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Ruta del Sol Cusco Puno – Lake Titicaca Floating Islands Tour (3D/2N)

(2 Reviews)

Duration3 Days/ 2 Nights
Altitude4,335 msnm
Distance447 km
DifficultyModerate
Tour GuideES / EN
DestinationPuno

Gallery

Overview

The Ruta del Sol connects Cusco with the highlands of Puno, crossing diverse Andean landscapes. Along the way, travelers can observe small towns, archaeological sites, and aspects of local culture. A buffet lunch featuring Andean products provides a pause during the journey.

The trip begins with an early departure from Cusco and follows the Ruta del Sol toward Puno. Stops include Andahuaylillas, noted for its colonial church, and Raqchi, a site dedicated to the deity Wiracocha. You will have lunch in Sicuani, then continue to La Raya, the highest point of the route, with beautiful mountain views.

The Lake Titicaca Floating Islands Tour starts at the Uros Islands, located at 3,812 meters above sea level. Families construct these islands from totora reeds and maintain traditional ways of life. The journey continues to Amantaní Island, where you will enjoy a countryside lunch. Afterward, you will walk to the Pacha Tata temple, a viewpoint that offers stunning sunset views over Lake Titicaca.

Families on Amantaní Island host you in their homes, serve dinner, and share a cultural presentation in the evening. Temperatures are generally cold during the mornings and evenings, with milder conditions around midday. On the third day, we will visit Taquile Island, a UNESCO site known for its textiles. We will explore the main square, see traditional weaving, enjoy a local lunch, and return to Puno by boat.

The experience concludes with a night bus from Puno to Cusco. The Ruta del Sol combined with Lake Titicaca offers a journey filled with natural scenery, history, and culture.

Departure & Return location:

Cusco hotel transfer

Departure Time:

6:00 am

Recommended to carry

Warm clothing, especially for cold nights
Comfortable walking shoes for hikes and excursions
Hat, sunscreen, and sunglasses for sun protection
Cash for souvenirs, snacks, or extra purchases
Reusable water bottle to stay hydrated
Medication for altitude sickness, if needed
Respect for local customs and traditions
Camera or smartphone with fully charged battery
Small towel and personal hygiene products
Personal documents, such as ID or passport readily accessible

Price Includes

Tourist bus from Cusco to Puno along the Ruta del Sol with guided stops and buffet lunch
One night accommodation in a hotel in Puno on the first day
One night stay in a family home on Amantaní Island (basic, clean rooms)
Meals as specified in the itinerary: 2 lunches, 1 dinner, 2 breakfasts
Tourist boat for visiting the floating islands and Amantaní/ Taquile Islands
Professional bilingual guide (Spanish/English) throughout the tour
Entrance fees to archaeological sites and local communities
Permanent assistance during the entire tour
Night bus return from Puno to Cusco

Price Excludes

Dinner in Puno on Day 1
Last lunch on Day 3
Personal expenses and tips
Additional drinks
Accommodation in Cusco
Travel insurance (optional)

Tour Plan

Day 1: Cusco – Ruta del Sol – Puno

The journey starts early in Cusco at 6:00 AM, following the scenic Ruta del Sol toward Puno. The route passes through the Sacred Valley and ascends into the Andean highlands, offering stunning landscapes. The first stop is Andahuaylillas, known for its remarkable church, often called the “Sistine Chapel of America.”

The trip continues to Raqchi to explore the archaeological site dedicated to the Inca god Wiracocha. In Sicuani, a buffet lunch with fresh Andean ingredients provides a well-deserved break. The route then reaches La Raya, the highest point at 4,335 meters above sea level, with expansive mountain views.

The final stop is Pukara, where the museum showcases pre-Incan art and local traditions. Arrival in Puno is around 5:00 PM, followed by a transfer to the hotel.

