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Best stops along Cusco to Puno drive
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6 Best Stops Between Cusco and Puno

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Wanderlog staff
Updated
• updatedMar 31, 2023

How long is the drive from Cusco to Puno?

The direct drive from Cusco to Puno is 256 mi (412 km), and should have a drive time of 7 hrs 33 mins in normal traffic.

If you’re going on a road trip from Cusco to Puno, we did the research for you and compiled some great stops along the way — with top places to visit like Pikillacta and Saint Peter the Apostle of Andahuaylillas, or the ever-popular Parque Arqueológico Tipón.

Visiting Cusco or Puno? See our Cusco Trip Planner and our Puno Trip Planner.
256 mi
Total Distance
7 hrs 33 mins
Drive Time
6 stops
Cities / Attractions
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Best stops along Cusco to Puno drive

The top stops along the way from Cusco to Puno (with short detours) are Parque Arqueológico Tipón, Abra La Raya, and Raqchi Archaeological Park. Other popular stops include Pukara Archaeological Complex, Saint Peter the Apostle of Andahuaylillas, and Pikillacta.
1

Parque Arqueológico Tipón

Mentioned on 
1 list 
Sights & Landmarks
Ancient Ruins
Historic Sites
Parque Arqueológico Tipón is a well-preserved Incan site showcasing advanced agricultural techniques through its intricate terraces, aqueducts, and ornate water features.
4.6
(1121)
08205, Peru, USA
2

Pikillacta

Sights & Landmarks
Archaeological site
Ancient Ruins
Pre-Columbian ruins of a vast sacred site for rituals, with many stone foundations & avenues.
This ancient did was more incredible than I expected. The wall around the entire city has sections of double-walked pathways and it appears some buildings may have been a couple stories high. The community layout here was very well organized and it was peaceful place to walk around. These ruins were a pleasant surprise.
Todd D — Google review
It's very interesting to see the difference in the architecture of this pre Inca civilization. It's amazing how vast the site is. If you went without a tour, I'm sure you could find some interesting stuff uphill. It was fine with a tour as well.
David R — Google review
Very amazing site, not too crowded. It was built by the Wari/Huari, who were eventually conquered by the Inca (coming from Lake Titicaca). But many of their technologies and knowledge were preserved in the Incan empire.
Jerry Z — Google review
Pikillaqta was a peaceful and underrated site. It is very different from the other Inca ruins, with long straight walls and a large layout. You can see how the Wari people built this city before the Inca came. It feels quiet and open, with great views of the valley and lake nearby. There were very few people when we visited, which made it more enjoyable. If you are interested in history and like visiting places without crowds, this one is worth the stop.
River A — Google review
Walked settlement built by the Huari culture in a Scenic setting. Long rows of rectangular courtyard structures surrounded by a wall. Some view points.
Thorsten M — Google review
Definitely worth a vist. Vast pre Inca city, partially restored. It helps one understand that there were very sophisticated societies in Peru long before the Inkas
Bill P — Google review
Pikillacta is beautiful, I loved the external walls. Be aware there is another very close place (free entrance) called Rumicolca that is worth a visit. See photo. East door to Cusco during Inka period.
Antonio G — Google review
Beautiful, old pre Incan site within the southern valley. Not accessible by public transport, so private car or driver required
Chin H — Google review
4.6
(2201)
•
4.5
(299)
20 km al Oriente de Cusco, Peru
https://cosituc.gob.pe/pikillaqta/
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3

