Highlights
- See murals, religious paintings, carved altars and decorative elements used during the evangelization process in the Andes.
- Walk in front of large stone and adobe walls that allow you to imagine the original scale of the temple.
- Observe enclosures, deposits and spaces that were part of an important Inca administrative and ceremonial center.
- See the mountains that divide the basins related to Cusco and the Puneño highlands.
- Enjoy time to take pictures in La Raya without a long walk.
- Learn why Pukara was an important center in the highlands before the development of later cultures.
Trip Details
- Route: Cusco – Andahuaylillas – Raqchi – La Raya – Pukará – Puno
- Duration: Full day
- Departure location: Cusco
- Maximum altitude: 4,335 meters / 14,222 feet in La Raya
- Approximate distance: About 390 kilometers
- Total approximate duration: 10 hours
- Difficulty: Easy
- Transportation: Tourist bus, minibus or private vehicle
- Guide: Spanish and English
- Food: Buffet lunch
Itinerary
Cusco – Andahuaylillas – Raqchi – La Raya – Pukará – Puno
Highlight of the day: Travel from Cusco to Puno with guided stops that allow you to understand the transition between the colonial world, the Inca period and the pre-Inca societies of the highlands.
Pick up from the hotel in Cusco
At 6:30 a.m., the team will pick up from your hotel and transfer you to the tourist terminal.
Cusco has narrow streets, slopes and pedestrian sectors. When the vehicle cannot reach the hotel door, Peceros Agency Travel will set a nearby point.
You must be prepared before the confirmed time. The tourist bus has a departure time and can not wait for a prolonged period.
The main baggage will be placed in the vehicle compartment. Take a small backpack with you with documents, water, coat, medicines, telephone and valuables.
Departure from Cusco
At 7:00 a.m., we will start the journey to Puno.
The guide will welcome, explain the itinerary and provide recommendations on the schedules of each stop.
The first part of the journey follows the southern valley of Cusco. From the vehicle you will observe neighborhoods, agricultural fields, mountains and towns located next to the road.
The bus has reclining seats and luggage space, depending on the assigned unit. Services may vary between group and private mode.
Wear the seat belt and avoid walking inside the vehicle while on the move.
Andahuaylillas
The first visit will be in Andahuaylillas, a town in the Southern Valley of Cusco located approximately 3,122 meters / 10,243 feet.
Here is the church of San Pedro Apóstol, built during the colonial period. Its interior preserves mural paintings, altars, canvases, woodwork and decorative elements linked to the religious art of the time.
The guide will explain how architecture, images and murals were used during the evangelization process.
The visit requires respectful conduct. It is a religious space that may have restrictions for photographs and recordings.
Avoid using flash, touching altars or separating from the group. Some indoor areas have reduced lighting and uneven floors.
Andahuayyllas – Raqchi
After the visit, we will continue to Raqchi.
During the journey we will pass through towns in southern Cusco, agricultural fields and areas near the Vilcanota River.
The landscape changes gradually. Mountains become more open and extensive fields used for cultivation and grazing appear.
The guide will provide information during the tour and point out important places visible from the road.
Raqchi Archaeological Complex
Raqchi is approximately 3,480 meters / 11,417 feet.
The complex is associated with the cult of Wiracocha and with administrative, religious and storage functions developed during the Inca period.
The main structure features a large central stone and adobe wall. On both sides there were columns that held a large cover.
The tour also allows you to observe enclosures, patios and circular deposits known as colcas.
The hike is done on dirt, stone and open areas. The sun may feel strong during the day, although the wind maintains a cool feeling.
The guide will explain the distribution of the complex and the possible function of its main structures.
Crafts and community of Raqchi
In the surroundings of the complex you will find products prepared by families in the community.
Ceramic pieces, textiles and other items associated with local production are offered.
Before taking pictures of people, ask permission. If you decide to buy, ask the price with respect and avoid aggressive negotiation.
Tourism represents a source of income for many Raqchi families. Buying directly allows part of the expense to remain in the community.
Buffet lunch
Around 12:30 p.m., we will make a stop at a tourist restaurant.
The buffet lunch includes a selection of Peruvian dishes and preparations adapted for travelers.
Soups, salads, rice, potatoes, pasta, vegetables, meats and desserts can be served. The composition changes according to the restaurant and the season.
Vegetarian options must be requested prior to departure. Vegan, gluten-free or allergy-related diets need prior coordination.
Bottled and alcoholic beverages are not included unless otherwise confirmed.
Eat in moderation. After lunch, the vehicle will continue to the highest altitude of the journey.
The Stripe
La Raya is located at 4,335 meters / 14,222 feet and is the highest point of the trip.
This step marks a geographical transition between the Cusco region and the Puneño highlands.
As you get off the bus you will feel a lower temperature and a drier air. Even a short walk can produce shortness of breath.
The stop is intended for photographs and observation. On clear days you see mountains, pampas, waterways and sectors used for grazing.
You can also find stalls with textile products and crafts.
Walk slowly and stay close to the vehicle. If you feel dizzy, headache, or weakness, please inform the guide.
La Raya – Pukará
After the stop, we will continue to Pukará.
The road enters the highlands, where large pampas predominate, grazing areas and populations distributed along the road.
You can observe alpacas, llamas, sheep and small rural homes.
The temperature can change rapidly due to the presence of clouds, rain or wind.
Pukará Lithic Museum
Pukará is approximately 3,910 meters / 12,828 feet.
The visit is concentrated in the lithic museum, where monoliths, sculptures, ceramics and other pieces related to the Pukará culture are preserved.
This society developed before the Inca period and had influence in different areas of the highlands.
The guide will explain the characteristics of the pieces and their possible use within ceremonial, religious or social activities.