Day 1 Statistics

Distance traveled:387 km
Highest altitude: 4,335 meters above sea level
Lowest altitude:3,400 meters above sea level
Route: Cusco – Andahuaylillas – Raqchi – Sicuani – La Raya – Pukara – Puno
Difficulty level: Moderate, mostly road travel with short walks

Day 2: Puno – Uros Floating Islands – Amantani Island

The Lake Titicaca Floating Islands Tour begins at 7:00 AM with a boat ride to the Uros Islands. Visitors explore the totora reed islands and observe the local way of life. The journey continues to Amantaní Island, where villagers provide a warm welcome.

We will enjoy a local lunch and then hike to the Pacha Tata temple on the hilltop. From this viewpoint, there are panoramic views of Lake Titicaca at sunset. In the evening, a traditional dinner and cultural presentation take place before an overnight stay in family homes.

Day 2 Statistics

Distance traveled: 35 km
Highest altitude: 3,817 meters above sea level on Amantaní Island
Lowest altitude:3,812 meters above sea level at Uros Islands
Route: Puno – Uros Islands – Amantani Island
Difficulty level: Moderate, light hiking on Amantaní trails

Day 3: Amantaní – Taquile Island – Puno – Return to Cusco

After breakfast, we will take a boat ride to Taquile Island, a place recognized by UNESCO for its textiles and culture. We will walk to the main plaza, enjoy panoramic views of Lake Titicaca, and observe local artisans demonstrating traditional weaving. We will enjoy a typical local lunch on the island.

In the afternoon, we will return to Puno by boat, arriving around 4:00 PM. Then, we will transfer to the terminal for the night bus to Cusco.

The trip takes about 10 hours, giving you time to rest after exploring the Ruta del Sol and Lake Titicaca.

Day 3 Statistics

Distance traveled: 25 km by boat, 386 km by night bus
Highest altitude: 3,950 meters above sea level on Taquile Island
Lowest altitude:3,810 meters above sea level at Puno port
Route: Amantani Island – Taquile Island – Puno – Cusco
Difficulty level: Moderate, light hiking and long bus travel

FAQS

1. What is the duration of the Ruta del Sol Cusco Puno Tour?

The tour lasts 3 days and 2 nights, including a night in Puno and a night on Amantaní Island.

2. What sites will we visit during the tour?

We will explore Andahuaylillas, Raqchi, Sicuani, La Raya, Pukara, Uros Floating Islands, Amantani, and Taquile Island.

3. Is transportation included from Cusco to Puno?

Yes, the tour includes a comfortable tourist bus along the Ruta del Sol Puno with guided stops and lunch.

4. What type of accommodation will we have?

We will spend one night in a Puno hotel and another night in a family home on Amantaní Island, with clean and basic rooms.

5. Are meals included in the tour?

Yes, the tour includes 2 lunches, 1 dinner, and 2 breakfasts according to the itinerary.

6. Do we need a guide for the tour?

A professional bilingual guide (Spanish/English) will explain the sites, culture, and local history.

7. Will we visit Lake Titicaca Floating Islands?

Yes, the tour includes a Lake Titicaca Floating Islands Tour visiting the Uros Islands, Amantaní, and Taquile Island.

8. What should we bring on the tour?

Bring warm clothing, comfortable shoes, sunscreen, a hat, cash, water bottle, personal documents, and a camera.

9. Is travel insurance required?

Travel insurance is optional but highly recommended for safety and peace of mind.

10. How physically demanding is the tour?

The tour is moderately easy, with short hikes on Amantaní and Taquile Islands and comfortable bus and boat rides.

11. What is the highest altitude reached on this tour?

The highest point is La Raya at 4,335 meters above sea level.

12. How do we return to Cusco?

The tour includes a night bus from Puno back to Cusco, approximately 10 hours of travel.

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(2 Reviews)

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2 Reviews

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Olivia P.

Solo Traveller

“We loved traveling along the Ruta del Sol Puno. The views at La Raya were breathtaking. Meeting the Uros communities and staying on Amantaní made the tour truly authentic. The guide was knowledgeable and friendly”.

October 9, 2024

Ryan S.