Ausangate Astrophotography, Rainbow Mountain & Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu – 6 Days
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Day 6 – Machu Picchu Photography & Return to Cusco
Ausangate Astrophotography, Rainbow Mountain & Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu – 6 Days
Discover the Peruvian Andes through a six-day photography expedition combining the spectacular landscapes of Ausangate, the colorful slopes of Rainbow Mountain, and the historic Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu.
Designed for landscape photographers, astrophotographers, travel photographers, and adventurous travelers, this experience combines high-altitude lagoons, glacial peaks, traditional Andean scenery, night-sky photography opportunities, and remarkable Inca archaeological sites.
Photograph the turquoise lakes of Ausangate, explore the dramatic terrain around Pukaqocha and Yanaqocha, and experience the colorful mountain landscapes of Vinicunca. Continue toward Machu Picchu via the Short Inca Trail, passing Chachabamba and Wiñay Wayna before reaching the Sun Gate, subject to the confirmed trail permit and itinerary.
With a photography-focused schedule, professional guiding, camping in the high Andes, and comfortable hotel accommodation during the Machu Picchu section, this tour brings together landscape photography, astrophotography, trekking, and cultural exploration.
Duration: 6 days / 5 nights
Destination: Ausangate, Seven Lakes, Rainbow Mountain, Ollantaytambo, Short Inca Trail, and Machu Picchu
Tour style: Private photography expedition
Photography focus: Mountain landscapes, glacial lakes, Milky Way photography, star trails, Andean culture, and Inca archaeology
Difficulty: Challenging due to high altitude and consecutive trekking days
Accommodation: Three camping nights and two hotel nights, subject to the confirmed itinerary
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner as specified in the daily itinerary
Photography Highlights
Photograph the Seven Lakes of Ausangate, with turquoise and emerald water surrounded by glacial peaks.
Capture dramatic mountain scenery and high-altitude textures around Arapa Pass, Pukaqocha, and Yanaqocha.
Explore Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca) during the best available morning light.
Photograph the Milky Way and star-filled skies when weather, moonlight, and astronomical conditions are favorable.
Discover traditional Andean landscapes and opportunities for respectful cultural photography.
Hike the Short Inca Trail through cloud forest and archaeological sites.
Photograph Machu Picchu from the designated viewpoints and circuits available with your confirmed tickets.
Day 1: Cusco – Pacchanta – Seven Lakes of Ausangate
Depart early from Cusco and travel toward Pacchanta, a traditional Andean community located beneath the impressive Ausangate massif.
After arriving in the highlands, begin your hike through the Seven Lakes area. The route offers opportunities to photograph glacial lagoons, mountain reflections, alpacas, and the changing colors of the Andean landscape.
Use the available light to experiment with wide-angle compositions, foreground textures, reflections, and layered mountain scenery. If weather and sky conditions permit, your guide can help identify suitable opportunities for night-sky photography near camp.
Photography focus: Glacial lakes, snow-covered peaks, landscape compositions, alpacas, and potential nightscapes.
Trekking: Approximately 3–4 hours, depending on the route and conditions.
Altitude: Approximately 4,200–4,600 m (13,780–15,090 ft).
Meals: Lunch and dinner, according to departure arrangements.
Overnight: Camping in the Ausangate area.
Day 2: Ausangate – Upis – Arapa Pass – Pukaqocha
Continue through the spectacular high-altitude terrain of the Ausangate region, following the confirmed trekking route toward Arapa Pass and Pukaqocha.
The changing elevation reveals expansive mountain panoramas, highland wetlands, rocky ridges, and striking contrasts between mineral-colored terrain and snow-covered peaks.
Take advantage of suitable stops for landscape photography, experimenting with wide-angle perspectives, panoramic compositions, and details of the mountain environment.
If conditions allow, the evening may offer opportunities for star trails or Milky Way photography. Night photography depends on cloud cover, moonlight, wind, and safe access to suitable locations.
Photography focus: Mountain panoramas, high-altitude textures, glacial scenery, reflections, and possible night-sky photography.
Trekking: Approximately 6–7 hours, subject to the confirmed route and conditions.
