Huayhuash Photography Trek via Viconga 9 Day Andean Adventure

Huayhuash Photography Trek Via Viconga Hot Springs 9D/8N Our photography Huayhuash trek will mainly focus on hiking and capturing the most iconic landscapes in the Cordillera Blanca & Huayhuash, 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. Over 9 days, we will hike and photograph some of the most spectacular mountains, valleys, and “lagunas” in the Andes. In the Cordillera Blanca, we will visit the turquoise lakes Once we are in Huayhuash, we’ll camp and hike every day, with vistas of 20,000+ foot towering, glaciated peaks, like the famous Yerupajá and Siula Grande, beautiful lagoons, such as Mitucocha and Carhuacocha, and breathtaking passes, like Trapecio and San Antonio. At night, we will photograph our Milky Way arching over some otherworldly landscapes. Being at a high altitude and far away from sources of light pollution, you’ll see our galaxy like you’ve never seen it before and feel like you could literally touch the stars. If the Lord of the Rings wasn’t filmed in New Zealand (which it rightly deserves), it could have been filmed here. Every day on the trek is another example of nature’s power to create beauty with a rugged exterior and alluring features. The peaks are tall, they are steep, they are covered with a layer of frosting made of hanging glaciers and the alpine lakes at their feet are a rainbow of complimentary puddles of color. Just amazing.make sure to book this trek from april to september during nights with not moon

Itinerary dy by day

Day 1: Huaraz – Huánuco Pampa – Queropalca (3,800 m / 12,467 ft)

Drive time: ~7 hours
Photography Focus: Ancient ruins, highland culture, wide Andean valleys, and high-altitude night skies
We set off early from Huaraz, heading deep into the heart of the Andes. Our journey takes us through rugged mountain terrain and traditional villages, offering plenty of scenic photo stops. Along the way, we visit the ancient Inca site of Huánuco Pampa, perched on a vast open plain. This lesser-known archaeological site offers incredible wide-angle opportunities--perfect for capturing Inca stonework with dramatic sky backdrops.
From there, we continue to the small highland village of Queropalca, our base for the night, tucked beneath the rising peaks of the Huayhuash range.

 Nightscape Photography in QueropalcaAs the sun dips behind the mountains, Queropalca transforms into a peaceful stargazer's paradise. With almost zero light pollution and crisp mountain air, this is your first chance to capture high-altitude nightscapes.
 Best Night Photography Opportunities:

• The Milky Way arching above traditional Andean homes and distant peaks
  
• Light-painted stone walls and pathways under the stars
  
• Foregrounds with grazing alpacas or silhouetted villagers
  
• Wide landscapes blending starlit skies with rural highland charm
  

Pro Tip: Scout your composition during twilight and use nearby stone fences, adobe buildings, or even a lone tree to anchor your foreground. The sky here is deep, dark, and clear—ideal for astro time-lapses or star trail experiments.

Day 2.-Nightscape Photography at Carhuacocha​

As night falls over Laguna Carhuacocha, the real magic begins. Far from any light pollution, this pristine alpine lake becomes a celestial amphitheater--a dream setting for nightscape photographers.
Towering above the lake, the jagged silhouettes of Jirishanca, Yerupajá, and Siula Grande stand like silent guardians under the stars. Their snowy peaks glow faintly in the moonlight or reflect starlight on clear, still nights, offering dramatic compositions unlike anywhere else in the Andes.
What makes Carhuacocha so special at night?

• Mirror-like reflections: When the wind drops, the lake becomes a perfect canvas for Milky Way reflections. The snow-capped peaks double in the water, creating breathtaking symmetry.
  
• Foreground elements: Boulders, tents, and natural lake edges make for strong leading lines and depth.
  
• Low light pollution: With no towns nearby, the sky is pitch black, allowing crystal-clear views of the Milky Way, constellations, and even meteor showers.
  
• Layered compositions: The contrasting elements of water, mountains, and stars create natural layers for compelling wide-angle shots.
  

Photo Ideas & Tips:

• Milky Way arcs rising behind Yerupajá (April to October is prime season).
  
• Star trails over Siula Grande for long-exposure drama.
  
• Tent light painting to add human scale and warmth to the cold mountain setting.
  
• Moonlit peaks if shooting during a waxing moon—ideal for light-balanced shots with clear landscape detail.
  

 Pro Tip:Scout your composition at sunset. Position your tripod before full darkness. Use apps like PhotoPills or Planit Pro to track the Milky Way’s movement across the peaks for perfect timing and placement.

