Welcome to the Red Valley! Embark on this adventure that will show you a different world within Cusco, and get ready to witness one of Peru’s most breathtaking landscapes.
Many tourists already know Vinicunca, the Mountain of Seven Colors, famous for its diverse color palette. What they might not know is that nearby lies a beautiful valley with a vibrant red color that seems straight out of another planet.
This astonishing place has gained popularity in recent years, yet it remains an uncrowded destination where you can enjoy a peaceful hike with fantastic views. Both the Red Valley and the Rainbow Mountain are unique spots where various geological phenomena have created a spectacular panorama. Plus, they are so close one from another that it is possible to visit both of them on the same day.
Let yourself be captivated by these natural wonders!
Where is the Red Valley located?
The Red Valley is a breathtaking red landscape surrounded by beautiful hills in the Andes region, evoking the appearance of the planet Mars.
Being situated just 30 minutes away by walk from the Vinicunca Rainbow Mountain, this tourist attraction has its access via the same path. The exact location of the Red Valley is in the district of Pitumarca, in the province of Canchis, about 100 km southeast of the city of Cusco. To reach it, it’s necessary to take an approximately 3-hour drive from the imperial city to the starting hiking point.
What is the altitude of the Red Valley?
The Red Valley is located at 5,050 meters above sea level (16,568 feet), making the hike more challenging due to the physical effort required to walk at this altitude. Therefore, we recommend taking some time to acclimate in Cusco (3,400 m / 11,155 feet) before embarking on the trek.
In fact, this area is also home to the summit of Ausangate, the highest peak in the Cusco region, standing at 6,372 meters (20,905 feet). It was considered an Apu (sacred mountain) by the Incas, and during the journey to the valley it’s possible to gaze at its white summit.
This territory offers a beautiful natural landscape, full of vibrant colors that will captivate all your senses, showing you the best of the Andes. What else could you ask for?
How to get to the Red Valley from Cusco.
Are you lost and don’t know where to start organizing your adventure? It’s normal to feel this way in an unfamiliar place. We’re here to help you plan your trip to the Red Valley so that everything is clear.
If you’re in Cusco and want to enjoy this special place, you have several options to choose the one that best fits your travel preferences.
Travel to the Red Valley on your own
If you want to wander around the Red Valley with complete freedom and explore at your own pace, this could be a good option for you. However, it will require you to organize everything on your own and dedicate more time to planning. Below, we explain the entire process so you can decide whether it’s better to travel solo or with a tourism agency.
Route from Cusipata
The best option to reach the Rainbow Mountain and Red Valley is to take public transport from Cusco to the town of Cusipata. These buses depart from Huayruropata Avenue heading toward Sicuani, and the journey to Cusipata takes about two hours. Once there, you will need to take a taxi to Llaqto, where the hike begins. This private transport costs around 100 soles, which can be economical if you’re traveling in a group but could be a significant expense if you’re traveling solo. For the return trip, it’s recommended to ask your transport to wait for you until your excursion ends, as it might be more difficult to find available vehicles on the way back.
During the journey, there is a stop to pay an entrance fee that grants access to the Rainbow Mountain area, as the path goes through lands that belong to local communities. The price may vary depending on the season, but the following rates are generally applied:
- Foreign tourists: Between 20 and 25 soles.
- National tourists (Peruvians): Between 10 and 15 soles.
It’s also important to note that to visit the Red Valley, you need to pay another entrance fee to the local community, which costs 10 soles.
Next, you can begin the trek to Vinicunca before heading to the Red Valley. It’s possible to visit just the valley, but with these two wonders being so close, we recommend that you hike up to the Rainbow Mountain. Take advantage of this opportunity to admire a unique landscape! After capturing stunning pictures of the colorful view, you will need to walk for 30 minutes to reach the entrance to the Red Valley.
Travel to the Red Valley with an Agency
Do you want to avoid complications and travel with complete peace of mind? Live your adventure to the Red Valley with Salkantay Trekking!
Taking an organized tour with an agency ensures safety and peace of mind, allowing you to enjoy a comfortable and fully planned experience.
Advantages of traveling with an agency
- Greater Comfort and Efficiency: Everything is organized so you can make the most of your time and travel with complete security. Your entry tickets to the monuments are guaranteed, so you don’t have to worry about handling those logistics.
- Easy and Safe Transportation: We pick you up directly from your accommodation in Cusco and take you to the starting trekking point, avoiding multiple connections. Additionally, we have experienced drivers and vehicles adapted to mountain terrain.
