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. 

– 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.