The Virgen de Carmen "Paucartambo" and Sunrise over Tres Cruces 2024

2 day / 1 night
From $75.00 USD per person
$111.00 USD
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Duration2 Day / 1 Nights
Group Size2/10
Activity LevelEasy

Discover the Magic of Tres Cruces Paucartambo

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.

Join a Tour to the Virgen del Carmen festival

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.

  • Day 01: Cusco - Virgen del Carmen "Paucartambo" - Tres Cruces
  • Day 02: Tres Cruces - Virgen del Carmen "Paucartambo" - Cusco

Itinerary

Day 1 | Festival

By Car Cusco - Virgen del Carmen "Paucartambo" - Tres Cruces

Sunrise, Tres Cruces of Paucartambo

Virgin of Carmen in Paucartambo

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.

Day 2 | Festival

By Car Tres Cruces - Virgen del Carmen "Paucartambo" - Cusco

Festival of the Virgin of Carmen

The most beautiful sunrise in the world

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.”

Festival of the Virgin of Carmen

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.

What's Included?

    • Transport round trip Cusco - Paucartambo.
    • All entrances fees to the places to be visited according to the programme.
    • Official tourism guide English / Spanish.
    • Guided visits.
    • Box Lunch (Lechon).
    • Full first aid and safety equipment.
    • Tourist Mobility.

What's not Included?

    • Meals. In the village of Paucartambo there are many restaurant options.
    • Personal expenses.
    • Sleeping bags.
    • Other unspecified.

    Note: Accommodation, transport, meals and additional excursions can be arranged.

    Single departures 15th and 16th of each year.

Additional Services

What to Bring?

  • Warm clothes for the night (gloves, chullo, jackets, etc).
  • Comfortable shoes (preferably for trekking).
  • A camera.
  • A cap or hat during the day.
  • Sun block.
  • Mosquito repellent.
  • Rehydrating water, snacks or fruit.
  • Identity documents.
  • Cash.

PRICES

Tres Cruces, The Virgen del Carmen (Paucartambo) - 2024 $ 75.00 USD

Important information

Inca Trail and Machu Picchu Availability


Certifications

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Trip Advisor - Traveler's Choice 2024

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Official Agency - Tour Operator

We are an official agency and tour operator, ensuring a unique and high-quality travel experience to the destinations of your choice in Cusco and Peru.

Recommended by

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Travel Associations

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