Peru Photography Workshop
Price range: £1,495.00 through £5,495.00
£5495 Peru Photography Workshop – Date TBC Peru Landscape, travel and astrophotography workshop to include ancient Inca sites and ruins. Non-refundable deposit £1495.00
Description
PERU PHOTO TOUR AND WORKSHOP
Peru Photographic Workshop
Date TBC
PERU PHOTOGRAPHY WORKSHOP INFORMATION
Peru Landscape, travel and astrophotography workshop to include ancient Inca sites and ruins available as one workshop or one of two parts.
PRICE
Sacred Valley & Cusco – £5495.00
(Single sup £1000)
All bookings: Non-refundable deposit £1495.00
PARTICIPANTS
Max 10 Photographers
1 Tutor – Ollie Taylor
1 x Local photographer/tutor, guides, chefs & drivers
DATES
EXERTION LEVEL
LOCATION
Cusco Region
Peru
ACCOMMODATION
Hotels, Sky Domes, Ranch, Tents.
(Room sharing, single supplement available at extra cost £1000pp)
Landscape Photography Tuition
Landscape photography tuition is delivered where required in the stunning Peruvian mountain terrain alongside cultural travel photography.
ASTROPHOTOGRAPHY Photography Tuition
Astrophotography tuition is given where required under some of the darkest wilderness skies in the Andean mountains.
Expertise
The Peru Photography Workshop and Tour is aimed at photographers at all levels, though knowledge of aperture, shutter speed, and ISO range is required.
PACKAGE Includes
Pick up and transfer from/to Cusco Airport
Train tickets to Machu Picchu
Entrance fee’s to Machu Picchu
Accommodation
Breakfast
Most Meals with the exception of days in Cusco and Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu)
Transportation
Guides and chefs
All camping equipment
Professional landscape photography & astrophotography tuition and advice throughout the tour
In-depth follow up digital darkroom image to print tuition if required*
Help with onward travel if required*
PACKAGE Excludes
Flights
Personal travel insurance
Photographic equipment insurance
Alcohol and snacks
Extra horse on treks
Tips
Contact Form
PERU PHOTO TOUR OVERVIEW
Embark on a captivating Peru photo tour through Cusco and the iconic Machu Picchu, where ancient history and breathtaking scenery converge. Wander through the cobblestone streets of Cusco, once the capital of the Inca Empire, capturing its colonial charm and vibrant culture. Then, venture to the mystical ruins of Machu Picchu, nestled amidst lush green mountains, and immortalize its awe-inspiring beauty from every angle. Whether you’re capturing the intricate stonework of ancient temples or the panoramic vistas of the Sacred Valley, this photo tour promises unforgettable moments and stunning images at every turn.
Nestled within the rugged Andes of Peru, Ausangate and the Rainbow Mountains offer a surreal landscape that captivates the imagination. Ausangate, the highest peak in the Cusco region, stands as a sacred sentinel, revered by local Andean communities for centuries. Its snow-capped summit contrasts with the vibrant hues of the nearby Rainbow Mountains, a geological marvel created by mineral deposits that paint the hillsides in vivid stripes. As you traverse the rugged terrain, you’re treated to breathtaking vistas of towering peaks, glacial lakes, and the vibrant palette of the Rainbow Mountains, a testament to the awe-inspiring power of nature.
WORKSHOP STRUCTURE
The Cusco and Sacred Valley region are very touristy and cater for luxury. The start of the workshop will focus on acclimatisation and how to get the best out of key locations such as Machu Picchu and Cusco; the focus is more travel photography orientated, alongside cultural, culinary, and historic experiences.
The Salkantay and Rainbow Mountain part of the Peru Photo Tour become more landscape photography orientated and two-nights accommodation is more simplistic as there literally is nothing else.
Up until the trip to Salkantay Mountain, all accommodation is at the luxury end of the spectrum and the group will dine in some of the best restaurants, with the Peruvian cuisine adding to the overall experience. On Salkantay, we use some of the best accommodations available, sky domes, though these are still quite basic due to the remote location and altitude. For the Rainbow Mountain part of the workshop, accommodation close by is scarce, and we use the best traditional ranch possible in the region.
The Ausangate is so remote, the only way to undertake it is with porters that make camp, and use horses and donkeys to take all the food and equipment, alongside some of our load so we can hike with only camera equipment. This, naturally, has to involve camping. However, the hiking part can be substituted with a guided horse (this incurs an extra cost).
The Nevado Ausangate part of the workshop is very similar to all of Ollie’s other workshops with a solid landscape and landscape astrophotography schedule in one of Peru’s most spectacular, dark, and remote Andean Mountain ranges.
All surplus luggage for the Ausangate part of the Peru Photo Tour is stored securely in Cusco allowing for the mountainous part of the trip to be undertaken with only essentials.