Saint Peter the Apostle of Andahuaylillas

Catholic church
Sights & Landmarks
This 16th-century church dubbed the "Sistine Chapel of the Andes" offers ornate murals & decor.
Amazing find in a small village. Worth the time and small entrance fee The artwork is amazing and covers the ceilings and every inch of the walls. The gold and silver covered alter area is beautiful, but the charm of this small church is from the combination of materials used and the restored frescoes. The town is easily accessible from Cusco. A few of the pictures are of the square where the church is located.
Kelly L — Google review
A catholic church in a very small village. The inside of the church is very ornate with lots of gold and silver. The church is still used for services and is open to tourist for a small fee of 17 sols.
Craig B — Google review
I like to visit this church. It's nice stop on the way from Cuzco to Puno. It's quite quiet and from outside it looks just like ordinary church, but inside it's pretty rich decoration anywhere you look. The entrance ticket costs 18 s/ and it's totally worth it. There's also small shop with nice souvenirs and they have clean toilets too. You can also buy some coffee in the stores nearby the church.
Matúš B — Google review
The sistine chapel of south America. Well worth seeing inside, no photos allowed. Village is very cute
Francois E — Google review
It's quite lovely but no photography allowed at all. It shows the connection between the Catholicism and Inca tradition in all the representations of the saints and art all incorporated into the art and depictions, so definitely interesting.
Marilyn F — Google review
Beautiful Colonial church in a remote village that used to be an Inca center. The Spanish built it right here in the center to show their dominance over the indigenous population. The inside is full of paintings, frescos, and altars, covered in gold leaf.
Marc R — Google review
Another popular stop for bus tours. It's a pretty church and worth a look around. No photos are allowed inside. There are bathrooms and a small gift shop at the exit.
Virginia M — Google review
Stunning architecture with a brilliant back story. I was mesmerised by the ancient murals far more than the gaudy gold and silver pulpits. This is an absolute must see
Kurleigh M — Google review
4.6
(2106)
•
4.5
(387)
Plaza de armas s/n, Andahuaylillas 08210, Peru
https://rutadelbarrocoandino.com/la-ruta/san-pedro-apostol-andahuaylillas/
+51 979 400 090
4

Raqchi Archaeological Park

Archaeological museum
Sights & Landmarks
Ancient Ruins
Points of Interest & Landmarks
Simply amazing creation..we couldn't visit the church but used paid toilets and then went to see this Amazing creation. The rocks placed so many centuries ago and following sun God direction is mind boggling. Interesting place..must visit when in peru
Dr.Mohina K — Google review
It was interesting but not worth the drive. If you happen to be on your way to lake titikaka we'll it may be a good rest point. Lovely rock formations and huts which show the Inca culture in a village
Marilyn F — Google review
This seems to be a stop for the big tour buses. It's an interesting site, but you won't learn much without a tour guide. Out bus guide went through quickly, maybe 20 minutes, and we would have liked to spend more time here.
Virginia M — Google review
A historical place where alot of commerce was don as it was the half way point on the silver road. Around 250 circular houses used ti be here with a fortress wall surrounding them. The originals where ruined and new replica created about 20 years ago. The tall stone pillars though are original with the exception of the roofs which where constructed to save the structures from rain
Craig B — Google review
This is a very interesting early Inca storage facility. The terraces are still used by locals for agriculture.
Robert M — Google review
Imagine an Inca Costco, Raqch’i was once a major administrative and religious center along the royal highway, complete with food storage, temples, and enough stonework to make modern masons weep. The centerpiece is the Temple of Wiracocha, one of the largest roofed Inca structures ever discovered, though today only the mighty central wall still stands, flanked by columns that look like they forgot the rest of their bodies. This site served as both a military checkpoint and a spiritual pit stop. At its peak, Raqch’i housed over 200 cylindrical qollqas (Inca granaries), proving the Incas really were the OG preppers. Personally found it oddly peaceful — maybe because there’s fewer tourists, maybe because the llamas here seem to judge you less. Located 3,480m above sea level and roughly 120km from Cuzco, this was a key stop along the Qhapaq Ñan (Inca Royal Road). You’re basically walking in the ghost-steps of messengers, merchants, and the occasional priest with altitude sickness. Quirky bonus: The walls are part stone, part adobe, like someone couldn’t commit to a single Pinterest aesthetic. Best enjoyed with a sense of awe, sturdy shoes, and a tolerance for alpaca side-eye.
The G — Google review
Well worth a visit to see another perspective on ancient Inca life. The area contains around 5,000 round grain and food storage and preservation structures (not all uncovered or on display), remnants of defensive walls and communal dormitories. All with the backdrop of the remains of the volcano that provided some of the construction stone.
Ian H — Google review
Interesting ahricultural little village with inca ruins
Francois E — Google review
4.6
(1754)
•
4.0
(325)
RJGH+8W3, Tinta 08245, Peru
5

