Why Photography Peru
Personalized Private Tours
Built Around the Best Light
Stars Over Upis
About your trip
This 2-day photography tour starts at Upis, below the north face of Ausangate. You camp there and photograph sunset at Huayna Ausangate lake.
The next morning you hike at first light toward the 7 Lakes, explore them for about 5 hours, and finish in Pacchanta.
Quick facts
Duration: 2 days / 1 night
Type: Personalized private tour, 2 to 6 people
Physical level: Moderate to demanding. About 5 hours of hiking on day 2
Max altitude: About 4,750 m (15,580 ft)
Start / end: Your hotel in Cusco
Night: Private camp at Upis
Best season: May to September
Photography level: All levels
Choose your approach
Photo Guide
You take the photos. Expertise on site, timing, culture and history.
From $625
Tour + Photo Session
We photograph you. A planned photo session at the best light.
From $765
YOUR ITINERARY
Day 1
Cusco to Upis
- Altitude: 3,400–4,400 m
- 6:00 Pickup in Cusco. Drive toward Tinki and Upis.
- 11:00 – Upis. Set up camp. Lunch.
- 14:00 – Scouting around Upis: streams, alpacas, the north face of Ausangate.
- 16:30 – Sunset at Huayna Ausangate lake. Last light on the snow peak and its reflection. Great for drone.
- 19:00 Dinner. Night photography if the sky is clear.
Day 2
Sunrise on the trail and the 7 Lakes
- Altitude: 4,300–4,750 m
- 4:00 Hot drinks and start the hike in the dark.
- 5:30 – Sunrise halfway to the 7 Lakes. Box breakfast.
- 7:00–12:00 – 7 Lakes of Ausangate. About 5 hours of hiking and shooting: turquoise lakes, glacier walls, reflections.
- 13:30 – Pacchanta. Lunch is ready.
- 15:00 Drive to Cusco. Arrival around 18:30.
YOUR APPROACH
- Photo Guide: same schedule. Your guide, an expert in these locations, helps you pick the spots and times the light. They also know the culture and history, so you get both experiences out of the tour.
- Tour + Photo Session: our photographer shoots you at Upis, at camp and at the lakes, planning the perfect timing.
GOOD TO KNOW
- Photo review and editing: every evening we review your photos together, and during the tour you get a basic Lightroom editing lesson.
- Drone: allowed. Some communities charge a fee. Fees change every year, so they are not in the price.
- Pack light on day 2: you carry your camera bag for about 5 hours.
- Cold: below 0°C at Upis at night.
HIGHLIGHTS
- Camp at Upis below the north face of Ausangate
- Sunset at Huayna Ausangate lake
- Sunrise on the trail to the 7 Lakes
- A full morning at the 7 Lakes
INCLUDES
Included/Excluded
- Private transport from Cusco (round trip)
- Photography guide (according to the approach you choose)
- Private camp: 4-person tents for 1 or 2 people, very comfortable sleeping gear, dining tent, toilet tent
- Battery station charged by solar and car, for camera and drone batteries
- All meals during the tour
- Community entrance fees
- Oxygen, first aid kit, pulse oximeter and satellite messenger for any emergencies
- Drone fees and hot springs
- Personal photography gear
- Travel insurance and tips
FAQ
How hard is day 2?
About 5 hours of hiking between 4,300 and 4,750 m, with many photo stops.
Can I do the 7 Lakes in one day?
Yes, see our 7 Lakes of Ausangate full day tour.
Who carries the camp?
The crew. You only carry your camera bag.
What lenses should I bring?
A wide lens (16–35mm) and a telephoto (70–200mm). A drone is great at Huayna Ausangate lake.
CANCELLATION POLICY
- To book: pay a 40% deposit. Pay the balance 14 days before the tour.
- Cancel 30+ days before: we refund everything except 10% of the tour price.
- Cancel 15 to 29 days before: we refund everything except 25% of the tour price.
- Cancel 14 days or less before, or no-show: we keep the 40% deposit and refund the rest. We never keep more than that.
- Sick before the tour (doctor’s note): change your date for free within 12 months.
- Weather: clouds or rain are not a reason for a refund. If a road or site is closed (snow, landslide, strike), we change the route or the date, or refund the part we could not do.
- If we cancel: you get 100% back.
Related tours: 7 Lakes of Ausangate full day tour · Lakes of Ausangate photography tour
