Ausangate Landscape & Stargazing Trek 6 Day Andean Photography Adventure
landscape astrohotography workshop
departure dates 2026
Abril 2026: 8,9,10,11,12,13
May 2026: 8,9,10,11,12,13
June 2026 :12,13,14,15,16,17
July 2026: 11,12,13,14,15,16
August 2026:9,10,11,12,13,14,15
September 2026 :8,9,10,11,12,13
October 2026 : 7,8,9,10,11,12
Ausangate Landscape & Stargazing Trek 6 Day Photography Trek
Embark on a transformative Ausangate Landscape & Stargazing Photography Workshop, a 6‑day Andean astro‑photography adventure that takes you through remote high-altitude terrain under both golden-hour light and brilliant night skies. This expedition is tailored for photographers who want to immerse themselves in landscape and astrophotography while trekking the sacred Ausangate circuit.
Why This Tour Is UniqueHigh‑Altitude Ausangate Night Sky Photo Expedition: Camp at over 4,000 meters in the Andes and capture the Milky Way arcing above Ausangate’s glacier peaks in pristine darkness.
Milky Way Andean Peaks Photography Trek: Photograph the celestial dome framed by Andean ridges and snow-capped summits — a rare setting for long-exposure astrophotography.
Remote Andes Landscape & Nightscape Workshop: Trek off the beaten path through rugged terrain, alpine lakes, and high passes by day, then learn nightscape techniques beneath a canopy of stars.
Ausangate Ridge Star Trails Photography Tour: Use star trails to add dynamic motion to your compositions, creating images that unite the vibrant color of the ridges with celestial movement.
Ausangate Sunrise & Night Sky Photo Trek: Witness unforgettable sunrises over the Ausangate massif and Rainbow Ridge; then, after a day of trekking, set up your tripod to shoot deep-sky scenes under the Andes.
Landscape & Astrophotography in the Peruvian Andes: Over six days, you’ll refine your skills in framing dramatic mountain landscapes, dusk-to-dawn exposures, and high-contrast compositions.
Sustainable Highland Photography Trek Peru: Travel responsibly through fragile ecosystems, supporting local Andean communities while minimizing environmental impact.
Cusco Andes Mountain & Milky Way Photo Journey: This small-group journey allows for personalized coaching, flexible shooting times, and access to exclusive viewpoints few visitors ever reach
Day 1: Cusco – Pacchanta – Azulqocha Lake Camp (4,600 m / 15,092 ft)
Drive time: 3.5–4 hours
Trek time: 1.5–2 hours
Photography Focus: High Andean landscapes, sunset over glaciers, nightscape reflections
We depart early from Cusco, heading southeast through the Andean highlands toward the remote village of Pacchanta, gateway to the Ausangate range. The landscape transforms quickly—rolling farmlands give way to rugged peaks and wide open skies.
From Pacchanta, it’s a short and scenic trek to our first campsite near Azulqocha Lake. Along the way, herds of alpacas, local shepherds, and towering glaciers provide incredible photographic subjects. Upon arrival, we set up camp beside the lake, perfectly positioned for both sunset and nightscape photography.
Golden Hour & Sunset Photography:Azulqocha sits in a natural amphitheater, cradled by snow-capped giants. As the sun begins to dip, warm light spills across the glaciers, painting the mountains in tones of gold, amber, and rose. Reflections dance on the lake’s surface, creating an otherworldly symmetry that begs for long exposure shots.
Pro Tip: Use ND filters to smooth the water and capture mirror-like mountain reflections, and frame with foreground elements like rocks or wildflowers.
Nightscape Photography at Azulqocha:When night falls, the magic truly begins. With zero light pollution and crisp high-altitude air, Azulqocha becomes a pristine canvas for astrophotography.
The Milky Way arcs above Ausangate, while stars shimmer in the lake below—one of the most dramatic and dreamlike compositions in the Andes.
Best Subjects:
Milky Way over snow peaks and glacier
Star reflections on the lake
Tents lit from within under the stars
Light painting foregrounds with headlamps or lanterns
Bonus: In dry season months, you may catch the Galactic Core rising over the Ausangate range—ideal for vertical compositions and time-lapse sequences.
Day 2: Azulqocha – Ninaparayoq (4,500 m / 14,763 ft)
Trek time: 2– hours
Photography Focus: High alpine landscapes, glacial lakes, wide valleys, and pristine night skies
Today’s trail takes you deeper into the heart of the Huayhuash wilderness, crossing open valleys and ridgelines with sweeping views. We move from the crystalline waters of Azulqocha Lake, with its vibrant turquoise tones, toward the remote and wild camp of Ninaparayoq.
As we ascend, the landscape opens up into broad, cinematic vistas--perfect for wide-angle compositions. Jagged peaks pierce the sky, and you’ll pass herds of alpacas grazing beneath snow-dusted ridges. The highland light shifts constantly, creating dramatic contrast and layering in the mountains—ideal for both minimalist and grand landscape shots.
