Living Traditions & Ancestral Andean Culture
The Tupe Andean Cultural Photography Tour is a 4-day immersive photography experience designed for travelers and photographers seeking authentic living traditions, ancestral rituals, and intimate cultural encounters in the Peruvian Andes.
Located in a remote Andean valley, Tupe is one of Peru’s most culturally preserved communities, where daily life continues according to ancestral customs passed down for generations. This tour offers photographers rare access to traditional ceremonies, colorful attire, rural architecture, and genuine human connections, far from mass tourism.
Unlike standard cultural tours, this Tupe photography experience focuses on storytelling — allowing you to document real moments of Andean life, from agricultural practices and communal gatherings to spiritual rituals and expressive portraits.
This is a slow-paced, photographer-friendly itinerary, carefully designed to maximize light, access, and cultural respect, making it one of the best cultural photography tours in Peru.
Highland Tupe Village Portraits
On this Highland Tupe portrait tour, you’ll photograph villagers wearing traditional Jaqaru attire, set against a breathtaking Andean landscape. Capture expressive portraits that reflect generational wisdom, daily life, and the strong bond between the community and their land.Exploring Andean Identity & Ritual
This Tupe Andean identity and ritual photography expedition delves into ceremonies, seasonal traditions, and community gatherings that still follow ancestral patterns. You’ll have guided access to intimate moments — from daily offerings to the sacred to weaving rituals — all infused with spiritual meaning.Weaving & Tradition
A highlight of the trip is the Tupe weaving and tradition photo tour, where you will document the creation of traditional textiles, patterns, and techniques passed down through generations. These woven pieces, rich in color and symbolism, are more than craft — they carry the stories of the Jaqaru people.Language & Portraiture
Through the Jaqaru language portrait expedition, you’ll engage with speakers in their mother tongue, capturing not only their faces but the linguistic uniqueness that distinguishes their identity. The Jaqaru language is a pillar of their heritage.Remote Village Immersion
This remote Tupe village photography experience takes you beyond the tourist path into highland valleys, ancient terraces, and traditional homes made of stone and adobe. You'll document a way of life that remains tied to the rhythms of nature and ancestral memory.
Tupe Andean Cultural Photography Tour Living Traditions of Peru 4 Days
Our adventure begins early in the morning as we leave the bustling city of Lima and set off on a scenic road trip toward the remote Andean village of Tupe. As we travel south along the coast, the landscape gradually transforms—from coastal cliffs to fertile valleys and rugged mountains.
We’ll make a brief stop near Pucusana for a delicious breakfast at the traditional Panadería Toñitos, a favorite among locals. From there, we continue our climb into the highlands, where winding roads reveal breathtaking views of untouched nature and small farming communities.
By mid-afternoon, we arrive in Tupe, a hidden gem tucked deep in the mountains, known for its living Yauyos culture and ancestral heritage. After settling into our cozy local guesthouse and enjoying a hearty lunch, we’ll explore the village on foot, getting our first glimpse of its stone streets, adobe houses, and welcoming residents.
As the sun sets, we gather for dinner, followed by a night walk through the village—a perfect opportunity to capture ambient and street-style photos under the clear Andean sky.
DAY 1: Journey into the Heart of the Andes – From Lima to Tupe by Road.
DAY 2: Faces of Tupe – A Portrait Photography Journey
On this special day, we dive deep into the heart and soul of Tupe through intimate portrait sessions with local people, each proudly wearing their traditional clothing — a living tapestry of ancestral identity.
From the first light of morning, you’ll have the opportunity to photograph villagers in natural settings: elders with time-worn expressions, women adorned in vibrant "anako" dresses and symbolic headdresses, and children playing against a stunning Andean backdrop.
With patience and respect, we’ll capture authentic moments — not just images, but visual stories that reflect centuries of cultural pride. The colors, textures, and expressions you'll encounter offer a unique canvas to develop your portrait technique while creating meaningful connections.
In the afternoon, we hike to Tupinachaca, a serene natural setting perfect for landscape shots or environmental portraits that merge people with place.
At night, we shift our focus to low-light portraiture and starlit scenes, experimenting with LED lighting, long exposures, and creative framing under the Andean sky.
This day is a deep dive into the visual identity and ancestral wisdom of Tupe, captured through intimate and respectful portrait photography sessions with the local people. The morning begins with a cultural walk to places filled with memory--the community cemetery, ancient stone wells, and sites that hold the roots of Tupe's spiritual and historical past.
In the afternoon, the photography experience intensifies with a unique traditional clothing showroom. Local women proudly wear garments rich in symbolism, colors, and handcrafted detail. These textiles are not just clothing — they are living narratives. Every knot, stripe, and tassel carries meaning: age, status, marital condition, and ancestral pride.
This is the perfect setting to create powerful environmental portraits—images that connect the subject to their land, story, and heritage. With natural light as your ally and cultural depth all around, each frame becomes a piece of visual storytelling.
As night falls, we return to the village's quiet rhythms for a second night photography session, capturing silhouettes, shadows, and starlit serenity.
DAY 3: Symbols, Textiles & Ancestry – Portrait Photography in Tupe
DAY 4: Giving Back & Farewell – Tupe to Lima by Private Bus
Our final day in Tupe is dedicated to connection, gratitude, and giving back. After breakfast, we engage in a heartwarming social activity with the local children—a moment of cultural exchange where laughter, portraits, and shared joy take center stage. This is a special opportunity to document real emotions and spontaneous interactions, capturing the soul of the community through candid and authentic photography.
At 11:00 am, we bid farewell to the people of Tupe, carrying with us unforgettable stories, portraits, and visual memories. The return journey to Lima begins by private bus, with one last lunch stop to reflect and rest.
Option A: Lunch in Lunahuana – a scenic and relaxing setting to enjoy the local flavors.
Option B: Lunch in Tupe, surrounded by the people and stories that made this journey unique.
By 9:00 pm, we arrive back in Lima, our memory cards full, hearts inspired, and our documentary journey complete.
What’s Included
Not Included
Private round-trip transportation from Lima to Tupe
3 nights local lodging in Tupe
All meals: breakfasts, lunches, dinners (from Day 1 lunch to Day 4 lunch)
Daily guided cultural activities and photography sessions
Photographic guidance and mentorship throughout the tour
Special access for portrait photography with local community members
Night photography sessions and location scouting
Entry to cultural experiences and clothing/art showroom
Basic first aid kit
Tips for local guides, drivers, or hosts (optional but appreciated)
Voluntary contributions or donations to the local community or individuals photographed
Personal expenses (snacks, souvenirs, etc.)
Travel insurance
Alcoholic beverage
Price per person:2026
1 Person . U$$1850.00 Per person
2 people : US$1300.00 per person
3 people: US$1250.00 per person
4 people : US$1150.00 per person
5 people : US$1050.00 per person
6 people : US$950.00 per person
7+ people : US$850.00 per person.