Peru Photography Workshop – Sacred valley & Cusco Itinerary
Peru Photo Tour ITINERARY
Day 1 – Arrival day to Cusco – Transfer to the Sacred Valley.
The Sacred Valley, surrounded by Inca ruins and 800m lower than Cusco, provides the ideal setting to wind down from the journey to Cusco and start to acclimatise to the altitude. In the evening the group will relax with fine dining in the resort’s restaurant.
Accommodation – 4* Luxury resort hotel
Day 2 – Sacred Valley – Transfer to Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu)
The only way to Machu Picchu is via a highly sought-after train with limited tickets available, then a slow, scenic journey into the edge of the rainforest. The day is predominantly spent making the journey to the tourist town of Aguas Calientes that serves Machu Picchu, with a short trip to the local waterfall on arrival, followed by a group meal at one of the best restaurants in town before resting for a very early start.
Accommodation – 3* Star Hotel
Day 3 – Machu Picchu Classic View &Transfer to Cusco
An early start to get into Machu Picchu amongst the first wave of people to gain access, straight to the classic viewpoint as the sun rises over the mountain tops before spending time exploring the ruins and listening to our private local guide take us through the history of the site. We then head back to Cusco via train and private transfers.
Accommodation – 4* Hotel
Day 4 – Cusco
We are now well adjusted to the altitude and it’s time to explore a city that resides at 3400m. A day in the old colonial district of the ancient capital of the Incas, with daytime travel and architectural shots followed by sunset and dusk cityscape photography from a viewpoint; then, naturally time to take in some of the city’s finer dining.
Accommodation – 4* Hotel – Breakfast Included
Continues below…
Machu Picchu Peru Photography Workshop
Day 5 – Cusco – Humantay Lake
A private transfer to within walking distance of the famous lake and peak of Salkantay to our accommodation within sky domes. This is the best accommodation possible up there, however, due to the remoteness, and altitude (4200m) the air temperature is cold. Weather permitting, this is where we will undertake our first short nightscape photography session alongside visiting the sacred lake.
Accommodation – Dome
Day 6 – Humantay Lake – Condor Viewpoint – Cusco
On leaving Salkantay and heading back to Cusco we stop for a few hours at a viewpoint famed for being able to see and photograph giant condors. In the evening we once again dine at one of Cusco’s best traditional restaurants.
Accommodation – 4* Hotel
Day 7 – Cusco – Pallay Punchu
Today we leave Cusco again and head off the beaten path to Pallay Punchu, an incredible mountain and cliff of spectacular rainbow colours for landscape and sunset photography.
Accommodation – 2/3* Hotel
Day 8 – Montaña de Colores (Vinicunca) – Pacchanta
We wake early to reach Vinicunca for sunrise before making the drive to Pacchanta where you will experience local village life, photograph the peaks of the Cordillera Vilcanota for sunset, and bathe in the natural hot spring baths. Those with any energy left will be invited to photograph the river and mountain range by starlight.
Accommodation – Local Hostel
Day 9 – Ausangate 7 Lagunas
Today we set off early afternoon on a 2-hour walk to hour camp at the water’s edge at one of the 7 Lagunas in time for nightfall, with plenty of mountain vistas along the route. Our guides will break camp and ensure we are fed after sunset before we embark on an unrivalled astrophotography shoot under the dark skies of the mountains. Horses are available for those not wishing to hike*
Day 10 – Ausangate 7 Lagunas
After a slow and easy morning, we wake when we like to eat breakfast and explore the area, returning to camp for food, sunset photography, food, then another night of astrophotography; weather permitting*.
As with all of Ollie’s landscape/landscape astrophotography workshops, astrophotography and sunrise sessions are implemented on the weather at the time and the workshop is adjusted to suit conditions.
Day 11 – Ausangate – Cusco
Today we return to Pacchanta, then transfer back to Cusco stopping for photo opportunities along the way.
Day 12 – Airport transfer day
Peru Nevado Ausangate Milky Way
THE NEVADO AUSANGATE
The only photo tour currently offering a fixed camp over two nights and astrophotography with a renowned tutor. Every aspect of planning has been taken into consideration to enable you to join us in photographing this spectacular region regardless of fitness. Most tours trample through the entire Auzangate circuit climbing high-altitude trails, where as we remain in one position exploring on foot.
There is some walking from camp of around 30 minutes to the next lagoon, horses may still be used depending on the trail used.
We travel with an entourage of porters, guides and chefs who will undertake all of the heavy lifting for us, break camp, and take care of our food and water needs. For those that feel they may not be up to the hike to the lowest-lying lagoon, horses will be provided a small extra fee, sit back and trot along at a relaxed pace with our convoy.
Night photography in the Cordillera Vilcanota, situated in which is the highest peak the Nevado Auzangate, unveils a celestial spectacle against the backdrop of towering peaks and pristine alpine landscapes.
