The beautiful Mirador Tres Cruces Paucartambo is located 2 hours and 30 minutes from the province of Paucartambo and 4 hours from the city of Cusco. This incredible viewpoint is located very close to the entrance to the Manu National Park, at an altitude of 4000 m. / 13123 ft.
Tres Cruces Paucartambo is one of only two places in the world where you can witness the sunrise in such splendor . The main attraction here is the stunning sunrise, which displays a stunning array of colors. This unique phenomenon allows you to see the shades of the sky, the light, and the shape of the sunrise in a truly extraordinary way.
The Festival of the Virgin of Carmen in Paucartambo is one of the most exciting and popular religious festivals in Peru. Held every year in mid-July, this unique Andean festival lasts four days and features beautiful dances, local food, and impressive parades. INKA TRAIL offers adventurous culture enthusiasts the unique opportunity to witness the festival of the Virgin of Paucartambo firsthand.
We start our journey from Cusco and have enough time to enjoy all the planned activities. We head to Paucartambo through a stunning Andean landscape. We enjoy a beautiful afternoon and evening in Paucartambo, a charming town known for its traditional Andean culture and vibrant festivals, arriving just when the festival is at its peak (it will be an unforgettable day).
We will continue our journey to Tres Cruces, known as one of the most beautiful sunrises in the world . Located on the edge of the Manu National Park. We will arrive at Tres Cruces at the end of the night. We will contemplate the beautiful surroundings while preparing for the early start of the next day. Ready to witness the extraordinary sunrise the next morning.
So during this phenomenon, you can witness two sunrises, also known as double sunrise. The first is a false sunrise, in which you can see the glow of the sun rising over the horizon full of lush vegetation for about 20 minutes. The second sunrise reveals the sun in all its splendor, illuminating the dense jungle of Manu for approximately 10 minutes. The light illuminates with a mix of yellow and orange hues that are a visual delight for visitors. Also there, every winter solstice (at the end of June) a natural phenomenon known as 'the white ray' occurs , which only occurs in Japan and Cusco . During this natural phenomenon you can see an optical illusion with three suns on the horizon caused by the effervescent light and the proximity of the sun to the planet.
In addition to the mesmerizing sunrise, you will also be able to enjoy stunning views of the Ausangate mountain range, a snow-capped peak that adorns the Paucartambo River. The landscape is further enhanced by the majestic Apuqañaqway, known by locals as the “protector of Antisuyo.”
Back to Paucartambo around 7am after sunrise.
In Paucartambo we will visit the Temple of the Virgin of Carmen and the famous bridge built in the style of King Charles III. Here we will witness more than 15 traditional dances, all of them part of the festival of the Virgin of Carmen. At 3:00 pm we will join the procession of the Virgin of Carmen, marveling at the skills of the dancers.
At 5:30 pm, collect your belongings and board the bus for the return trip to Cusco. You will arrive in Cusco around 9:00 pm, concluding this memorable tour.
Note: Accommodation, transport, meals and additional excursions can be arranged.
| Tres Cruces, The Virgen del Carmen (Paucartambo) - 2024 | $ 75.00 USD |
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Carlos M
March 15, 2026
Tuvimos una experiencia increíble visitando Machu Picchu gracias a nuestro guía Amilkar. Desde el primer momento demostró ser muy profesional, amable y con un conocimiento impresionante de la historia y la cultura Inca. Explicó cada detalle con mucha pasión y respondió todas nuestras preguntas con paciencia. Gracias a su guía pudimos entender mejor la importancia histórica y cultural de este lugar tan maravilloso. Además, fue muy atento con nuestro grupo y se aseguró de que todos disfrutáramos al máximo la visita. Sin duda recomendamos sus servicios a cualquier persona que quiera vivir una experiencia auténtica e inolvidable en Machu Picchu. ¡Muchas gracias por hacer de nuestro viaje algo tan especial! AMILKAR ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Anders R
March 14, 2026
Absoloutely amazing experience, our guide Nico was amazing ensuring the best possible experience, looking after us and never failing to make us laugh. The landscape was absoloutely beautiful, made only better by the exquisite accommodation along the route. The relentless dedication and commitment of the chef and sous chef ensured we never left camp feeling hungry having had a hearty breakfast lunch and dinner no matter where we were. The dedication of our horseman who transported our bags and belongings across the andes mountain range was also unquestionable. All in all it was an unforgettable experience made even better by out incredible guide Nico and our chef, sous chef and horseman.
Mikael K
March 13, 2026
Yisus was a very friendly and knowledgeble tour guide. The porters and chef were super nice aswell, and always on time with everything.
Daniel P
March 13, 2026
We had an awesome time with Inka Trail Expeditions! Yisus was an incredible guide and was extremely knowledgeable about all the sights along the trail. Our chef, Mario, made amazing food and even made a birthday cake for my birthday. The head porter, Vincent, took great care of our camp sites and it was always a pleasure to come into camp being cheered on. We will remember this trip for a long time.
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