Welcome to the Red Valley in Peru!
Let’s discover why you should do the Red Valley Peru hike when you at the Rainbow Mountain!
Check the video below to know what to expect from the Red Valley hike!
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
- Historical discovery: The Red Valley and Rainbow Mountain were discovered only in 2015, as previously covered in SNOW.
- Altitude awareness: The Red Valley is located at a high altitude of around 5,000 meters (16,404 feet) above sea level, making altitude acclimatization essential.
- Hiking options: There are two hiking routes to the Red Valley – a shorter, more direct route taking about 30 minutes to an hour and a longer, more scenic path that takes 2 to 3 hours, requiring a good physical condition.
Location and Geography
The Red Valley is located in the Andes Mountains in the Cusco Region of Peru, 1 km (0,6 miles) off the Rainbow Mountain at a high altitude of around 5,000 meters (16,404 feet) above sea level.
The Red Valley is a path that connects Pitumarca with Vinicunca Mountain.
You’ll probably start your trip from Cusco, the base of operations for places like Machu Picchu Mountain, Huayna Picchu, and Rainbow Mountain.
From Cusco to the trailhead near Rainbow Mountain is 100 kilometers (60 miles), which takes 3-4 hours by car. Hence, all organized trips from Cusco start at around 4 in the morning.
As your trip starts very early, you will reach the Rainbow Mountain summit at 9:30 am, before the pack of tourists arrives.
This way, you get to take your Instagram-worthy photos without tourists in the background or without having to queue!
KEEP IN MIND: You will have breakfast on the road at around 6am.
Introduction to Red Valley Cusco
The Red Valley location is famous for its unique RED SOIL and beautiful landscapes, often seen on Instagram.
During the high season, the Red Valley receives more than 500 DAILY VISITORS, becoming one of the most popular destinations in Cusco.
Many people choose the Red Valley Peru hike because you get to see the amazing red coloring of the mountains and soil. These stand out, especially if you want to take Instagram-worthy pictures.
INSIDER TIP: Farmers take their llamas and alpacas to these fields surrounding the amazing Red Valley Peru; if you’re lucky enough, you could take a picture with them on your rainbow mountain tour!
Why are the Rainbow Mountain and Red Valley so Colorful?
Their sediments are the SECRET behind the colors of the Rainbow Mountain and the fantastic Red Valley.
The Red Valley’s red color is due to the high iron content in its soil, which covers much of the area. You can observe vibrant red and green tones throughout the year.
Staying connected to the internet is now possible with AIRALOs TRAVEL E SIM. Just download the app and choose Peru as your travel destination, and you’ll have mobile data immediately. Then, you are ready to show the world your Instagrammable pictures!
The Red Valley Cusco Hike Experience
One of our close friends has hiked to Red Valley. This is her review of the amazing yet tiring activity:
The road to the Red Valley Cusco is just above the last horse stopping point on the way to the final climb to the Rainbow Mountain. You will see a small path with a fence on your right.
You will encounter locals who collect an entry fee for the Red Valley in Peru. The cost is 10 soles or 2.70 USD (but often your guide will pay for you). Afterward, you will follow for 10 minutes a slightly ascending path, where the short path and the long path divide.
Both hikes are safe but require all your strength due to your walking altitude. As the trail approaches the Red Valley viewpoint, the trail becomes steeper and more challenging.
But don’t worry; everybody who engages in a little physical activity will be able to complete the hike.
REVIEW: the Rainbow Mountain hike is actually more physically demanding than the Red Vally hike (another reason to hike the Red Valley).
Even if you feel tired, you can rent horses (even though we do not recommend this) to complete the hike (see below).
KEEP IN MIND: The Red Valley lookout is much less crowded than Rainbow Mountain (500 vs 1500 (!) daily visitors), and the views are just as spectacular!
Short way to the valley
This trail to the Red Valley begins at the Rainbow Mountain. At first, it is flat for about 15 minutes and then uphill to the viewpoint.
Overview of the short hike:
- Distance: 1 to 2 kilometers (0.6 to 1.2 miles)
- Hiking Time: 30 minutes to 1 hour
- Difficulty Level: Moderate, but still requires acclimatization due to high altitude
- Route: Direct path from Rainbow Mountain to the Red Valley viewpoint
- Terrain: Steep and challenging in parts but shorter in duration
This trail is ideal if you have limited time but still want to experience the stunning Red Valley. Most tour groups take this option. It only takes 25 minutes (one way).
Long way
This easy-moderate long trail also starts at Rainbow Mountain. Instead of going to the right, you’ll take a left at the trail split.
Overview of the long hike:
- Distance: 5 to 7 kilometers (3.1 to 4.3 miles)
- Hiking Time: 2 to 3 hours
- Difficulty Level: More challenging, requires good physical condition and acclimatization
- Route: Extended path that includes more scenic views and landscapes
- Terrain: Diverse, with more significant elevation changes and potentially more rugged path
If you book an organized tour, your guide will join you along the way and telling you where to go, where to pay how much… Check out the best ones below!
Horse Rentals and Support
Horse rentals are available for the Rainbow Mountain hike and can be hired for 80 soles (22 USD).
KEEP IN MIND: These horses can only be rented for a part of the way; the last part to Rainbow Mountain (the steepest part) will be on foot! Also, for Red Valley it is not possible to rent horses.
Red Valley Peru Overview
- Age Recommendations: There are no official age restrictions, but we recommend ages seven and up.
- Restroom Facilities: There are restroom facilities at the start of the Red Valley and at the Valley Viewpoint.
- Elevation: The Red Valley sits at an altitude of 5,000 meters (16,404 feet).
