Photography Tupe Culture Living Tradition & Ancestral Legacy 4d/3n
Tupe Portrait Photography Tour – A Timeless Cultural Experience with Photo Tours Peru
Join us to this amazing trip Step into a living time capsule with our Tupe Portrait Photography Tour, a rare opportunity to capture the faces, traditions, and spirit of one of Peru’s most isolated and culturally preserved Andean communities. Hidden in the highlands of the Yauyos Province, the village of Tupe is home to the Jaqaru people, who have preserved their unique language, ancestral clothing, and customs for centuries. This immersive tour with Photo Tours Peru is designed specifically for portrait and cultural photographers seeking authentic, respectful access to indigenous life in the Andes. With the golden Andean light, colorful traditional attire, and stunning mountain backdrops, Tupe offers a portrait photographer’s dream setting. You’ll have guided interactions with locals, photograph traditional weaving, farming, and festivities, and create meaningful connections through your lens. Whether you're a professional or passionate enthusiast, this experience goes beyond photography—it's a powerful journey into heritage, identity, and human connection. Their attire in Indian red tones is striking. It consists of a skirt held in place by a thick belt tightly wrapped around the waist. Over it, they wear another band adorned with multicolored tassels. Firmly tied to their hips, they carry their secret weapon: the “huaraca”, a type of sling used to launch stones. They also carry the “iliclla”, a traditional shawl used for carrying children. Their heads are covered with a headdress, whose knots and colors indicate whether they are married, single, or widowed. Their feet are protected by moccasins known locally as “shucuy”, made from cowhide. On highly solemn festive occasions, they wear large silver disks on their chest called “topos”, along with two shining earrings that catch the eye immediately. Such events call for wearing their original dress from 500 years ago, known as the “anako”—a black garment made from handwoven alpaca wool, traditionally worn by women over 50 years of age. The colors carry chromatic messages, and the figures and designs are symbolic languages. When in motion, they create a vibration capable of putting the mind into a special state.
DAY 1: Journey into the Heart of the Andes – From Lima to Tupe by Road.
Our adventure begins early in the morning as we leave the bustling city of Lima and set off on a scenic road trip toward the remote Andean village of Tupe. As we travel south along the coast, the landscape gradually transforms—from coastal cliffs to fertile valleys and rugged mountains.
We’ll make a brief stop near Pucusana for a delicious breakfast at the traditional Panadería Toñitos, a favorite among locals. From there, we continue our climb into the highlands, where winding roads reveal breathtaking views of untouched nature and small farming communities.
By mid-afternoon, we arrive in Tupe, a hidden gem tucked deep in the mountains, known for its living Yauyos culture and ancestral heritage. After settling into our cozy local guesthouse and enjoying a hearty lunch, we’ll explore the village on foot, getting our first glimpse of its stone streets, adobe houses, and welcoming residents.
As the sun sets, we gather for dinner, followed by a night walk through the village—a perfect opportunity to capture ambient and street-style photos under the clear Andean sky.
DAY 2: Faces of Tupe – A Portrait Photography Journey
On this special day, we dive deep into the heart and soul of Tupe through intimate portrait sessions with local people, each proudly wearing their traditional clothing — a living tapestry of ancestral identity.
From the first light of morning, you’ll have the opportunity to photograph villagers in natural settings: elders with time-worn expressions, women adorned in vibrant "anako" dresses and symbolic headdresses, and children playing against a stunning Andean backdrop.
With patience and respect, we’ll capture authentic moments — not just images, but visual stories that reflect centuries of cultural pride. The colors, textures, and expressions you'll encounter offer a unique canvas to develop your portrait technique while creating meaningful connections.
In the afternoon, we hike to Tupinachaca, a serene natural setting perfect for landscape shots or environmental portraits that merge people with place.
At night, we shift our focus to low-light portraiture and starlit scenes, experimenting with LED lighting, long exposures, and creative framing under the Andean sky.
DAY 3: Symbols, Textiles & Ancestry – Portrait Photography in Tupe
This day is a deep dive into the visual identity and ancestral wisdom of Tupe, captured through intimate and respectful portrait photography sessions with the local people. The morning begins with a cultural walk to places filled with memory--the community cemetery, ancient stone wells, and sites that hold the roots of Tupe's spiritual and historical past.
In the afternoon, the photography experience intensifies with a unique traditional clothing showroom. Local women proudly wear garments rich in symbolism, colors, and handcrafted detail. These textiles are not just clothing — they are living narratives. Every knot, stripe, and tassel carries meaning: age, status, marital condition, and ancestral pride.
This is the perfect setting to create powerful environmental portraits—images that connect the subject to their land, story, and heritage. With natural light as your ally and cultural depth all around, each frame becomes a piece of visual storytelling.
As night falls, we return to the village's quiet rhythms for a second night photography session, capturing silhouettes, shadows, and starlit serenity.
DAY 4: Giving Back & Farewell – Tupe to Lima by Private Bus
Our final day in Tupe is dedicated to connection, gratitude, and giving back. After breakfast, we engage in a heartwarming social activity with the local children—a moment of cultural exchange where laughter, portraits, and shared joy take center stage. This is a special opportunity to document real emotions and spontaneous interactions, capturing the soul of the community through candid and authentic photography.
At 11:00 am, we bid farewell to the people of Tupe, carrying with us unforgettable stories, portraits, and visual memories. The return journey to Lima begins by private bus, with one last lunch stop to reflect and rest.
Option A: Lunch in Lunahuana – a scenic and relaxing setting to enjoy the local flavors.
Option B: Lunch in Tupe, surrounded by the people and stories that made this journey unique.
By 9:00 pm, we arrive back in Lima, our memory cards full, hearts inspired, and our documentary journey complete.
What’s Included
Not Included
Private round-trip transportation from Lima to Tupe
3 nights local lodging in Tupe
All meals: breakfasts, lunches, dinners (from Day 1 lunch to Day 4 lunch)
Daily guided cultural activities and photography sessions
Photographic guidance and mentorship throughout the tour
Special access for portrait photography with local community members
Night photography sessions and location scouting
Entry to cultural experiences and clothing/art showroom
Basic first aid kit
Tips for local guides, drivers, or hosts (optional but appreciated)
Voluntary contributions or donations to the local community or individuals photographed
Personal expenses (snacks, souvenirs, etc.)
Travel insurance Alcoholic beverage
Price per person:2025
1 Person . U$$1850.00 Per person 2 people : US$1250.00 per person 3 people: US$1150.00 per person 4 people : US$1050.00 per person 5 people : US$950.00 per person 6 people : US$850.00 per person 7+ people : US$750.00 per person.