Cusco to Puno Sun Route Lake Titicaca - Uros and Taquile Islands

Discover the Magic of Lake Titicaca: A 3-Day Journey from Cusco to Puno

Day 1: Scenic Bus Tour from Cusco to Puno - The Andean Route

After breakfast at your hotel, get ready to embark on a spectacular journey through the heart of the Andes. Our Machupicchu Latin America representative will pick you up at 6:20 am, and you'll head to the bus station for a scenic drive to Puno. But this is no ordinary bus ride; it's a sightseeing experience filled with history, culture, and breathtaking landscapes.

Your first stop is Andahuaylillas, known as the "Sistine Chapel of the Andes" due to its ornate interior decorated with beautiful frescoes and baroque altars. This small, charming church is a hidden gem in the region.

Next, we visit Raqchi, home to the impressive Wiracocha Temple, dedicated to the most important god in the Inca pantheon. This is one of the largest structures ever built by the Incas, and its scale will leave you in awe.

After a lunch break in Sicuani, you'll continue the journey through the La Raya Pass, the highest point between Cusco and Puno. Here, you'll enjoy panoramic views of the snow-capped Andes Mountains, a perfect opportunity to capture some incredible photos.

• Curious Fact: La Raya is the traditional boundary between the regions of Cusco and Puno, and it sits at a staggering 4,335 meters (14,222 feet) above sea level.

Your last stop is Pucara, where we'll visit a fascinating museum showcasing ancient lithic sculptures and relics from the pre-Inca Pucara civilization.

By 5:00 pm, you'll arrive in Puno, where our representative will transfer you to your hotel, giving you time to rest after this adventure-filled day.

Overnight: Puno

Day 2: Full-Day Uros Floating Islands and Taquile Island Tour on Lake Titicaca

After breakfast, the real magic begins. Lake Titicaca, the highest navigable lake in the world, awaits with its stunning beauty and fascinating cultural heritage. We'll pick you up between 7:00 am and 7:15 am, and head to the harbor to board a motorboat.

[Image of Lake Titicaca showing Uros floating islands and Taquile island]

Your first stop is the famous Uros Floating Islands, unique islands built entirely of reeds. The Uros people, who have lived here for centuries, will show you how they construct their homes, boats, and islands using these natural materials. You'll have a chance to interact with the locals and learn about their ancient way of life.

• Legend: The Uros people believe that their ancestors created these floating islands to escape the powerful Incas, and they continue to live on the water as a way to preserve their unique identity.

We'll then sail to Taquile Island, known for its skilled weavers. You'll explore this beautiful island, meet the locals, and even have the opportunity to purchase some of their handcrafted textiles. Afterward, enjoy a delicious traditional lunch with a host family, surrounded by breathtaking views of Lake Titicaca.

After an amazing day, we'll return to Puno around 4:00 pm, and you'll have the evening to explore the city at your leisure.

Overnight: Puno

Day 3: Departure from Puno - Farewell to the Andes

After breakfast, we'll transfer you to Juliaca Airport for your flight back to Lima, bringing your incredible journey through Lake Titicaca and the Andes to a close.

• Optional: If you prefer, you can take a bus back to Cusco, departing at 8:30 am and arriving by 3:30 pm. This is a good option if you plan to spend more time in Cusco before heading home.

This 3-day adventure provides the perfect mix of cultural exploration and natural beauty. From the incredible artistry of Andahuaylillas and the ancient mystery of Raqchi, to the unique lifestyles on Lake Titicaca, every moment offers a deeper connection to Peru's rich heritage.

Itinerary

Complete 3-Day Tour from Cusco to Lake Titicaca Itinerary

This 3-day adventure takes you through the stunning landscapes of the Andes to the mystical waters of Lake Titicaca. Along the way, you'll visit Inca ruins, experience the unique floating islands of the Uros people, and explore the rich cultural heritage of Puno.

Day 1: Scenic Bus Tour from Cusco to Puno

• Hotel pick-up: At 6:20 am, our representative will take you to the bus station.
• Andahuaylillas: Visit the "Sistine Chapel of the Andes" with its ornate interior.
• Raqchi: Explore the Wiracocha Temple, one of the largest Inca structures ever built.
• Lunch in Sicuani: Enjoy a meal while surrounded by stunning landscapes.
• La Raya Pass: Take in panoramic views at the highest point between Cusco and Puno.
• Pucara Museum: Discover ancient artifacts from the Pucara civilization.
• Arrival in Puno: By 5:00 pm, arrive in Puno, where you'll be transferred to your hotel.

Why it's special?
This scenic bus ride is more than a simple transfer it's a journey through Peru's rich history, offering stops at key cultural and historical sites, with the Andes as your backdrop.

Day 2: Uros Floating Islands and Taquile Island on Lake Titicaca

• Hotel pick-up: Between 7:00 am and 7:15 am, we'll transfer you to the harbor.
• Uros Floating Islands: Learn about the Uros people's unique way of life on islands made entirely of reeds.
• Taquile Island: Explore the island, meet skilled weavers, and enjoy a traditional lunch with a local family.
• Return to Puno: Sail back to Puno and enjoy a free evening.

Why it's fascinating?
This day offers a deep dive into the cultural richness of Lake Titicaca. From the unique construction of the Uros Floating Islands to the incredible textile art of Taquile Island, every moment is a chance to connect with ancient traditions that have survived for centuries.

Day 3: Departure from Puno - Heading Home

• Hotel pick-up: We'll transfer you to Juliaca Airport for your flight to Lima.
• Optional: If you prefer, you can take a bus back to Cusco, departing at 8:30 am.

Why it's convenient?
The tour ends with a smooth transfer, allowing you to reflect on your incredible experience of Lake Titicaca and the surrounding Andean highlands.

This 3-day itinerary is the perfect blend of cultural exploration and scenic beauty, showcasing the unique heritage of the Uros and Taquile communities, as well as key historical sites along the Andean route from Cusco to Puno.

Includes / Does not Include

Included

• Airport/Hotel pick up and drop off (door to door service)
• 3 Night hotel with private bathrooms and breakfast included (at your selected hotel in Twin/Double - Single - Triple rooms)
• 2 Lunches
• Guided sightseeing bus tour from Cusco to Puno (Sun Route)
• Uros floating and Taquile Island tour on the Titicaca Lake
• All admission tickets
• Professional English-speaking tour guide
• Overland transportation for all transfers during the 3-day program
• 1 Bottle of Water

Not Included:

• International air tickets
• Domestic air tickets (Lima - Cusco / Juliaca - Lima)
• Meals not stated in the inclusion section
• Travel insurance (Highly recommended)
• Additional and personal expenses (laundry, telephone calls, snacks)
• Gratuity (optional)

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS