Discover Peru: A Captivating Photo Tour Through Landscapes and Culture
Join an unforgettable photo tour through Peru, where you'll capture the vibrant essence of this stunning country.
$5500
From the ancient ruins of Machu Picchu and the colorful streets of Cusco to the breathtaking landscapes of the Sacred Valley and the dramatic vistas of the Andes, this tour offers a unique opportunity to hone your photography skills in diverse and awe-inspiring settings. Guided by experienced photographers, you'll have the chance to document the rich cultural heritage, indigenous traditions, and natural beauty of Peru, creating a visual story that reflects the spirit of this captivating destination.
Sep 05 - Sep 14, 2025
Easy
Day 1 - Arrival
Upon your arrival at Jorge Chávez International Airport, our friendly and professional team will be there to greet you. We provide a seamless and comfortable pick-up service right from the airport. You'll be transported in a private, air-conditioned vehicle, ensuring a relaxed start to your journey in Peru. Our driver will take you directly to your hotel located in the vibrant district of Miraflores, known for its beautiful coastal views, parks, and bustling atmosphere. Sit back, relax, and enjoy the ride as we take care of all the details.
Day 2 - Welcome to Lima
Today, we'll explore Lima's most charming spots, capturing the city's unique character through your camera lens. Discover the stories behind its landmarks, connect with the local culture, and photograph the beauty that emerges at every turn. We'll delve into the vibrant cultural tapestry of this dynamic city as we guide you through its most photogenic sites and hidden treasures. Wander through the Historic Center, the bustling Central Market, the artistic district of Barranco, the Fisherman Harbor in Chorrillos, and the scenic viewpoint of Morro Solar.
Day 3 - Cusco, Sacred Valley & Hummingbird Sanctuary
Begin your day with an early morning flight from Lima to Cusco, the historic heart of the Inca Empire. As you soar above the Andes, enjoy stunning views of snow-capped peaks and winding rivers below. Upon arrival, our team will greet you and escort you to a private vehicle.
To help you acclimate, we’ll head straight to your hotel in the serene Sacred Valley. This picturesque area, at a lower altitude than Cusco, is ideal for a gentle introduction to the Andes. The scenic drive offers breathtaking views of terraced fields, traditional villages, and the flowing Urubamba River.
After a brief rest at your hotel, we’ll visit the enchanting Hummingbird Sanctuary, a haven for bird enthusiasts. Here, you can observe up to five species of hummingbirds, each showcasing their vibrant colors and graceful flight. Enjoy this tranquil setting, capturing beautiful photos of the birds and the surrounding flora.
Day 4 - Village of Chinchero & Salt Mines of Maras
After a delicious breakfast, we’ll set off on a scenic one-hour drive to the Andean village of Chinchero, known for its vibrant textiles and rich cultural heritage. Often called the birthplace of the rainbow, Chinchero offers a chance to witness local women using traditional techniques to create colorful textiles. They’ll demonstrate how they spin and dye wool with natural ingredients, providing a glimpse into this ancient art form.
Next, we’ll ascend into the mountains, capturing stunning views of the snow-capped Andes before visiting the fascinating Salt Mines of Maras. This network of thousands of salt pools has been in use since Inca times, with traditional extraction methods still practiced today.
We’ll then explore the nearby village of Maras, known for its colonial architecture and charming adobe houses—an ideal spot for street photography. Afterward, we’ll visit the enigmatic Inca ruins of Moray, believed to be an agricultural research center with circular terraces used for crop experimentation.
Following a day of exploration, we’ll return to the hotel in the Sacred Valley to relax and reflect on the day’s adventures.
Day 5 - Exploring Machu Picchu
Today, you will embark on an unforgettable journey to the renowned Inca citadel, Machu Picchu. Your adventure begins with a pick-up from your hotel in the Sacred Valley by private van, which will take you to the Ollantaytambo train station. There, you'll board a scenic train that winds through the beautiful Urubamba Valley, offering stunning views of the Andean landscape as you make your way to the town of Aguas Calientes, the gateway to Machu Picchu.
Upon arrival in Aguas Calientes, a short bus ride will take you up the steep, winding road to the entrance of Machu Picchu. Today’s focus will be a comprehensive exploration of the entire site, where you'll delve deep into the history of this ancient wonder. Your knowledgeable guide will lead a historical tour, sharing fascinating insights into the lives of the Inca people, their architectural genius, and the spiritual significance of Machu Picchu. You'll visit key locations such as the Temple of the Sun, the Intihuatana Stone, and the Sacred Plaza.
Throughout the day, you’ll have ample opportunities to capture stunning photographs of the site’s iconic features. With the breathtaking backdrop of the Andes Mountains and the intricate stone structures, every corner of Machu Picchu offers the perfect shot. Whether you’re a professional photographer or simply a traveler with a love for photography, this day will provide countless photo opportunities to create lasting memories.
Day 6 - Sunrise at Machu Picchu
Today, we return to Machu Picchu to witness the magic of sunrise. This is an unmissable moment, as the first rays of sunlight gradually illuminate the ancient ruins, casting a golden glow over the stone structures and surrounding mountains. We’ll position ourselves at the perfect vantage point to capture this tranquil and breathtaking scene.
As the sun rises higher, unveiling the full grandeur of Machu Picchu, you'll have time to soak in the serene atmosphere and appreciate the timeless beauty of this wonder. It’s also an ideal time for photography, with the soft morning light providing perfect conditions to capture the essence of Machu Picchu.
