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Virgen of the Carmen Paucartambo & Tres Cruces Viewpoint Tour 2D/1N
- The Dates: It is celebrated every year in mid-July, with the main festivities taking place from July 15th to 18th (July 16th is the central day honoring the Virgin).
- The Celebration: The entire town transforms. The festival is driven by a deep and passionate devotion to the “Mamacha Carmen” (as she is affectionately called by the locals).
Starting from
US$130
per person
Experience the Festivity of the Virgen del Carmen and the Tres Cruces Viewpoint
Paucartambo is the gateway to the Manu National Park and a mandatory stop on the way to the Tres Cruces Viewpoint.
During the days of the festival (July), Cusco is in the middle of its dry season and the Andean winter. This is exactly the best time to see the famous sunrise and the optical phenomenon of the “three suns” at Tres Cruces. Therefore, it is a tradition for travelers and locals alike to attend the celebrations in Paucartambo during the day and night, and then set off in the early hours of the morning (1:00 a.m.) toward Tres Cruces to watch the sunrise.
Authentic Cultural Immersion: This is not a show staged for tourists; it is a living, authentic festival deeply rooted in the local community. Travelers get to experience true Andean-Catholic syncretism.
The Perfect Contrast (Culture + Nature): This is one of the few tours in the world where you can go from being surrounded by “demons” dancing on colonial rooftops and balconies by day, to standing at the edge of the Andes watching the sun rise over the vast Amazon rainforest at dawn.
Unparalleled Photography: For photography and video lovers, this trip is paradise. The colorful masks, cobblestone streets, the devotion on people’s faces, and the blanket of clouds at sunrise in Tres Cruces offer unique, postcard-perfect shots.
Seasonal Exclusivity: Because the sun phenomenon at Tres Cruces and the festival align perfectly only in July, it creates a sense of exclusivity for the traveler. It is truly a “once-a-year” event
Cusco | Ninamarca Chullpas – Watoqto Archaeological Site – Paucartambo Festivity – Tres Cruces Viewpoint
Get ready for a day of stunning contrasts. We will start by exploring the legacy of ancient civilizations, immerse ourselves in one of the most spectacular festivals in the Andes, and end the night traveling toward the edge of the Amazon rainforest.
07:30 a.m. | Departure from Cusco We begin our adventure by picking you up at your hotel. We will embark on a scenic journey in our private transport, leaving the city behind to delve into the beautiful landscapes of the southern highlands, accompanied by the first views of the inter-Andean valleys.
09:30 a.m. | The Enigma of the Ninamarca Chullpas Our first stop will be the archaeological complex of Ninamarca. Here, we will explore the impressive "Chullpas," pre-Inca stone funerary towers (belonging to the Lupaca culture). Our guide will explain the mysteries of their funeral rituals and the Andean worldview on life and death.
11:30 a.m. | Exploration of the Watoqto Archaeological Site Continuing on our route, we will visit Watoqto, an enigmatic archaeological site surrounded by nature. We will walk through its walls and terraces while discovering its historical importance as a strategic point of control and administration during the Inca era, right before entering the Antisuyo region (the jungle).
01:00 p.m. | Arrival at the Paucartambo Festivity We will arrive at the folkloric capital of Cusco: the colonial town of Paucartambo. After settling in and enjoying a traditional lunch, we will fully immerse ourselves in the magical Festivity of the Virgen del Carmen.
Afternoon & Evening | Magic, Dances, and Devotion You will have both guided and free time to marvel at the festival. The narrow cobblestone streets come alive with more than 19 dance groups. You will see the mischievous Saqras (devils) on the balconies, the Qhapaq Qolla, and listen to traditional music bands. This is the perfect time to take spectacular photographs, taste the local gastronomy, and experience true Andean-Catholic cultural syncretism.
11:30 p.m. to 01:00 a.m. | Start of the Route to Tres Cruces After resting for a few hours or enjoying the fireworks and the festival's nighttime celebrations, we will board our heated vehicle once again. In the early hours of the morning, we will begin the ascent along a dirt road toward the Manu National Park. The Tres Cruces Viewpoint and the rising sun await us!
Tour Fact Sheet (Day 1)
- MEALS: Lunch, Dinner.
- TOTAL TRANSPORT TIME: Approx. 4 hours.
- DIFFICULTY LEVEL: Easy.
- MINIMUM ALTITUDE: 2,906 m / 9,534 ft.
- MAXIMUM ALTITUDE: 3,850 m / 12,631 ft.
VIEWPOINT ALTITUDE: 3,700 m / 12,139 ft.
Tres Cruces Viewpoint | Virgen del Carmen Paucartambo Tour – Cusco
The early morning will treat us to one of the most spectacular sunrises on the planet at the edge of the Manu National Park, before we return to experience the fervor of the central day of the "Mamacha Carmen" festivities.