As darkness descends upon this remote corner of the Andes, the Milky Way stretches across the sky like a luminous river, punctuated by the twinkling of distant stars. With the jagged silhouettes of mountains framing the scene, the quietude of the night envelops the landscape, offering photographers an unparalleled opportunity to capture the beauty and tranquility of the Andean night sky. Whether it’s the shimmering reflection of starlight on glacial lakes or the ethereal glow of moonlit peaks, each image tells a story of the profound connection between nature and the cosmos in this majestic mountain range.
Mountainscape daytime landscape photography presents endless opportunities in the area alongside drone footage.
Fieldwork Equipment
Full frame, crop sensor, and micro four-thirds can be used, alongside larger format cameras. The Peru Photo Tour core workshop could also be completed with a high-end smartphone and tripod, however, for the two/three short nightscape sessions we undertake, results may not be of a very high standard. For the Nevado Ausangate a camera body is recommended. It is advised the camera body or phone has an absolute minimum ISO of 6400 for the core part of the tour, with 12800 being the absolute minimum for the Ausangate.
- Camera body/s or high-powered smartphone.
- Wide to long focal length lenses
- Tripod
- Remote timer or long exposure bulb control built-in on the timer
- Multiple spare camera batteries
- Head torch with a red mode (this is not for night vision, it makes it easier to work as a group, and stops us from blinding one another)
- Warm clothes and layers, windproofs if possible, as days will be warm to mild with warm sun so casual clothes will also be needed. Rainbow Mountain and Salcantay will present the group with cold nights.
- Winter wear (Salkantay and Rainbow Mountain)
- Hiking boots/trainers, casual footwear.
- Ausangate – Multiple layers and extra winter wear
- Ausangate – Trekking poles (optional they can be hired)
Post-production & Planning Necessities
Due to the nature of this workshop and constantly being on the move, no post-production can be offered on the workshop. Follow-up Zoom sessions will soon be available to book on Ollie’s website with different time slots to suit different workshop; each workshop group will also be offered a slot for their specific workshop upon completion of the tour.
Recommended apps that will be taught and demonstrated:
- Photopills (paid one-time subscription)
- Stellarium (free on desktop), free mobile version, the full mobile version now costs a fee
PERU Photography Workshops FAQs
This Peru photography adventure focuses on getting the best photographically from this region of Peru. From travel images to stunning landscapes whilst also taking in the history, culture and cuisine. This tour cuts out the heavy trekking that most photo tours bolster onto, instead having out guides adapt to remaining at fixed positions to ensure we get the most from the landscape, and of course, the night sky.
Most countries do not neeed a tourist visa to enter Peru, however please check with the Peruvian consulate.
https://www.consulado.pe/es/londres/tramite/Paginas/Visas/Issuance-of- Tourist-Visa.aspx
- Comfortable light hiking pants
- Windproof heavier-duty hiking pants
- Waterproof overlayer
- Base layers
- Multiple thermal fleeces or underlayers that can be layered over one another
- Light clothing for warm days and hot, high-altitude sun
- Hiking socks and thermal socks (feet always get cold first undertaking night photography)
- Thermal down jacket or outdoor wind/waterproof thermal coat
- Hiking boots/trainers
Nice to haves!
- Spare pair of hiking boots/trainers in case one set gets wet through
- Hand warmers (throw away or electronic)
- Hiking poles
You will need to be able to cover some rough ground with a camera bag, withstand long days standing on some occasions, and a couple of nights. The walk around the Machu Picchu circuit can last a few hours, though this is optional. You will need to be able to stay in a Peruvian hostel which may not be to a standard you are used to if coming from Western and Asian countries. All hiking equipment is mountain-grade, and in good condition, but you will need to be able to camp for two nights (camp set up for you).
80% Of meals are included so there are no worries in remote areas. As you may wish to try different things or eat light, meals on the evenings and the full day in Cusco are not included, and neither are meals the evening prior to Machu Picchu. All other meals including restaurant meals are included.
FURTHER INFORMATION
All aspects of the tour where the use of a horse is mentioned over hiking or walking incur an extra cost, please speak with Ollie if you would like to use a horse.
Due to the high-altitude nature of this workshop, signing a small disclaimer will be required indicating it is the participant’s responsibility to make sure they have adjusted to the altitude pre-workshop, and no refunds can be made for anyone who feels too unwell to participate due to altitude sickness.
| This itinerary is subject to change without prior notice once the tour commences according to weather conditions, strikes, roadblocks, or force majeure events which are beyond our control. We will adjust locations to work around any such instances. |
Please contact Ollie for further information via phone call or WhatsApp/Zoom regarding this tour.
BOOK YOUR PLACE
If there are spaces left, you can book your place on this photography tour below.
If you have any questions please click here to contact Ollie Taylor.
Additional information
| Course Payments | Deposit Only, Sacred Valley – Full Price, Sacred Valley & Ausangate – Full Price, Ausangate Only – Full Price |
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