This is a 2-day private photography tour below the north face of Ausangate, the highest mountain near Cusco. You camp at Upis and photograph sunset at Huayna Ausangate lake. The next morning you hike at first light to the 7 Lakes, explore them for about 5 hours and finish in Pacchanta.

Why us?

• Personalized private tour: 2 to 6 people, planned around your photography.

• Built around the best light: sunset at Huayna Ausangate lake and sunrise on the trail to the 7 Lakes.

• Comfortable camping: 4-person tents for 1 or 2 people, warm sleeping gear, dining tent and toilet tent. The crew carries the camp.

• Photo review and editing: every evening we review your photos together, and you get a basic Lightroom editing lesson.

Choose your approach

• Photo Guide: you take the photos. Your guide knows the spots and times the light.

• Tour + Photo Session: we photograph you at Upis, at camp and at the lakes.

Quick facts

• Physical level: moderate to demanding. About 5 hours of hiking on day 2.

• Max altitude: about 4,750 m (15,580 ft).

• Best season: May to September.

• Drone: allowed. Some communities charge a fee, not included in the price.

Cancellation policy (short version)

• Pay a 40% deposit to book. Pay the balance 14 days before the tour.

• Cancel 30+ days before: we refund everything except 10% of the tour price.

• Cancel 15 to 29 days before: we refund everything except 25%.

• Cancel 14 days or less before, or no-show: we keep the 40% deposit and refund the rest.

• Sick before the tour (doctor's note): free date change within 12 months.

• Bad weather is not a reason for a refund. If a road or site is closed, we change the route or date, or refund the part we could not do.

• If we cancel, you get 100% back.

Cusco to Upis and sunset at Huayna Ausangate lake

Altitude: 3,400–4,400 m

• 6:00 Pickup at your hotel in Cusco. Drive toward Tinki and Upis.

• 11:00 – Upis. Set up camp. Lunch.

• 14:00 Scouting around Upis: streams, alpacas and the north face of Ausangate.

• 16:30 – Huayna Ausangate lake. Sunset: last light on the snow peak and its reflection. Great for drone.

• 19:00 Dinner and photo review. Night photography if the sky is clear.

Sunrise on the trail and the 7 Lakes

Altitude: 4,300–4,750 m

• 4:00 Hot drinks and start the hike in the dark.

• 5:30 Sunrise halfway to the 7 Lakes. Box breakfast.

• 7:00–12:00 – 7 Lakes of Ausangate. About 5 hours of hiking and shooting: turquoise lakes, glacier walls and reflections.

• 13:30 – Pacchanta. Lunch is ready.

• 15:00 Drive to Cusco. Arrival around 18:30.