Catch a Hallucinogenic Sunrise at Tres Cruces Near Paucartambo Peru

June 10, 2014 Pirwa

The dusty little town of Paucartambo, so famous during its Virgin del Carmen Festival each July, is also home to a unique natural phenomenon which has attracted admiration since the time of the sun-worshipping Incas. It takes place two hours from the town, at Tres Cruces de Oro Lookout (Acjanaco Pass) 12,100 feet over sea level.

Here in the Cloud Forest, at the edge of the Andean mountain range, you’ll be able to look over the green canopy of the edge of the Peruvian Amazon. The area in view is the beginning of the Manu Biosphere Reserve, one of the most bio-diverse areas in the world.

The unique climatic conditions at this spot each June and July create a beautiful optical illusion. One normal days, the sunrise begins as a red or white stripe on the horizon, grows into a cross and then morphs into a ball whose radiating rings colorfully illuminate the jungle canopy as it rises. On very special days in June and July, the humidity acts as a prism, making the sun appear to ‘dance’, as the locals say, between three different positions on the horizon. You can see a stable sun in the middle, and one which moves from one side to the other. If you squint, the suns look like three crosses, which is how the lookout got its name.

There are only three places in the world that can boast this natural phenomenon, and if you’re in town for July’s Virgen del Carmen Festival, it’s worth it to visit the lookout. During the festival, buses leave in the frigid night to reach the lookout before the 4:30-5am sunrise. On that day, the locals celebrate the Intipacarec (sun party) as they have been doing since the time of the Incas. This means that you’ll have the benefit of Quechua songs and music to accompany your sunrise!

Unfortunately, you can’t plan for the three suns, as the illusory phenomenon is unpredictable and sometimes obstructed by excessive fog.

Those who are interested can reach Paucartambo by way of a paved road from Cusco, a 3-hour trip by car or a 4.5-hour trip by bus. Buses leave Cusco early in the morning.