Nightscape Photography at NinaparayoqNinaparayoq is a dream location for astrophotographers. Sitting high above 4,500 meters with no light pollution for miles, this camp offers 360-degree views of the stars.
Once the sun dips behind the peaks and the twilight fades, the Milky Way unfurls across the sky like a luminous river. Glaciers and jagged silhouettes provide striking foregrounds, and the stillness of the night is surreal.
Top Night Photography Shots:
Milky Way arch over the valley, framed by high peaks
Star trails spinning over glacier ridges
Light-painted tents glowing under a sea of stars
Long exposures capturing airglow and faint meteors
Pro Tip: Use your tent or a small foreground rock formation to add depth. If conditions are right, pre-dawn blue hour can gift you with a rare combo of starlight and first light on the peaks.
Day 3.-Azulqocha → Upis Photography Trek
Early Morning: Sunrise at Azulqocha Lake
Altitude: ~4,600 m / 15,090 ft
The day begins before sunrise at the shores of Azulqocha, one of the most photogenic lakes in the Ausangate region. As first light touches the surrounding peaks, the lake often becomes a mirror, reflecting pastel skies and rugged mountain silhouettes.
Photography Focus
Sunrise reflections on still water
Long exposures capturing subtle color transitions
Wide-angle compositions with foreground grasses and shoreline textures
Detail shots of ice, frost, and alpine vegetation
📸 This is one of the best locations in the region for early-morning light and calm conditions.
Morning Trek: Azulqocha to Open Puna Valleys
After breakfast at camp, begin a gradual descent through high-Andean puna landscapes. The trail winds through rolling hills dotted with ichu grass, small wetlands, and seasonal streams.
Photography Opportunities Along the Way
Expansive valley scenes framed by snowcapped peaks
Leading lines created by trails, streams, and ridgelines
Wildlife photography opportunities (andean birds, grazing alpacas)
Environmental compositions showing scale and isolation
Soft morning light enhances texture and depth, ideal for fine-art landscape photography.
Midday: Alpine Creeks & Glacial Backdrops
As the sun rises higher, the route follows crystal-clear alpine creeks fed directly by Ausangate’s glaciers. These sections are perfect for intimate landscape compositions.
Photography Focus
Slow-shutter shots of flowing water
Macro and detail photography of moss, rocks, and wildflowers
Layered compositions combining water, midground hills, and distant peaks
A scenic lunch stop is planned beside a sheltered stream or meadow, allowing time to rest and photograph without rushing.
Afternoon: Approach to Upis Valley
The landscape gradually opens into the broad Upis Valley, offering uninterrupted views of the Ausangate massif. The light becomes warmer, creating dramatic contrast between illuminated slopes and shadowed valleys.
Photography Highlights
Classic Ausangate wide-angle landscapes
Shepherds with alpacas and llamas (when present), adding human scale
Natural framing using rock formations and grazing lands
Cloud movement and changing light over glaciers
📸 This section is ideal for panoramic stitching and telephoto compression shots.
Late Afternoon: Arrival at Upis Altitude: ~4,400 m / 14,435 ft
Arrive at Upis, famous for its natural hot springs and open views toward Ausangate’s icy peaks. This is one of the most rewarding camps in the region for golden-hour photography.
Sunset Photography Session
Warm alpenglow on glacier-covered mountains
Steam rising from hot springs in cold air
Reflections and silhouettes during blue hour
Optional night photography and early Milky Way shots (seasonal)
After sunset, enjoy a well-earned soak in the hot springs, a perfect way to recover after a full photographic trekking day.
Why This Day Is Exceptional
Continuous photographic opportunities from dawn to dusk
Ideal balance of lakes, valleys, water features, and mountain vistas
Designed pacing for photographers—never rushed
One of the most scenic transitions in the Ausangate region
Day 4: Upis – Arapa Pass – Puka Qocha (4,650 m / 15,255 ft)
Trek time: 6–7 hours
Photography Focus: Rugged mountain landscapes, glacial lakes, golden light, and night sky reflections
Today’s trail takes us over the stunning Arapa Pass, where the landscape shifts into a world of raw Andean drama. Jagged ridgelines, deep valleys, and snow-dusted peaks create a constant stream of breathtaking compositions. As we descend toward Puka Qocha, we pass isolated herder camps and mirror-like glacial lakes surrounded by surreal rock formations.
Golden Hour Magic:
In the late afternoon, the light turns warm and soft, wrapping the peaks in golden hues. This is the perfect time to capture minimalist scenes, leading lines through the valleys, and alpine wildlife wandering the open slopes.
Nightscape Photography at Puka QochaAs night falls over Puka Qocha, the world becomes silent—and the sky comes alive.
You're in a remote, high-altitude sanctuary, free of light pollution and full of photographic potential. With the glacial lake at your feet and the giants of the Vilcanota range above, this is one of the most inspiring nightscape locations in the Andes.
