​Ausangate Landscape & Stargazing Trek 6 Day Andean Photography Adventure

Ausangate Landscape & Stargazing Trek – 6-Day Andean Photography Adventure
Embark on a breathtaking 6-day Ausangate photography trek, capturing the majestic landscapes of the Andes, vibrant alpine lakes, and the pristine starry skies above Peru. This exclusive photography expedition takes you through remote high-altitude trails, offering unparalleled views of snow-capped peaks, glaciers, and the famous Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca).
Each night, immerse yourself in the magic of astrophotography, capturing the Milky Way and constellations from some of the clearest skies in the world. Led by expert photography guides, this tour is designed for photographers of all levels looking to master landscape photography and night sky photography in one of the most spectacular locations on Earth.
Immerse yourself in the breathtaking beauty of the Peruvian highlands as you trek alongside the majestic Ausangate mountain. Capture the brilliance of the night sky with expert guidance, creating stunning astrophotography amidst these remote and awe-inspiring landscapes. Join us for an unforgettable experience that combines the thrill of adventure with the tranquility of stargazing, leaving you with memories to cherish for a lifetime.”

Itinerary Day by Day

Day 1: Cusco – Pacchanta – Azulqocha Lake Camp (4,600 m / 15,092 ft)

Drive time: 3.5–4 hours
Trek time: 1.5–2 hours
Photography Focus: High Andean landscapes, sunset over glaciers, nightscape reflections
We depart early from Cusco, heading southeast through the Andean highlands toward the remote village of Pacchanta, gateway to the Ausangate range. The landscape transforms quickly—rolling farmlands give way to rugged peaks and wide open skies.
From Pacchanta, it’s a short and scenic trek to our first campsite near Azulqocha Lake. Along the way, herds of alpacas, local shepherds, and towering glaciers provide incredible photographic subjects. Upon arrival, we set up camp beside the lake, perfectly positioned for both sunset and nightscape photography.

 Golden Hour & Sunset Photography:Azulqocha sits in a natural amphitheater, cradled by snow-capped giants. As the sun begins to dip, warm light spills across the glaciers, painting the mountains in tones of gold, amber, and rose. Reflections dance on the lake’s surface, creating an otherworldly symmetry that begs for long exposure shots.
 Pro Tip: Use ND filters to smooth the water and capture mirror-like mountain reflections, and frame with foreground elements like rocks or wildflowers.
 Nightscape Photography at Azulqocha:When night falls, the magic truly begins. With zero light pollution and crisp high-altitude air, Azulqocha becomes a pristine canvas for astrophotography.
The Milky Way arcs above Ausangate, while stars shimmer in the lake below—one of the most dramatic and dreamlike compositions in the Andes.
 Best Subjects:

• Milky Way over snow peaks and glacier
  
• Star reflections on the lake
  
• Tents lit from within under the stars
  
• Light painting foregrounds with headlamps or lanterns
  

Bonus: In dry season months, you may catch the Galactic Core rising over the Ausangate range—ideal for vertical compositions and time-lapse sequences.

Day 2: Azulqocha – Ninaparayoq (4,500 m / 14,763 ft)

Trek time: 2– hours
Photography Focus: High alpine landscapes, glacial lakes, wide valleys, and pristine night skies
Today’s trail takes you deeper into the heart of the Huayhuash wilderness, crossing open valleys and ridgelines with sweeping views. We move from the crystalline waters of Azulqocha Lake, with its vibrant turquoise tones, toward the remote and wild camp of Ninaparayoq.
As we ascend, the landscape opens up into broad, cinematic vistas--perfect for wide-angle compositions. Jagged peaks pierce the sky, and you’ll pass herds of alpacas grazing beneath snow-dusted ridges. The highland light shifts constantly, creating dramatic contrast and layering in the mountains—ideal for both minimalist and grand landscape shots.
 Nightscape Photography at NinaparayoqNinaparayoq is a dream location for astrophotographers. Sitting high above 4,500 meters with no light pollution for miles, this camp offers 360-degree views of the stars.
Once the sun dips behind the peaks and the twilight fades, the Milky Way unfurls across the sky like a luminous river. Glaciers and jagged silhouettes provide striking foregrounds, and the stillness of the night is surreal.
 Top Night Photography Shots:

• Milky Way arch over the valley, framed by high peaks
  
• Star trails spinning over glacier ridges
  
• Light-painted tents glowing under a sea of stars
  
• Long exposures capturing airglow and faint meteors
  

 Pro Tip: Use your tent or a small foreground rock formation to add depth. If conditions are right, pre-dawn blue hour can gift you with a rare combo of starlight and first light on the peaks.

Day 4: Upis – Arapa Pass – Puka Qocha (4,650 m / 15,255 ft)

Trek time: 6–7 hours
Photography Focus: Rugged mountain landscapes, glacial lakes, golden light, and night sky reflections
Today’s trail takes us over the stunning Arapa Pass, where the landscape shifts into a world of raw Andean drama. Jagged ridgelines, deep valleys, and snow-dusted peaks create a constant stream of breathtaking compositions. As we descend toward Puka Qocha, we pass isolated herder camps and mirror-like glacial lakes surrounded by surreal rock formations.
 Golden Hour Magic:
In the late afternoon, the light turns warm and soft, wrapping the peaks in golden hues. This is the perfect time to capture minimalist scenes, leading lines through the valleys, and alpine wildlife wandering the open slopes.

