Puno to Cuzco

Another early start today — bags ready and down in the lobby for a 6:15 pickup. A long travel day ahead, but this one felt special. The destination was another of those teenage dreams from the old Time-Life books… Cusco.
By 7am we were at the bus station and soon after we rolled out of Puno right on time.
Our first stop was Pukara — where the toilets were appreciated, but the small museum behind the very well-stocked shop turned out to be the real surprise. Marco, our guide for the day, gave us a quick tour — mostly in Spanish — which became the theme for the journey.
About 90 minutes later we reached La Raya, the high point between regions and a spectacular spot. Kim found some wool for a future project — travel memories now come home in very practical ways.
Lunch was in Sicuani around midday. A relaxed stop, good food, and some very friendly dogs happy to greet passing travellers.
Next was Raqchi, which I found genuinely fascinating. A complex used for storage — grain, potatoes and supplies — built on top of an earlier Huaca site, layers of history again. The Inca Trail runs nearby, which added a quiet sense of connection to everything we’ve been learning.
Our final stop was the church at Andahuaylillas. Locals proudly say it rivals the Sistine Chapel. No photos or video allowed inside, so you’ll have to trust us — but even from the outside you can sense it’s something special.
We arrived at the Cusco bus station around 5:30pm and by 6:30, after our transfer, we were finally in our room.
A big travel day.
Another childhood image becoming real.
And tomorrow — we start exploring Cusco. ✨Read more