Day 3: Carhuacocha – Full Day & Night Photography by the Lake

Photography Focus: Majestic landscapes, time-lapse, reflections, and a Milky Way masterpiece
Today is a rare gift for landscape photographers—a full day to slow down and truly connect with one of the most photogenic spots in the Andes: Laguna Carhuacocha. Without the pressure of moving camp, you’ll have the time and freedom to chase the light, experiment with compositions, and wait for nature’s moments to unfold.
Surrounding the lake are three of the most iconic peaks in the Huayhuash range--Yerupajá, Siula Grande, and Jirishanca—standing like sentinels above the shimmering water. Watch as the changing light transforms the mood of the landscape, from soft morning pastels to deep afternoon contrast and glowing golden hour magic.
 Daytime Photography Tips:

• Use ND filters to smooth out the lake’s surface and capture mirror-like reflections.
  
• Include foreground elements like boulders, wildflowers, or herds of alpacas.
  
• Wide-angle lenses work beautifully here, but don’t forget to zoom in on glacier textures and cloud drama over the peaks.
  

 Nightscape Photography at Carhuacocha: Pure Andean MagicWhen night falls, this remote lake becomes a celestial stage. With no artificial light for miles, the sky explodes with stars, and the snow-capped peaks glow under the soft touch of moonlight or starlight.
📸 Night Photography Highlights:

• Milky Way arching over the lake and jagged peaks—perfect for panoramas
  
• Star reflections in still water, creating dreamlike mirror images
  
• Time-lapse sequences with moving clouds, moonrise, or rotating stars above Yerupajá
  
• Light painting with tents or foreground rocks for depth and scale
  

Pro Tip: Set up multiple compositions in advance and use interval shooting to capture both stills and video-ready timelapses. The early morning Milky Way core (around 2–4 AM) is often the most stunning.

Day 4: Carhuacocha (4,150 m) – Siula Pass (4,850 m) – Huayhuash Camp (4,350 m)

Trek time: 7–8 hours
Photography Focus: Iconic alpine lakes, towering glaciers, dramatic ridgelines, and a pristine night sky
This is one of the most photogenic and rewarding days of the entire Huayhuash Circuit.
We begin at Carhuacocha Lake, with a pre-dawn opportunity for long exposures and morning mist drifting across the water. Then we ascend through a trio of spectacular alpine lakes--Siula, Quesillococha, and Gangrajanca—each offering surreal turquoise hues and mirror-like reflections beneath jagged peaks.
As we climb toward Siula Pass (4,850 m), the views grow more dramatic with every step. At the top, you’re rewarded with a 360° panoramic view of the Cordillera—glaciers tumbling down cliffs, rugged valleys stretching for miles, and perhaps condors soaring in the high winds.
📸 Photo Tip: From the pass, frame sweeping shots with glacial lakes below and jagged summits above. Use a wide lens and polarizer to bring out color contrast in the midday light.

 Nightscape at Huayhuash Camp (4,350 m)Nestled in an open, remote valley surrounded by silent peaks, Huayhuash Camp is a dream location for nightscape photography.
As darkness sets in, the sky becomes pitch black and bursting with stars. With minimal wind and no light pollution, it’s ideal for clean Milky Way compositions. The jagged silhouette of Siula and Trapecio makes a powerful backdrop against the galactic core.
 Night Photography Highlights:

• Milky Way arcing over sharp Andean peaks
  
• Illuminated tents beneath the stars for scale and mood
  
• Time-lapse or star trails circling above the mountain range
  

 Pro Tip: Scout your composition during golden hour, so you’re ready once the stars emerge. Use your foreground wisely—boulders, tents, or still water can elevate your night shot to art.

Day 5: Huayhuash (4,100 m) – Laguna Viconga (4,407 m)

Trek time: 4–5 hours
Photography Focus: High-altitude landscapes, thermal baths, moody weather, and nightscape magic
Today’s journey takes us deeper into the remote heart of the Cordillera Huayhuash, along rolling grasslands and under the watchful gaze of snowcapped peaks. The trail leads us to Laguna Viconga, a surreal, high-altitude lake surrounded by jagged ridgelines and golden puna grass.
Along the way, the landscape offers wide open spaces—perfect for dramatic wide-angle shots and layered compositions. Keep your telephoto lens handy, too: Viconga is known for Andean wildlife like vizcachas and soaring condors.
In the afternoon, we arrive at our lakeside campsite near natural thermal springs—ideal for capturing intimate, relaxing moments in contrast with the harsh beauty of the surrounding mountains.

 Nightscape Photography at Laguna VicongaAt over 4,400 meters, Laguna Viconga offers some of the clearest night skies in the Andes. Far from any towns or artificial light, the Milky Way seems to explode overhead, and the surrounding peaks stand in silent silhouette.
 Top Night Photo Ideas:

• Reflections of stars in the still waters of Laguna Viconga
  
• Milky Way arcs above the jagged silhouettes of the Huayhuash range
  
• Steam rising from the hot springs under starlight – a mystical foreground element
  
• Illuminated tents framed by the galaxy
  

 Pro Tips:

• Use a wide lens (14–24mm) at f/2.8 or lower for those sweeping Milky Way shots
  
• Bring a headlamp or lantern to light up the tents subtly
  
• Try time-lapse or star trails with the lake and mountains for jaw-dropping motion
  

This is not just a campsite—it’s a world-class astrophotography stage, where every frame tells a story of serenity, scale, and stardust.

