Ausangate Stargazing Trek 3 Day Andean Night Sky Adventure
Embark on a 3‑Day Andean Night Sky Photography Adventure deep in the heart of the Andes with our Ausangate Stargazing Trek. This high-altitude Milky Way trek in the Andes offers an extraordinary blend of remote glacier landscapes and pristine night skies—ideal for photographers who want to master both alpine landscapes and immersive astrophotography.
Why This Trek Is Unique for Photographers
Ausangate Nightscape & Star Clusters Photography Tour: Experience world-class stargazing from high camp, where minimal light pollution and clear, thin air reveal shimmering Southern Hemisphere constellations, the Milky Way core, and dynamic star clusters.
Remote Andean Astro Photography Expedition Peru: Trek through pristine wilderness, camp beside glacial lakes, and compose long-exposure shots with Ausangate’s rugged ridges as a dramatic backdrop.
Ausangate Milky Way & Star Trails Trek: Over two nights, capture star trails above jagged peaks, glowing tents, and alpine reflections — perfect for creating time-lapses or long-exposure masterpieces.
Landscape and Night Sky Photography in Ausangate: During the day, photograph glacial valleys, alpine lakes, and snow-capped mountains under soft Andean light; at night, train your camera on the sky for unforgettable compositions.
Andean Ridge Star Trails & Glacial Peaks Photo Journey: The high camps (at over 4,500 m) give you 360° views—ideal for framing star trails around mountain ridgelines and glacier silhouettes.
Sustainable High Andes Astro Trek Peru: Travel responsibly—minimizing your environmental footprint while supporting local highland communities and preserving high‑altitude landscapes.
Southern Hemisphere Constellations Trek Ausangate: Photograph iconic southern skies — including the Southern Cross and Milky Way core — from one of Peru’s most elevated vantage points.
Ausangate Stargazing Trek 3 Day Andean Night Sky Trek
Drive + Trek time: ~6 hours
Photography Focus: Mountain reflections, golden light, natural hot springs, high-altitude nightscapes
We depart early from Cusco and drive to the highland village of Pacchanta, where herds of alpacas and traditional adobe homes set the scene for a truly Andean welcome. After a soothing break at the natural hot springs—surrounded by epic views of the Ausangate massif—we begin our short trek to the remote campsite of Ninaparayoq.
This peaceful alpine valley, nestled beneath towering peaks, offers a spectacular setting for landscape photography. As we arrive and set up camp, the golden hour begins to paint the glaciers with warm, dramatic tones. The light here is soft, directional, and clean—perfect for long-lens mountain portraits and wide-angle landscape compositions.
Nightscape Photography at NinaparayoqWhen the sun sets behind Ausangate, the night sky reveals its full power. With no light pollution and high-altitude clarity, Ninaparayoq becomes a photographer’s paradise for astrophotography.
Best Night Shots:
Milky Way rising behind jagged Andean peaks
Tents glowing under the stars with snowy summits as a backdrop
Reflections in nearby ponds of stars and mountain silhouettes
Star trails circling above Ausangate’s glacier-capped crown
Pro tip: Use a foreground element like a glowing tent, cairn, or frozen stream to create depth and scale in your night compositions. At this altitude, the air is crystal clear—your stars will be sharp, and the Milky Way’s detail is breathtaking.
This is one of the most rewarding locations for remote, high-altitude astrophotography in the Andes.
Day 1: Cusco – Pacchanta Hot Springs – Ninaparayoq (4,700 m / 15,420 ft)
Trek time: 5–6 hours
Photography Focus: Remote alpine valleys, surreal glacial colors, and next-level nightscapes
Today’s route takes us deeper into the heart of the wild Andes. From Ninaparayoq, we cross undulating trails flanked by untouched mountain terrain and arrive at the remote and photogenic Azulqocha Lake, named for its stunning blue hue. The surrounding peaks rise like silent giants, perfectly framing this glacial jewel.
📸 Golden Hour: As the sun dips low, the high-altitude light turns buttery soft, casting golden tones on the surrounding ridgelines. The contrast of warm light on icy blues creates an otherworldly visual palette—perfect for wide-angle storytelling shots and moody edits.
Nightscape Magic at AzulqochaOnce the sun disappears, the real show begins. Azulqocha at night is an absolute gift for photographers. The high elevation, lack of light pollution, and dramatic mountain silhouettes make this one of the most surreal night photography locations in the Andes.
Nightscape Highlights:
Milky Way arches stretching across jagged peaks
Still water reflections of stars and constellations
Foreground options: glowing tents, boulders, or lakeside textures
Star trails or time-lapses with clear celestial motion
This is your chance to create truly epic high-altitude astro landscapes. Be sure to scout your composition during the day, and prepare for both wide panoramic shots and intimate low-light scenes.
Pro Tip: Use a red headlamp to light your tent or rocks without blowing out your exposure. Azulqocha offers clean compositions, minimal distractions, and that rare combination of glacier, lake, and cosmos all in one frame.
Day 2: Ninaparayoq – Azulqocha (Approx. 4,500 m / 14,764 ft)
Trek time: 4–5 hours
Drive time to Cusco: ~6 hours
Photography Focus: Early morning light, reflections, rural Andean scenes, and a final nightscape opportunity before the city lights
Our final morning begins on the peaceful shores of Laguna Azulqocha, a glassy alpine lake cradled by snowcapped peaks. Before breaking camp, rise early to capture pre-dawn light and sunrise over the still waters. The quiet of the morning, broken only by the occasional ripple or birdcall, creates an ideal setting for moody, reflective shots.
As we descend toward Pacchanta, we pass by herds of alpacas and farmers tending to their land—a final opportunity to capture authentic highland life. The mountains slowly give way to wide valleys and mineral-rich streams.
Nightscape Photography: Pacchanta (optional before departure)If timing allows, Pacchanta offers one last window into the Andean night sky before we head back to Cusco. With minimal light pollution and clear air, the stars feel impossibly close. From this vantage point, the silhouettes of Ausangate and neighboring peaks create the perfect foreground for dramatic compositions.
Best Shots:
Milky Way arching over Ausangate
Illuminated stone houses beneath a sea of stars
Long exposures featuring star trails and glowing tents
Pro Tip: Try light painting with red or warm tones on foreground elements like grazing alpacas, tents, or nearby rocks to add dimension and storytelling to your astro shots.
By evening, we begin our return to Cusco, bringing with us memory cards full of stars, lakes, and peaks—and hearts full of Andean magic.
Day 3: Azulqocha – Pacchanta – Return to Cusco
Difficulty
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 Ausangate trek, 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.
What’s Included
trek: Ausangate Rainbow Mountain
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
3 Days
Travel, landscape, nature, wildlife and people photography
Professional photographer | guide
Photo walks & discussions
Small group size (4-6 guests)
Caping
Breakfasts
All Meals
National Park Permits
Local transportation
Accommodations
Tent
Price based per person:2026
1 person : US$1050.00 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
7+ people : US$500.00 per person
