Lake Titicaca Tour from Cusco along the Sun Route

5.0 (10 reviews) 2 days

out of 5

10 reviews

5.0

Andahuaylillas Church – “Sistine Chapel of the Andes” — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

Raqchi – Temple of Wiracocha — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

About this activity

What sets this tour apart is the way it turns the journey from Cusco to Lake Titicaca into a rich cultural experience rather than a simple transfer. Instead of rushing, travelers enjoy a curated route through the Andes with meaningful stops at historic sites like Andahuaylillas and Raqchi, transforming the day into a full immersion in Inca and colonial history. An overnight stay in Puno ensures a relaxed and unhurried visit to Lake Titicaca, giving travelers time to genuinely connect with local families on the Uros Floating Islands and Taquile Island. The combination of authentic interactions, stunning landscapes, professional guiding, comfortable accommodations, and a well-paced itinerary makes this tour a uniquely rewarding and unforgettable way to explore southern Peru.

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At a glance

Duration: 2 days
Confirmation: Instant confirmation
Ticket: Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Group: Up to 15 people
People per booking: 1–15
Guide: English, Spanish
Operated by: Planet Odysseys

Ages: Adults (1–99 years)

What is included

Included

Included: Round-trip boat transport on Lake Titicaca to Uros Floating Islands and Taquile Island.
Included: Traditional lunch on Taquile Island prepared by a local family.
Included: Professional bilingual guide (English/Spanish) throughout the journey.
Included: Lunch
Included: Breakfast
Included: Entrance fees to Uros and Taquile communities.
Included: 3-star hotel accommodation in Puno with breakfast
Included: Buffet lunch in Sicuani on Day 1
Included: Guided visits to Andahuaylillas Church, Raqchi Complex, La Raya Pass, and Pucará Lithic Museum.
Included: Transfer from Cusco Hotel to Bus Terminal
Included: All local taxes and service charges included.
Included: Hotel or bus terminal drop-off in Puno at the end of the tour.
Included: Transfer from Bus Terminal in Puno to Hotel
Included: Tourist-class bus from Cusco to Puno following the Sun Route, with onboard amenities.
Included: Admission fees: Sun Route entrance fees on Day 1

Not included

Not included: Dinner on Day 1 and evening meals in Puno.
Not included: Personal expenses, snacks, extra drinks, or souvenirs.
Not included: Travel or medical insurance (recommended).
Not included: Tips for guides, drivers, and boat staff (optional but appreciated).
Not included: Optional reed boat ride on the Uros Islands (approx. 15 soles, paid directly to the community).

Itinerary

Day 1 · Cusco to Puno along the Sun Route

Andahuaylillas

45 min

Visit the 17th-century Church of San Pedro, famous for its breathtaking murals, gilded altars, and baroque artwork created by the Cusco School. Your guide explains how Andean and Catholic traditions blended during the colonial era. Travelers explore the richly painted interiors, admire the ornate ceiling and frescoes, and gain insight into the cultural transformation of the Andes through religious art.
Parque Arqueologico De Raqchi

one hour Admission not included

Explore the monumental Inca sanctuary dedicated to the creator god Wiracocha. Walking through the site, you’ll see the remains of the Great Temple’s towering central wall, storehouses used for food distribution, ceremonial plazas, and ancient aqueducts. Your guide explains the site’s religious role and strategic importance in the Inca Empire, offering a vivid picture of Inca engineering and spirituality.
Sicuani

one hour

Enjoy a relaxing buffet lunch featuring regional Andean cuisine, including soups, vegetables, quinoa dishes, and grilled meats. The spacious restaurant offers a comfortable atmosphere to rest and refuel before continuing the journey. It’s an ideal moment to enjoy local flavors while admiring the landscape around Sicuani.
La Raya Pass

15 min

At 4,335 meters, La Raya is the highest point of the route and one of its most scenic. Travelers step out to take in sweeping views of snow-capped mountains, high-altitude plains, and grazing alpacas. The guide describes the natural geography and the cultural significance of this Andean divide. A brief but unforgettable moment in the heart of the mountains.
Pucara

40 min

Discover the ancient Pucará culture through carved monoliths, ceremonial sculptures, and pottery inside this small but important museum. Learn about the origins of the famous “Toritos de Pucará,” symbols of protection and prosperity. This visit provides essential context about the civilizations that flourished in the Altiplano long before the Inca.
Puno

14 hours

Arrive in Puno in the late afternoon and check in to a comfortable three-star hotel. This overnight stay allows travelers to rest and adjust before exploring Lake Titicaca. Guests can enjoy a free evening to walk around the lakeside city, visit local restaurants, or relax at the hotel. The overnight break ensures a slower, more enjoyable pace for the next day’s island visits, avoiding the rushed feeling common on one-day tours.
Uros Floating Islands

1 h 30 min Admission included

A unique civilization living atop handmade totora reed islands on Lake Titicaca, preserving traditional customs and ancestral techniques.

What travelers will do: Meet local families, learn how the islands are built, explore the floating platforms, and optionally take a traditional reed boat ride (extra cost).
Taquile Island

4 hours Admission included

A peaceful island known for its award-winning textile art, communal lifestyle, and spectacular lake views.

What travelers will do: Take a scenic uphill walk, visit community gathering points, enjoy a freshly prepared local lunch, and learn about the island’s weaving traditions.
Stop 9

30 min

Upon returning to the Puno boat pier in the late afternoon (around 4:30–5:00 PM), travelers are assisted with a direct transfer to the Puno bus terminal or to their hotel, depending on their onward travel plans. This ensures a seamless conclusion to the experience.

Buffet Lunch in Sicuani

Overnight in a three star hotel in the centre of Puno City

Day 2 · Lake Titicaca Tour

Uros Floating Islands

1 h 30 min Admission included

A unique civilization living atop handmade totora reed islands on Lake Titicaca, preserving traditional customs and ancestral techniques.

What travelers will do: Meet local families, learn how the islands are built, explore the floating platforms, and optionally take a traditional reed boat ride (extra cost).
Taquile Island

4 hours Admission included

A peaceful island known for its award-winning textile art, communal lifestyle, and spectacular lake views.

What travelers will do: Take a scenic uphill walk, visit community gathering points, enjoy a freshly prepared local lunch, and learn about the island’s weaving traditions.
Stop 3

15 min

Upon returning to the Puno boat pier in the late afternoon (around 4:30–5:00 PM), travelers are assisted with a direct transfer to the Puno bus terminal or to their hotel, depending on their onward travel plans. This ensures a seamless conclusion to the experience.