1.- INTRODUCTION
Located in the Andean region is the popular Red Valley Cusco, which is still considered one of the most iconic natural destinations in this region, as well as standing out as a photogenic spot in southern Peru. Just a 25 minutes walk from Rainbow Mountain, you can reach this extensive valley, which stands out from the entire landscape due to the presence of an intense red color not only on the ground and the trail that leads there, but also on the mountains and the surrounding environment in general. Without a doubt, the panorama offered by Red Valley Cusco is like something out of another world, as the intense crimson red that appears throughout the landscape contrasts uniquely with the Andean sky and highlights at first glance the immense snow-capped mountains in the distance, which is also ideal for those seeking to disconnect from the world.
For those visiting Cusco Red Valley for the first time, the view is undoubtedly unique, as the reddish hue is uniform and, in more ways than one, enveloping to the eye, providing a unique color palette that is unique to the rainbow mountain. In fact, although many people from around the world visit this place mainly for the rainbow mountain thanks to its peculiar colors, those who venture on a Red Valley tour from Cusco may discover a much quieter environment with fewer visitors, allowing for a more intimate connection with nature. Because of this, in recent years it has been positioned as one of the most interesting places for travelers seeking a new adventure or who are passionate about capturing moments in photographs.
2.- WHAT IS RED VALLEY CUSCO?
For anyone who gets to visit Cusco Red Valley, this natural landscape seems amazing and like something out of a dream. However, it is important to know its location, not only for general information but also for safety reasons. This beautiful place is located specifically within the province of Canchis in the Cusco region, and is also quite close to the popular Vinicunca rainbow mountain in the Andes mountain range. What stands out most about this place is undoubtedly its altitude, as it is more than 5,000 meters above sea level. It is mainly characterized by its intense reddish color, which extends not only across the mountains but also across the hills, creating a surreal and dramatic landscape. When viewed on applications such as Google Maps, it is easy to see that it is located between two communities known as Pitumarca and Cusipata, which are accessible and are the most traditional route when enjoying a Red Valley tour from Cusco.
3.- Why is it red?
After several studies and geological surveys, it has been concluded that the peculiar color of Cusco Red Valley is mainly due to the high concentration of iron oxide that can be found not only in the soil but also in some of the rocks considered sedimentary that are part of the landscape. Over millions of years, this mineral has undergone the process of time and tectonic factors. Through the erosion of the entire territory, it ended up being exposed in layers that, over time, became concentrated in areas with a high presence of minerals, directly generating a visual effect that can vary constantly depending on the intensity of sunlight and other weather conditions. These factors have given it more than just the peculiar name of Red Valley Cusco; they have also earned it the title of geological jewel within the Andes, and its origin is as ancient as the Vinicunca rainbow mountain itself.
4.- RED VALLEY VS RAINBOW MOUNTAIN: WHICH SHOULD YOU CHOOSE?
Both destinations are ideal if you are passionate about hiking. On the one hand, Rainbow Mountain has become a popular destination famous for its unique colors, making it one of a kind in the world. On the other hand, Red Valley Cusco has dazzled visitors with its vast reddish hues, so it’s natural to have doubts when deciding which one to visit.
4.1.- Difference in altitude
The rainbow mountain has an approximate height of 5,200 m above sea level, making it one of the highest destinations in the entire Cusco region. However, the Red Valley is slightly lower in altitude, as there are some areas where the height can exceed 5,000 m above sea level. Despite this difference, both places are a complete challenge for travelers, as it is common for visitors to experience symptoms of altitude sickness. For this reason, it is advisable to spend some time acclimatizing in the city of Cusco, which is below 3,400 m above sea level.
4.2.- Distance
Currently, the hike to Rainbow Mountain has been improved, as it is approximately a 4 km walk, equivalent to 1 hour and 20 minutes. However, to reach the Red Valley, it is important to add 2 km, as it is a trail that starts from the moment you arrive at Rainbow Mountain. Although the trail has a steeper slope, it offers more dramatic and unique views because there are far fewer visitors, so it is slightly more demanding.
