Decoding the unusual red river near the famous rainbow mountain

PERU - Flowing through pristine rocky valleys in the Vilcanota range of the Cusco region, the Palquella Pucamayu River turns a fiery red during the annual rainy season.

In Quechua, Palquella Pucamayu means “little red river”. It is located about 100km from the World Heritage Site of Cusco, near the “red valley” of Pitumarca and the famous rainbow mountain Vinicunca.

Photo: Tierras Vivas

The river's red color appears mainly during the rainy season (from December to April). During this time, rainwater carries iron-oxide-rich soil down from the mountain slopes, turning the river bright red. During the remaining months, the river water is murky brown.

Photo: Kallpa Travel

According to local tour operators, the Palquella Pucamayu River is at its brightest red for the first 5km from its source. The further you go, the dimmer the red becomes.

Photo: Dreamy Tours

Many tour operators often combine a visit to the Palquella Pucamayu River and the nearby Vinicunca Rainbow Mountain in short 1-day tours.

Source: https://vietnamnet.vn/giai-ma-dong-song-nuoc-do-di-thuong-gan-nui-cau-vong-noi-tieng-2393861.html