Depart bright and early from Cusco for a bus tour to Puno with gorgeous views of mountains, lakes, and historically sacred cities. Grab lunch in Sicuani and stop at the temples of Andahuaylillas and Raqchi, Raya Pass, and Pukara Lithic Museum for guided tours of these significant Peruvian landmarks.

Settle in for the 10-hour tour across the southern corridor of the altiplano, the widest section of the Andes mountain range. Your first stop is St. Peter the Apostle of Andahuaylillas, a 16th-century church known as the Sistine Chapel of the Andes for its extravagant murals and gold embellishments.

Next is the Inka temple of Raqchi where you’ll glimpse into the distant past and see what life was like for worshippers of the sun. After exploring the expansive grounds, break for a buffet lunch in the nearby town of Sicuani before continuing further south.

Ascend to the Raya Pass at 4335 meters above sea level for panoramic views of the Andes. Take in the breathtaking landscape full of freshwater pools, snow-capped mountains, and vendors selling traditional souvenirs.

Finally, visit the Lithic Museum in Pukara to learn about Inkan and Aymaran culture. See rare artifacts and wander through the museum’s archeological site to appreciate the region’s fascinating history.

Each visit lasts from 20 to 40 minutes, giving you time to ask questions, take photos, and explore at your own pace. Once you arrive in Puno, you’ll part ways with the group and be transferred to your accommodation.