Visiting The Red Valley Peru

The Red Valley Peru is located close to Classic Rainbow Mountain and the majestic Ausangate Mountain. This Valley is utterly unique in its wonderful appearance. One of the most vivid colors of the Valley is red. The red coloration is distinct in its layers on the mountainside. The red coloration is a result of rust due to the iron oxide present in the rocks

Everything You Need To Know About The Red Valley Peru

Let’s now explore everything you need to know about the incredible Red Valley Peru, and how to start planning your trip here.

Why Visit The Red Valley Peru?

Similar with the case of Rainbow Mountain here in Peru, many people don’t actually believe that the Red Valley is real – or has been photoshopped for this effect. However the truth is that it really does exist as we see it, with the dark red hues having been created by a combination of tectonic activity, as well as deposits of Iron Oxide into these exposed mountain faces.

The Red Valley Peru still isn’t as well-known, which is surprising since it’s just a short walk after you hike up to Rainbow Mountain. This means that a visit now will mean there will be much fewer crowds here (or sometimes none), which makes for a much more authentic experience. This also makes it much easier to take iconic photos before others arrive here!

The Red Valley Peru Altitude: Is It Hard To Hike?

Like with most other hikes and treks around the Cusco region, one of the biggest worries is the altitudes we’ll be at – and whether we need to prepare ourselves physically before coming here.

The Red Valley Peru altitude is located up at 5053m above sea-level, which is an extra 17 metres higher than the adjacent Rainbow Mountain. Although you won’t feel much of a difference between the two, these high altitudes are still quite tough to hike – and the walk to the Red Valley should be taken slowly as a result.

We highly suggest spending a few days in Cusco prior to acclimate, so that your body is in a good condition to come up to the Red Valley and Rainbow Mountain. Ideally you can head on some lower treks before coming here, and you should also bring Coca Leaves or Soroche Pills to prevent any unwanted altitude sickness symptoms.

How To Visit The Red Valley Peru

Below we’ll now take a look at what the actual trail and experience is like, as well as why heading with a tour is the best way to see the Red Valley.

Visit With A Rainbow Mountain Tour

Given the Red Valley is just a short walk away from Rainbow Mountain, it makes sense to visit them both on the same trip. This way you can maximise your time, and especially if arriving early before the crowds arrive.

Here at AB Expeditions we operate an unforgettable Rainbow Mountain day tour from Cusco, where our experienced guide will also take you to the Red Valley. As well as including all private transport and box meals, you’ll also depart and arrive earlier than the usual tours – meaning you will most likely have the entire site just to yourselves!

Finding The Trail To The Red Valley Peru

The trail to red valley Peru is just above the last horse stop point on the way up to the final climb to the rainbow mountain, you will see a small path to the right of you with a rope. After 10 minutes of hiking, you will meet local people who charge the entrance fee. They are exactly where the short and long trail split so they can help you to choose.

The trail to Red Valley is through dirt path and well-established paths. The walk is not really dangerous, but it will require all your strength. As the trail gets closer to the viewpoint of Red Valley, the trail becomes steeper and more challenging.

The Short Trail

This trail starts from Rainbow Mountain. At the beginning is flat for about 15 minutes then is uphill. We recommend this trail for those who don’t have much time and still want to see this amazing Red Valley. Most tour groups take this option. It only takes 25 minutes (one way).

The Long Trail

This trail start from Rainbow Mountain too. You hike for about 20 minutes flat then it will be uphill all the way up. In order to avoid walking back the same way you had come, you can take the longer alternative path down from the Red Valley Viewpoint to the Rainbow Mountain car park. We recommend this option for those who have time and want to avoid the crowd. It takes 40 minutes (one way).

Red Valley Peru Helpful Info:

Age Restrictions: There is no, but we recommend those over 7 years old.
Bathroom: There isn’t a bathroom along the trail for Red Valley.
Height: 5,053 meters/16,578 feet.
Cost: The entrance fee to the Red Valley is 20 Soles. you pay 10 soles at the beginning and 10 at the end of the trail.
Location: The Red Valley is located in Pitumarca and Cusipata district, Province Canchis. It is 3 hours from Cusco town.
Hiking time: From the Rainbow Mountain trailhead to Red Valley is 50 minutes(round trip)
Fauna: we can find alpacas, llamas, vicuñas, andean condors, kestrels, andean dears, among others
Advantages: You will escape from the crowd.
Disadvantages: Extra effort, not many people will go there because they feel tired after the Rainbow mountain hike.
Difficulty:

Short trail: Easy-Moderate
Long Trail: Moderate – Difficult

Walking distance :

Short trail: 970 meters / 0.60 miles.
Long trail: 1.2 km/ 0.74 miles.

Red Valley Peru Useful Information

The Red Valley viewpoint is far less crowded than Classic Rainbow Mountain, which has hundreds of people when you arrive at the top at about 10 am.
Book in small groups, they leave early Cusco so they have more chances to visit the Red Valley Peru.
The route to the Red Valley is the same that leads to the mountain of Vinicunca
Male sure that Red Valley Peru is included in your Rainbow Mountain trek. It will actually make your day!
Make sure that you are correctly adapted to the altitude – it’s not an easy trek if you aren’t.
Don’t go to the Red Valley in the afternoon in the rainy season because of lighting. Since the high concentration of mineral. There is a high chance to get stricken by lighting.

Overview Of The Red Valley Peru

And that’s all for this guide on why you should visit the Red Valley Peru.

This spectacular, otherworldly site really does exist – where we can find it next to the surrounding Rainbow Mountain in the Cusco region. Here we can enjoy picturesque views of red-stained mountains and peaks that stretch as far as the eye can see, as well as with views of the adjacent, snow-capped Ausangate Mountain.

Are you looking to explore the Red Valley? Here at AB Expeditions we operate a memorable day tour to Rainbow Mountain and the Red Valley, where our expert guide will lead us around both iconic sites. As well as arriving before all of the other crowds begin to come, you will also have all meals and private transport included on your day trip.