Peru: The Mysterious And Stunning Red River Becomes A New Attraction

The impressive Red River in Cusco is just one more example of the amazing landscape that Peru has to offer. From the impressive Laguna Humantay to the extraordinary natural lakes of Millpu, this country has some of the most incredible and unique landscapes in the world. Start planning your trip today and see some of these unique places for yourself.

Where is the Red River in Cusco?

Photo: Kallpa Travel

The Red River is located in the Canchis Province of the Cusco region, about three hours southeast of the actual city of Cusco. This entire province sits in the shadow of the great Mount Ausangate, one of the tallest peaks in the country and an important regional apu (traditional Andean mountain deity).

Originating from Palcoyo Rainbow Mountain valley, it belongs to the watershed of the Huallaga River. The Palcoyo Rainbow Mountain valley along with the renowned Vinicunca Rainbow Mountain makes up a part of Cordillera Vilcanota mountain range. This chain is itself a part of the magnanimous Andes mountain range appearing to be the spine of South America., forming the longest continental mountain range in the world, according to Travel Earth.

This peculiar river runs red for about 5 kilometres before merging with some other streams and small rivers, at which point the colour gets more diluted and loses its unique hue.

Photo: Kallpa Travel

How is the Red River formed?

Cusco’s Red River is formed by rainwater runoff from nearby Rainbow Mountain Palcoyo. The range of colors of this vibrant valley is the result of the different mineral contents of the different soil layers, which have become visible by erosion.

The coloring of the Red River is the result of the red sandstone filled with iron oxide. This mineral-rich sedimentary rock is washed down the slopes when it rains and makes the water take on a distinctive red or pink tone (the exact tone depends on the volume of precipitation). Because it is the result of rain runoff, this red or pink river in Cusco is typically visible only during the months of the rainy season in Peru, cited by Machu Picchu.

During the rest of the year, the river water level is much lower and its color is a more typical muddy brown tone. If you plan to travel to the Peruvian highlands during the rainy season, visiting the red river of Palcoyo is an excellent option for a unique day trip in Cusco.

Photo: Cusco Native

As it crosses the green hills and serene farmland, the Palcoyo Red River offers a marked contrast to the surrounding pastoral landscape. Its cherry red waters give off a surreal feeling, as if the river belongs to another world that has crossed into ours. You will feel as if you have stepped on a work of art as you explore this dream place.

The dry season lasting from May until November is generally considered the best time to visit Peru in order to prevent any logistical problems due to weather. However, Cusco’s Red River is only visible during Peru’s rainy season months, which last roughly from December until April. If you would like to see this stunning pastel-colored river for yourself, one of the best times to visit is in April, when the rains have started to dissipate but the water level of the river is still high.

What to prepare before your trip to Palcoyo

Palcoyo’s high altitude means that you should come prepared with clothing suitable for the cold, including warm layers, a coat, a hat, a scarf and gloves. Although the road through Palcoyo is not as difficult as the one to Vinicunca, it can still be muddy, so it is a good idea to bring some decent hiking boots as well. Finally, it is important to be familiar with the treatment of altitude sickness and to carry some coca leaves or pills to help treat the symptoms.

Photo: Pinterest

For those who want to experience something unique and see some of the most interesting and beautiful landscapes of Peru, a visit to Rainbow Mountain Palcoyo, along with the nearby Red River in Cusco, is a must. Start planning your own once-in-a-lifetime trip to Peru and be sure to include this amazing destination out of the ordinary in your itinerary.

As Palcoyo is located at a high altitude, you should bring warm clothes for the cold. Although the path through Palcoyo is not as difficult as the one to Vinicunca, it can get muddy (during the monsoon season); so it is better to bring a pair of hiking boots as well. Last but not least, if you are susceptible to altitude sickness, be sure to take some coca leaves or pills to help you deal with the symptoms.

How to See the Red River

Photo: Ticket Machu Picchu

The best way to see the Red River is as a stop on a tour to the nearby Palcoyo Rainbow Mountain, a less-crowded alternative to the popular Vinicunca Rainbow Mountain. This is still a somewhat-undiscovered area for tourists, and only a few companies bring tours to the area. Most people who do visit the area tend to come on day trips from the city of Cusco. For those who would like to extend their adventure in this beautiful part of Cusco’s countryside, there are several other interesting things to see in this area, including the classic Vinicunca Rainbow Mountain, the fascinating Q’eswachaka Inca rope bridge, and the majestic ruins of Waqrapukara. A visit to this area is easily incorporated into any Cusco itinerary.

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