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Join our thrilling travel photography tour through southern Peru, capturing the iconic Machu Picchu, serene Lake Titicaca, dramatic Colca Canyon, and colonial Arequipa. Explore Inca culture in Cusco and the Sacred Valley, and marvel at the unique Rainbow Mountain. This adventure promises diverse and breathtaking subjects for your unforgettable images.
Embark on a mesmerizing journey through southern Peru, where ancient history and stunning landscapes converge to create a photographer’s paradise.
From the vibrant streets of Cusco, rich with Inca heritage and colonial charm, to the breathtaking heights of Machu Picchu, this tour is designed to immerse you in the heart of Peruvian culture and natural beauty.
Capture the essence of the Sacred Valley, where terraced hillsides and traditional markets offer endless photographic opportunities. Each destination on this tour has been meticulously chosen to provide a diverse and captivating array of subjects for your lens.
The vibe of this tour is one of adventure and discovery, balanced with moments of tranquility and reflection, all tailored for the avid photographer.
Whether you’re capturing the serene waters of Lake Titicaca or the majestic flight of condors over Colca Canyon, you’ll experience the full spectrum of Peru’s vibrant spirit through your lens.
Enjoy carefully chosen accommodations and savory Peruvian cuisine, ensuring your comfort is never compromised. Every day brings a new location and a fresh photographic perspective, allowing you to develop your skills and creativity in an inspiring and supportive environment.
From the golden hues of sunrise at Machu Picchu to the vivid colors of the Palcoyo Rainbow Mountain, this tour offers unparalleled photographic experiences, a broad spectrum of photo ops at amazing locations, and subjects to broaden your horizons and expand your knowledge.
You’ll have the chance to capture everything from sweeping landscapes and majestic mountains to intimate portraits of local communities.
This is not just a trip; it’s an immersive photography workshop that promises to elevate your portfolio and leave you with unforgettable memories of Peru’s enchanting beauty and photogenic locations.
Despite being focused on photography, it’s also designed to be an enjoyable experience for non-photographing spouses or friends.
If you have a couple more days to spare, we invite you to join our pre-trip extension to photograph the Pachamama Raymi Festival in Sacred Valley, one of the crucial annual festivals in the region.
A note from Jan: I designed this tour based on my photography expertise and rich experience, spanning over six months and seven tours I have led in this beautiful country since 2015.
As a second guide, I immediately brought my good friend, Domingo Atao. He’s Peruvian and a founder of a local award-winning tour company I have worked with for over six years. Our duo will provide expert guidance throughout the tour, including post-processing sessions to help you perfect your images.
On the Peru photo tour, we will often take advantage of soft light and shoot at sunset, transitioning in a very short blue hour. We will also do several sunrise shoots. Peru’s unique culture offers great opportunities for mid-day shoots, and our interesting photographic program considers it.
During Jan’s Lightroom Classic post-processing sessions, you will also learn how to make your images pop and organize your image library.
The Pachamama Raymi, or Festival of Mother Earth, is a vibrant and culturally rich celebration held annually in the Cusco region on August 1st. This festival, rooted in pre-Hispanic traditions, honors Pachamama, the Earth Goddess revered by the Inca people as the source of fertility and life.
The ceremony involves a series of rituals where offerings such as food, coca leaves, and chicha de jora are made to Pachamama to express gratitude for bountiful harvests and to ensure continued blessings.
The festivities are filled with traditional music, dances, and colorful displays, providing a captivating spectacle that beautifully captures the essence of Andean culture.
For photographers, Pachamama Raymi offers a unique opportunity to capture the essence of indigenous traditions in a rural community setting we have arranged for you.
The festival’s rich rituals and vibrant celebrations are a feast for the eyes, with participants adorned in traditional attire performing age-old customs.
Our three-day extension includes immersing yourself in these festivities, capturing the celebration’s lively scenes and intimate moments.
The following day (August 2), you’ll have the exclusive opportunity to shoot portraits of locals in their traditional dress, allowing for striking and authentic images that reflect the cultural heritage of the Andes.
If you cancel:
An additional cancellation fee of 150 EUR applies to cover the payment fees and our service fee.
