Why Photography Peru
Guidance without pressure
Comfortable high-end camping
Timing built around shooting conditions
About your trip
This Ausangate 7 Lakes photography tour Peru is designed for photographers who want time, access, and control in high-altitude conditions.
Over two days, you move through remote lakes, glacier views, and quiet valleys with space to work each location. This is not a quick visit. You stay close to the landscape, adjust to changing conditions, and photograph from multiple angles with intention.
TRIP TYPE: Camping, Trekking, Photography Tour
SEASON: Year Round (Best from April to October for clear skies)
DISTANCE: 15 km (9.3 miles) Round trip
ELEVATION: 4,600 m (15,090 ft) max altitude
DIFFICULTY: Moderate
FAQ’s – Frequently Asked Questions
YOUR ITINERARY
Day 1
Cusco → Pacchanta Campsite
7:00 a.m. Hotel pick-up in Cusco. We drive 3.5 hours to Pacchanta, the trailhead in the highlands. Begin a 2-hour hike toward camp, stopping often for compositions, wildlife movement, and portraits with alpacas.
Arrive at camp near the base of the mountain for a fresh warm lunch.
The afternoon focuses on scouting nearby viewpoints and testing compositions before sunset.
Dinner at camp. After dark, if conditions allow, we work on night photography from the campsite.
Day 2
Sunrise by the Lakes → Cusco
Early start toward the lakes area (30 minutes to first locations).
Photograph blue hour and sunrise reflections across different lakes. Low wind conditions often help with clean surfaces.
After the early morning shooting, enjoy a warm breakfast with open views of the mountain range of Ausangate.
Continue exploring the lakes with stops at Blue Lake and surrounding viewpoints. Each stop offers different framing options and foreground elements.
After the session, hike back to the trailhead and return to Cusco, arriving in the afternoon.
HIGHLIGHTS
- Sunrise reflections across multiple lakes with different angles
- Access to less visited sections of the Ausangate circuit
- Glacier views with strong foreground options
- High-end camping close to shooting locations
- Extra lakes beyond the standard 7 lakes route
- Night photography opportunities in low light pollution areas
INCLUDES
Included/Excluded
- Camping gear (sleeping bags, tent, sleeping pad)
- Private transportation from Cusco (round trip)
- Camping gear (sleeping bags, tent, sleeping pad)
- Meals (Peruvian Homemade style)
- First Aid kit & Oxygen tank
- Entrance and community fees
- Pro-Portrait Digital Photos of the experience
- Professional photography guide + certified guide
- Night photography session (weather dependent)
- Personal technical clothing and gear
- Camera and photography equipment
- Emergency horses
- Travel insurances & travel medication/ evacuation insurance
- Drone permits fees
- Tips for your guide(s) and staff are optional but highly appreciated and encouraged if you enjoyed the experience.