04:30 a.m. | Arrival at the Tres Cruces Viewpoint (Balcony of the East) Still under a starry sky and feeling the intense cold of the Andean dawn (approx. 3,700 m.a.s.l. / 12,139 ft), we will arrive at our final destination. We highly recommend bundling up as we position ourselves at the edge of the mountain, right where the Andes drop abruptly toward the endless Amazonian plains.
05:30 a.m. - 06:30 a.m. | The Spectacle of the Rising Sun The most anticipated moment! As the sky brightens, we will witness how the first rays of light paint the impressive "blanket of clouds" covering the Manu jungle in shades of orange and red. If weather conditions are perfect, we will be able to witness the famous optical phenomenon that gives the place its name: the illusion of seeing three suns rising at the same time. An unparalleled photographic spectacle!
07:00 a.m. | Hot Breakfast and Descent After marveling at the sunrise and taking dreamlike photographs, we will enjoy a hot drink and a box breakfast (light breakfast) to regain energy and warm up. Afterward, we will board our transport to begin the descent back to town.
09:30 a.m. | Return to the Paucartambo Festivity We will arrive back in Paucartambo, which by this time is already vibrating with the energy of the main day of the celebration. The streets are filled with color, music, and devotion. We will witness the solemn procession of the Virgen del Carmen, accompanied by captivating chants in Quechua and the acrobatics of the Saqras (devils) who, according to tradition, cannot look the Virgin in the eye and hide on the rooftops.
01:00 p.m. | Traditional Lunch and Free Time We will enjoy a restoring local lunch. You will have free time to buy handicrafts, interact with the dancers, admire the close-up details of their impressive masks and costumes, or simply soak up the festive atmosphere in the main square.
03:30 p.m. | Farewell to Paucartambo and Return to Cusco With our hearts full of culture and our cameras packed with incredible landscapes, we will say goodbye to this magical town and begin our return journey to the Imperial City.
06:30 p.m. | Arrival in the City of Cusco Arrival in Cusco and transfer to your respective hotel. End of one of the most complete cultural and scenic adventures in southern Peru.
Tour Fact Sheet (Day 2)
- MEALS: Breakfast, Lunch.
- TOTAL TRANSPORT TIME: Approx. 4 hours.
- DIFFICULTY LEVEL: Easy.
- MINIMUM ALTITUDE: 2,906 m / 9,534 ft.
- MAXIMUM ALTITUDE: 3,850 m / 12,631 ft.
VIEWPOINT ALTITUDE: 3,700 m / 12,139 ft.
What Is Included?
WHAT’S INCLUDED?
✅ Specialized Official Tour Guide You will be accompanied by a certified professional guide, an expert in high-mountain terrain, and fluent in both Spanish and English. They will be with you throughout the entire route, explaining the geography and local culture of Paucartambo, ensuring your experience is both safe and memorable.
✅ Comfortable Private Transport We offer a door-to-door service. We will pick you up from your hotel in the early morning and, at the end of the adventure, drop you off right back at your accommodation in Cusco. Our vehicles are fully equipped and safe for the Andean geography.
✅ Meals
- 01 Energy Breakfast (Box Breakfast): Specially designed to warm you up and recharge your energy right after witnessing the spectacular sunrise at the Tres Cruces Viewpoint. (Vegetarian, vegan, or gluten-free options available upon request at the time of booking).
- 02 Traditional Lunches: Delicious local dishes to enjoy the area’s gastronomy, ideal for replenishing your energy during our archaeological tours and the festival days in Paucartambo.
- 01 Comforting Dinner: A warm and restorative meal in the town of Paucartambo, perfect for preparing us before embarking on our nighttime adventure to the Viewpoint.
✅ Accommodation
- Camping: A Real Connection with Pachamama. Just like our ancestors, we feel a deep respect for Mother Earth. That is why you will spend this night resting in a campsite designed to blend harmoniously with the Andean landscape. We take care of every logistical detail so that your experience is completely sustainable and free of environmental impact.
- 4-Season Tents: Your private high-mountain camp and safe haven. These are ultra-resistant tents, prepared to withstand any whim of the Andean weather, from heavy rain to snow.
- Sleeping Mats: Forget about the cold ground. Our premium inflatable sleeping mats guarantee a warm and 100% restful night’s sleep.
✅ Safety and First Aid Your safety is our top priority. The team permanently carries:
- Oxygen Tank: Vital for the high altitude (3,700 m.a.s.l. / 12,139 ft).
- First Aid Kit: Fully equipped to treat altitude sickness, minor cuts, or basic ailments.
- Emergency Protocols: Our guides are highly trained to assess risk situations and coordinate evacuations if necessary.
✅ Permits and Entrance Fees
- Route Entrance Tickets: Includes the access fee to the Tres Cruces Viewpoint (buffer zone of the Manu National Park), as well as the entrance tickets to the Watoqto archaeological site and the Ninamarca Chullpas.
What Is Not Included?
WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED?
❌ High-Mountain Sleeping Bags ($10 USD): Don’t want to bring your own from home? You can rent one from us! We provide professional sleeping bags (mummy style) that will keep you warm even at -18°C (0°F). They include a very comfortable inner liner, and we guarantee they go through a strict washing and disinfection process after every use.