Below, you find the carefully designed day-by-day itinerary based on Jan’s extensive experience leading tour groups in Peru since 2015. The plan can be adjusted to accommodate the group’s pace and weather conditions.
On July 31, upon arrival in Cusco, you’ll be warmly welcomed and transferred from the airport and after a brief rest, we’ll journey to the charming town of Ollantaytambo. Settle into your hotel and prepare for the enriching cultural experiences ahead.
Meals: Dinner
Immerse yourself in the vibrant Pachamama Raymi festival, celebrated with six local families in a rural community that welcomed us to join. Capture the essence of this ancient ceremony honoring Mother Earth through your lens as locals perform traditional rituals and dances.
This unique opportunity provides a deep cultural connection and a wealth of photographic moments. We’ll spend the night at our hotel in Ollantaytambo.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
In the morning, we’ll focus on portrait photography, capturing the beauty and tradition of the local people dressed in their vibrant traditional attire. This intimate experience in the rural community offers stunning and authentic images.
In the afternoon, we’ll transfer back to Cusco and check into our hotel, ready to begin the main tour.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch
Upon arrival in Cusco on August 3, you’ll be warmly welcomed and transferred from the airport to your hotel in the city center. Take time to acclimate to the high altitude and relax after your journey.
At 6:30 pm, we’ll gather for a welcome dinner and opening briefing at a great local restaurant. This is a perfect opportunity to meet your fellow travelers, discuss the exciting itinerary ahead, and soak in the vibrant atmosphere of Cusco.
Meals: Dinner
After breakfast, we start our day by capturing the morning light at Cusco’s historic center. Our photographic journey begins with visits to Coricancha, the Temple of the Sun, followed by the bustling Plaza de Armas. Here, you’ll capture the exteriors of cathedral’s grandeur, the Church of the Society of Jesus, and other architectural marvels.
After a delicious lunch at a local restaurant, we head to Sacsayhuaman, an impressive Inca fortress offering panoramic city views.
As the day winds down, we’ll enjoy a sunset shoot from Mirador de Plaza de San Cristóbal, providing a stunning twilight vista of Cusco’s skyline.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
We start our day with a visit to the Pisac terraces and citadel, where you’ll capture the stunning agricultural terraces and ancient ruins. The vibrant Pisac market, bustling with local artisans and colorful crafts, provides excellent street and portrait photography opportunities.
After lunch, we drive to Ollantaytambo, a picturesque town with well-preserved Inca ruins. Here, you can explore the impressive terraced ruins, offering rich historical insights and excellent photo opportunities.
We catch the Vistadome Observatory 603 train to Aguas Calientes in the afternoon. This unique journey offers panoramic windows and an observatory car, perfect for enjoying the breathtaking landscapes of the Sacred Valley. Relax and enjoy the views as live traditional music and refreshments enhance this memorable experience.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
You can visit a local butterfly garden in the morning to capture close-up shots of these delicate creatures. This serene setting offers a chance to practice macro photography and enjoy the vibrant colors of the butterflies.
Later in the day, we gather for a post-processing session in Lightroom to refine our images and learn new editing techniques, enhancing the photographs we’ve taken so far.
After the session, we’ll enjoy lunch at a local restaurant, savoring the flavors of Peruvian cuisine.
In the afternoon, we head by bus to Machu Picchu, one of the most iconic archaeological sites in the world. As we explore the ancient citadel, you’ll have ample time to photograph the breathtaking vistas and intricate stonework. The soft afternoon light provides an ideal setting for capturing the majesty of this UNESCO World Heritage Site.
After we explore Machu Picchu, we’ll return to Aguas Calientes for dinner at a local restaurant. Here, you can unwind and reflect on the day’s experiences while tasting the popular Machu Picchu cocktail, a perfect end to a memorable day.
Rise early to witness and photograph the sunrise at Machu Picchu, capturing the first light as it illuminates the ruins and surrounding mountains. This magical experience offers some of the best photographic opportunities of the tour, as the morning light enhances the beauty and mystery of the ancient citadel.
After a morning of exploration and photography at Machu Picchu, we’ll return to Aguas Calientes for a well-deserved lunch at a local restaurant. Following lunch, you’ll have downtime to rest, shop for souvenirs, or edit your images, allowing you to unwind and reflect on the morning’s experiences.
