South of Peru Portrait Photography Expedition – 13 Days

The Ultimate Andean Portrait Photography Tour Through Peru

Tour Overview

Discover the soul of Peru through an extraordinary 13-Day South of Peru Portrait Photography Expedition, carefully designed for photographers seeking authentic human stories, living traditions, breathtaking landscapes, and meaningful cultural encounters.

Unlike conventional sightseeing tours, this immersive photography journey follows ancient Andean communities where traditions have remained unchanged for centuries. From the vibrant markets of Cusco to the remote villages of the Sacred Valley, the shores of Lake Titicaca, and the timeless communities of the Colca Canyon, every day offers unique opportunities to create powerful environmental portraits.

Meet Quechua weavers, farmers, artisans, island families, and local elders dressed in colorful traditional clothing. Photograph genuine moments of daily life while learning about Peru's rich cultural heritage through respectful, ethical, and sustainable photography.

The itinerary has been designed around the best natural light, including sunrise, golden hour, and soft afternoon sessions, maximizing every opportunity to capture award-winning portraits. Along the way, you'll also photograph Machu Picchu, the Sacred Valley, Lake Titicaca, the Uros Floating Islands, Taquile Island, Amantaní Island, soaring Andean Condors, and the dramatic landscapes of the Colca Canyon.

This is one of the most comprehensive portrait photography tours in Peru, combining documentary photography, travel photography, cultural storytelling, and spectacular landscapes into one unforgettable expedition.

Highlights

Professional Portrait Photography Guide
Small Private Photography Groups
Authentic Cultural Experiences
Ethical Portrait Photography Sessions
Golden Hour Photography
Traditional Quechua Communities
Environmental Portrait Photography
Documentary Photography Opportunities
Machu Picchu Sunrise
Sacred Valley Villages
Lake Titicaca Communities
Uros Floating Islands
Taquile Island
Amantaní Island
Colca Canyon
Andean Condor Photography

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1 –Arrival in Cusco San Pedro Market & Colonial Streets

Upon arrival in Cusco, you'll begin with a relaxed walking photography tour through the historic center. Explore the vibrant San Pedro Market, where colorful fruit vendors, flower sellers, traditional healers, and local artisans create endless opportunities for authentic street and portrait photography.

As the afternoon light softens, wander the cobbled streets and colonial plazas while capturing the everyday life of Cusco.

Accommodation: Luxury Hotel – Cusco

Day 2 – Chinchero • Moray • Maras Salt Mines • Ollantaytambo • Aguas Calientes

Travel into the Sacred Valley, stopping first in Chinchero to photograph master weavers wearing traditional Andean clothing.

Continue to Moray and the Maras Salt Mines before reaching Ollantaytambo, one of Peru's best-preserved Inca towns. Photograph local residents against magnificent stone streets before boarding the panoramic train to Aguas Calientes.

Accommodation: Hotel – Aguas Calientes

Day 3 – Sunrise at Machu Picchu • Return to Ollantaytambo

Photograph sunrise over the Lost City of the Incas before the crowds arrive.

After exploring Machu Picchu, return to Ollantaytambo where afternoon portraits of local residents and artisans provide another excellent photography session.

Accommodation: Boutique Hotel – Ollantaytambo

Day 4 – Willoq Community Portrait Photography • Traditional Pachamanca Lunch • Pisaq

Today is dedicated entirely to portrait photography.

Visit the remote community of Willoq, famous for preserving ancient Inca traditions and colorful woven clothing. Photograph local families, shepherds, children, and master weavers while learning about their daily lives.

Enjoy a traditional Pachamanca lunch before continuing to Pisaq.

Accommodation: Boutique Hotel – Pisaq

Day 5 – Amaru Community Portrait Photography

Spend the morning photographing the indigenous community of Amaru, one of the finest destinations for authentic Andean portrait photography.

Capture farmers working the land, alpaca herders, traditional weaving demonstrations, and everyday life surrounded by spectacular mountain scenery.

Return to Cusco.

Accommodation: Boutique Hotel – Cusco

Day 6 – Cusco • Andahuaylillas • Ananiso • Raqchi • Sicuani

Journey south through the Andean highlands, stopping in traditional villages where local markets and community life provide outstanding documentary photography.

Photograph local farmers, artisans, and daily activities before arriving in Raqchi, home to impressive Inca ruins and living Andean traditions.

Accommodation: Hotel Willcamayu– Sicuani

Day 7 – Sicuani • Puno • Uros Floating Islands

Travel toward Lake Titicaca.

Board a private boat to the famous Uros Floating Islands, where families continue living on islands made entirely of totora reeds.

Photograph daily life, traditional boats, and environmental portraits during golden hour.

Accommodation: Homestay – Uros Floating Islands

Day 8 – Llachón Peninsula • Amantaní Island

Continue across Lake Titicaca to the peaceful Llachón Peninsula before arriving at Amantaní Island.

Meet local families and photograph authentic agricultural life, traditional clothing, and stunning lake landscapes.

Accommodation: Family Homestay – Amantaní Island

Day 9 – Taquile Island • Puno

Visit UNESCO-listed Taquile Island, internationally recognized for its extraordinary textile traditions.

Capture portraits of island residents while documenting one of the world's most remarkable living cultures.

Return to Puno.

Accommodation: Hotel – Puno

Day 10 – Puno • Colca Canyon

Travel through dramatic Andean landscapes toward the Colca Canyon.

Stop frequently for landscape photography, alpacas, vicuñas, and colorful local villages.

Accommodation: Hotel – Colca Canyon

Day 11 – Coporaque Community Portrait Photography

Spend the day with families in Coporaque, one of the most photogenic traditional villages in the Colca Valley.

Photograph shepherds, farmers, traditional architecture, colorful clothing, and everyday life.

Golden-hour portrait session.

Accommodation: Hotel – Colca Canyon

Day 12 – Cruz del Condor • Arequipa

Early departure to the famous Cruz del Condor viewpoint.

Photograph majestic Andean Condors soaring above one of the deepest canyons on Earth.

Continue to Arequipa for a final evening exploring the beautiful colonial city.

Accommodation: Boutique Hotel – Arequipa

Day 13 – Departure

Private transfer to Arequipa Airport.

End of your unforgettable South of Peru Portrait Photography Expedition.

Tour Includes

Professional Photography Guide
Private Transportation Throughout
Premium Hotels
Machu Picchu Entrance Ticket
Round-trip Expedition or Vistadome Train
Private Boat on Lake Titicaca
Uros Floating Island Overnight
Amantaní Homestay
Daily Breakfast
Selected Lunches
Entrance Fees
Cultural Photography Sessions
Local Community Permissions
24/7 Tour Assistance

Not Included

International and domestic flights
Travel insurance
Meals not specified
Alcoholic beverages
Personal expenses
Tips for guides, drivers, and local communities
Optional activities
Camera equipment
Laundry services
Local fly

Perfect For

Portrait Photographers
Documentary Photographers
Travel Photographers
Fine Art Photographers
Cultural Explorers
Visual Storytellers
Photography Clubs
Private Photography Workshops
Educational Photography Expeditions

This expedition offers one of the most comprehensive cultural and portrait photography experiences in Peru, combining world-famous landmarks with meaningful access to remote Andean communities while emphasizing respectful, ethical photography and authentic visual storytelling.

Private Tour Price: Per Person (USD) Tour Prices (2026)

1 Person US$ 7,950

2 People US$ 5,650

3 People US$ 5,150

4 People US$ 4,850

5 People US$ 4,650

6 People US$ 4,450