A bizarre river in Peru that becomes "bloody" every winter (9 photos + 1 video)

A river in the province of Kanchis, Peru, is a real attraction. The fact is that in the rainy season it acquires scarlet tint.





The red color of the river comes from sandstone containing iron oxide. When it rains, this mineral-rich rock is washed into the riverbed. rivers, turning the water red or pink.

According to a local tour operator, it is the rainy season in Peru (November to April) is the best time to contemplate this unusual natural phenomenon. In the dry season, the river, on the contrary, becomes dirty brown.



The river turns red only on the first five kilometers from its source in the Arcoiris Palcoyo valley. Connecting with streams and rivers, it loses its interesting shade. IN the river eventually flows into the Urubamba, which the Incas called Vilcamayo, and that surrounds the ancient city of Machu Picchu.







The locals call the river Palkella Pukamayu, in the language Quechua palkella means "small branch" and pukamayu means "red river".









Many tour operators take tourists to the Palkella Pukamayu River, which is located three hours southeast of the city of Cusco, in as part of a day trip to the rainbow mountain of Vinicunka, 5200 m above sea level.