The Tres Cruces Paucartambo viewpoint offers one of the 2 best sunrises in the world. It is located 45 minutes from the traditional town of Paucartambo, exactly 105 kilometers by road from the city of Cusco. This annual natural event is located at the starting point of the Manu National Park.
However, you have to know that this natural spectacle does not happen every day of the year. It happens in an amazing way in the days close to the winter solstice, that is, between June 15 and 30. If you are lucky and there are no clouds at dawn that prevent you from seeing the landscape, you will enjoy one of the best natural spectacles in Peru.
Tres Cruces
Summary
What is the Tres Cruces de Oro viewpoint?
Tres Cruces de Oro is a natural observatory at the top of the Acjanaco mountain, from where you have a panoramic view of the sunrise in the jungle of Cusco. A natural phenomenon that offers an unmissable solar spectacle. It is also recognized as the ‘most beautiful sunrise in the world’.
It is also known as the ‘Balcón de Oriente‘ because from there the Manu National Park extends into the southeastern jungle of Peru.
During the months of May, June and July in Tres Cruces Paucartambo you can see the sunrise between 5 and 6 in the morning. In addition, you will be able to observe in front of you, the beginning of the Amazon jungle adorned in different shades, just before sunrise.
What is the white lightning phenomenon?
In Tres Cruces Paucartambo the so-called ‘White Lightning‘ happens. This natural phenomenon occurs when the sun appears on the horizon and light passes through the humid atmosphere. The result is a kind of mirage, where the sun is distorted in a very special way.
The effect is that of three suns, one of which jumps from one side to the other. It is known that this strange phenomenon only occurs in two places in the world: Japan and Cusco – Peru.
The white ray can best be seen on the winter solstice (June 20, 21, or 22). However, you are not always lucky. If the sky is very cloudy, you will only see the cloudscape.
Where it is located?
Tres Cruces Paucartambo is located in the town of Challabamba, province of Paucartambo, 105 kilometers by road from the city of Cusco. The Acjanaco viewpoint, as it is also known, is located at an altitude of 3,700 meters.
From this viewpoint of the sun, you can see the snowy Ausangate, the Apu Cañacway and the Cosñipata jungle, which begins the Amazonian plain of the Madre de Dios region.
How to get there on your own?
Once in Cusco, you have to go to the Control stop in the San Jeronimo district, from there the cars leave for Paucartambo, the cost is 15 soles. In this town he has to rent a lodging to spend the night. In the early morning between 2.30 and 3 in the morning, there are public vans that charge around 50 soles for a round trip.
How to go with the services of a travel agency?
A tour to Tres Cruces Paucartambo can be booked through a website months in advance or directly in the city of Cusco. The tour with a travel agency is 2 days and one night and has a cost of between 150 and 180 dollars per person. This service includes private transportation, tour guide, entrance to the Tres Cruces Paucartambo viewpoint, meals, and walking stick. This is the most comfortable way to visit this extraordinary viewpoint.
Tres Cruces Paucartambo Tour
How’s the weather?
During the day in the months of May, June and July the days are very hot, the temperature varies between 20 and 23 degrees. However, during the early mornings or nights and especially at the Tres Cruces Paucartambo viewpoint, the temperature drops to 0 degrees Celsius.
Tourist Attractions near Tres Cruces de Oro
- Wayquecha Biological Station.
- Watoqto Archaeological Complex.
- The chullpas of Ninamarca.
- The festivity of the Virgen del Carmen (if you visit between July 15 and 18).
- The Pusharo petroglyphs.
- The Manu National Park.
- The last Inca tribe of Queros.
- The Ashaninka people of Huacaria.
Other beautiful sunrises in Peru
In addition to the Tres Cruces Paucartambo viewpoint, Peru has other places with beautiful sunrises:
Lake Titicaca in Puno: Titicaca is the highest habitable lake in the world. The sunrises there are spectacular. The scenery itself is incredible. Appreciating the sunrise on the island of Taquile, Amantani or Uros, will undoubtedly be very comforting.
Sunrise in Taquile
The Pacaya Samiria National Reserve in Loreto: This incredible place is located in an extensive territory of the Peruvian jungle, known as the jungle of mirrors. There are tours of several days to appreciate the sunrises in this site full of flora and fauna and with a spectacular sunrise.
Pacaya Samiria
Sandoval Lake in Puerto Maldonado: A meandering lake surrounded by Aguaje palm trees that undoubtedly has one of the best sunrises and sunsets in Peru.
Lago Sandoval
Huacachina Oasis in Ica: Known as the ‘Oasis of America’, here you will find a placid lake surrounded by vegetation, boardwalks and a wide range of hotels to stay and enjoy more than one day of this wonderful refuge. The scenic beauty that this place has to offer tourists is so great that, in 2017, the British media The Telegraph included the Huacachina oasis among the 21 most impressive destinations in the world to visit, the only one in Latin America on the prestigious list.
Huacachina Oasis
Machu Picchu in Cusco: The Wonder of the World is also a perfect setting to appreciate the most beautiful sunrises in the world. The days close to the winter solstice are the most valued among tourists and photographers from around the world.
Sunrise in Machu Picchu
More information about the Tres Cruces Paucartambo viewpoint
- The viewpoint is located in an area protected by the Peruvian state. Uprooting plants and disturbing the animals that inhabit the place is not allowed.
- In mid-July, the town of Paucartambo celebrates the Virgen del Carmen festival. During this party several artistic presentations and gastronomic festivals are held.
- It is possible to camp inside the Tres Cruces de Oro viewpoint, however making bonfires is completely prohibited.
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