Salkantay Stargazing Photography Trek to Machu Picchu 6 Day Astrophotography Adventure
Salkantay Stargazing Trek workshop 2026
Salkantay Stargazing Trek depature dates 2026
April 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
The 6-day Salkantay photography trek to Machu Picchu is one of the most immersive Peru landscape photography tours, designed for photographers seeking epic mountain scenery, dramatic light, and pristine night skies. This Salkantay scenic photography trek combines high-altitude hiking with carefully planned photo sessions, from glacier-capped peaks and turquoise lakes to Milky Way panoramas and iconic Inca ruins.
Travel deep into the heart of the Andes on the legendary Salkantay Trek, one of the most visually powerful routes in South America. Each day is timed for optimal light, making this an exceptional Andes mountain photography tour and one of the best photography tours in the Peru Andes.
A Unique Machu Picchu Photography Tour
Unlike standard treks, this experience is crafted as a true photography travel trek in the Andes to Machu Picchu. You’ll capture wide-angle landscapes, compressed mountain layers, intimate details, and cultural moments before arriving at the world-famous Machu Picchu for unforgettable sunrise images.
From high passes above 4,600 m (15,000 ft) to lush valleys, this is a high-altitude photography trek that rewards patience and creativity with once-in-a-lifetime shots.
Stargazing & Milky Way Photography in the Andes
Thanks to minimal light pollution and remote camps, this journey is also a premier Salkantay astrophotography adventure tour. Photograph the night sky during dedicated Salkantay stargazing and sunrise photography trek sessions, capturing the Milky Way arching above snow-covered peaks—one of the most sought-after experiences in stargazing photography in Peru and Milky Way photography on an Andean trek.
Iconic Highlights for Photographers
Humantay Lake Photo Trek – Capture the surreal turquoise waters of Humantay Lake beneath towering glaciers
Salkantay Pass Landscapes – Epic wide shots and dramatic weather changes
Andean Wildlife Photography – Opportunities to photograph condors, vizcachas, and high-altitude flora
Sunrise & Golden Hour Sessions – Carefully planned for the best light every day
Why This Is One of the Best Photography Tours in Peru
This Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu goes beyond hiking—it’s a complete Machu Picchu photography tour focused on storytelling through images. With expert guidance, flexible pacing, and photography-friendly camps, it stands out as a premier Salkantay stargazing and sunrise photography trek for landscape, night-sky, and adventure photographers.
If you’re looking for a Salkantay astrophotography adventure tour that blends epic trekking, world-class scenery, and unforgettable night skies, this 6-day journey offers one of the most complete and rewarding Peru photography trekking experiences available.
Salkantay Stargazing & Photography Trek to Machu Picchu – 6 Days
Day 1: Cusco – Mollepata – Humantay Lake – Soraypampa (3,900 m / 12,795 ft)
Drive time: 3–4 hours
Hike time to Humantay Lake: 1.5–2 hours
Photography Focus: Mountain reflections, turquoise glacier lake, sunset light, and high-altitude astrophotography
We depart from Cusco early in the morning, heading towards Mollepata and then Soraypampa, the gateway to the Salkantay trail. The journey itself offers great photo opportunities—rolling green hills, mist-covered valleys, and Andean farms.
Once at Soraypampa, we hike up to the spectacular Humantay Lake, a glowing turquoise gem nestled below dramatic cliffs and the Humantay glacier. Arriving in the afternoon gives us time to explore different angles and compositions while the sun slowly begins to dip.
Golden Hour Tip: As the light softens, aim for reflections of the glacier in the still waters, layering foreground rocks and alpine flora for depth. Look for contrasting shadows on the cliffs and shimmering details in the ice.
Night Photography at SoraypampaAs night falls, Soraypampa transforms into a high-altitude observatory. With minimal light pollution and crisp mountain air, the stars blaze across the sky.
Set up your tripod early, and prepare for astrophotography under the silhouette of Salkantay (6,271 m / 20,574 ft), one of Peru’s most sacred and photogenic peaks
Astro Tips:
Frame the Milky Way arching over the ridgelines or mirrored in water puddles near camp.
Capture your illuminated tent under the stars for a storytelling shot.
Use light painting to add subtle foreground interest without overpowering the sky.
For drama, try a long exposure with Salkantay’s snowy peak under the stars.
This is one of the most rewarding nights for photographers—a blend of crisp air, total stillness, and the vast silence of the Andes under a sky full of stars.