- Meals Included: Both breakfast and lunch are included in the tour, so you don’t have to worry about buying food or carrying extra weight in your backpack.
- Expert Guides: We provide a local guide who will accompany you along the way and share fascinating details about the geological phenomenon that created these stunning landscapes.
- Variety of Choices: You can choose from our different available tours, depending on your budget and desired itinerary.
We invite you to explore the one-day tour to the Rainbow Mountain and discover the fascinating two-day tour to the Red Valley, which will also allow you to admire the impressive Apu Ausangate.
Explore a landscape from another world
At Salkantay Trekking, we welcome tourists from all over the world, from America to Asia and also Europe. Despite their diversity, they all agree on one thing: they’ve never seen anything like the Red Valley.
It’s true that the Rainbow Mountain is a natural spectacle that has rightly gained so much popularity, but many visitors have mentioned that the Red Valley impressed them even more. This is a landscape that will envelop you and transport you to another planet.
Some say they feel as if they’re on Mars, while others imagine they’re in a time when the Earth was uninhabited, and only dinosaurs roamed these valleys and mountains. This is because it’s a less-visited destination, making it possible to explore without crowds and enjoy the natural surroundings in all their splendor. Truly, you’ll feel like an explorer discovering a secret corner of the planet.
Are you curious? Let us tell you more about the hike so you’ll be encouraged to explore the Red Valley of Cusco.
The Trail to the Rainbow Mountain
The route to the Red Valley is a unique experience that will allow you to explore a landscape of reddish tones and stunning views. Most tourists visit the valley after hiking the Rainbow Mountain, as both attractions are close and can be included in the same trip.
From the starting point in Llaqto, you will begin the same ascent that leads to the Rainbow Mountain, following trails surrounded by the majesty of the Andes. Throughout the hike, you’ll be able to admire the snow-capped Ausangate and marvel at the variety of landscapes found in one place.
The uphill hike takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes, depending on your pace, as it presents a moderate difficulty due to the altitude. However, the ascent is gradual, giving you the chance to adapt to the climate. Take your time, making pauses and drinking water to stay well-hydrated.
Tip from the Andes: Bring coca candies with you, which will help boost your energy and alleviate the effects of altitude sickness.
Upon reaching the main viewpoint, you’ll have an amazing image of the mountain’s different hues, as if a rainbow had landed on the earth. From there, you’ll see in the distance the path leading to the Red Valley, as well as some mountains with intense vermilion tones. It’s time to enter another universe!
The Trail to the Red Valley
The path to the Red Valley begins just below the viewpoint of the Rainbow Mountain. You’ll need to descend a few meters, retracing your steps along the same trail you took on the way up. To the left, you’ll find a small red rocky path that leads to your final destination.
This hike takes about 45 minutes and doesn’t require much effort, as the ascent is light. During this stretch, you’ll notice fewer tourists, which allows you to enjoy the incredible views in complete peace. This makes the excursion perfect for those who want to connect with nature in a more intimate and profound way.
Upon reaching the entrance to the Red Valley, you’ll pass through a stone gateway that, like a magical portal, will transport you to another world. When you see the landscape for the first time, you’ll feel your heart race, not just from the altitude, but also from the excitement. The territory before you will leave you speechless. Your eyes will be dazzled by the vibrant color of the mountains. Everywhere you look, everything will be red around you, making you feel like an astronaut on another planet. This intense coloration is due to the high iron content in the soil. Through an oxidation process, the land has taken on these peculiar colors, ranging from red to ocher tones, creating an impressive contrast with the sky and the snow-capped peaks of the Andes.
The silence and immensity of the Red Valley will give you an inexplicable sense of calm. Along the route, you’ll find various natural viewpoints offering panoramic views of the surrounding valleys and mountains. After the physical effort of the hike, this view will be the perfect reward for every step taken.
Once you’ve explored the valley and captured the best photos to share with friends and family, the descent will begin. It’s time to take out your trekking poles! The return, which takes between 30 and 45 minutes, is all downhill, so an extra support can help you avoid tripping.
After this magnificent day of hiking and discovering unique places in the Peruvian Andes, you’ll be able to rest and feel proud of what you’ve accomplished.
A place full of culture
A visit to the Red Valley not only allows you to admire its unique landscape, but also gives you a deeper understanding of the life and customs of the people living in the region.
