Mirador de Tres Cruces: Tips to get to the Balcón de Oriente in Paucartambo

One of the most beautiful districts located in Cusco is Paucartambo, name that comes from the Quechua phrase Pawqar Tampu, which means “colorful tambo”. It is a cultural center with immensity of flora, fauna and ancestral customs. It is located 2900 meters above sea level approximately, next to the Mappacho River and has several tourist attractions, one of the most recognized being the famous Mirador de las Tres Cruces.

Tres Cruces: The Balcony of the East

It is one of the names that is also known as the Mirador de las Tres Cruces. This is one of the few and only places in the world where you can appreciate the winter solstice in detail. The main attraction is the sunrise and its great variety of colors. It is possible to contemplate the tonalities in the sky, the light and the shape of the sunrise in a very different way than one is used to. Not for nothing thousands of tourists visit this place every year to admire this incredible natural spectacle.

On the other hand, another attraction that this viewpoint offers us is also the great view towards the mountain range of Ausangate, a snow-capped mountain that adorns the Paucartambo river. The landscape is also made up of the majestic mountain of Apuqañaqway, which locals call “Protector of Antisuyo”.
It is right in this town where the legend of the sunrise of the Mirador de las Tres Cruces is told. It is a story that dates back a long time is very special for the local population, as it tells that those who travel the area are directed to the nearby snowy to clean their soul thanks to the light that crosses the area. In addition, they point out that the Sun had the properties of cleaning out bad feelings and emotions such as hatred, envy and anger.

What is the best time to visit it?

The most recommended time to travel is between the months of May and July, the temperate climate and the absence of rain. Also, the sky is clearer before dawn, especially if you choose a date with full moon nights.
You can also travel in mid-July, because on this date the festival is held in honor of the Virgen del Carmen, also known as Mamacha del Carmen. She is the patron saint of Paucartambo and during the festivities various artistic, religious, cultural and even gastronomic activities take place. In addition, you will see the local dances that represent the customs and daily life of the locals. For these reasons, Paucartambo has earned the recognition of “Folk Capital of Cusco”.

For lovers of nature, photography and those scenic spectacles that leave an irreplaceable memory that you will have engraved forever you will find here a dawn worthy of film. The time to appreciate it is from 4:30 to 5:30 in the morning. Sunlight forms a path in the sky for several minutes just as if it were an artistic painting.
Most tourist agencies in the city of Cusco contemplate a two-day tour to Paucartambo. The tour begins at the first hour in the navel of the world, starting with a private mobility to Paucartambo, but not before visiting the archaeological complexes and the pre-Inca chullpas in Ninamarca. Already in the district, you can appreciate the temple of the Virgen del Carmen or the museum of typical dances. The trip to the Mirador de las Tres Cruces takes place during the night, with a short trekking route to this place.
The objective is to spend the night there in a camp (in the authorized areas that the guide will indicate) to be prepared for the arrival of the next day. Exactly between 4 and 4:30 you have to get ready to see the natural spectacle: a majestic sunrise.
During this phenomenon two sunrises occur or, as it is known, a “double sunrise”. The first is based on a false exit, where you can see the sun rise rising through the horizon full of vegetation for about 20 minutes. The second shows the Sun in all its splendor, illuminating the dense jungle of Manu for approximately 15 minutes.

Now, ready your bags and get ready for the adventure in Cusco, these magical destinations. Meet the viewpoint and other representative places of Paucartambo, as well as the many attractions of Cusco. This way you will learn about the history and culture of our country. If you want more information about these tourist destinations, travel guides, tips for tourists or news of interest to plan an unforgettable journey, visit our blog and find all the help and information you need.