Hike time: 4–5 hours
Photography Focus: Glacial lake reflections, mountain drama, milky way magic
We begin our day in Soraypampa, surrounded by towering Andean peaks, with the early morning light revealing the textures of the surrounding glaciers. After breakfast, we hike up to the stunning Humantay Lake, a high-altitude jewel cradled beneath the snowy flanks of Mt. Humantay (5,473 m).
This is a dream spot for landscape photographers—the lake’s vibrant turquoise tones contrast beautifully against the white glacier and deep blue sky. The wind often settles in the early morning, offering crystal-clear reflections of the mountain. Slow shutters and ND filters work wonders here.
📸 Photo Tip: Frame your shot from a low angle at the water’s edge to capture the reflection and the sky's drama. If conditions are cloudy, even better—the changing light adds mystery and mood.
From there, we continue to Japanese Pampa, a lesser-known and peaceful campsite nestled in a wide alpine valley, surrounded by dramatic peaks and far from the crowds.
Night Photography at Japanese PampaAs night falls, Japanese Pampa transforms into an astro haven. At over 4,000 meters, with zero light pollution and dry mountain air, conditions are ideal for capturing the cosmos.
Astrophotography Highlights:
Milky Way arching over Salkantay and Humantay
Illuminated tents under a galaxy-filled sky
Long exposures with sharp, snow-dusted peaks as foreground
You can even play with light painting, using soft illumination on the mountains or your camp for storytelling images. For timelapses or star trails, position your tripod facing north to capture the natural spin of the sky over the Andes.
Pro Tip: Plan your foreground during blue hour. Then, once night falls, combine long exposures for dramatic compositions that blend Earth and sky in perfect harmony.
Day 2: Soraypampa – Humantay Lake – Japanese Pampa (4,200 m / 13,780 ft)
Day 3: Carhuacocha – Japanese Pampa – Soyrococha (4,400 m / 14,435 ft)
Trekking Distance: ~10–12 km / 6–7.5 miles
Hiking Time: 6–7 hours (including photo & rest stops)
Highest Point: Pampa Japonesa – 4,400 m / 14,435 ft
Overnight: Wilderness camp at Pampa Japonesa
Difficulty: Challenging (high altitude day
Early Morning at Soraypampa (3,900 m / 12,795 ft)
Wake up early to crisp Andean air and dramatic views of Salkantay Glacier glowing with first light. After a hot coca tea served at your tent, enjoy a nourishing breakfast designed to fuel a demanding high-altitude day.
This morning is ideal for landscape and mountain photography, as the early sun illuminates snow-capped peaks, glacial valleys, and grazing alpacas.
Ascent to Pampa Japonesa
The trail gradually ascends through a remote alpine valley, leaving the classic Salkantay route behind. As you climb higher, the terrain becomes increasingly wild and untouched, with fewer trekkers and sweeping views in every direction.
Highlights along the ascent include:
Glacial streams and high-altitude wetlands
Expansive views of Salkantay (6,271 m / 20,574 ft) and surrounding peaks
Occasional sightings of Andean birds such as caracaras and mountain finches
The final section is a steady, challenging climb, gaining altitude slowly to allow proper acclimatization. Frequent breaks are taken for hydration, breathing, and photography.
Arrival at Pampa Japonesa (4,400 m / 14,435 ft)
By early afternoon, arrive at the spectacular Pampa Japonesa, a vast high-altitude plateau surrounded by glaciers and towering peaks. This remote location offers a true sense of Andean isolation and is considered one of the most scenic and least-visited campsites in the region.
After lunch, the afternoon is free to:
Rest and acclimatize
Explore the surrounding plains and glacial viewpoints
Capture dramatic wide-angle landscapes and cloud formations
Photograph changing light on the surrounding peaks
Golden Hour & Overnight Camping
As the sun lowers, Pampa Japonesa transforms into a photographer’s paradise. The soft evening light paints the glaciers in warm hues, followed by a dramatic sunset over the Andean plateau.
After sunset, enjoy a hot, freshly prepared dinner served in the dining tent. If weather conditions allow, the night skies here are exceptional, offering opportunities for astrophotography, with minimal light pollution and crisp mountain air.
Sleep overnight in fully set-up expedition tents, surrounded by silence, stars, and the raw beauty of the high Andes.
