Ausangate & Rainbow Mountain Photo Trek 4 Day Andean Photography Adventure

Ausangate & Rainbow Mountain Photo Trek4-Day Andean Photography Adventure
Overview:
Capture the wild beauty of the Peruvian Andes on this 4-day journey through snow-capped peaks, turquoise lakes, remote villages, and the jaw-dropping Rainbow Mountain. This trek is perfect for photographers seeking dramatic landscapes, vibrant colors, and authentic Andean culture.

Day by Day Itinerary

Day 1: Cusco – Tinki – Upis Hot Springs (4,350m / 14,271 ft)

Photo Highlights: Rural Andean life, herds of alpacas, first views of Ausangate
Trek time: 3-4 hours
We’ll leave Cusco early and drive through stunning valleys and small villages until we reach Tinki, our starting point. Along the way, you'll have time for candid shots of traditional Andean life. From Tinki, we hike to Upis village, nestled below the mighty Ausangate glacier. In the afternoon, soak in natural hot springs and capture golden hour shots of the surrounding peaks.
📸 Best time to shoot: Sunset light on Ausangate + steaming hot springs with mountain backdrops.

Day 2: Upis – Arapa Pass – Pucacocha (4,650m / 15,255 ft)

Photo Highlights: Arapa Pass, glacial lakes, dramatic skies
Trek time: 5-6 hours
After a hearty breakfast, we ascend to Arapa Pass. The views open up to rolling valleys, colorful layers of mountain rock, and pristine high-altitude lakes. We’ll pass turquoise Pucacocha Lake, a perfect mirror for mountain reflections. This day offers dramatic lighting, changing skies, and plenty of wildlife like llamas and vicuñas.
📸 Best time to shoot: Lakeside reflections, cloud formations, and wildlife action.

Day 3: Pucacocha – Ausangate Pass – Rainbow Mountain Camp (5,000m / 16,404 ft)

Photo Highlights: Ausangate glacier, rugged landscapes, starlit night
Trek time: 6-7 hours
We continue uphill past beautiful glacial valleys to the highest point: Ausangate Pass (5,100m / 16,732 ft). This is pure photographic magic—snowy peaks, ancient trails, and deep Andean wilderness. We descend to set up camp near Rainbow Mountain, away from the crowds. With luck, we’ll have a clear sky for epic night photography.
📸 Best time to shoot: Afternoon contrast on snow + astrophotography at night.

Day 4: Sunrise at Rainbow Mountain – Cusco

Photo Highlights: Vinicunca at sunrise, colorful mountain ridges, early light drama
Trek time: 1-2 hours (to viewpoint) + drive to Cusco
Wake up early for the grand finale: sunrise over Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca). Arriving before the crowds gives you an exclusive window to photograph the vibrant mineral-striped hills bathed in golden morning light. After plenty of time for photos, we descend and drive back to Cusco, full of memories—and stunning shots.
📸 Best time to shoot: Sunrise + panoramic mountain views with clean light.

Information

Group Size1 – 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)

Includes

4 Days
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

Accommodations
Camping

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$1150.00 per person
2 people : US$750.00 per person
3 people: US$700.00 per person
4 people : US$650.00 per person
5 people : US$600.00 per person
6+ people : US$550.00 per person