❌ Additional Meals:
- Day 1 Breakfast: Since the pickup is early in the morning (07:30 a.m.), we recommend having a good breakfast at your hotel in Cusco before starting the tour or bringing some snacks for the road.
- Dinner: The tour ends in Cusco at approximately 18:00 hrs (6:00 p.m.). Dinner is at the passenger’s own expense.
❌ Personal Mountain Gear: We do not provide technical clothing or personal accessories. We strongly recommend bringing trekking shoes, thermal and waterproof clothing (jacket, pants), a small daypack, sunglasses, and sunscreen.
❌ Travel Insurance: We highly recommend purchasing travel insurance that covers adventure activities and medical evacuation, given that we will be in remote areas at over 3,700 m.a.s.l. (12,139 ft).
❌ Tips (Optional): If you enjoyed the service of our guide and driver, a tip is always welcome as a gesture of appreciation, although it is entirely voluntary.
❌ Unforeseen Expenses (Force Majeure): We are not responsible for additional expenses arising from situations beyond our operational control, such as:
- Natural disasters or extreme weather conditions (heavy snowfall or rains that close the road).
- Strikes, road blockades, or social unrest.
- Passenger health issues during the tour.
- Delays or itinerary changes for safety reasons.
TOUR PRICE: US$ 130.00 per person
- Price Guarantee: Once your booking is confirmed, we guarantee that the price will not increase under any circumstances. Please make sure to read all the important tour information carefully before making your reservation.
CANCELLATION POLICIES
- Cancellations less than 24 hours before the trip: This will be considered a “No Show.” The deposit will not be refunded, as it covers the advance reservation of the transportation and the assigned guide’s fees.
- Voluntary Abandonment: If during the approach route you decide not to continue due to fatigue, extreme cold, or altitude sickness, you can wait comfortably and safely inside our heated vehicle. Please note that there will be no partial refunds for not reaching the viewpoint itself.
BEFORE YOU TRAVEL
Informative Briefing
- When: All informative briefings are held the evening before your trip begins, at 6:00 p.m.
- Where: At our main office in Cusco (or at your hotel, upon prior coordination).
- Note: If you cannot attend at this time, please coordinate a new appointment in advance via email or phone.
Balance Payment Conditions
All outstanding balances must be paid 1 day before your tour to guarantee your reservation.
- Cash (Preferred): We accept US Dollars or Peruvian Soles. You can pay at our office or during the briefing (there are many ATMs located on Av. El Sol).
- Cards / Online: If you prefer to use a credit/debit card or the IZIPAY platform, a 5% surcharge will be applied to cover transaction fees.
Pick-up Policy
- Location: Pick-ups are only made within the city of Cusco. We highly recommend booking a hotel in the Historic Center.
- Schedule: The exact time of your pick-up (usually in the early hours of the morning) will be confirmed the day before. Please allow a waiting window of 30 to 45 minutes.
- Accessibility: Cusco has narrow, cobblestone streets. If your hotel or Airbnb is in an area without vehicular access or on a steep hill, the early morning pick-up will be difficult. We strongly recommend choosing accommodation with direct vehicle access.
Weather in the Andes
The weather is unpredictable. Although the dry season runs from April to October, conditions in the cloud forest (edge of the jungle) can change rapidly.
- Layers: Dressing in layers is essential to adjust to sudden temperature changes.
- Rain and Cold: Bring a waterproof jacket, a rain poncho, trekking pants, and gloves (the early morning cold combined with the humidity is intense). A thick, warm jacket is mandatory while waiting for the sunrise.
Health: Altitude Sickness and Digestion
We recommend arriving in Cusco at least 2 days before your expedition to acclimatize properly.
- Altitude Sickness (Soroche): Common symptoms include headaches and nausea. Over-the-counter medications like Aspirin, Sorojchi Pills, or Altivital can help. Our team carries oxygen for emergencies.
- Digestion: Digestion is slower at high altitudes.
- Eat a light meal the night before the tour.
- Drink plenty of water throughout the day.
- Avoid alcohol and heavy or fried foods before traveling.
Medical Restrictions
It is mandatory to inform the agency about any medical restrictions before the trip, including:
- Allergies or special diets (for the included meals).
- Current medications.
- Chronic health issues.
- If you have a severe condition, please consult your doctor before booking. All information is kept strictly confidential.
Water and Environmental Impact
- Eco-Friendly: We kindly ask that you bring canteens or reusable water bottles from Cusco to stay hydrated. Single-use plastic bottles have a negative impact on the area’s natural environment.
- Hydration: Make sure to bring enough water and hot drinks (in a thermos, if possible) to combat the cold during the sunrise wait. (Note: Please stay hydrated throughout the entire route).
Lost Items
You are solely responsible for your personal belongings.
- Please check your seat thoroughly before getting off the transport.
- Double-check your area when leaving the viewpoint, the breakfast restaurant, or at the end of the tour.