Day 6: Laguna Viconga (4,407 m) – Mirador San Antonio – Pampa Elefante (3,900 m)

Trek time: 6–7 hours
Photography Focus: Stunning landscapes, high-altitude lake reflections, mountain panoramas, and night sky wonders
After an early breakfast at Laguna Viconga, we begin our journey toward the dramatic Mirador San Antonio. The day offers opportunities to capture sweeping mountain vistas, glacial rivers, and the changing hues of the sky as we move through the high-altitude terrain.
Photography Tip – Landscape (Day):At Mirador San Antonio, you'll be greeted with breathtaking panoramic views of the Huayhuash range, including towering peaks such as Yerupajá, Jirishanca, and Siula Grande. From here, the landscape stretches endlessly, making it an ideal location for wide-angle shots that capture the majesty of the mountains and the shifting weather patterns.
Look for interesting foreground elements like grazing llamas, rocky outcrops, or alpine flora to give your images depth and interest. As the light changes throughout the day, the play of shadows and highlights will create an ever-changing scene perfect for capturing dramatic mountain moods.

 Night Photography at Pampa ElefanteAs we descend toward Pampa Elefante, our camp for the night, the landscape becomes even more remote and rugged. At this altitude (3,900 m / 12,800 ft), clear skies and crisp air provide the perfect conditions for nightscape photography.
Best Nightscape Shots:

• Milky Way Over the Mountains: With minimal light pollution, the dark Andean sky comes alive with stars. Position your camera to capture the Milky Way arching over the jagged peaks and valleys. The mountains will provide stunning silhouettes, adding drama and scale to your night shots.
  
• Star Trails: Set up for long-exposure shots to create mesmerizing star trails—the rotation of the Earth will leave beautiful light streaks across the sky, creating an ethereal effect over the silent mountain ranges.
  
• Lake Reflections (if applicable): If there’s any body of water near camp, try capturing reflections of the stars or the Milky Way in the water. These mirror shots offer an incredible symmetry that can elevate your astrophotography compositions.
  

Photography Tip – Exposure Settings:

• ISO: Start at 1600-3200 (depending on your camera)
  
• Shutter Speed: Around 20-30 seconds for star photography, adjusting for light pollution
  
• Aperture: Use a wide aperture (f/2.8 or wider) to capture as much light as possible
  
• Focus: Focus on a distant mountain or bright star for sharpness in your long exposures
  

Day 7: Pampa Elephant (3,900m) – Huayllapa – Huatiaj (4,300m)

Trek time: 6–7 hours
Photography Focus: Majestic peaks, wild landscapes, and exceptional astrophotography opportunities
We begin the day with an early start from Pampa Elephant, a remote and serene valley surrounded by rugged peaks. The path takes us through high-altitude plains and scattered patches of wild grasses, perfect for capturing the rugged beauty of the Andean landscape.
As we make our way to Huayllapa, the scenery becomes even more dramatic, with the imposing Jirishanca towering above us. We will have time for panoramic shots of the surrounding mountain ridgelines, clear blue skies, and the deep green valleys below, where local farms and grazing animals add a sense of peacefulness to the rugged terrain.
By mid-afternoon, we’ll arrive at Huatiaj, a stunning campsite located at 4,300 meters, offering a commanding view of snow-capped peaks and untouched wilderness. This is where the landscape and nightscape magic truly begins.

 Nightscape Photography at HuatiajAs the sun sets behind the mountains, we prepare for a truly breathtaking night under the stars. With Huatiaj’s remote location, we’ll be treated to clear, pollution-free skies, making it an ideal location for astrophotography.
 Best Night Photography Tips:

• Milky Way: Capture the galactic core arching over the jagged peaks. The combination of the snow-covered ridges and the night sky will create a stunning contrast for your shots.
  
• Star Trails: Set your camera to long exposures to create beautiful star trails above the silhouette of the mountains. The circular patterns formed by the stars will add dynamic motion to your images.
  
• Light Painting: Use a flashlight or headlamp to paint the scene, adding a subtle glow to the landscape while the stars above remain sharp and clear.
  
• Reflections: If there are any nearby lakes or streams, the still water will reflect both the mountain ridges and the starry sky—perfect for long-exposure reflections.
  

 Landscape Photography Tip: As the night darkens, take advantage of the soft light of the moon if it’s visible, casting an ethereal glow on the mountain landscape and creating deep shadows that emphasize the texture of the rugged terrain.

