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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Daniela P
September 3, 2025
Henrry was the best! We did the 2 day inka trail trek with him and everything exceeded our expectations. He was full of insights and information (& jokes). We felt well taken care of the entire time and the lunch provided on the hike was good too!
Cristian M
September 2, 2025
First time camping and being that the Inka Trail I think it was mesmerizing. The guides were very supportive. Both Chino and Cati were very attentive to our health and livelihoods. Not only with us but with the group as a whole. The helping crew and the crew were exceptional . There were amazing sites along the way and overcoming the hardships of the hike was both spiritually and physically expansive.
Voyager559792
September 1, 2025
I had the best experience hiking the four days with Inka Trail Expeditions. The food was delicious, tents cozy and insulated. We got double sleeping pads and super warm bags. Most importantly, our guide Eder was fantastic! He took care of our every need, answered our many questions, and shared his extensive knowledge. I had a lingering cold when I started the hike that developed into acute bronchitis, but he stayed with me, gave me a "remedy," asked every store for miel, and even gave me cola and mentos from his pack! He went above and beyond to make sure I was okay. He also found out it was my birthday the day before the last night of camping and made sure I had a cake. A CAKE! At 12k feet... Amazing. But beyond his attentiveness, Eder shared his passion and knowledge of the trail with love and enthusiasm. If you decide to do the Inka Trail with this group (which I HIGHLY ENCOURAGE), ask for Eder as your guide!!! You will be taken care of from start to finish.
karyn h
September 1, 2025
The 2 guides, Jorge and Katy, were kind, helpful, patient, knowledgeable, and excellent at keeping the group on task. The porters, the cooks, the camp sites, were welcoming after a hard day of hiking. The size of the group was perfect for getting to know each other.
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