Red Valley, All you need to know hike 2025

The Red Valley is located in Pitumarca, a new tourist site in Cusco. You can find it very close to “Rainbow Mountain.” Many travelers visit it because of the characteristic color of its mountains. This place is very crowded even though it is located 5,020 meters above sea level (16,469 feet of altitude), but do not worry, you will not find many people on your trip, and you will take the best pictures.

If you visit “Rainbow Mountain,” you can hike quickly through the Red Valley. The Kondor Path Tours team will take you to this valley.

Hiking scene in Vinicunca, Cusco Region, Peru. Montana de Siete Colores, Rainbow Mountain.

Many travelers know the most visited sites in Cusco, such as Machu Picchu, Ollantaytambo, or Rainbow Mountain. But there are more places to visit, and new natural attractions are attracting more and more travelers’ attention. They are the Red Valley and the Red River. Kondor Path Tours presents this natural tourist site, and we recommend you visit it when you visit Rainbow Mountain.

What is the Red Valley of Pitumarca?

The Red Valley is a tourist site recently discovered in Cusco. From this natural attraction, you can see a chain of reddish mountains due to the abundance of minerals in the area. Up to 500 people visit it per day.

If you do the Rainbow Mountain Tour, the easiest way to reach this beautiful reddish landscape is to take a short walk. Both destinations are near the famous Ausangate snow-capped mountain, the highest in Cusco.

Hiking scene in Vinicunca, Cusco Region, Peru. Montana de Siete Colores, Rainbow Mountain.

Where is the Red Valley located? At what altitude is it?

The Red Valley is located 7 kilometers from the district of Pitumarca in the province of Canchis, south of Cusco. It is at the foot of the snowy Ausangate, 5,020 meters above sea level (16,469 feet high).

Hiking scene in Vinicunca, Cusco Region, Peru. Montana de Siete Colores, Rainbow Mountain.

Recommended season of the year to go to the Red Valley

The Red Valley is located at an altitude of 5,000 meters above sea level. The climate is harsh, even in well-defined seasons: Rainy and dry.

Although the best months to visit are April to early October, which is the dry season, and the other months (November to March), the climate in the area is quite changeable, and sometimes, because the conditions are too complicated, your entry will be forbidden.

In the rainy season, the mountain can do covered with snow; this makes the views even more incredible of the Red Valley and Rainbow Mountain, so don’t be put off by the blogs that say you will only see snow and clouds.

Hiking scene in Vinicunca, Cusco Region, Peru. Montana de Siete Colores, Rainbow Mountain.

the last part of the trek to the valley must be done by hike. It starts in the community of K’ayrawiri; from here, the walk is approximately 07 kilometers. On the route, you can appreciate beautiful mountainous landscapes tinged with snow in some sections. You can share the road with llamas and alpacas, which are characteristic of the region. Finally, after 2 or 3 hours of walking, you will reach the Red Valley, a reddish mountain formation ideal for taking pictures.

Hiking scene in Vinicunca, Cusco Region, Peru. Montana de Siete Colores, Rainbow Mountain.

The Red Valley Landscape

In the Red Valley, with its beautiful landscapes during the days of the dry season (mainly May, June, and July),  you will be able to appreciate the white of the snow combined with the red of the mountains. During the rainy season (mainly January, February, and March), you will appreciate the river’s rising, which has coloration similar to the mountain—the perfect destination to take pictures.

Is the route to the Red Valley dangerous?

The hike to Red Valley is entirely safe. The paths are vast and easily traveled. The only things that hinder the trip are the cold and the altitude, which can cause discomfort, such as altitude sickness.

Hiking scene in Vinicunca, Cusco Region, Peru. Montana de Siete Colores, Rainbow Mountain.

How much does the Red Valley tour cost?

The most common way to do this tour is for a full day, approximately $ 50 per person (group); private groups also have affordable prices: “fee includes private van, hiking guide, entrance ticket, and lunch.” Some tour companies have a visit to Rainbow Mountain.” Costs may vary depending on the travel company you choose.

Hiking scene in Vinicunca, Cusco Region, Peru. Montana de Siete Colores, Rainbow Mountain.

What should I bring to the Red Valley hike?

• Trekking shoes.
• Poncho for the rain.
• Cap or chullo.
• Jacket.
• Thermal pants or leggings.
• Gloves.
• Sunscreen.
• Bag.
• Snacks.
• Rehydrating drinks.
• Photo camera.
• Documents
• Cash.

Tips for visiting the Red Valley

Like any walk, it is advisable to acclimatize for at least one day in the city of Cusco so that the cold will become more tolerable and you will avoid altitude sickness. It is also advisable to have been in Cusco for at least three days and take advantage of other tourist visits.

If you like outdoor walks through high mountains, you should also dare to take the routes to the Seven Colors Mountain (Vinicunca) and the Humantay Lagoon. Both are two of the most incredible landscapes of Cusco. In addition, they include a 02 or 03-hour walk.