We’ll embark on a luxurious journey back to Cusco in the late afternoon aboard the Hiram Bingham train. This exclusive experience features elegant dining cars, gourmet cuisine, and live entertainment, providing a perfect end to our day. Enjoy the scenic journey through the Sacred Valley in style and comfort, savoring the unparalleled service and breathtaking views.
We’ll arrive in Cusco in the evening, where you can check into your hotel and relax. Take some time to review your stunning images from Machu Picchu and prepare for the next exciting days of our photo tour in Peru.
Meals: Breakfast, dinner
Our adventure continues as we explore more of the Sacred Valley, starting with a visit to the stunning Salineras de Maras. Capture the geometric salt pools, a unique and fascinating subject for photography. The contrast of the white salt against the natural surroundings provides excellent opportunities for striking images.
Next, we’ll head to the agricultural terraces of Moray, where you can photograph the impressive circular terraces that the Incas once used for agricultural experiments. After exploring Moray, we’ll enjoy a delicious lunch at a local restaurant, savoring the region’s flavors.
In the afternoon, we visit Chinchero, known for its rich cultural heritage and vibrant textiles. We’ll explore a local textile workshop, where you’ll learn about traditional dyeing techniques using natural products. Capture the process and interact with local women weaving intricate patterns. This is a fantastic opportunity for portraits and photographing detailed craftsmanship.
Additionally, we’ll visit the church at the Chinchero archaeological site, which offers beautiful architecture and historical significance.
As the day winds down, we’ll return to Cusco for dinner at a local restaurant. Unwind and enjoy the evening, reliving the day’s memorable experiences and preparing for the adventures that lie ahead in our photo tour.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch
Our day begins early as we depart from Cusco at 6 am for an unforgettable journey to Palcoyo Rainbow Mountain. This lesser-known gem, situated at over 16,000 feet (4,800 m), offers a breathtaking array of multicolored mineral layers that create a striking landscape.
Upon arrival, we’ll have the opportunity to take photographs right from the bus stop, but for those seeking even more spectacular views, a short 45-minute walk will lead to a higher vantage point. From here, you’ll also be able to capture stunning images of the majestic Ausangate Mountain in the background.
This location also provides excellent opportunities for drone photography, allowing you to capture the vast, colorful expanses from above.
After a morning of exploration and photography, we’ll enjoy a well-deserved lunch in a local setting. We will then head back to Cusco, returning in the evening.
Once back in Cusco, the evening is yours to relax, review your photos, and reflect on the day’s remarkable experiences.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch
In the morning, we catch an early flight from Cusco to Arequipa, the “White City,” renowned for its stunning colonial architecture made from white volcanic stone. We can also enjoy staying in a lower elevation as Arequipa lays at 7,500 ft (2,300 m). Upon arrival, we transfer to our hotel for an early check-in, allowing you to settle in and refresh.
Later, we gather for a post-processing session, where you’ll refine your images and learn new editing techniques. This session is a great opportunity to enhance your photographic skills and share insights with fellow travelers.
In the afternoon, we’ll explore the picturesque city of Arequipa. We’ll start with a view of the iconic El Misti volcano from the Bolognese Bridge, a perfect spot to capture the majestic backdrop of the city.
Next, you’ll have time to visit the Museum Santuario Andino to see the mummy of Juanita, an incredibly well-preserved Inca ice maiden. Sacrificed over 500 years ago, around 1450, and discovered in 1995 on Mount Ampato, Juanita offers a fascinating glimpse into Inca rituals and history, providing a unique and compelling subject for photography.
Our exploration continues with a visit to the Arequipa Cathedral, a stunning example of the city’s architectural heritage.
As the evening approaches, we’ll photograph the exterior of the cathedral and the main square Plaza de Armas at sunset and during the blue hour, capturing Arequipa’s beautiful colonial architecture.