 Nightscape Photography at Puka QochaAs night falls over Puka Qocha, the world becomes silent—and the sky comes alive.
You're in a remote, high-altitude sanctuary, free of light pollution and full of photographic potential. With the glacial lake at your feet and the giants of the Vilcanota range above, this is one of the most inspiring nightscape locations in the Andes.
 Night Photography Highlights:

• Crystal-clear Milky Way arcing above the dark silhouettes of Ausangate and neighboring peaks
• Still lake reflections of the stars—perfect for symmetry and long exposures
• Light painting possibilities with boulders, tents, or foreground ice
• Opportunity for star trails framed by jagged summits

 Pro Tip: Set your tripod early and experiment with different compositions as the sky rotates—you may even catch the Southern Cross rising above the mountains.
This is the kind of night that leaves you in awe--pure silence, cosmic beauty, and total connection with nature.

Day 5: Puka Qocha – Huampococha (4,800 m / 15,748 ft)

Trek time: 6–7 hours
Photography Focus: Isolated alpine beauty, textured high-mountain terrain, and surreal night skies
From the peaceful shores of Puka Qocha, we continue our trek through a stunning high-altitude landscape of sculpted ridgelines, glacier-fed streams, and sweeping valleys carved by time. The terrain today is wild and raw—perfect for wide-angle shots that showcase the grand scale of the Cordillera Huayhuash.
By afternoon, we reach the hidden and lesser-known gem of Huampococha, a secluded lake cradled between jagged peaks. This remote location offers 360-degree views of the surrounding ridges and absolute silence—ideal for composing timeless landscape photos.

Nightscape Photography at HuampocochaWhen the sun drops behind the rugged skyline and the air turns crisp, Huampococha transforms into a celestial observatory. At over 4,800 meters, the thin air and lack of light pollution open the skies wide for breathtaking astrophotography.
Top Nightscape Opportunities:

• The Milky Way arching over the lake and distant peaks
• Silhouettes of jagged ridgelines under a blanket of stars
• Reflections of starfields in the still, dark waters of Huampococha
• Foreground elements like tents, boulders, or ice formations for creative compositions

Photo Tip: Use a wide-angle lens and foreground light painting to add depth and drama. Look east for the Milky Way core rising early in the morning during the dry season (April–September). The stillness of the lake offers rare chances for double-exposure-style mirror shots--stars above, stars below.
This is a night you’ll never forget—where the sky feels close enough to touch, and every frame is a masterpiece waiting to happen.

Day 6: Huampococha – rainbow Mountain  & Red Valley (5,000 m / 16,404 ft)

Trek time: 4–5 hours
Photography Focus: Abstract landscapes, vibrant colors, and surreal nightscapes
This is a day straight out of a dream for landscape photographers. The trail leads us into the heart of the Red Valley, one of the most visually striking regions in the Andes. Deep crimson hills, mineral-rich slopes, and dramatic textures create a surreal, almost Martian atmosphere. Every step is a new composition—no two angles are alike.
We explore hidden corners of the Rainbow Mountain region far from the crowds, capturing unique perspectives of mineral-streaked ridgelines and undulating valleys painted in shades of red, gold, and green.
Photo Tip (Day): Use a polarizer to bring out rich contrasts and textures. Look for leading lines formed by the ridges and color layering for dramatic wide shots.

Nightscape Magic in the Red ValleyAs the sun dips behind the jagged ridges, the real magic begins. You’ll set up camp surrounded by blood-red hills and silent peaks, under one of the darkest skies in Peru.
With almost no light pollution, the Milky Way explodes overhead. The landscape takes on an otherworldly glow, with the mineral-rich terrain subtly reflecting starlight.
Night Photography Highlights:

• Milky Way arching over the Rainbow Mountains
• Light painting across the red ridges
• Silhouetted peaks beneath a star-packed sky
• Long exposures revealing star trails swirling above surreal terrain

Bonus Tip: Use a wide-angle lens (14–24mm), shoot low to capture both sky and terrain, and time your shot with the Galactic Center rising over the red ridgelines for that epic portfolio moment.

Information

What’s Included
Professional guide
Meals
Transport
Hotel pick-up and drop-off
Food and drinks
Optional Extras​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)
• 6 Days Ausangate Rainbow Mountain Treks
• Travel, landscape, nature, wildlife, and people photography
• Professional photographer | guide
• Photo walks & discussions
• Small group size (1-8 guests)
• Camping
• Breakfasts
• All Meals
• National Park Permits
• Local transportation

AccommodationsCamping.

Difficulty
Very difficult: Long hikes and camping                      at high altitude

Our Peru photo trek will mainly focus on hiking and capturing the most iconic landscapes in the Rainbow mountain, the world’s highest tropical mountain ranges. This time of year is perfect for hiking, as it coincides with the dry season, and ideal for astro, as it’s the peak of Milky Way season in the Southern Hemisphere, with 10+ hours of Milky Way visibility at night.

Price per person:2025

1 person : US$1750.00 per person
2 people : US$1300.00 per person
3 people: US$1250.00 per person
4 people : US$1200.00 per person
5 people : US$1150.00 per person
6 people : US$1100.00 per person
7+ people : US$1050.00 per person.