Day 8: Huatiaj (4,300m) – Laguna Jahuacocha (4,100m)

Trek time: 4–5 hours
Photography Focus: High-altitude mountain views, starry skies, and serene lake reflections
We start the day with a scenic descent from Huatiaj Pass, where expansive views of the surrounding mountains stretch out. As you descend, the landscape opens up, revealing deep valleys, rugged peaks, and the breathtaking beauty of the Cordillera Huayhuash. With clear skies and the rugged beauty of the mountains in view, it's a great opportunity to capture wide-angle shots of the dramatic landscape.
After a few hours of trekking, we arrive at Laguna Jahuacocha, a tranquil alpine lake nestled beneath towering peaks. The reflection of the mountains in the crystal-clear waters makes for a stunning landscape composition, especially as the light changes throughout the day.

 Nightscape Photography at Laguna JahuacochaAs dusk sets over Laguna Jahuacocha, the scene transforms into a photographer’s dream. The serene atmosphere combined with the majestic backdrop of snow-capped peaks provides an otherworldly setting for nightscape photography.
 Key Photography Tips:

• Astrophotography: Capture the Milky Way as it arcs above the lake and mountains. The clear Andean sky offers incredibly detailed shots of the stars, with minimal light pollution. Use a wide aperture and long exposure to collect as much light as possible and bring out the fine details in the Milky Way.
  
• Star Trails: The open skies above the lake create the perfect canvas for star trail photography. Set your camera to a long exposure and watch as the stars trace circular paths around the celestial poles. The surrounding mountains and the lake’s reflection can serve as beautiful foregrounds for these trails.
  
• Reflections: The calm waters of Laguna Jahuacocha often mirror the surrounding peaks perfectly, making it ideal for long-exposure shots. The stillness of the water captures not only the mountains but also the night sky, doubling the beauty of the scene. Use a tripod and neutral density filter to achieve those dreamy, smooth reflections.
  

 Golden Hour Tip: Before the stars emerge, the fading light can offer spectacular color in the sky, creating a beautiful transition from day to night. Capture the alpenglow on the peaks as the last light fades, and the cool blues of twilight start to take over.

Day 9: Laguna Jahuacocha (4,066 m) – Llamac (3,250 m) – Huaraz

Trek time: 5–6 hours (Jahuacocha to Llamac)
Photography Focus: Sunrise reflections, last mountain views, and stellar nightscapes
Our final day begins with a breathtaking morning at Laguna Jahuacocha, a serene and picturesque lake surrounded by towering peaks. Before we leave, this is your last opportunity to capture stunning sunrise shots. The first light of the day casts a soft glow across the lake, creating a perfect mirror reflection of the mountains. This is a golden moment for landscape photography, so make sure to set up for some wide-angle shots and close-ups of the surrounding flora and wildlife.
After breakfast, we begin our descent toward Llamac, passing through lush valleys and fields, with spectacular views of the Huayhuash range slowly fading into the distance. Along the way, you’ll encounter scenic vistas and rural life, ideal for capturing vibrant rural portraits and mountain silhouettes.

 Night Photography at Llamac or En RouteOnce we reach Llamac, the sun will begin to set, giving you a chance to photograph the last light over the mountains. As the sky darkens, prepare for an incredible nightscape. The remote location offers some of the best opportunities for astrophotography, with clear skies and minimal light pollution.
 Nightscape Photography Tips:

• Set up wide-angle shots to capture the star-filled sky and sharp mountain peaks.
  
• Focus on creating silhouettes of the surrounding hills and peaks against the backdrop of the Milky Way or constellations.
  
• If you're feeling adventurous, shoot some star trails—using long exposures to capture the motion of the stars across the sky.
  
• The lights of the village in the distance can create a beautiful contrast with the deep night sky, adding an element of warmth to your composition.
  

Bonus Tip for Final Shots:As we return to Huaraz, you can take a final opportunity to shoot the last views of the Huayhuash range fading behind you. Sunset light will bathe the mountains in hues of orange and pink, creating one last vibrant landscape shot to wrap up your adventure.

Information

Group Size1 – 8 Guests
Experience | Difficulty

• Beginner, amateur, enthusiast and semi-pro photographers
• DSLR, mirrorless, compact or iPhone cameras
• Very difficult hike
• 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

• 9 Days
• Travel, landscape, nature, wildlife and people photography
• Professional photographer | guide
• Photo walks & discussions
• Small group size (1-8 guests)
• 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 Huayhuash 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.

Price Per person:2025

1 pax: 2.950,00 USD
2 pax: 2250,00 USD
3 pax: 2150,00 USD
4 pax: 2050,00 USD
5 pax: 1950,00 USD
6 pax: 1850,00 USD
7 pax: 1750,00 USD
8 pax: 1650,00 USD
9 pax: 1550,00 USD
10 pax:1450.00 USD