Paucartambo is a district of Cusco located at 2900 meters above sea level, with a variety of
flora, fauna and ancestral customs.
In the viewpoint of three crosses with its cloudy forest at 3850m.a.s.l. it is possible to
observe a natural spectacle, contemplating colors and tonalities in the sky, the light and how
the sun rises in a very different way to what we may be used to. , this phenomenon is observed
only in 2 places in the world: Paucartambo and Japan, therefore this experience will always be
in your mind as something surreal.
At the same time from this viewpoint you can see the chain of mountains of the snowy Ausangate
that contrasts with the Paucartambo river.
Picture: Mirador del cóndor, Paucartambo
From the city of Cusco, we take our mobility heading southeast along the paved
road and travel
108 km for an average of 2 hours until we reach PAUCARTAMBO, where we will
observe the Carlos
III bridge, the temple, and within this, the Virgen del Carmen, who is highly
venerated with
music and dances in her festivity that begins on July 15 until July 18.
From Paucartambo, we will continue our journey of 45 km for two more hours, heading to the
viewpoint of three golden crosses that is located within the Manu National Park, which is one of
the reserves that houses an exquisite biodiversity recognized worldwide, currently protected of
human impact and was nominated as a world natural heritage in 1987.
Before going to the viewpoint, you must pay an entrance ticket to the Manu National Park of
10.00 nuevos soles for adults, and 6.00 soles for children.
After your experience at the viewpoint, you can visit, for example, the historical cultural zone
"Pusharo" with an extra entrance fee of 50.00 soles, as well as the Manu River area with an
entrance fee of 150.00 soles and you will have to be accompanied by an authorized park ranger.
It is recommended to visit the viewpoint between the months of May to July; highlighting the 20, 21 and 22 of June since in these days the winter solstice occurs and hopefully it does not dawn with clouds that they prevent you from having impressive views; or also another unmissable date is on the feast of the Virgen del Carmen that begins on July 15 and ends on July 18 where thousands of devotees meet and present artistic, religious, cultural, and gastronomic activities Showing thus its customs and traditions to all locals and visitors, not for nothing Paucartambo is recognized as "folk capital of Cusco".
This experience is highly recommended for those who like nature and want to get out of the
stress of the city either in the company of friends and/or family.
The time to contemplate this natural phenomenon is from 4:30 to 5:30 in the morning.
The sun's rays illuminate as paths in the humid sky for several minutes, distorting the
image by giving an optical illusion of three suns, as if each sun jumped from one side to
other.
Some agencies offer a two-day tour to Paucartambo. Starting very early in the city
from Cusco in the direction of Paucartambo, and during the trip make some stops to visit
the archaeological complex of "Ninamarca" and its pre-Inca chullpas.
Upon reaching the town
visit
the temple of the Virgen del Carmen or the museum of typical dances. The trek to the viewpoint
of the three crossings is carried out at night and camping in authorized sites and waiting for a
Spectacular sunrise that illuminates the dense jungle of Manu.
Share
For travel inspiration and insights