Lares Trek Photography Tour & Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu – 6 Days
Home / Lares Trek to Short Inca Trail Photography Tour 6D/5N
Machu Picchu (twice!) ✓ Lares trek ✓ Inca Trail ✓ Home stay ✓
Lares Trek Photography Tour & Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu – 6 Days
Photograph the Andes beyond the ordinary.
Journey from the remote landscapes of the Lares Valley to the legendary Short Inca Trail and Machu Picchu on a 6-day photography expedition designed around landscape, culture, wildlife, and storytelling.
Capture snow-capped mountains, turquoise alpine lakes, traditional Quechua communities, Andean textiles, ancient Inca pathways, cloud forests, and the iconic landscapes surrounding Machu Picchu.
This is not simply a trek with a camera. It is a photography-focused journey through some of the most visually diverse landscapes of the Peruvian Andes.
Cusco – Lares Valley – Short Inca Trail – Machu Picchu
Landscape | Cultural | Portrait | Travel Photography
Night Photography & Astrophotography Opportunities
6 Days / 5 Nights
Private or Small-Group Options
Capture the Andes. Experience the culture. Walk the Inca Trail. Photograph Machu Picchu.
Request Availability & Photography Tour Details
A Photography Expedition, Not Just a Trek
The Lares Trek offers a different perspective on Peru.
Instead of focusing only on reaching the next destination, this photography expedition is built around the visual experience of the journey. We allow time to look for changing light, strong compositions, authentic cultural moments, mountain reflections, atmospheric conditions, and the small details that make a photograph tell a story.
The route combines the remote landscapes of the Lares Valley, living Quechua culture, high-altitude lakes and mountains, ancient Inca heritage, the cloud forests of the Short Inca Trail, and the extraordinary setting of Machu Picchu.
Whether you photograph landscapes, people, culture, travel, wildlife, or night skies, each section of the journey offers a different photographic environment.
You are not simply hiking through the Andes. You are building a visual story of Peru.
Andean Landscape Photography in the Lares Valley
The Lares Valley is a remarkable setting for landscape photography in Peru.
Throughout the trek, photographers can work with dramatic mountain scenery, high-altitude lakes, waterfalls, glacial streams, valleys, alpine meadows, traditional stone houses, and herds of llamas and alpacas.
Early morning and late afternoon are particularly valuable for photography, when changing light can create layers of shadow, warm mountain tones, mist, reflections, and atmospheric depth.
The combination of rugged mountains and relatively quiet valleys also gives photographers the opportunity to create more intimate landscape compositions away from the busiest trekking routes.
Photography focus: mountain landscapes, alpine lakes, reflections, waterfalls, atmospheric scenes, environmental details, and Andean wilderness.
Quechua Culture & Andean Documentary Photography
The Lares Valley is also a journey into living Andean culture.
Along the route, photographers may encounter Quechua communities, traditional weaving, agriculture, livestock, mountain villages, and everyday life shaped by generations of connection with the Andes.
Our approach to cultural photography is based on respect and consent. When photographing people, we encourage meaningful interaction and permission rather than treating local communities simply as photographic subjects.
This creates opportunities for environmental portraits, documentary photography, textile details, cultural storytelling, and images that communicate the relationship between people and the high Andes.
Photography focus: Quechua communities, traditional textiles, environmental portraits, rural life, cultural details, and documentary storytelling.
From the Lares Valley to the Short Inca Trail
After exploring the high Andes of the Lares Valley, the journey continues toward the Short Inca Trail and Machu Picchu.
The landscape changes dramatically as the route descends toward the cloud forest. Ancient stonework, terraces, archaeological sites, lush vegetation, mountain views, and changing atmospheric conditions create an entirely different photographic environment.
The Short Inca Trail also provides an opportunity to photograph one of Peru's most iconic archaeological landscapes before reaching the Sun Gate and continuing toward Machu Picchu.
This transition—from high-altitude Andean valleys to subtropical cloud forest and Inca architecture—is one of the defining visual stories of the expedition.
Machu Picchu Photography
The journey culminates at Machu Picchu, one of the world's most recognizable archaeological landscapes.
Rather than treating Machu Picchu as simply the final stop of the trek, we approach it as another photographic environment—with opportunities to explore composition, scale, architecture, surrounding mountains, atmospheric conditions, and the relationship between the ancient sanctuary and its dramatic natural setting.
Depending on the conditions and permitted visiting schedule, photographers can work with different perspectives of the citadel and surrounding landscape.
