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.

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.

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.

Walked settlement built by the Huari culture in a Scenic setting. Long rows of rectangular courtyard structures surrounded by a wall. Some view points.

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

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.

Beautiful, old pre Incan site within the southern valley. Not accessible by public transport, so private car or driver required

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.

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.

The sistine chapel of south America. Well worth seeing inside, no photos allowed. Village is very cute

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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.

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

This is a very interesting early Inca storage facility. The terraces are still used by locals for agriculture.

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.

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.

Interesting ahricultural little village with inca ruins

One of the highest points in Peru. You can find many local vendors selling souvenirs and local produce at rest stops along the way

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.

Nice view and opportunity to buy something

If you can go it is one of the higest places in Peru

Badly breathe- out of breath

Worth stopping. Friendly people and nice view.

A place just to stop and take some pictures.

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

We weren't able to visit that day but the views were breathtaking

Created approx 500 yrs before Tiwanaku, served as an important pilgrimage stopping post on the True Road

Ancient historical place with interesting underground tunnels

Interesting place with very particular artefacts.

Pukara

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.