Altitude: Confirm the final elevation profile with the trekking team before publication.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Overnight: Camping near Pukaqocha, subject to route confirmation.
Day 3: Pukaqocha – Yanaqocha
Continue the trek through the dramatic landscapes around Pukaqocha and Yanaqocha. The day's scenery offers opportunities to work with contrasting colors, rugged mountain silhouettes, highland lakes, and the textures of the Andean terrain.
Spend time exploring suitable viewpoints and improving your compositions as the light changes throughout the day.
Photographers can work on balancing foreground elements with distant peaks, using natural lines to guide the viewer's eye, and capturing the scale of the high Andes.
Where weather, moon phase, and safe conditions permit, your guide can help identify potential locations for night photography.
Photography focus: Mountain landscapes, lake reflections, abstract geological patterns, dramatic skies, and potential astrophotography.
Trekking: Approximately 5–6 hours, subject to the confirmed route.
Altitude: Confirm the final elevation profile before booking.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Overnight: Camping near Yanaqocha, subject to route confirmation.
Day 4: Yanaqocha – Rainbow Mountain – Ollantaytambo
Start early and continue toward Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca), following the route confirmed by your trekking operator.
The colorful mineral bands and surrounding Andean peaks provide excellent opportunities for landscape photography. Early morning light can reveal the mountain's colors and the textures of the ridgelines, while changing weather may create dramatic cloud formations.
After the photography session, descend and transfer toward Ollantaytambo in the Sacred Valley. This is a long transition day, and the exact driving time depends on the trail exit point, road conditions, and the transport arrangement.
Photography focus: Rainbow Mountain, colorful geological formations, Andean panoramas, and landscapes along the journey.
Trekking: Approximately 2–3 hours at Rainbow Mountain, depending on the confirmed route.
Driving: Allow approximately 4–5 hours or longer, subject to the actual departure point and road conditions.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner according to the final arrangement.
Overnight: Hotel in Ollantaytambo.
Day 5: Ollantaytambo – Short Inca Trail – Wiñay Wayna – Sun Gate – Aguas Calientes
After breakfast, transfer to Ollantaytambo train station for the train journey to Kilometer 104, the starting point of the Short Inca Trail.
After the official checkpoint, hike to Chachabamba and continue along the historic Inca route through the cloud forest. The trail includes stone steps, vegetation, waterfalls, and archaeological remains.
Continue toward Wiñay Wayna, one of the route's important archaeological sites, before proceeding to Inti Punku (the Sun Gate), subject to the authorized route and ticket conditions.
The Sun Gate offers a memorable viewpoint toward Machu Picchu when visibility allows. Follow the access arrangements specified by your permit and confirmed Machu Picchu itinerary before descending to Aguas Calientes.
Photography focus: Inca stonework, cloud forest scenery, archaeological details, trail landscapes, and Machu Picchu viewpoints permitted by your ticket.
Trekking: A demanding day, generally around 6–8 hours depending on pace, stops, and the authorized route.
Altitude: The trail descends from the highlands toward the cloud forest and Machu Picchu region.
Meals: Breakfast, packed lunch, and dinner.
Overnight: Hotel in Aguas Calientes.
Day 6: Machu Picchu – Ollantaytambo – Cusco
After breakfast, travel by shuttle bus to Machu Picchu's entrance, according to your confirmed ticket and entry time.
Explore the archaeological sanctuary with your licensed guide and learn about its Inca architecture, terraces, ceremonial spaces, and remarkable mountain setting.
Your photography opportunities depend on the circuit and access conditions specified on your ticket. After the visit, return to Aguas Calientes and board the train to Ollantaytambo, followed by ground transportation to Cusco.
Photography focus: Inca architecture, stonework, terraces, mountain scenery, and designated viewpoints.
Walking: Approximately two hours for the guided visit, with additional walking depending on the authorized circuit.
Meals: Breakfast included. Lunch and dinner are not included unless arranged in advance.
End of tour: Arrival in Cusco, subject to train and road schedules.
Important Route and Permit Information
The exact Ausangate trekking route, camping locations, altitude profile, and transfer arrangements must be confirmed before the tour is sold. The itinerary includes consecutive high-altitude trekking days followed by the Short Inca Trail, so adequate acclimatization in Cusco is essential.