Some objects present human figures, animals and symbolic elements.
The visit is indoor and does not require a long walk. However, there may be steps and narrow corridors.
Pukará – Puno
After the last visit, we will continue to Puno.
The route crosses the highlands and passes through cities, towns, fields and livestock activity areas.
As we approach Puno, transit increases. The arrival time depends on the state of the road, the vehicle movement and the duration of the visits.
The guide will indicate the procedure for collecting luggage and coordinating the final transfer.
Arrival to Puno
The arrival is scheduled at approximately 5:00 p.m.
When you arrive at the terminal, you will pick up your luggage and receive assistance to continue to the hotel.
The final transfer must be indicated in the confirmation. In some group services you can perform in a different unit to the main bus.
Puno is located at approximately 3,827 meters / 12,556 feet. The temperature drops during the afternoon and evening, so we recommend keeping a house accessible.
Before you retire, check the seat, the upper compartment and the area where your luggage was stored.
Technical Details
- Pick-up time: 6:30 a.m.
- Initial transport: Transfer vehicle
- Route: Hotel – tourist terminal
- Weather: Cold in the morning
- Road Type: Asphalt
- Altitude: 3,122 meters / 10,243 feet
- Difficulty: Easy
Inclusions
- Pick-up from the stated hotel area or a nearby coordinated point when vehicle access is restricted.
- Transfer to the tourist terminal as part of the confirmed itinerary.
- Tourist transportation in a vehicle selected according to the group size and route conditions.
- Reserved seat as part of the confirmed itinerary.
- Space for luggage as part of the confirmed itinerary.
- Professional guide for route coordination, assistance and interpretation of the main sites.
- Entrance ticket for the attraction specified in the booking confirmation.
- Stop in La Raya as part of the confirmed itinerary.
- Lunch at a selected local restaurant; dietary requests must be reported in advance.
- Operational assistance before and during the tour for the services included in the booking.
- A basic first-aid kit carried by the guide for initial assistance during the route.
- Emergency oxygen for initial assistance at altitude; it does not replace professional medical care.
- Baggage coordination as part of the confirmed itinerary.
- Arrival at the tourist terminal of Puno as part of the confirmed itinerary.
- Accommodation in the category and location confirmed for the tour.
- Meals not specifically indicated in the itinerary, including personal orders and upgrades.
- Bottled water, snacks and additional drinks purchased during the route.
- Tips for guides, drivers, cooks or support staff; gratuities are voluntary.
- Personal travel insurance, including medical care, evacuation and trip interruption coverage.
- Personal medicines and treatments prescribed for the traveler.
- Professional medical care or evacuation expenses required during the trip.
- Accommodation before or after the tour unless it is expressly listed in the package.
- Lodging in Puno; this cost is payable directly by the traveler when required.
- Additional baggage not declared; this cost is payable directly by the traveler when required.
- Filming Permits; this cost is payable directly by the traveler when required.
- Drones; this cost is payable directly by the traveler when required.
- Professional Photographs; this cost is payable directly by the traveler when required.
- Services not mentioned; this cost is payable directly by the traveler when required.
- Expenses caused by strikes or blockades; this cost is payable directly by the traveler when required.
- Personal Consumption; this cost is payable directly by the traveler when required.
- Personal purchases, souvenirs and other expenses chosen by the traveler.
Upgrades
- Breakfast to go; Reference Price: From USD 10
- Lunch adapted for special diet; Reference Price: From USD 15
- Guide in another language; Reference Price: Consult
- Superior category vehicle; Reference Price: Consult
- Child seat; Reference Price: Consult
- Transfer from Sacred Valley; Reference Price: Consult
- Transfer to hotel outside the center of Puno; Reference Price: Consult
- Hotel night in Puno; Reference Price: Consult
- Hotel night in Cusco; Reference Price: Consult
- Lake Titicaca Islands Tour; Reference Price: Consult
- Private transfer Puno – Juliaca; Reference Price: Consult
- Individual portable oxygen; Reference Price: Consult
- Transportation for professional equipment; Reference Price: Consult
- Additional baggage; Reference Price: Consult
Additional services require prior confirmation and may result in changes in the rate.
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PeruRail Trains Comparison
| Feature | Expedition | Vistadome | Observatory | Hiram Bingham |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Windows | Standard Panoramic | Full Panoramic (Roof & Walls) | Full Panoramic (Roof & Walls) | Large Classic Windows |
| Seating Layout | Seats facing each other with table | Leather seats, facing each other | Leather seats, spacious | Plush armchairs, elegant dining tables |
| Food & Drinks | Available for purchase | Light snack & non-alcoholic drinks | Light snack & non-alcoholic drinks | Gourmet Lunch/Dinner & Open Bar |
| Entertainment | Ambient Andean Music | Cultural Dance & Fashion Show (Return) | Live Music & Cultural Show | Live Band in Bar Car |
| Special Features | - | - | Access to open-air balcony car | Includes bus, citadel ticket & guide |
| Estimated Price (One-way) | Desde $65 USD | Desde $85 USD | Desde $110 USD | Desde $490 USD |
We are local operators
At Peceros Agency Travel we are local operators and we coordinate tourist services in Cusco and southern Peru. We know the route to Puno, road times, entry restrictions and height conditions that can affect travelers.
Experienced Guides
The day brings together colonial, Inca and pre-Inca content. Our guides explain the differences between each period and avoid presenting all sites as part of a single historical stage.
Reliable Transportation
The vehicle is assigned according to the contracted mode. Luggage travels within the designated compartment and passengers have a reserved seat.
Carefully Coordinated Meals
The buffet lunch is held in a tourist restaurant on the route. We request basic measures of cleaning, conservation and handling of food.
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