Dinner will be at a local restaurant, where you can enjoy the flavors of Arequipa and discuss the day’s highlights with your fellow photographers.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Our day begins with a visit to the Santa Catalina Monastery, one of Arequipa’s most iconic landmarks. This expansive and colorful monastery, founded in 1579, offers a maze of narrow streets, vibrant courtyards, and beautifully preserved colonial architecture. The unique blend of colors and light makes it an ideal location for capturing stunning photographs.
After our morning exploration, we enjoy lunch at a local restaurant, savoring the rich flavors of Arequipa’s cuisine.
Following lunch, we embark on a scenic drive to Chivay, a charming town in the Colca Valley. The journey offers breathtaking views of the Andean landscape, with opportunities to stop and capture the majestic scenery along the way.
One of the highlights of the drive is a stop at Mirador de los Volcanes, where you can photograph the panoramic views of the surrounding volcanoes. As we continue our journey, the landscape transforms, offering diverse and dramatic vistas perfect for photography.
We arrive in Chivay in the late afternoon, where you can check into your hotel and relax. The evening is free for you to explore the town, enjoy a leisurely dinner, and prepare for the exciting adventures that await in the Colca Valley.
Meals: Breakfast, dinner
We start our day early with a visit to Mirador de los Condores, where you’ll experience the thrill of photographing the majestic Andean condors as they soar gracefully around us. This is one of the tour’s highlights, offering unparalleled opportunities for wildlife photography. Capture these magnificent birds in flight, set against the stunning backdrop of Colca Canyon, one of the deepest canyons in the world.
After spending the morning immersed in this incredible wildlife experience, we’ll walk along the canyon rim, where you’ll find towering cactuses that make for striking photographic subjects. The play of light and shadow in the morning sun, combined with the unique flora, adds depth and interest to your images.
At noon, we’ll enjoy lunch in a village by Colca Canyon, savoring traditional Peruvian dishes and reflecting on the morning’s adventures.
Before the sunset, we’ll drive by the canyon, stopping at various viewpoints to capture the diverse and dramatic scenery of the Colca Canyon. One of our stops will be the picturesque white church in Maca, a beautiful example of colonial architecture set against the Andean backdrop.
After the sunset shoot, we return to our village for dinner and a chance to relax after a day filled with photographic adventures. Reflect on the day’s highlights and prepare for another exciting day in the Colca Valley.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch
Our day begins with another opportunity to visit Mirador de los Condores, giving you a second chance to photograph the majestic Andean condors in flight. Capture these magnificent birds in the early morning light, enhancing your wildlife photography portfolio with more stunning images of these graceful creatures against the backdrop of Colca Canyon.
After this exhilarating morning session, we return to our hotel to pack and prepare for our journey to Puno.
But before the departure, we visit the Coporaque community, where you’ll have the opportunity to take portraits of local residents in their traditional attire. This intimate experience allows you to connect with the people and capture the essence of their culture through your lens.
After this, we’ll begin our scenic 6-hour drive to Puno, taking in the diverse landscapes of the Andes.
We’ll arrive in Puno by the evening. After checking into our hotel, we’ll gather for dinner at a local restaurant, where you can unwind and reflect on the day’s experiences. Enjoy the flavors of Puno’s cuisine and prepare for the upcoming exploration of Lake Titicaca.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Today, we explore the stunning Lake Titicaca, the highest navigable lake in the world. We begin with a morning photography session in Puno at Plaza de Armas, capturing the vibrant life and the impressive cathedral in the early light.
Next, we embark on a day trip to Lake Titicaca: the unique Uros Islands, where you’ll have the opportunity to photograph the traditional floating reed islands and the Uros people. While touristy, this visit offers a glimpse into their distinctive way of life and construction techniques.
Afterward, we visit Amantani Island, known for its terraced hills and traditional Aymara-speaking communities. Here, you’ll have the chance to capture the island’s cultural heritage and scenic beauty, providing a rich context for your photos.
The panoramic views of Lake Titicaca from these islands provide a fantastic setting for your photos. The entire day offers excellent opportunities for drone photography, allowing you to capture the expansive beauty of the lake and its unique islands from above.
In the late afternoon, we return to Puno for dinner at a local restaurant. As you enjoy the local cuisine and share your favorite moments with fellow travelers, reflect on the incredible sights and unique cultural experiences of the day.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Our tour concludes after breakfast as we prepare for our journey home. We’ll provide a transfer to Juliaca Airport for your flight to Lima and onward connections.