Day 4: Soyroqocha – Wayracmachay (4,000 m / 13,123 ft)
Trek time: 5–6 hours
Photography Focus: Majestic mountain vistas, alpine lakes, high-altitude light, and astrophotography magic
As we leave the tranquil shores of Soyroqocha Lake, the landscape transforms with dramatic mountain ridgelines and sweeping valleys leading us towards Wayracmachay. The path is framed by towering peaks, including Tocllaraju and Nevado Santa Cruz, making every step a photographic opportunity.
During the day, the light is perfect for capturing crisp, wide-angle shots of the jagged mountains that surround us. The colors of the wild, high-altitude landscape pop, with patches of grass, glacial moraines, and clear skies. Use the alpine lakes as reflective foregrounds for stunning compositions.
As we approach Wayracmachay, the natural beauty intensifies, offering high-altitude views of the surrounding peaks and valleys. This is an exceptional spot for wide panoramas, especially as the sun starts to dip behind the mountains.
Astrophotography at WayracmachayAs night falls, Wayracmachay transforms into a star-studded paradise. The elevation offers clear, crisp air, and the lack of light pollution makes it a perfect spot for astrophotography.
Best Shots:
Milky Way rising behind towering peaks like Salkantay and Tucarway
Star trails circling the peaks, capturing the grandeur of the landscape under the night sky
Reflections of the starry sky in small pools of water or alpine lakes
Tip: Capture the milky way’s arc stretching above the jagged mountains and use the rocky landscape to create dynamic foregrounds. The intense, cold-blue night sky contrasts beautifully with the warmer tones of the starlight, offering endless creative potential.
Day 5: Wayrac – Qolpapampa – Hydroelectric – Aguas Calientes
Trek time: 6–7 hours
Photography Focus: Mountain landscapes, jungle transition, dramatic skies, astrophotography
After breakfast in Wayrac, we begin our descent towards the Sacred Valley, transitioning from high Andean landscapes into the lush, cloud-covered Amazonian foothills. The varied terrain makes for diverse photo opportunities, with each step revealing new angles and layers of scenery.
As we pass through Qolpapampa, we'll capture the changing flora and fauna, as the arid highlands give way to more tropical, dense vegetation. Take in the incredible contrast between the rugged peaks and the deep, green valleys below. The small villages and agricultural terraces add authenticity to the scene, especially when seen in wide-angle shots.
Landscapes and Sunset PhotographyAs we approach Hydroelectric, the light will begin to soften, allowing for some stunning landscape photography. The lush green valleys, steep mountain walls, and the river below provide dramatic compositions. Wide-angle shots are ideal for capturing the vast scale of the surrounding mountains and the winding path ahead.
Golden Hour Tip: Aim for silhouettes of trees or small houses in the foreground, with vibrant hues of orange and pink in the sky. The way the light falls on the steep mountain slopes and the river adds depth and texture to the scene.
Day 6: Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu – Cusco
Photography Focus: Sunrise over Machu Picchu, landscape photography, and astrophotography under the Andean sky.
Morning: Sunrise at Machu PicchuYour adventure begins early with a pre-dawn bus ride up to Machu Picchu, where you’ll catch the first light of day spilling over the ancient Inca citadel. This is a photographer’s paradise—the soft glow of the rising sun creates a magical atmosphere, lighting up the stone terraces and mist-shrouded mountains.
📸 Best Shots for Landscape Photography:
Wide-angle views of the citadel, with the surrounding green peaks bathed in golden light.
Close-up details of the Inca stonework with the mountain backdrop, especially as light hits the structures at different angles.
Overhead shots of the entire Machu Picchu site from the Inca Bridge or Huayna Picchu for dramatic perspectives.
After exploring the ruins and capturing these iconic landscapes, you’ll have time to hike to nearby viewpoints like Intipunku (the Sun Gate) for sweeping shots of the Machu Picchu complex nestled in the valley.
Return to CuscoAfter capturing the night sky, we’ll head back to Cusco to relax and reflect on the incredible sights and moments you’ve captured on this unforgettable journey.
Price Based Per Person:2026
1 person : US$1750.00 per person
2 people : US$1400.00 per person
3 people: US$1350.00 per person
4 people : US$1300.00 per person
5 people : US$1250.00 per person
6 people : US$1150.00 per person
7+ people : US$1100.00 per person
Information
Group 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)
Includes
6 days
Travel, landscape, nature, wildlife and people photography
Professional photographer | guide
Photo walks & discussions
Small group size (1-8 guests)
3 or 4-star hotels
Breakfasts
All Meals
National Park Permits
Local transportation
Accommodations
Hotels,Camping.
