The Tres Cruces de Oro viewpoint offers one of the best sunrises in the world. It is located a few hours from the town of Paucartambo, 105 kilometers by road from the city of Cusco. But this natural spectacle does not happen every day of the year. It only occurs during the winter solstices, that is, on June 20, 21 or 22. If you are lucky and the sunrise is not cloudy, blocking the view, you will enjoy one of the best natural spectacles in Peru.

• What is the Tres Cruces de Oro viewpoint?
• What is the white lightning phenomenon?
• Where is it located?
• How to get there?
• Travel with or without a tour?
• What is the weather like?
• Paucartambo, Manu and other tourist attractions in Cusco
• Other beautiful sunrises in Peru
• More information about the Tres Cruces de Oro viewpoint

Three Crosses Viewpoint

What is the Tres Cruces de Oro viewpoint?

• Tres Cruces de Oro is a natural observatory on top of a mountain from where you can enjoy a panoramic view of the sunrise in the jungle of Cusco: a spectacle that offers a beauty that is unheard of in the world. It is also recognized as the ‘most beautiful sunrise in the world’. The mountain where you can see this spectacle is called ‘Akhanacu’.
• It is also known as the ‘Balcony of the East’ because the Manu National Park in the Peruvian jungle extends from there.
• During the months of May, June and July, you can watch the sunrise from 5 a.m. to 6 a.m. at the Tres Cruces de Oro viewpoint. It is a natural spectacle.
• In addition, you will be able to observe a jungle landscape below the natural viewpoint and a great variety of colors and clouds in the sky, created by the sun before rising.

What is the white lightning phenomenon?

• The so-called ‘White Ray’ occurs in Tres Cruces de Oro. This natural phenomenon occurs when the sun appears on the horizon and the 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. This strange phenomenon is known to occur only in two places in the world: Japan and Cusco.
• The white streak is best 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 is it located?

• Tres Cruces de Oro is located in the town of Challabamba, province of Paucartambo, 105 kilometers by road from the city of Cusco.
• The viewpoint is located at 3,700 meters above sea level (masl).
• From the viewing point you can see the snow-capped peaks of the immense Ausangate snow-capped mountain and the first green areas of Manu. Paucartambo is 109 kilometers from the city of Cusco.

Three Crosses Viewpoint

How to get there?

• Tres Cruces de Oro is reached by a 2 hour and 30 minute drive from the district of Paucartambo. The journey from Cusco to Paucartambo takes approximately 4 hours from Cusco. Therefore, the entire journey can take more than 6 hours.
• After arriving in Peru, the first destination is the city of Cusco . From there, take the paved road heading south. The trip takes 4 hours on average.
• Transportation services charge approximately 20 soles (6 USD) per person. Buses are taken at the bus stop on Diagonal Angamos Avenue (Cusco).
• Once in Paucartambo, you must hire a private service to ascend the 45 kilometers to the viewpoint. The cost depends on each type of service. You should go early enough to appreciate the sunrise at 5 am.
• This phenomenon is appreciated by thousands of people who come to the place to watch the sunrise at the Mirador and witness this phenomenon from the famous ‘Mirador de Akhanacu’.

Travel with or without a tour?

• The trip from Cusco to the Tres Cruces de Oro viewpoint in Paucartambo can also be done with a private tour.
• These services are usually 2 days long and include: transportation, lodging, food, tour guide and a visit to archaeological sites such as the chullpas of Ninamarca. The tours ascend to the viewpoint on a short trekking route.
• For travelers who wish to make the trip without a tour, the entrance fee to the viewpoint is 10 soles (3 USD). It is mandatory to be accompanied by a park ranger. Additional costs include transportation, food and lodging.
• Because the viewpoint is located in the Manu National Park, for an additional cost, you can visit other natural attractions of this natural park.

What is the weather like?

• Paucartambo has a temperate climate with hot days and cool nights. The Tres Cruces de Oro viewpoint is on the border of the Peruvian jungle and the Andes. Tourists should bring a hat, sunscreen, mosquito repellent and warm clothing in case night falls.
• The best time to visit the viewpoint is during the dry season (between April and October). During these months, the days are clearer and there is less chance of rain. Temperatures range between 20ºC and 6ºC.

Paucartambo, Manu and other tourist attractions in Cusco

The Tres Cruces de Oro viewpoint is not the only tourist attraction in the area. You can also visit other sites in Paucartambo and the Manu National Park:

• In Paucartambo – There are several pre-Inca and Inca sites in the area: the archaeological complex of Watoqto, the chullpas of Ninamarca, the archaeological complex of Mauk Allaqta and the petroglyphs of Kosñipata.
• In Manu – The Manu National Park is located on the border of the departments of Cusco and Madre de Dios. The most important attractions are the Pusharo historical cultural zone (cost 50 Peruvian soles) and the Manu River area (cost 150 soles).

Other beautiful sunrises in Peru

In addition to the Tres Cruces de Oro viewpoint, Peru has other places with beautiful sunrises:

• Lake Titicaca in Puno – Titicaca is the highest lake in the world. The sunrises there are spectacular. The landscape itself is incredible. There are many floating islands where you can enjoy this spectacle.
• Pacaya Samiria National Reserve in Loreto – This incredible place is located in a vast area of the Peruvian jungle, in the department of Loreto. There are multi-day tours to appreciate the sunrises in this site full of flora and fauna.
• Machu Picchu in Cusco – The Wonder of the World is also a perfect setting to appreciate the most beautiful sunrises in the world. Many tourists queue to be among the first people to enter the Inca City at 6 a.m. At that time, the sunrise at Machu Picchu is an unparalleled spectacle.

More information about the Tres Cruces de Oro viewpoint

• The viewing point is located in a protected area. Uprooting plants and disturbing the animals that inhabit the area is not permitted.
• In mid-July, Paucartambo celebrates the feast of the Virgin of Carmen. During this festival, various artistic presentations and gastronomic festivals take place. The entire town is filled with joy.
• Many people take advantage of the July festivities of the ‘mamacha del Carmen’ to visit the chullpas of Ninamarca. Along the way, they visit Tres Cruces de Oro and the most beautiful sunrise in the world.
• Some tours choose to camp near the viewpoint to enjoy the sunrise very early. It is also possible to camp without a tour. The only recommendation is to dress warmly and bring the appropriate equipment.
• Sunrise at Tres Cruces de Oro lasts from 4:30 am to 5:30 am. Some days it can be cloudy, making viewing difficult. This happens most often during the rainy season (November to March).

By Ticket Machu Picchu – Last updated, March 4, 2025