There is a unique seasonal phenomenon that takes place in the Cusco region during the rainy season. This well-kept ancient secret can come to be called The Red River. Similar natural phenomena exist in China and Africa. Unless you are willing to travel to the Yangtze River in China or Lake Natron in Tanzania, the Red River in Cusco, Peru is your best bet!
Visiting the Red River in Cusco, Perú in a sustainable and responsible manner can be done with our team at Kallpa Travel. The story begins with our professionals at Kallpa Travel who are committed to providing ecotourism. We take a comprehensive approach to the impact tourism can have on economic, social and environmental factors. Our approach to ecotourism strives to leave as small of a footprint as possible.
– The Origins of the Red River
The redness of the river is due to a high content of iron oxide that washes off the surrounding mountains during the rainy season. With both Rainbow Mountains nearby, as well as the Red Valley, the rain-induced soil erosion charges the river with different quantities of mineral-rich sedimentary rock. The intensity of the red depends on recent rainfall volumes. Sometimes the river is blood red, and other times it is pink. This makes timing the visit even that more fun!
– Where is the Red River Located?
The Red River is about 3 hours’ drive south-east from the Imperial Inca Capital city of Cusco. The Andes contains numerous mountain ranges and the Red River is in the Vilcanota mountain range. This river originates in the Palcoyo Rainbow Mountain valley, which also contains the more well-known Vinicunca Rainbow Mountain.
– How to Get to the Red River
Going independently
Every 20 minutes buses leave from the bus station on Av. Huayruropata in the city of Cusco. These buses say on the marquee “Cusco-Sicuani.” Stay on the bus for two hours until reaching the Checacupe District. From here you need to continue in a shared car to the district of Pitumarca. After arriving in Pitumarca, it is necessary to hire a private car to travel to the community of Japura on a long and winding one-lane dirt road.
Benefits of going with professionals
The other option is to work with a sustainable and responsible travel agency like us at Kallpa, to coordinate your trip to the Red River, and possibly other nearby must-see sights.
- Transport: Our private transport positions visitors in the perfect place to get that amazing Instagram shot!
- Guides: Our guides are licensed and qualified to nurture your knowledge.
- Food: Everything is thought of for you and you don’t have to worry about what you are going to eat.
- Lodging: Lay to rest your worries about accommodations. Let Kallpa Travel take care of everything for you.
– When to visit the Red River in Cusco
The best time to travel to Perú to witness first-hand the breathtaking natural phenomenon is between November and April, which is the rainy season in the Cusco region. During the dry season, the river is an unexciting muddy brown between May and October. However, both of the nearby Rainbow Mountains maintain their magic year-round.
– Other places to visit close by
The Red River is about 30 miles away from the city of Cusco and makes a great day trip. However, if looking for more adventure, the Red River also articulates well with other popular destinations nearby. Kallpa Travel offers sustainable travel options with professionals who are committed to responsible and ethical ecotourism.
Vinicunca Rainbow Mountain
This is the most well-known and most visited of the two rainbow mountains. It can be reached by hiking for as little as one and a half hours. This kaleidoscopic spectacle is at over 17,000 feet in altitude.
Palcoyo Rainbow Mountain
Commonly considered the Alternative Rainbow Mountain, is a great place to miss the crowds and much less uphill hiking. Here, it is often to take pictures with nothing but the breathtaking view of Palcoyo.
The Red Valley
Located a short hike away from Vinicunca Rainbow Mountain, the Red Valley looks like one has been transported to Mars. The iron oxide-rich mountains seem to stretch on forever.
Ausangate
The famous multi-day hiking circuit of Ausangate is close by and can be connected to Vinicunca for those keen to hike. If not, Ausangate can be viewed conveniently by vehicle. Ausangate is a snow-capped Andean Mountain of epic proportions.
Quelccaya
Is considered the world’s largest tropical glacier, and covers more than 27 square miles. Quelccaya is at over 18,000 feet above sea level and is in the same chain of glaciers that Ausangate is found in.
Q’eswachaka
On the Apurímac River, two communities come together to do what has been done since Inca times, and that is rebuilding the suspension bridge. This passage was a vital part of the once vibrant Inca Trail system. Ancient techniques of braiding native grass into ropes are used to reconstruct the suspension bridge every year. Q’eswachaka is about 3 hours’ drive from Vinicunca.
If you would like to know further information about the Red River, read this article.