Lares Trek and Short Inca Trail Photography Tour – 6 Days
Home / Lares Trek to Short Inca Trail Photography Tour 6D/5N
Machu Picchu (twice!) ✓ Lares trek ✓ Inca Trail ✓ Home stay ✓
Step beyond the classic tourist routes and photograph the Andes through a deeply immersive Lares Trek photography tour designed for photographers, adventure seekers, and cultural explorers.
Our Lares Trek to Short Inca Trail Photography Tour 6D/5N combines spectacular high-altitude landscapes, remote Quechua communities, ancient Inca heritage, and the unforgettable experience of reaching Machu Picchu via the Short Inca Trail. From peaceful mountain lakes and dramatic valleys to traditional Andean villages and the first views of Machu Picchu, every day offers new opportunities to create meaningful photographs.
This is more than a trek with a camera. It is a Lares photography trek created around light, landscapes, people, culture, and authentic moments.
Landscape & Highland Photography
The Lares Trek Peru is a spectacular setting for landscape photographers seeking dramatic Andean scenery away from the busiest trekking routes. Photograph snow-capped peaks, turquoise mountain lakes, remote valleys, waterfalls, alpaca and llama herds, and traditional stone villages surrounded by towering mountains.
Early mornings and late afternoons provide opportunities for soft directional light, atmospheric conditions, mountain silhouettes, reflections, and changing textures across the highlands. The route is especially rewarding for photographers interested in Lares Trek landscape photography, Andean highland photography Peru, mountain photography, and outdoor adventure photography.
Andean Cultural Photography
One of the defining elements of this expedition is its connection with living Andean culture.
Along the Lares Valley, you may encounter Quechua communities whose traditions, clothing, agriculture, weaving, and relationship with the mountains remain an important part of everyday life. With respect for local customs and permission when photographing people, photographers can create authentic documentary images rather than staged tourist portraits.
This makes the journey an exceptional Andean cultural photography tour, combining environmental portraiture, documentary photography, traditional textiles, rural life, and landscape storytelling.
Lares Trek & Short Inca Trail
After crossing the spectacular landscapes of the Lares region, the expedition continues toward the Short Inca Trail. This section introduces a different photographic perspective, combining ancient Inca architecture, cloud-forest vegetation, dramatic mountain views, and archaeological landscapes.
Walking through the historic Inca Trail toward Machu Picchu allows photographers to document the transition from the high Andes into the lush subtropical environment surrounding the sanctuary.
The final approach provides opportunities for Machu Picchu photography, including dramatic viewpoints, surrounding mountains, archaeological details, and atmospheric conditions that make every visit different.
A Photography Expedition, Not Just a Trek
The itinerary is designed to give photographers time to observe and respond to changing conditions rather than simply rush from one destination to another. We focus on finding strong compositions, interesting light, authentic cultural moments, and the details that tell the story of the Andes.
Whether you work with a professional camera, mirrorless system, DSLR, telephoto lens, wide-angle lens, or simply want to improve your photography while trekking, this expedition offers a rich visual environment.
Photography opportunities include:
Lares Trek photography
Lares Trek landscape photography
Andean highland photography Peru
Mountain and wilderness photography
Quechua cultural photography
Environmental portrait photography
Traditional textile and costume photography
Documentary travel photography
Wildlife and domestic-animal photography
Inca archaeology photography
Short Inca Trail photography
Machu Picchu photography
Sunrise, sunset, and golden-hour photography
Cloud-forest and high-altitude landscapes
Why Choose This Lares Photography Trek?
The Lares Inca Trail photo expedition brings together three powerful photographic environments in one journey: the remote highlands of the Lares Valley, the living culture of the Andean communities, and the historic landscapes surrounding Machu Picchu.
Quechua Community & Cultural Immersion
This tour includes Quechua community photography Lares in traditional villages where locals practice weaving, agriculture, and ancestral customs. Participate in a Traditional weaving photography Lares Valley session to document vibrant textiles and skilled craftsmanship.Portrait & Village Photography
Engage in Lares Valley portrait photography and Remote Andean village photo experience, capturing authentic expressions, daily life, and ceremonial traditions. Experience Indigenous Weavers Lares photography, highlighting the intricate techniques that have been passed down through generations.Highland Trek & Adventure Photography
Trek through the Highland Andean trek & photo journey, photographing snow-capped mountains, mountain lakes, and glacial streams. Highlights include Lares hot springs and mountain pass photography and Andean mountain lake photography Lares, providing dynamic landscape opportunities.Inca Heritage & Cultural Documentation
Explore historical paths and ancient settlements with the Inca heritage Lares trek photo tour, capturing the essence of Quechua traditions photography trek along the route. This Lares cultural and landscape photo tour blends adventure, heritage, and storytelling photography.
📩 Book Your Lares Photography & Inca Trail Trek Today!
Capture Machu Picchu & Andean Culture Through Your Lens
Day 1: Cusco to Kiswarani – Astrophotography.
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: Cuncani Village – Portrait Photography & Landscapes.
Day 3: Trek to Ipsayqocha – Lakes & Mountain Views.
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: Trek to Willoc – Andean Flora & Fauna Photography.
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 – Ancient Ruins & Photography.
Day 6: Machu Picchu – Sunrise Photography & 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.
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: $780USD 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
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