Photography focus: Machu Picchu, Inca architecture, mountain landscapes, terraces, archaeological details, environmental compositions, and atmospheric photography.
Night Photography & Astrophotography in the Andes
Selected nights along the Lares route may provide opportunities for night photography and astrophotography, depending on weather, moon phase, cloud cover and seasonal conditions.
High-altitude landscapes, remote valleys and limited artificial light can create compelling foregrounds for star trails, Milky Way landscapes and long-exposure night photography.
This also connects naturally with your existing astrophotography content about the Andes and Lares.
Book Your Lares Photography & Inca Trail Trek Today!
Capture Machu Picchu & Andean Culture Through Your Lens
Day 1 Cusco – Kiswarani | Lares Valley & Night Photography
Arrival in Cusco (3,400m) and acclimatization.
Drive to Kiswarani, a traditional Quechua village nestled in the Andes.
Evening astrophotography session, capturing star trails against the dramatic mountain backdrop.
Overnight in Kiswarani.
Begin your trek through beautiful Andean landscapes with views of snow-capped peaks and rugged valleys.
Arrive at Cuncani, a traditional Quechua village, where you’ll capture local life, weavers, and stunning landscapes.
Astrophotography session at night to capture the Milky Way above the valley.
Overnight in Cuncani.
Day 2 Kiswarani – Cuncani | Andean Landscapes & Quechua Culture
Day 3 Cuncani – Ipsaycocha | Alpine Lakes & Mountain Photography
Continue your trek towards Ipsayqocha, a high-altitude lake surrounded by towering peaks.
Photograph the serene landscape reflections, wildlife, and village life along the way.
Capture breathtaking nightscapes with astrophotography at Ipsayqocha Lake, a prime spot for Milky Way shots.
Overnight in Ipsayqocha.
Day 4 Ipsaycocha – Willoc | High-Altitude Landscapes & Andean Life
Hike towards Willc, passing through high-altitude meadows and Andean flora.
Enjoy the diverse wildlife photography opportunities, including alpacas, llamas, and native birds.
In the evening, astrophotography session capturing the starry skies over the sacred Andean peaks.
Overnight in Willc.
Begin the Short Inca Trail, trekking through cloud forests and ancient Inca pathways.
Explore Inca archaeological sites, including Wiñay Wayna, and capture iconic landscape shots of Machu Picchu from the Inti Punku (Sun Gate).
Overnight in Aguas Calientes, at the base of Machu Picchu.
Day 5 Short Inca Trail – Wiñay Wayna – Machu Picchu Area | Inca Heritage Photography
Day 6 Machu Picchu | Photography Experience & Return to Cusco
Early morning visit to Machu Picchu, where you’ll capture sunrise photography of this world-famous Inca citadel.
Explore Machu Picchu’s main areas, including the Temple of the Sun and Intihuatana stone.
Return to Cusco in the afternoon.
Photography Opportunities
Landscape Photography
Snow-capped peaks, alpine lakes, valleys, waterfalls and mountain reflections.
Cultural Photography
Quechua communities, textiles, agriculture and traditional Andean life.
Portrait Photography
Environmental portraits and human-centered storytelling with respect for local communities.
Travel Photography
A visual narrative combining people, landscapes, architecture and daily life.
Inca Heritage Photography
Stonework, terraces, archaeological sites and ancient pathways.
Night Photography
Star trails, Milky Way landscapes and high-altitude night scenes when conditions permit.
Wildlife & Nature
Andean birds, llamas, alpacas and high-altitude flora.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Lares Trek suitable for photographers?
Yes. The route combines mountain landscapes, alpine lakes, traditional communities, wildlife, Inca heritage and Machu Picchu, creating a wide range of photographic opportunities.
Do I need to be a professional photographer?
No. The expedition is suitable for photographers of different experience levels. You can travel with a professional camera, mirrorless camera, DSLR or other equipment that fits your trekking style.
What type of photography can I do on the Lares Trek?
The main opportunities include landscape, cultural, environmental portrait, travel, documentary, Inca heritage, nature and night photography.
Does the tour include the Short Inca Trail?
Yes. The itinerary combines the Lares Trek with the Short Inca Trail and continues to Machu Picchu.
Can I photograph Quechua communities?
Cultural photography is possible, but photographers should always respect local customs and ask permission before photographing people.
Is astrophotography included?
Night photography and astrophotography opportunities can be planned during suitable nights. Results depend on weather, cloud cover, moon phase and local conditions.
Can this be organized as a private photography tour?
Yes. A private itinerary can be arranged for photographers who want greater flexibility with photography stops, pace and photographic priorities.
