From Puno to Cuzco
The road that connects Puno to Cuzco is called the Sun Road as the sun follows the same path between the cities. We highly recommend taking the bus for this trip. The train is an outrageously expensive option (over $200USD per person) and only stops once on this magnificent journey. Take the bus instead; we used Wonder Peru. The bus stops a few more times, offers the same inspiring views, and cost us only $25USD, including lunch (but not museum/park fees).
First stop: Pukara, where the town cathedral was built from destroying the native temple next door and using the stones
Artifacts from the razed Pukara complex are displayed at the adjacent museum
Next stop: La Raya, the highest point on the road at 4335 meters, dividing Puno from Cuzco
The overpriced train passes by right next to our bus
Best stop: the Raqchi temple ruins
The trapezoid doors are said to stabilize the walls during earthquakes
Colcas (silos) at the Raqchi complex - the right colca has a restored roof
Final stop: Andahuaylillas Church, fairly named the Sistine Chapel of America... and no pictures allowed inside
The ancient gates that officially welcomed Inca travelers to Cuzco
