Tres Cruces Viewpoint Full Day Tour | Llamitas Travel Perú

About the Tour

Witness a unique sunrise in the world from the natural balcony overlooking the Amazon jungle.

Cusco, Paucartambo, Abra Acjanaco, Tres Cruces Viewpoint, Ninamarca Chullpas

Join a mystical and nocturnal adventure to the Tres Cruces Viewpoint, also known as the «Balcony of the East». Located at 12,467 ft (3,800 m) in the province of Paucartambo, at the gateway to Manu National Park, this is one of the few places in the world where you can witness an unparalleled optical spectacle during sunrise, thanks to the variety of colors, shapes, and lights originating on the horizon.

From the natural balcony of Acjanaco, you will observe how the dawn light illuminates the immense and prominent Amazon jungle, contrasting with the imposing snow-capped Ausangate and the sacred Apuqañaqway mountain. Legend has it that ancient Peruvians came here to cleanse their souls with the first rays of the sun. In addition to this magical sunrise, our route includes exploring the picturesque town of Paucartambo, its historic Carlos III Bridge, and the enigmatic pre-Inca cemetery of the Ninamarca Chullpas.

Cusco

The imperial city of Cusco is located in southeastern Peru, in the Andes Mountains. It sits at over 3,300 meters (10,800 feet) above sea level and was the former capital of the Inca Empire. Today, it is one of the most important tourist destinations in South America.

Step by step

Night & Morning Itinerary (Full Day)

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10:00 p.m. (Previous Day)

Departure from Cusco

We begin our adventure by picking you up at your hotel in Cusco at 10:00 p.m. We will embark on an approximate 3-hour journey to the folkloric province of Paucartambo.

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01:00 a.m.

Break in Paucartambo

We will arrive in Paucartambo around 1:00 a.m. We will pause in the town until 2:00 a.m., at which time we will continue our ascent towards the Acjanaco pass.

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04:00 a.m.

Arrival at Viewpoint & Hot Coffee

We will arrive at the Tres Cruces Viewpoint early to settle in the best spot. While we wait for the sunrise and fight the intense cold, we will offer you a comforting hot coffee.

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05:00 a.m.

The Sunrise Spectacle

We will contemplate the majestic sunrise over the mantle of the Manu jungle. You’ll be able to observe unique optical illusions, the Ausangate mountain range, and the imposing Apuqañaqway.

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07:00 a.m.

Breakfast and Carlos III Bridge

We will return to the town of Paucartambo to enjoy a well-deserved breakfast. At 8:30 a.m., we will take a walk to visit the historic Carlos III Bridge.

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09:30 a.m.

Ninamarca Chullpas and Return

20 minutes from Paucartambo, we will visit the pre-Inca cemetery of the Ninamarca Chullpas. After the guided tour, we will start our return to Cusco, arriving around noon.

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Included

Pick up from your hotel in Cusco.
Round-trip private tourist transport.
Bilingual Official Tour Guide.
Complimentary hot coffee or drink at the viewpoint.
Visit to Paucartambo and Carlos III Bridge.
Entrance to the pre-Inca Ninamarca Chullpas.
First aid kit and oxygen cylinder.

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Not Included

Breakfast in Paucartambo (Passenger’s choice).
Lunch or additional snacks.
Entrance to sites not mentioned.
Tips for the guide or driver (optional).
Personal extra expenses.

Tour duration

Approximately 14 hours (Overnight and morning route).

Max altitude

12,467 ft / 3,800 m (Abra Acjanaco).

Difficulty

Easy. The tour is mostly by transport with short walks. The challenge is the cold weather.

Weather

Intensely cold at dawn (sub-zero temperatures) and radiant sun in the morning.

Tour type

Nature, Scenic, and Cultural Tours.

Frequently Asked Questions

We answer your doubts

Yes, extremely cold. Being at an altitude of 3,800 meters at 4:00 a.m. in the open air, the temperature can drop below freezing. It is essential to wear very thick winter clothing (jackets, gloves, beanies, and blankets).

Although it is possible to go all year round, the best season to see the optical effect of the solstice is between May and July (especially June). During the rainy season (December to March), clouds can hide the sunrise.

Those dates are very special. Paucartambo celebrates the grand Festival of the Virgen del Carmen. During these days, the itinerary is adapted to visit the Virgin’s Sanctuary, the site museum, mask workshops, and enjoy colorful dances in the main square.

No, most of the route is done in our private tourist transport. The walks are very short, such as getting out at the viewpoint to appreciate the sunrise or strolling through the town and the chullpas.

Recommendations

Tips for the Paucartambo sunrise

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Extreme Winter Clothing

Bring down or very thick jackets, gloves, a scarf, a beanie, and thick wool socks. If you wish, you can bring an extra thin blanket.

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Identity Documents

Always bring your original passport or ID. It is a mandatory requirement for checkpoints and for registering entry to the reserve area.

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100% Battery

The cold quickly drains camera and cell phone batteries. Charge them fully and keep them close to your body to keep them warm.

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Cash

Bring Peruvian Soles in small bills or coins to pay for your breakfast in Paucartambo and buy snacks or water during the stops.

Tres Cruces
Viewpoint

Witness a unique sunrise in the world from the natural balcony overlooking the Amazon jungle.

Night & Morning Itinerary (Full Day)

We answer your doubts

Tips for the Paucartambo sunrise

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