Short Inca Trail permits, train tickets, Machu Picchu entry tickets, and the authorized circuit must be confirmed for the travel date. Entry to Machu Picchu through the Sun Gate and the guided visit on Day 6 depend on the specific permit and ticket arrangements. Access to every viewpoint cannot be guaranteed.
What's Included in Your 6-Day Photography Tour?
Your tour is designed to combine a high-altitude trekking experience with dedicated photography opportunities and a guided visit to Machu Picchu.
Included Services
Private ground transportation for the scheduled itinerary, including Cusco transfers as specified in your booking.
Train transportation from Ollantaytambo to Kilometer 104 and return transportation from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo.
Official Short Inca Trail permits and authorized Machu Picchu entrance tickets for the confirmed itinerary.
Licensed English-speaking trekking and Machu Picchu guide services, as specified in your booking.
Professional photography guidance, if confirmed in your selected package.
Three nights of camping in the Ausangate region.
Two hotel nights: one in Ollantaytambo and one in Aguas Calientes.
Six breakfasts, five lunches, and five dinners, provided according to the final itinerary.
A professional trekking cook and camping kitchen equipment for the Ausangate section.
Camping tents shared by two travelers, with a private tent available for an additional charge.
Pack animals and handlers for transporting the agreed camping equipment and personal duffel bags during the Ausangate section.
A sleeping mattress and basic camping equipment.
Drinking water at scheduled meal stops and snacks during trekking days, subject to the final operating arrangements.
Standard entrance fees for the listed attractions included in the confirmed itinerary.
Basic first-aid equipment and an emergency oxygen supply for trekking support.
Not Included
International flights and domestic flights to or from Cusco.
Accommodation in Cusco before or after the six-day tour.
Lunch and dinner on Day 6.
Travel insurance, medical expenses, and emergency evacuation insurance.
Personal sleeping bags, inflatable sleeping mats, pillows, and trekking poles unless included in a selected equipment package.
Optional Huayna Picchu, Machu Picchu Mountain, or Huchuy Picchu tickets and associated services.
Single-room or single-tent supplements.
Tips for guides, cooks, drivers, horse handlers, and other staff.
Alcoholic beverages, additional snacks, and personal purchases.
Any additional transport, accommodation, or services caused by flight changes, unforeseen disruptions, or requests outside the agreed itinerary.
Services not explicitly listed under “Included Services.”
Optional Equipment and Upgrades
Comfort camping package: Suggested price US$120 per person, subject to confirmation. This may include a sleeping bag, upgraded sleeping mattress, pillow, and trekking poles.
Single camping tent: Additional charge, confirmed at booking.
Single hotel room: Additional charge, confirmed at booking.
Huayna Picchu, Machu Picchu Mountain, or Huchuy Picchu: Available only when the appropriate ticket is available and can be added to the confirmed itinerary. Additional charges apply.
All optional services must be confirmed in writing before the tour begins.
Ausangate & Machu Picchu Photography Tour — 2027
Price Per Person:2027
1 traveler $2,750
2 travelers $1,950
3 travelers $1,800
4 travelers $1,700
5 travelers $1,650
6 travelers $1,600
7 travelers $1,550
What Makes This Photography Expedition Different?
Photography-Focused Itinerary
The schedule is designed around photography opportunities, including sunrise, golden hour, blue hour and selected night-sky sessions.
Local Photography Knowledge
Travel with guides who understand the landscapes, weather patterns, local culture and best photographic perspectives along the route.
Time to Create, Not Just Sightsee
We allow time to stop, compose and photograph rather than rushing from one attraction to the next.
Landscape + Astrophotography
Combine daytime mountain photography with opportunities for Milky Way, star-trail and nightscape photography under the Andean sky.
Photography Highlights
Ausangate Mountain & the 7 Lakes
Photograph glacial peaks, turquoise and emerald lagoons, reflections, alpine textures and expansive Andean landscapes around the famous 7 Lakes of Ausangate.
High-Altitude Andean Landscapes
Work with dramatic mountain layers, golden puna grasslands, changing clouds, rugged terrain and distant glaciers at elevations above 4,000 meters.
