Uros and Taquile Islands
- Prices based on double occupancy (2 people sharing a room)
- 1 bottle of water
- Personal expenses
- Tips (optional)
- Travel insurance (highly recommended)
- Domestic and international flights
What to Bring:
- Original passport (and valid student ID if applicable)
- Sleeping bag (recommended for cold nights, rated to -8ºC / 17ºF)
- Sturdy hiking boots (preferably waterproof)
- Layers for variable temperatures, especially for cold nights
- Warm clothing: thermal base layers, fleece or down jacket, trekking pants (avoid jeans)
- Flashlight or headlamp with extra batteries
- Camera or phone with extra batteries/power bank
- Sun protection: sunscreen, sunhat, sunglasses, and lip balm
- Wool socks, gloves, scarf, and warm hat (for high-altitude cold)
- Rain gear: rain jacket and/or poncho (especially during the wet season)
- Plastic bags to keep your gear dry (especially inside your backpack)
- Toiletries, including toilet paper and a small towel
- Swimsuit (for optional hot springs)
- Reusable water bottle (and optional water purification tablets)
- Personal medication and a basic first-aid kit
- Trekking poles (optional but recommended)
- Extra cash for snacks, tips, or optional activities
Additional Information
IMPORTANT:
To issue your Machu Picchu entry ticket, the Peruvian authorities require the following information exactly as it appears on your passport:
- Full name
- Passport number
- Date of birth
- Nationality
Please ensure all details are accurate when making your reservation.
Pre-Trip Briefing:
A representative from Sungate Peru Travel will contact you one day before your departure to arrange a pre-trip briefing. This meeting will take place in your hotel lobby or at our office, as agreed in advance, around 6:00 PM.
During the briefing, we will provide a detailed step-by-step itinerary map and deliver all relevant tickets and documents for your journey.
Tour Map
This comprehensive map is designed to guide you through an exciting journey filled with remarkable destinations and captivating experiences.