- Cost: Entrance to the Red Valley costs 10 Soles.
- Walking Time: The short hike takes about 30 minutes, while the long hike takes 3 hours.
- Wildlife: The area is home to a variety of wildlife, including alpacas, llamas, vicuñas, Andean condors, kestrels, and deer.
Is Red Valley, Peru, worth it?
Yes, the Red Valley is a must-visit in Cusco. Iron oxide soils shape this valley, which offers an Instagram-worthy contrast to the green valleys and snow-capped mountains around it.
If you visit the Rainbow Mountain, you might as well complete the Red Valley hike.
Preparing for the Hike
Acclimatizing to the high altitude is necessary before completing the Rainbow Mountain hike.
We recommend staying in Cusco for at least two days before the hike to adjust to the altitude.
This is the perfect time to discover the city! We recommend the local tour operator Surtrek to discover Cusco (but also the country)!
According to Alfonso, the CEO, you should choose for them for this reason: “Let your local travel expert with over 30 years of experience guide you through the magical and lesser-explored sites of Peru“.
To prepare for the hike, it’s also recommended to drink plenty of water (2-3 LITERS, according to the guide), avoid alcohol, and eat nutritious food.
If you feel dizzy and nauseous, you have altitude sickness and need to get to lower areas.
Tour Options and Prices
99% of the people visiting the Rainbow Mountain and the Red Valley do so via a tour operator. They take care of everything related to your rainbow mountain trek, from transport, food, and guides.
Some tour operators offer additional services like horse rentals and accommodations.
You can use our widget below to find the best tour operators to Red Valley via Get Your Guide, one of the biggest and most trustworthy websites that offers tours.
Also, their flexible cancellation policy offers peace of mind, allowing you to cancel your booking up to 24 hours before the activity begins.
Climate and Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Red Valley is between March and November.
The Red Valley experiences low temperatures year-round. Even on sunny days, you should prepare for the cold weather. Always pack a sweater!
Between January and February, you can expect the rainy season with heavy rain and snowfall.
You can check the current weather in Red Valley Peru, here.
Here’s a breakdown of the temperatures at the Red Valley Peru for July and August:
- Temperature:
- Daytime: 5°C to 10°C (41°F to 50°F)
- Nighttime: -10°C to -5°C (14°F to 23°F)
- Sunlight:
- Sunshine Hours: 7 to 9 hours per day
- Day Length: Approximately 11 to 12 hours
- Rainfall:
- Average Rainfall: 10 to 20 mm per month
- Rainy Days: 2 to 5 days per month
- Humidity:
- Average Humidity: 40% to 60%
- Weather Variability:
- Conditions: Clear skies, cold nights, and rapid weather changes due to high altitude
- UV Index: High. You will need sun protection. Even though it feels very cold, the sun’s UV is high. Our friend’s faces were burned after the hike!
What would you like to bring to the Red Valley?
We recommend you bring a few essential items on your trip. We’re sure you’ll already have these for your Peru trip, but we’ll highlight them again.
- Warm Layers: Dress in layers to easily adjust to changing temperatures.
- Sun Protection: Apply sunscreen every 30-45 minutes, and wear sunglasses and a sun hat.
- Hydration: Carry 2-3 liters of water to stay hydrated.
- Footwear: Wear comfortable trekking or running shoes suitable for hiking.
- Healthy Breakfast: Have a light breakfast before starting your trek. Most tours will stop for breakfast between 6h15 and 6h45 am. At 7h30 you will arrive at the parking lot for the Red Valley.
- Altitude Sickness Prevention: Bring coca leaves to help prevent altitude sickness.
Accommodations in Cuzco
Several accommodation options are available in Cusco, ranging from budget-friendly hostels to luxury hotels.
INSIDER TIP: most tours will come and pick you up at your hotel in the city.
Luxury Accommodation: Palacio del Inka, a Luxury Collection Hotel
- Price: From $260 per night
- Booking Link: Palacio del Inka
- Highlights:
- Located in a historic 500-year-old mansion.
- Features Inca masonry and colonial Spanish architecture.
- On-site spa with hot tubs, saunas, and Turkish baths.
- Excellent location opposite Koricancha (Temple of the Sun).
- High ratings for staff, facilities, and cleanliness.
Mid-Range Accommodation: Casa Andina Premium Cusco
- Price: From $146 per night
- Booking Link: Casa Andina Premium Cusco
- Highlights:
- Blends historical architecture with modern, uncluttered room designs.
- Located near Cusco’s main attractions.
- Offers comfortable and spacious suites.
- Good reviews for its rustic, relaxed aesthetic and convenient location.
Budget Accommodation: Terra Andina Colonial Mansion
- Price: From $117 per night
- Booking Link: Terra Andina Colonial Mansion
- Highlights:
- Set in a former colonial mansion with Inca foundations.
- Features Spanish arches and modern amenities.
- Located a few blocks from Cusco’s Plaza de Armas.
- Notable for its private balconies and spacious bathrooms.
When we travel, we always use Booking.com to book all our accommodations. It has the best prices and flexible cancellation policies, depending on our chosen accommodation.
Responsible Tourism
The Red Valley and Rainbow Mountain are fragile ecosystems, and you should know your environmental impact.
You must not litter or damage the environment. Please follow the Leave No Trace Principle!
Conclusion
The Red Valley and Rainbow Mountain are breathtaking destinations.
BEWARE: you should be prepared for the challenges of high-altitude hiking and take necessary precautions to prevent altitude sickness.
We recommend you hire a guide or join a tour, as they provide additional support and assistance.
The Red Valley and Rainbow Mountain are must-visit destinations for hiking or trekking enthusiasts.
Let us know about your trip in the comments!