Reflect on the unforgettable moments and photographs you’ve gathered over the past few days, from the majestic ruins of Machu Picchu to the vibrant cultures around Lake Titicaca.
As we bid farewell to Peru and this adventure of a lifetime. Take with you not only stunning images but also long-lasting memories of this diverse and beautiful country.
Meals: Breakfast
Please note the itinerary is subject to change. Jan will do his best so you have an enjoyable experience and can get the best pictures possible, even if it means changing the plan.
Jan will also run post-processing sessions in Adobe Lightroom Classic CC to provide another benefit from this photo tour. We will work on your images from the tour and unlock their full potential.
Jan will take you on a journey from unattractive and flat photos to vibrant, appealing, professional-looking pictures that will sell well.
In a short time, you’ll understand why editing your photos is important, how to do it efficiently, and how to choose images to post-process. Jan will also walk you through using the latest AI-powered features in Lightroom and explain how to merge panoramas and HDRs.
For post-processing sessions, we’ll use the time for rest and do it in small groups of one to three participants.
Upon request, we can also discuss various topics such as digital asset management, backup workflow, how you can start making money from photography, or anything else that interests you.
You will fly to the Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport (CUZ) in Cusco, Peru. You should arrive in the afternoon on August 3, 2025, to make it in time for our dinner at 6:30 pm.
The tour ends after breakfast on August 15, 2025, and you will depart from Inca Manco Cápac International Airport (JUL) in Juliaca near Lake Titicaca. It’s about a 1-hour drive from Puno, where we will stay.
We will arrange your transportation to the hotel upon arrival and before departure.
We will use a local driver and a comfortable minivan, allowing ample space and comfort during the tour. We will also use upper-class trains to reach Aguas Calientes, the little town below Machu Picchu, and one domestic flight from Cusco to Arequipa.
We will stay at four 4-star accommodations in Cusco, Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu town), Chivay, and one night in superior rooms of a 3-star hotel in Puno, and one night in a 5-star hotel in Arequipa.
Our priorities are their cleanliness and excellent location in the city center.
We carefully choose the hotels so they feature cozy, spacious rooms and offer a fantastic experience so you feel comfortable and can get a good rest.
All hotels serve good breakfast and have a restaurant on-site or in walking proximity.
Hotels may or may not have lifts, so be sure you’re comfortable walking the stairs.
Hotels serve breakfasts, but there may be days when we won’t have it at a hotel, thanks to our shooting schedule. In that case, we will arrange a packed breakfast from the hotel or stop somewhere along the way. In the case of packed breakfast, everybody will carry their own package.
Lunches and dinners will conform to our shooting times. Lunches will be between 11:30 am and 2 pm, and dinners after the sunset shoots at about 6:30 pm.
We’ll always have complimentary bottles of water in the car.
The most challenging aspect of this tour is the high altitude. Cusco is 10,500 ft (3,200 m) above sea level, and Lake Titicaca is 12,500 ft (3,800 m) high. Will we feel a lack of oxygen in the first two days? Yes, and it’s normal. We’ll get used to it and make sure you’ll acclimatize well – that means drinking a lot of water, chewing coca leaves, or drinking coca tea.
The highest destination on the tour is Palcoyo Rainbow Mountain, which sits at 16,000 ft (4,900 m). It’s on a program at the end of our stay in the Cusco region, so our acclimatization is at its best. Sure, expect a slight headache and catch your breath more often, but it’ll be worth it. We’ll have oxygen in case of an emergency. However, if someone doesn’t feel like participating, you can have an alternative program in Cusco for this one day.
Expect to walk about 6 miles daily in cities, mostly on flat ground. However, some attractions will require walking on uneven terrain, with some walking uphill or downhill for a short time (less than 15 minutes); thus, good and comfortable boots are recommended. Walking should not give you trouble (even if walking slowly), and you should be used to it.
A notable exception will be the Palcoyo Rainbow Mountain, where you can shoot already from the parking lot. However, hiking for about 25-45 minutes will be beneficial but not required to improve your vista and composition.