After this peaceful morning experience, you'll have some free time to explore the site further or revisit your favorite spots from the day before. By mid-morning, we’ll descend to Aguas Calientes for a relaxing lunch before boarding the train back to the Sacred Valley. Our private van will be waiting to take you back to your hotel, where you can unwind and reflect on the extraordinary experiences of these two days at Machu Picchu.
Day 7 - Sacred Valley: A Day of Cultural Immersion and Scenic Landscapes
Our day begins at 8 a.m. as we depart from the hotel, ready to immerse ourselves in the vibrant culture of the Sacred Valley. Our first stop is a local market, a bustling hub filled with the sights, sounds, and aromas of daily life. Here, you’ll find a colorful array of fresh produce, handmade crafts, and traditional Andean textiles.
Strolling through the stalls, you’ll have the chance to interact with local vendors and gain insight into the region's agricultural products. This is also an opportunity to purchase some freshly baked bread, which we will bring as a gift to the community we will be visiting later. The market visit is a perfect way to start the day, offering a beautiful glimpse into the everyday lives of the people of the Sacred Valley.
After soaking up the lively atmosphere of the market, we will continue our journey to our community host, located in a picturesque Andean village. Expect a scenic 40-minute drive through the valley, with breathtaking views of rolling hills, terraced fields, and traditional adobe houses along the way.
Upon arrival at our host’s home, we will be warmly greeted with a traditional welcome tea. This herbal tea, made from local ingredients, is a refreshing and authentic taste of the Andean region. After enjoying our tea and getting acquainted with our hosts, one of the parents will guide us on a walk through the village to the Community School. This walk will provide an opportunity to learn about the daily routines, customs, and traditions of the local people. You will see firsthand how the community comes together to support each other and the role of education in their lives.
After we visit the school, we will return to the host’s home for a delicious home-cooked lunch. This meal is a highlight of the day, offering a chance to share food, stories, and laughter with the children and parents of the community. The lunch will feature traditional Andean dishes prepared with locally sourced ingredients, giving you a true taste of the region’s culinary heritage. Sharing a meal with the community is a heartwarming experience, fostering connections and creating lasting memories.
With our hearts and stomachs full, we will head higher up into the valley for the next part of our adventure. The higher elevation offers spectacular panoramic views of the surrounding lakes and mountains. This is a prime spot for photography, so have your cameras ready to capture the stunning vistas.
Prepare for one of the most unique and authentic experiences of your trip—the Alpaca Blessing Ceremony. This traditional ceremony is a beautiful way to connect with the spiritual beliefs and customs of the Andean people. In this ceremony, the alpacas are honored and blessed, symbolizing the deep bond between the community and their animals. As you participate in this ritual, you will gain a deeper appreciation for the harmony and respect that the Andean people have for nature and their livestock.
As the sun begins to set, around 5 p.m., we will start our return journey to Cusco. The drive back will provide time to relax and reflect on the meaningful experiences of the day. You will carry with you the warmth of the community’s hospitality, the beauty of the Andean landscape, and the memories of a day filled with cultural exchange and new friendships.
Day 8 - Hidden Corners of Cusco
The day begins with a stroll through some of Cusco’s lesser-known Incan streets. As we walk, you'll uncover the hidden history embedded in the ancient stone walls and narrow alleyways, far from the bustling tourist crowds. Your guide, an experienced photographer, will share fascinating stories about the city’s past and offer tips on how to capture the essence of these historic places.
Next, we will venture into one of Cusco’s vibrant traditional markets, a sensory delight filled with the colors, sounds, and scents of local life. Here, you will have the chance to photograph a wide variety of fresh produce, handmade crafts, and traditional Andean textiles.
Our journey will also take us to typical local spots that remain unexplored by the tourist masses. These are the places where the true heart of Cusco beats—neighborhoods where locals gather, work, and play. From quaint courtyards to hidden plazas, you’ll discover a side of Cusco that few visitors get to see.
As you explore the city’s hidden corners and interact with its people, you will gain a deeper appreciation for its rich cultural heritage and vibrant modern life. This tour will leave you with a collection of beautiful photographs and unforgettable memories, as well as a new perspective on one of the world’s most captivating cities.
Day 9 - Palcoyo - Non-tourist Rainbow Mountains
Unlike the famous Vinicunca mountain, where visitors often contend with large crowds and a demanding hike, Palcoyo provides a tranquil alternative. Here, you will find a series of three rainbow mountains, each showcasing a vibrant palette of colors that ripple across the landscape. The hues of red, orange, yellow, and green create a striking visual display, offering endless photo opportunities. The gentle slopes and accessible paths of Palcoyo mean you can take in these spectacular views at a relaxed pace, without the physical exertion required for other mountain treks.
In addition to the colorful mountains, we will visit fascinating Rock Forest, a natural wonder characterized by unique rock formations that have been shaped by centuries of wind and weather. The Rock Forest offers a stunning viewpoint over the valley below, where you can take in panoramic views of the Andean highlands. These towering stone pillars and surreal rock formations provide a dramatic backdrop for photos and a fascinating contrast to the vibrant colors of the rainbow mountains.
Day 10 - Flight to Lima & Departure
Enjoy a leisurely rest in Cusco to recharge. Afterward, we'll take a flight to Lima, where you'll have a layover before catching your international flight.
Accommodations from Day 1 to Day 10 in comfortable hotels.
All meals in great restaurants.
Flights from Lima to Cusco, Cusco to Lima.
All transport ( Private buses, trains, and buses to Machu Picchu)
A welcome kit full of goodies from the Luminar team.
Education from some of the world’s leading photographers.
Local and licensed guide at Machu Picchu.
Entrances to all the archeological sites and national parks tickets.
Post-processing workshops.
International flights.
Your personal medical & travel insurance.