Every twelve months, tourists exploring the Vilcanota mountain range in Peru are privileged to witness a rare phenomenon of nature: a river flowing in a crimson hue amid the pristine rugged terrain of Cusco.
The Palquella Pucamayu, also known as the red river, is located near the famous Palcoyo Color Mountain, approximately 100 kilometers from the city of Cusco. The locals called it Palquella Pucamayu. Its distinctive red hue can be seen only about 5 kilometers away before mixing with other nearby streams and rivers, thus losing its unique color. If you are eager to see this wonder, it is best to visit it during the rainy season (December – April) since the intensity of the precipitation directly affects the color of the water. For most of the year, the Palquella Pucamayu has a muddy brown color; However, during the rainy season, significant amounts of iron oxide-rich soil from the mountains flow down and turn the water bright red.
For some time now, numerous images and clips showing the red river of Cusco have been circulating on the Internet. Although it has been thoroughly documented, many people still question its authenticity. Although software like Photoshop and other advanced AI-based editing tools can produce a surreal-looking image like this, there is no doubt that this particular phenomenon is real.
Although the rainy season may not be the most ideal time to hike the Vilcanota mountain range, it is certainly the perfect time to witness the stunning and unique view of the crimson waters of Palquella Pucamayu. So if you feel like an adventure, don’t miss this opportunity!
If you are interested in discovering more captivating bodies of water around the world, be sure to explore the thinnest river on the planet and the most radioactive river in the world.