A SURPRISE FOR THE WORLD
“Initially, only Rainbow Mountain was considered a tourist destination available to travelers from around the world, but the Red Valley was discovered much more recently when a group of explorers ventured to explore the entire area surrounding Rainbow Mountain.”
4.3.- Physical condition
It is important to understand that whether you visit Rainbow Mountain or the Red Valley, you must be in moderate physical condition, which means engaging in frequent physical activity well before your trip. Fortunately, Rainbow Mountain is much more accessible because it already has a basic but developed tourist infrastructure, and it is even possible to rent horses to reach the base. On the other hand, Red Valley is more demanding for travelers in terms of endurance because its location is more isolated with a steep slope and has fewer logistical resources, which makes it a more unique adventure.
5.- STARTING POINTS AND ROUTES
By presenting Rainbow Mountain as a natural paradise that can be accessed on foot as a tourist experience, the ways to get there have increased and improved, adapting to what travelers are looking for. Some of the best known are:
5.1.- Cusipata Village
This ancient village is located two hours away from the city of Cusco. It is currently known as the most popular starting point for travelers seeking to visit Rainbow Mountain or the Red Valley. In fact, for travel agencies and travelers from around the world, it has become a necessary stop for breakfast and lunch. Upon arriving at the village, you continue on to the communities of Chillihuani and Llacto, where the hiking experience begins in the direction of Vinicunca Mountain. Upon arrival, some travelers continue on the trail to reach the Red Valley. In general terms, this is the most accessible route, in addition to having established infrastructure, as it offers tourist services, albeit basic due to the distance.
5.2.- Pitumarca
This community is slightly further away than Cusipata. It is the other access point in this sector and is considered the most popular route for travelers seeking to reach Rainbow Mountain. However, access to this area has less developed roads, which intensifies the excitement of the adventure. There are trails that allow you to walk from the village to the red valley without having to pass through the rainbow mountain, which significantly reduces the flow of travelers. However, this adventure, which is more intimate with nature, should always be undertaken in the company of a professional guide who knows the route and can assist you in case of any inconvenience.
6.- BEST TIME TO VISIT
For safety reasons, it is important to know what weather to expect when visiting these places in the highlands of the Peruvian Andes. Of course, you should also take into consideration that there is an ideal time of year to visit.
It is no surprise that there are two distinct seasons during the year: the rainy season and the dry season. The latter is considered the best time of year to visit and explore the red valley. This season occurs between May and October and is mainly characterized by clearer skies, highlighting the colors of the landscape, which are mostly reddish in the extensive valley and fade under the sunlight. On the other hand, thanks to the lack of rain, the ground is firmer, which makes walking easier and minimizes the risk of slipping. This is also considered peak season in the tourist world, so it’s common to see the number of visitors increase considerably.
| “Find beauty in the unexpected.» |
7.- FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
- How far is Red Valley from Cusco city and how long does it take to get there?
It is located approximately 138 km away from the same city of Cusco, in order to get there requires a trip of 2 hours and 30 minutes by car and then go for a walk of about 1 hour and 45 minutes.
- Do I need a guide to visit Red Valley or can I go independently?
No, you can make the experience on your own however it is always recommended to finish the company of a professional day for safety standards because in places of high altitude can always occur some incident related to problems over height.
- What’s the best time of year to visit Red Valley Cusco?
The best time to visit this place is undoubtedly during the dry season that occurs between May and October each year. During this season the weather is much more stable and there is less chance of rain so the trails remain dry and safe.
- How much does a Red Valley tour cost?
There are different prices that you can consider for this adventure, you can find options from $45.00 per person to higher prices and consider a private and personalized service.
- Can I visit Red Valley and Rainbow Mountain in the same day?
Yes, in fact this is one of the best alternatives that you can consider during your trip since you can visit the rainbow mountain first and then continue to the red valley which in perspective is only an additional 45 minutes round trip.
Are you ready to embark on a new adventure? What better choice than the iconic Red Valley? Don’t put it off any longer. Auri Peru will design a personalized experience for you, seeking to exceed your expectations from start to finish and prioritizing your safety at all times. Contact us now and take the first step toward your next adventure.
“Go see the world before it’s too late.”
