A few hours from Cusco, you can experience one of the most beautiful sunrises in the world, where the blanket covering the Cusco jungle blends with the last mountains of the highlands, both of which will completely amaze you at Three Crosses of Gold.
In the province of Paucartambo lies the “Balcony of the East”, one of only two places in the world where you can witness the optical phenomenon of the White Ray Sunrise. If you are a traveler who has already enjoyed the sunrise at Machu Picchu but do not want your adventure in Peru to end there, you must secure your spot and visit this natural viewpoint.
When Is the Best Time to See the Sunrise at the Three Crosses of Gold Viewpoint?
The dry season is undoubtedly the best time, and within it, the days of the winter solstice (especially between June 20 – 22) are considered the best dates to appreciate this optical phenomenon.
How to Get to the Three Crosses of Gold Viewpoint?
Getting to the Three Crosses natural viewpoint is not complicated; however, you will need to wake up early whether you wish to travel independently or with a tourism agency. If you are traveling independently from Cusco, you can:
- Take a vehicle to Paucartambo from Diagonal Angamo Ave., with an approximate travel time of about 4 hours.
- In Paucartambo, you must head to the shared transportation stop and ask about the one that takes you to Acjanaco. From Paucartambo to the closest point to the viewpoint, the trip takes approximately 2 and a half hours.
- Upon arriving in Acjanaco, you can begin a hike to the viewpoint.
- The entrance fee to the viewpoint is approximately 10 soles. Since it is a natural area, it is important to go accompanied by a park ranger.
If you decide to go with a travel agency, the agency will handle all logistics and transportation from Cusco. In addition, remember that the viewpoint is located at 3,700 meters above sea level, so it is important to wear warm layered clothing.
Paucartambo and Manu National Park
The Three Crosses of Gold viewpoint will undoubtedly amaze you at sunrise; however, it is not the only place you can visit. You can also:
- Visit the Chullpas of Ninamarca, which date back to the pre-Inca era.
- Explore the picturesque town of Paucartambo, recognized as one of the Best Tourism Villages in the World.
- Discover the Hinkiori Petroglyphs in Kosñipata.
- Begin your adventure in Manu National Park and discover its historic cultural zone.
Is It Recommended to Travel With a Tour or Without a Tour?
Traveling with a travel agency is always the best option because it guarantees you comfortable transportation, logistics, a professional bilingual guide, and guided visits to the various archaeological sites; however, few agencies offer this experience, and the services usually last 2 days, so it will depend on the itinerary that best suits your trip. At Peru Jungle Trips, we include a visit to the Chullpas of Ninamarca in our Manu expeditions.