Rainbow Mountain at Sunrise
Capture the mineral-colored ridges of Vinicunca during the early morning light, when shadows and low-angle sunlight reveal the mountain's textures and layered colors.
Red Valley
Explore abstract compositions, mineral textures, ridgelines and contrasting colors in one of the most visually distinctive landscapes near Rainbow Mountain.
Andean Astrophotography
When conditions are favorable, photograph the Milky Way, stars and long-exposure nightscapes above the high Andes.
Short Inca Trail & Wiñay Wayna
Photograph ancient stonework, cloud-forest vegetation, waterfalls and archaeological landscapes along the Short Inca Trail toward Machu Picchu.
Machu Picchu from the Sun Gate
Finish the photographic journey with the classic approach to Machu Picchu through Inti Punku, followed by time to explore and photograph the archaeological sanctuary.
What Makes This Photography Expedition Different?
Photography-Focused Itinerary
The schedule is designed around photography opportunities, including sunrise, golden hour, blue hour and selected night-sky sessions.
Local Photography Knowledge
Travel with guides who understand the landscapes, weather patterns, local culture and best photographic perspectives along the route.
Time to Create, Not Just Sightsee
We allow time to stop, compose and photograph rather than rushing from one attraction to the next.
Landscape + Astrophotography
Combine daytime mountain photography with opportunities for Milky Way, star-trail and nightscape photography under the Andean sky.
“When weather, moon phase and visibility conditions are favorable, the high Andes can provide excellent opportunities for Milky Way and night-sky photography.”
Photography Highlights
Ausangate Mountain & the 7 Lakes
Photograph glacial peaks, turquoise and emerald lagoons, reflections, alpine textures and expansive Andean landscapes around the famous 7 Lakes of Ausangate.
High-Altitude Andean Landscapes
Work with dramatic mountain layers, golden puna grasslands, changing clouds, rugged terrain and distant glaciers at elevations above 4,000 meters.
Rainbow Mountain at Sunrise
Capture the mineral-colored ridges of Vinicunca during the early morning light, when shadows and low-angle sunlight reveal the mountain's textures and layered colors.
Red Valley
Explore abstract compositions, mineral textures, ridgelines and contrasting colors in one of the most visually distinctive landscapes near Rainbow Mountain.
Andean Astrophotography
When conditions are favorable, photograph the Milky Way, stars and long-exposure nightscapes above the high Andes.
Short Inca Trail & Wiñay Wayna
Photograph ancient stonework, cloud-forest vegetation, waterfalls and archaeological landscapes along the Short Inca Trail toward Machu Picchu.
Machu Picchu from the Sun Gate
Finish the photographic journey with the classic approach to Machu Picchu through Inti Punku, followed by time to explore and photograph the archaeological sanctuary.
FAQ .
Is this Ausangate photography tour suitable for all photographers?
Yes. The expedition is designed for photography enthusiasts, advanced photographers and professionals. Previous trekking experience is recommended because several sections take place at high altitude.
Will we photograph the Milky Way?
Astrophotography sessions are planned when conditions are favorable. Actual visibility depends on weather, cloud cover, moon phase and atmospheric conditions.
What type of photography can I do on this trip?
The expedition focuses primarily on landscape photography, astrophotography, travel photography and cultural photography, with opportunities for wildlife and detail images along the route.
Can beginners join the photography tour?
Yes. The itinerary is suitable for photographers of different experience levels. Basic knowledge of manual camera controls is helpful, but advanced technical experience is not required.
What camera equipment should I bring?
A wide-angle lens, standard zoom or telephoto lens, tripod, spare batteries and sufficient memory cards are recommended. Neutral-density and polarizing filters can also be useful for landscape photography.
What is the highest altitude on the tour?
The itinerary reaches elevations of approximately 4,800–5,000 meters in some sections. Proper acclimatization in Cusco before beginning the expedition is strongly recommended.
Does the tour include Machu Picchu?
Yes. The itinerary combines the Ausangate region and Rainbow Mountain with the Short Inca Trail and Machu Picchu.
Contact
Email: phototourperu@gmail.com
Phone: +51 940188346
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