The Red Valley of Cusco is an area of great cultural value, where local Andean communities maintain ancestral traditions and a strong bond with the land. The Pachamama holds significant importance in the daily life of the locals, especially since these families rely heavily on agriculture and livestock. For this reason, the Pachamama plays a crucial role in the harvests, with the connection to the natural environment being essential.
It is also common to find llamas and alpacas, as these animals are typical of the area and provide great benefits to the local population. The wool of these camelids is among the finest in the world, and is used to make high-quality garments that support the economy of the Andean communities. Additionally, llama and alpaca meat is very healthy and rich in nutrients. If you are a food enthusiast and enjoy discovering new flavors, you can try this delicious dish at the top of Rainbow Mountain, where some locals prepare this special meat.
Another characteristic of these communities is their Quechua heritage. In addition to the Quechua language, an ancient tongue that is still the primary language of the region today, the culture that remains is rich in ancestral customs. The people in this area often wear traditional clothing, which, like the Red Valley and Rainbow Mountain, features striking and beautiful colors. Men are typically seen wearing ponchos and hats adorned with symbols of their community, while women often wear skirts with unique designs and colors.
All of this makes the experience in the Red Valley something truly special, a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. We invite you to discover the best of Cusco and Peru’s culture in this marvelous place.
Tips for Travelers
The excursion to the Red Valley takes place in a high-altitude area, which many travelers may not be used to. This can pose some challenges during the hike. For that reason, here are some helpful tips to make your trek easier:
- Previous Acclimatization: The Red Valley is located at over 5,000 meters (16,404 feet). It’s essential to spend a few days in Cusco to acclimatize and reduce the risk of altitude sickness.
- Appropriate Clothing: The weather in the Andes can be unpredictable and change throughout the day. Bring different layers of clothing to adjust to varying temperatures, as well as a rain jacket for possible showers.
- Comfortable and Sturdy Footwear: The hike includes sections of uphill and downhill on rocky, slippery terrain. It’s important to wear waterproof hiking shoes with good traction.
- Sun Protection: The sun’s rays are very strong at high altitudes. Make sure to bring sunscreen, a hat or cap, and sunglasses.
- Water and Snacks: Altitude can cause rapid dehydration, so make sure to carry enough water for the hike. It’s also recommended to bring energy-boosting snacks to keep your strength up during the trek.
- Trekking Poles: These are very helpful during the downhill sections, where the ground can be slippery.
- Waste Bags: Out of respect for nature and the local communities, we remind you not to leave any trash along the trail. Be sure to carry waste bags and dispose of them properly.
If you want to know how to properly prepare for a high-altitude trek, then you’ll be interested in reading our article: Adventure at Altitude! How to Train to Fully Enjoy Trekking in Peru.
Best Time to Visit the Red Valley
Many people consider the dry season to be the best time to visit the Red Valley. Between April and October, the rain is less frequent and the days are sunny, offering ideal weather for hiking up the mountain. However, this period is also the most touristy in the Cusco region, so you’re likely to encounter many more visitors both at Rainbow Mountain and the Red Valley.
For this reason, visiting during the season of rain can also be interesting. From November to March, there are far fewer tourists in the area, allowing you to enjoy the landscape with greater peace and observe in a better way the red soil, that stands out even more with the rainwater. It’s worth noting that snowfall is more frequent during this time, which could add even more magic to your adventure.
Don’t let indecision get the best of you! If you need more information about the different seasons in Cusco, we suggest reading our blog: What is the Best Time to Visit Peru According to its Climate and Seasons?
Alternative Routes and Connections to Other Destinations
Just like the Red Valley, there are other lesser-known tourist destinations around Cusco that are worth exploring. These places offer incomparable beauty and are waiting for you to discover them. For example, we can highlight the various rainbow mountains in the area.
Vinicunca is the most popular one, but it’s not the only mountain with a unique geology. In Cusco, you can visit two other rainbow mountains that will astonish you with their vibrant hues: Palccoyo and Pallay Punchu.
Are you looking for an experience that will awaken your senses? Don’t miss our tours to the mountains of colors and get to know Peru like nobody else will.
You might be interested in:
- Mountain of 7 Colors: Vinicunca, Everything You Need to Know
- Rainbow Mountains in Peru: Everything You Need to Know
- Rainbow Mountain: Palccoyo, everything you need to know
- Rainbow Mountain: Pallay Punchu, Everything You Need to Know
- How to Acclimate in Cusco: Everything You Need to Know
- Which mountain should I choose: Vinicunca, Palccoyo or Pallay Punchu?
- Adventure at Altitude! How to Train to Fully Enjoy Trekking in Peru
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