Description

The Tres Cruces de Oro viewpoint is a natural observatory from where a sunrise full of colors, shades and light can be appreciated. It is known as the ‘most beautiful sunrise in the world’. The site where this spectacle is appreciated is called ‘Akhanacu’, from where you can appreciate the vast expanse of green jungle of the Manu National Park.

Throughout the year, but especially in May, June and July, from the Tres Cruces de Oro viewpoint you can see the sunrise at 5:00 am. It is a natural spectacle of great beauty. The viewpoint is located near the town of Paucartambo, famous for its customs and typical dances.

Where is it located?

The Tres Cruces de Oro viewpoint is located 40 kilometers from the city of Paucartambo in the department of Cusco. Geographically, it is located on the border of the Andean mountains with the immense Peruvian jungle. It is 3,850 meters above sea level (12,631 feet).

How to get there?

After arriving in Peru, the first destination is the city of Cusco. From there you take the paved road to the south. The trip takes approximately 3 hours.

Public transportation services charge approximately 20 soles (6 USD) per person. Buses are taken at the bus stop on Avenida Diagonal Angamos (Cuzco).

Once in the city of Paucartambo, a private service must be hired to climb the 45 kilometers to the viewpoint. The cost depends on each type of service. Remember to go early enough to appreciate the sunrise at 5 am.

This phenomenon is appreciated by thousands of people who come to the place to see the sunrise at the Mirador and witness this phenomenon from the famous ‘Mirador de Akhanacu’, also known as the balcony of the east.

Map to Tres Cruces de Oro

The most beautiful sunrise in the world

The sunrise at the Tres Cruces de Oro viewpoint is considered one of the most beautiful sunrises in the world. The light is illuminated with a mixture of yellow and orange hues that are a visual delight for visitors. Also there, every winter solstice (at the end of June) there is a natural phenomenon known as ‘the white ray’, which only occurs in Japan and Cusco. During this natural phenomenon, an optical illusion with three suns on the horizon caused by the effervescent light and the proximity of the sun to the planet can be appreciated.

Paucartambo in Cusco

Paucartambo is a province of Cusco that is characterized by its Andean geography bordering the jungle as well as its deep-rooted customs and festivities. One of its main tourist attractions is the Tres Cruces de Oro viewpoint. However, its Inca and pre-Inca archaeological sites are also famous, such as: Watoqto, the Ninamarca chullpas, the Mauk Allaqta archaeological complex as well as the petroglyphs of Kosñipata. In mid-July, the famous festival in honor of the Virgen del Carmen is celebrated with dances, music, local cuisine and much joy.

When to go?

The dry season months (April through October) are the best months to visit the Tres Cruces de Oro viewpoint in Cusco. On those days, there is not much chance of rain, so you can see the sun without clouds to prevent it. According to the tour guides, in May, June and July; you can see a much more beautiful sunrise.

Price of the visit

The cost of the entrance ticket to the Tres Cruces de Oro viewpoint is 10 Peruvian soles (approximately US$3). It is mandatory to be accompanied by a park ranger. Additional costs are: transportation, lodging (at least 1 night) and food. The starting point is in the city of Cusco, where most of the hotels and lodges in the region are located.

An alternative is to travel to the Tres Cruces de Oro viewpoint through a private tour. The tours last 2 days and include: transportation, lodging, food, tour guide as well as the visit to the archaeological site of the Ninamarca chullpas. The tours go up to the lookout point through a short trekking route. The cost of the service is approximately US$100 (varies according to the company chosen).

Visiting hours

Tres Cruces de Oro is available to visitors every day of the year. However, remember that from 5:30 in the morning until 6:30 in the morning is the time when you can appreciate the beautiful sunrise of the place.

What to bring?

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

Photos of Tres Cruces de Oro in Cusco

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Additional information

The Tres Cruces de Oro viewpoint is located within the Manu National Reserve. In this area protected by the Peruvian State you should not: pluck flowers, capture animals, take unpermitted routes, throw garbage and make bonfires.

The viewpoint is located at 3,850 meters above sea level (12,631 feet). At this altitude the cold is intense, especially during camping nights. Because of this, visitors are advised to wear warm clothing. The temperature there at night can reach 0 degrees Celsius (32ºF).

The sunrise at Tres Cruces de Oro can be interrupted due to bad weather. This especially in the rainy season in Cusco: January, February and March.

A few tips

Take advantage of your visit to Tres Cruces de Oro to take a tour of the Manu National Reserve, one of the most biodiverse areas in Peru. The cost of the entrance ticket is: Historical Cultural Zone 50 Peruvian soles (valid for 5 days), Limonal Zone 75 Peruvian soles (valid for 1 day) and the Manu River Zone 150 Peruvian soles (valid for 5 days).

In addition to the Tres Cruces de Oro viewpoint in Paucartambo, Peru has some of the most beautiful sunrises in the world, such as: Lake Titicaca (Puno), the Pacaya Samiria National Reserve (Loreto) and the Inca city of Machu Picchu (Cusco).