→ The Virgen del Carmen and Sunrise over Tres Cruces 2025

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.

Itinerary

Day 1 | Festival

By Car Cusco - Virgen del Carmen

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.

12:30 - 13:00 Pick up from your hotel and departure from Cusco
15:30 - 16:00 Visit Ninanmarca
17:30 - 18:00 Arrival in Paucartambo
(July 15) Festival of the Virgin of Carmen, fireworks, burning of castles, traditional dances

Day 2 | Festival

By Car Tres Cruces - Virgen del 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.

01:00 Meeting and Departure to the Tres Cruces viewpoint
03:00 - 05:00 Arrival at Tres Cruces and sunrise at the Tres Cruces viewpoint in Paucartambo
07:30 - 08:00 Arrival in Paucartambo and free morning
(July 16) Enjoy typical and/or traditional dances in honor of the Virgin of Carmen
13:30 - 14:00 Farewell and Return to Cusco
17:30 - 18:00 Arrival in Cusco

What Our Travelers Say

Nick G

November 27, 2025

Memories in the Mountains of Peru!

Chino and Yisus are complete professionals. The experience was amazing. Inka Trail took care of our needs but remember that you are camping and you should be prepared for some difficult trekking on the Inka Trail. Recommend that you prep a bit with hikes before you take the trip. Once you arrive you are in experienced hands. Enjoy your adventure. Nick

Meiko K

November 27, 2025

Inka Trail hike to Machu Picchu

4-day trek on the Inka Trail with 2 guides, Chino and Jesus. Small mixed age group, good energy, nice pacing. The crew made the experience enriching and fulfilling. It was challenging and rewarding. The food and hospitality was incredible!

Boop

November 27, 2025

Awesome! Book directly!

This was awesome. 100% would recommend and do again! We got matched thru a random travel agency and will book directly with Inka Trail next time

Anouk K

November 27, 2025

Dreams coming true with Inka Trail Expeditions

We had an absolutely amazing experience! Chino, Jesus, the porters and the cook did a hell of a job. We were with a group of nine, and after the first day already felt like a little family. It was possible to do everything at your own pace, where Chino and Jesus were really supportive all the time. Highly recommended! Be sure to double check that you're booking directly with Inca Trail Experiences, since we booked through another company and ended up with them. 100% happy about it, but would have loved to be able to book directly with them.