The stunning Red River in Peru is just one more example of the mind-blowing scenery that this country has to offer. From the awe-inspiring Laguna Humantay to the extraordinary natural lagoons of Millpu, Peru has some of the most incredible and unique landscapes in the entire world. Start planning your trip today and see some of these unique places for yourself.
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The Red River in Cusco is known locally as Palquella Pucamayu, from the Quechua palquella (“small branch”) and pucamayu (“red river”). This peculiar waterway runs red for about 5 kilometers before combining with some other area streams and small rivers, at which point the color becomes more diluted and loses its unique hue. These numerous small tributaries eventually empty into the Vilcamayo River which runs through Cusco’s Sacred Valley and past the famous citadel of Machu Picchu. Further downstream, this river becomes known as the Urubamba River before passing through the middle of the notorious Pongo de Mainique canyon as it enters the jungle and eventually feeds into the mighty Amazon River.
Cusco’s Red River is formed due to rain run-off from the nearby Palcoyo Rainbow Mountain. The range of colors in this vibrant valley are a result of the different mineral content on different layers of soil, which have been made visible by erosion. The Red River’s coloring is the result of red sandstone full of iron oxide. This mineral-rich sedimentary rock gets washed off the hillsides when it rains and turns the water a distinct red or pink hue (the exact tone depends on the volume of precipitation). Because it is a result of rain run-off, this red or pink river in Cusco is typically only visible during Peru’s rainy season months. During the rest of the year, the river’s water level is much lower and its color is a more typical muddy-brown hue. If you plan to travel to the Peruvian highlands during the rainy season, visiting Palcoyo’s Red River is an excellent option for a unique day trip in Cusco.
As it cuts through rolling green hills and serene farm land, Palcoyo’s Red River provides a stark contrast against the surrounding pastoral scenery. Its cherry red waters give off a surreal feeling, as though the river belongs to another world which has crossed over into our own. You’ll feel as if you’ve stepped into a work of art as you explore this dreamlike place.
Where is the Red River in Cusco?
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).
The source of the Red River is in the nearby Palcoyo Rainbow Mountain valley, which along with the other mountains of the region make up the Cordillera Vilcanota. This chain is itself a part of the wider Andes mountain range which runs along the whole spine of South America, forming the longest continental mountain range in the world.
How to See the Red River
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.
If you’d like to see the Palcoyo Red River or explore any of the other options mentioned here, don’t hesitate to speak with our travel experts. We will build a dream itinerary that’s perfectly tailored for you, including all your top must-see places in Peru!
Best Time to Visit
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 Bring
Palcoyo’s high altitude means that you should come prepared with proper clothing for cold weather, including warm layers, a coat, a hat, a scarf and gloves. Though the trail through Palcoyo is not as difficult as the one which leads to Vinicunca, it can still be muddy so it’s a good idea to wear some decent hiking boots as well. Lastly, it’s important to be familiar with how to treat altitude sickness and bring along some coca leaves or pills to help deal with the symptoms.
Visiting Palcoyo
For those who would like to experience something unique and see some of Peru’s most interesting and gorgeous landscapes, a visit to Palcoyo Rainbow Mountain along with the nearby Red River in Cusco is an absolute must. Start planning your own once-in-a-lifetime trip to Peru and make sure to include this incredible off-the-beaten-track destination in your itinerary.