Transfer from the airport to your hotel
Private transportation from the hotel to the Huaran trailhead
Licensed guide fluent in English, Spanish and Quechua
Round trip train ticket from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes
3 Bus tickets from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu and return to Aguas Calientes
Admission ticket to the Machu Picchu Archeological Complex
Entrance tickets to the Inca Trail national park
2 nights hotel with private bathroom, hot shower, wifi, storage and buffet breakfast included ((This applies ONLY if you are choosen the price which includes hotels)
4 person marmot tents (4 person tent for only 2 people)
Camping pillow and foam mattress
Delicious meals during the 4 days as indicated in the itinerary
Cook and cooking equipment
Horseman and mules, to carry all camping and personal equipment (5 kilograms of your personal items such as extra clothes, sleeping bag, these will be carried by our mules) (on Lares Trek portion only)
Provision of a horse in case of emergency (with helmet) in case of illness, to ensure the trek can be completed by all participants (only on the Lares portion of the trek)
First-aid kit including emergency oxygen tank
Boiled water to fill your drinking bottles
Guided tour in Machu Picchu
Chef, cooking equipment and kitchen tent
Transfer back to Cusco for our group
Local interaction with the local kids and the community.
EXTRAS. Confort package usd 120.00
Sleeping Bag –per trek (It will be clean and warm)
Air Mattress –per trek (Therma rest mattresses)
Walking Poles - per pair per trek (Professional poles that can be extended)
Pillow per trek:
Last lunch
Personal tent: $30 USD – (Please request when you book your Trek)
Vistadome Train Upgrade: $80USD per person (Return Only)
Huayna Picchu Mountain : $80 USD per person (Please request when you book your Trek)
OPTIONAL UPGRADES: Hotel
Tips for the crew, guide, cook and porters of Inca land adventures
**Huayna Picchu Mountain is optional trek within Machu Picchu Citadel which do not include a guide. The climb is usually done on your own after your tour of Machu Picchu Citadel. If you would like the extra hike to be guided, please request in advance. There is an extra cost for this extra guided tour.
WHAT IS INCLUDED
WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED
Price per person:2026
1 people US$1650.00 per person
2 people US$1300 per person
3 people US$1250 per person
4 people US$1200 per person
5 people US$1150 per person
6 people US$1050 per person
7+ people US$1000 per person.
Green Team Commitment – Responsible Photography with Photo Tours Peru
At Photo Tours Peru, we believe photography should protect the places we explore. Every photography expedition—from the Andes to the Amazon—is guided by a Green Team philosophy, ensuring that our tours respect nature, wildlife, and local communities.
Our goal is simple: capture extraordinary images while leaving every location better than we found it.
1. Leave No Trace Photography
Our photography tours follow the internationally recognized Leave No Trace principles, which emphasize minimizing environmental impact when traveling in nature.
Key practices include:
• Carry out all trash and waste
• Avoid single-use plastic bottles
• Stay on established trails and paths
• Do not move rocks, plants, or natural elements for photos
• Leave archaeological sites and landscapes untouched
These practices protect fragile ecosystems and help preserve natural landscapes for future generations.
2. Respect Wildlife and Natural Habitats
Wildlife photography requires patience and responsibility.
On our tours we:
• Observe animals from a safe distance
• Never feed or disturb wildlife
• Avoid loud noise or sudden movement
• Use telephoto lenses instead of approaching animals
If wildlife changes behavior, it means the photographer is too close and must move away.
3. Protect Cultural Heritage
Many photography tours visit indigenous communities and historic sites.
Our Green Team approach includes:
• Always asking permission before photographing people
• Respecting cultural traditions and sacred places
• Supporting local artisans and communities
• Avoiding staged or exploitative photography
Photography should tell respectful human stories, not exploit them.
4. Small Group Photography Expeditions
All Photo Tours Peru expeditions prioritize small groups to reduce environmental impact.
Benefits:
• Less pressure on fragile ecosystems
• More respectful interaction with local communities
• Better photography opportunities
• Lower environmental footprint
Sustainable photo tours often limit groups to ensure minimal disturbance to nature.
5. Support Local Communities
Responsible tourism helps protect destinations when local people benefit from tourism.
Photo Tours Peru supports:
• Local guides and communities
• Family-owned lodges and homestays
• Indigenous cultural projects
• Local conservation initiatives
When communities benefit economically from tourism, they are more motivated to protect their environment and culture.
Contact
Email: phototourperu@gmail.com
Phone: +51 940188346
© 2025. All rights reserved.
Designed by Zihna