Abra La Raya

Mountain pass
Sights & Landmarks
Mountains
Scenic Drives
Points of Interest & Landmarks
The mountain pass between Cuzco and Puno. 4335m!
Wilson F — Google review
One of the highest points in Peru. You can find many local vendors selling souvenirs and local produce at rest stops along the way
CK C — Google review
Abra La Raya, marking the border between the Cusco and Puno regions of Peru, offers a captivating experience for travelers exploring the high Andes. Positioned at an altitude of 4335 meters, this mountain pass not only provides breathtaking views of the Andes mountain range, including the snowy Chimboya, but also serves as a historical trade route that was crucial during the Inca period. Visitors to Abra La Raya can expect to see a vibrant display of local culture. Artisans from the region are often present, offering traditional crafts and textiles primarily made from alpaca, which is a staple of the local economy. The scenery at this high pass, with its panoramic mountain views and the iconic Andean fauna such as llamas and alpacas grazing nearby, creates a picturesque setting that is both awe-inspiring and deeply tranquil. Travelers are advised to take a moment to enjoy this unique landscape, where the air is thin and the cultural history is palpable. Whether you’re passing through on a tour bus or exploring the area in a more leisurely fashion, Abra La Raya provides a memorable experience that highlights the natural beauty and cultural richness of the Andes.
Daniel M — Google review
Nice view and opportunity to buy something
Daniel W — Google review
If you can go it is one of the higest places in Peru
Mustafa A — Google review
Badly breathe- out of breath
Margaret B — Google review
Worth stopping. Friendly people and nice view.
Kenny — Google review
A place just to stop and take some pictures.
Mabelin S — Google review
4.4
(70)
•
4.0
(326)
08275, Peru, USA
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6

Pukara Archaeological Complex

Archaeological site
Sights & Landmarks
Points of Interest & Landmarks
Very interesting site that one should go to!
Jonathan Y — Google review
Solid place to stop by if you’re driving from Puno to Cusco, interesting site on a surprisingly nice little town, but lacks easy guides or accessible information, should do some previous research to maximize tour experience
Jorge A — Google review
We weren't able to visit that day but the views were breathtaking
Kurleigh M — Google review
Created approx 500 yrs before Tiwanaku, served as an important pilgrimage stopping post on the True Road
Christopher D — Google review
Ancient historical place with interesting underground tunnels
Viktor V — Google review
Interesting place with very particular artefacts.
Dylan S — Google review
Pukara
Machupicchu A — Google review
If Machu Picchu is the Beyoncé of ancient Peru, then Pukara is that underrated band from the ’70s archaeologists secretly obsess over. Nestled in the Puno highlands at a breezy 3,900 meters above sea level, this pre-Inca site predates the Incas by at least 500 years. Yeah, the Pukara civilization was flexing pyramids and ceremonial platforms around 200 BC, while the Incas were still figuring out quinoa. The site’s got a massive sunken plaza, sculpted monoliths, and a hilltop fortress or what’s left of it, thanks to centuries of looting, weathering, and the occasional overly curious llama. Bonus: there’s a quaint Museo Litico de Pukara nearby showcasing decapitated stone heads and alpaca-free history panels. Come for the eerie silence, stay for the realization that this culture thrived when Rome was still trying to figure out plumbing. Just don’t expect snack bars, WiFi, or oxygen in abundance. Stats flex: - Civilization: Pukara Culture (200 BC–300 AD) - Altitude: 3,900 m - Location: ~100 km north of Puno - Museum entry: Separate, but affordable Minus one star for lacking toilets and consistent signage. Plus four stars for stone heads and cosmic vibes.
The G — Google review
4.4
(89)
•
4.0
(246)
XJ3G+RWP, Pucará 21137, Peru, USA
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