Visiting Machu Picchu also requires walking uphill and downhill. The trails consist of rocky stairs, and getting from the entrance gate to the terraces where we will shoot has a 260 ft (80 m) elevation gain.
We expect to reach 12,000 steps daily, more on the days with the hikes as mentioned above.
Our experienced guides will provide support and guidance throughout the tour, helping participants maximize their photographic opportunities while ensuring their safety. Each participant needs to be comfortable carrying their camera bag with a tripod.
While some locations may present challenges, they offer a chance to capture Peru’s varied beauty in its most authentic form, making this tour an enriching experience for photographers eager to explore both the accessible and more demanding aspects of the Andes.
You can also take our self-assessment quiz that indicates whether our photo tours are a good fit for you. Get your personalized report now.
Beginners, intermediate, and pro photographers are welcome on this tour.
If you’re a beginner, I recommend you get acquainted with your camera and the basics of exposure and composition before the tour. Terms like aperture, shutter speed, ISO, depth of field, or self-timer should be in your vocabulary.
If you’re unsure if this photo tour is suitable for you, get in touch, please.
You can also take our self-assessment quiz that indicates whether our photo tours are a good fit for you. Get your personalized report now.
Jan is an award-winning travel photographer based in Prague, Czech Republic. Peru is his favorite country. Since 2015, he has spent over six months there and has led eight successful tours. He speaks fluent Spanish, which helps build rapport with locals. Jan’s instruction on multi-day tours focuses on training each participant to see hidden compositions, learn how to react to light and weather, and practice shooting various subjects. Jan’s ultimate goal is to ensure each participant takes photos they will be proud of and have a fantastic time.
In August, expect varied temperatures and weather conditions across southern Peru. In Cusco and the Sacred Valley, daytime temperatures range from 10-20°C (50-68°F), with cooler nights dropping to around 5°C (41°F). In Arequipa, daytime highs reach about 24°C (75°F), with nights cooling to 9°C (48°F). At higher elevations like Palcoyo Rainbow Mountain, temperatures can be as low as -5°C (23°F) in the early morning.
August falls in Peru’s winter or dry season, making it perfect for travel with minimal rainfall expected—typically less than 10mm for the entire month. Layered clothing is essential to adapt to changing weather throughout the day.
Bring warm clothing such as fleece jackets, hats, and gloves for cooler mornings and evenings. Waterproof and windproof outerwear is necessary, especially when visiting higher altitudes or exploring during early morning hours. Sturdy, waterproof footwear with good grip is crucial for navigating uneven and potentially wet terrain.
Packing wisely and preparing for variable weather conditions will make you comfortable and ready to capture Peru’s stunning landscapes and vibrant cultures on this photography tour.
Sunrises are at approximately 6:06 a.m., and sunsets are around 5:41 p.m. on these dates. Morning blue hour is between 5:45 – 5:53 a.m.; in the evening, it’s between 5:56 – 6:04 p.m.
The Peru Photo Tour is operated by We Travel the World s.r.o., identification number (ID): 08351864, head office address: gen. Píky 300/12a, Řepčín, 779 00 Olomouc, Czech Republic; registered at the Regional Court in Ostrava under file no. C 79254. You can review their Terms of Use.
Also review Jan’s Terms and Conditions.
Yes, non-photographers are also welcome; this tour also caters to them. Despite being a photography tour, the program is carefully crafted, even for non-photographers enjoyment.
We offer special per-couple pricing. Ask Jan for details.
A photo tour usually refers to a trip where leaders bring participants to the usual shooting locations and let them be without much help. In a workshop, leaders work more closely with participants and actively help them to take stunning images. Even though this event is called a photo tour, in its nature, it’s more of a workshop. Your leaders will work with you and help you craft good images, but they will also shoot themselves.
Rain in August is highly unlikely, and it won’t rain for long if it happens. We’ll check the weather and optimize the program for the best shooting conditions.
Take our self-assessment quiz to find out. After answering mostly Yes/No questions that cover areas such as photography, fitness, and comfort levels, you will receive a personalized report showing whether our tours are suitable for you.
Answer 28 questions and receive a personalized report that will help you understand your strengths and areas for improvement.
The average time to complete is 15 minutes.
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