Night Photography Highlights:
Crystal-clear Milky Way arcing above the dark silhouettes of Ausangate and neighboring peaks
Still lake reflections of the stars—perfect for symmetry and long exposures
Light painting possibilities with boulders, tents, or foreground ice
Opportunity for star trails framed by jagged summits
Pro Tip: Set your tripod early and experiment with different compositions as the sky rotates—you may even catch the Southern Cross rising above the mountains.
This is the kind of night that leaves you in awe--pure silence, cosmic beauty, and total connection with nature.
Day 5: Puka Qocha – Huampococha (4,800 m / 15,748 ft)
Trek time: 6–7 hours
Photography Focus: Isolated alpine beauty, textured high-mountain terrain, and surreal night skies
From the peaceful shores of Puka Qocha, we continue our trek through a stunning high-altitude landscape of sculpted ridgelines, glacier-fed streams, and sweeping valleys carved by time. The terrain today is wild and raw—perfect for wide-angle shots that showcase the grand scale of the Cordillera Huayhuash.
By afternoon, we reach the hidden and lesser-known gem of Huampococha, a secluded lake cradled between jagged peaks. This remote location offers 360-degree views of the surrounding ridges and absolute silence—ideal for composing timeless landscape photos.
Nightscape Photography at HuampocochaWhen the sun drops behind the rugged skyline and the air turns crisp, Huampococha transforms into a celestial observatory. At over 4,800 meters, the thin air and lack of light pollution open the skies wide for breathtaking astrophotography.
Top Nightscape Opportunities:
The Milky Way arching over the lake and distant peaks
Silhouettes of jagged ridgelines under a blanket of stars
Reflections of starfields in the still, dark waters of Huampococha
Foreground elements like tents, boulders, or ice formations for creative compositions
Photo Tip: Use a wide-angle lens and foreground light painting to add depth and drama. Look east for the Milky Way core rising early in the morning during the dry season (April–September). The stillness of the lake offers rare chances for double-exposure-style mirror shots--stars above, stars below.
This is a night you’ll never forget—where the sky feels close enough to touch, and every frame is a masterpiece waiting to happen.
Day 6: Huampococha – rainbow Mountain & Red Valley (5,000 m / 16,404 ft)
Trek time: 4–5 hours
Photography Focus: Abstract landscapes, vibrant colors, and surreal nightscapes
This is a day straight out of a dream for landscape photographers. The trail leads us into the heart of the Red Valley, one of the most visually striking regions in the Andes. Deep crimson hills, mineral-rich slopes, and dramatic textures create a surreal, almost Martian atmosphere. Every step is a new composition—no two angles are alike.
We explore hidden corners of the Rainbow Mountain region far from the crowds, capturing unique perspectives of mineral-streaked ridgelines and undulating valleys painted in shades of red, gold, and green.
Photo Tip (Day): Use a polarizer to bring out rich contrasts and textures. Look for leading lines formed by the ridges and color layering for dramatic wide shots.
Nightscape Magic in the Red ValleyAs the sun dips behind the jagged ridges, the real magic begins. You’ll set up camp surrounded by blood-red hills and silent peaks, under one of the darkest skies in Peru.
With almost no light pollution, the Milky Way explodes overhead. The landscape takes on an otherworldly glow, with the mineral-rich terrain subtly reflecting starlight.
Night Photography Highlights:
Milky Way arching over the Rainbow Mountains
Light painting across the red ridges
Silhouetted peaks beneath a star-packed sky
Long exposures revealing star trails swirling above surreal terrain
Bonus Tip: Use a wide-angle lens (14–24mm), shoot low to capture both sky and terrain, and time your shot with the Galactic Center rising over the red ridgelines for that epic portfolio moment.
Very difficult: Long hikes and camping at high altitude
Our Peru photo trek will mainly focus on hiking and capturing the most iconic landscapes in the Rainbow mountain, the world’s highest tropical mountain ranges. This time of year is perfect for hiking, as it coincides with the dry season, and ideal for astro, as it’s the peak of Milky Way season in the Southern Hemisphere, with 10+ hours of Milky Way visibility at night.
Professional guide
Meals
Transport
Hotel pick-up and drop-off
Food and drinks
Optional ExtrasGroup Size :1 – 8 Guests
Experience | Difficulty
Beginner, amateur, enthusiast and semi-pro photographers
DSLR, mirrorless, compact or iPhone cameras
Moderate schedule
Travel by car or minibus
Moderate elevation changes and lots of walking and hiking (none of our adventures have difficult hikes)
(non-photographers also welcome)
6 Days Ausangate Rainbow Mountain Treks
Travel, landscape, nature, wildlife, and people photography
Professional photographer | guide
Photo walks & discussions
Small group size (1-8 guests)
Camping
Breakfasts
All Meals
National Park Permits
Local transportation
AccommodationsCamping.
What’s Included
Not Included
Price per person:2025
1 person : US$1750.00 per person
2 people : US$1300.00 per person
3 people: US$1250.00 per person
4 people : US$1200.00 per person
5 people : US$1150.00 per person
6 people : US$1100.00 per person
7+ people : US$1050.00 per person.
