Discover the Best Astrophotography Locations in Cusco Peru.

Peru is a paradise for astrophotographers, offering pristine dark skies, high-altitude landscapes, and breathtaking Andean scenery. With Photo Tours Peru, you can explore some of the best stargazing spots, including the Sacred Valley, Ausangate, Humantay Lake, Waqrapucara, and the Salkantay Trek. Huayhuash, Lares trek, Whether you're a seasoned night photographer or a beginner looking to improve your skills, Peru’s diverse landscapes provide the perfect backdrop for capturing the wonders of the universe.

Why Peru is a Top Destination for Astrophotography

High Altitude & Low Light Pollution – Many locations in Peru sit above 3,000 meters (9,800 ft), providing crystal-clear skies and minimal atmospheric interference.
Stunning Landscapes – Snow-capped peaks, glacial lakes, and ancient ruins create a surreal setting for night photography.
Ideal for Milky Way Photography – Between April and October, the Milky Way shines brightly over the Andean mountains, offering perfect conditions for astrophotography.
Unique Cultural Elements – Capture starry skies over Inca ruins, remote Andean villages, and traditional Quechua communities.

Best Astrophotography Tours in Peru

1. Salkantay Stargazing Trek to Machu Picchu (6D/5N)A bucket-list trek combining stunning mountain landscapes with incredible night skies. Camp under the stars, capture the Milky Way over Humantay Lake, and finish your journey at Machu Picchu.
2. Condors & Stargazing at Humantay Lake (3D/2N)Experience the beauty of Humantay Lake under the stars while spotting Andean condors soaring above the canyons by day. A perfect mix of wildlife photography, landscape photography, and night sky imaging.
3. Waqrapucara Photo Trek & Stargazing (3D/2N)An off-the-beaten-path adventure to the mystical Waqrapucara ruins, a hidden gem for astrophotography. The combination of rock formations and crystal-clear night skies makes for breathtaking long-exposure shots.

Essential Gear for Astrophotography in Peru

Having the right equipment is crucial for capturing breathtaking night sky images. Here’s what you’ll need:

DSLR or Mirrorless Camera with full manual control for exposure settings.
Wide-Angle Lens (f/2.8 or faster) to capture more light and include stunning foreground elements.
Sturdy Tripod for stable long-exposure shots, essential for sharp images.
Remote Shutter Release or Intervalometer to avoid camera shake and enable time-lapse sequences.
Headlamp with Red Light to navigate in the dark without disrupting your night vision.
Extra Batteries & Memory Cards since long exposures drain power quickly and require ample storage.
Star Tracker (optional) for capturing detailed deep-sky objects with longer exposure times.
Weather-Appropriate Clothing to stay warm in high-altitude environments during night shoots.

Tips for Capturing Stunning Night Sky Images

✅ Use a high ISO (1600-3200) to bring out faint details in the Milky Way.
✅ Shoot with a wide aperture (f/2.8 or lower) to maximize light capture.
✅ Use long exposures (15-30 seconds) for optimal star detail without trails.
✅ Incorporate foreground elements like mountains, lakes, or ruins for a dramatic composition.
✅ Check moon phases – the new moon is best for dark skies and vibrant stars.
✅ Use an app like Stellarium to locate constellations, planets, and the Milky Way’s core before heading out.
✅ Experiment with star trails by using exposures of several minutes or stacking multiple shorter exposures.

Book Your Astrophotography Tour with Photo Tours Peru

Join Photo Tours Peru for an unforgettable astrophotography adventure in some of the world’s most spectacular landscapes. Whether you dream of capturing the Milky Way over Machu Picchu, photographing star trails above the Andes, or perfecting your long-exposure techniques, our expert guides will take you to the best locations for night photography.
📩 Contact us today to book your custom astrophotography tour in Peru and take your night photography to the next level!