​Salkantay Stargazing Trek to Machu Picchu: 6-Day Adventure Under the Andean Sky

Embark on an unforgettable adventure through the breathtaking landscapes of Peru’s Andes Mountains on our Salkantay Stargazing Trek to Machu Picchu. This exclusive 6-day expedition will take you on a journey of discovery, weaving through ancient trails, majestic glaciers, lush valleys, and finally culminating in the awe-inspiring ruins of Machu Picchu. As the sun sets, get ready to be mesmerized by the celestial wonders above as we indulge in a magical stargazing experience like no other.The much-anticipated day has arrived! Before the sun rises, we make our way to Machu Picchu to witness the ancient citadel emerge from the mist. Our expert guide will unveil the secrets and history of this remarkable UNESCO World Heritage Site, taking you on a journey back in time. After the guided tour, you’ll have time to explore the ruins at your own pace.As night falls, we return to Cusco by train, allowing you to reflect on the incredible experiences of the past few days. Remember the stars that lit up the Andean sky and the profound sense of wonder you felt during our stargazing session

Information

Group Size 
1 – 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
6 days
Travel, landscape, nature, wildlife and people photography
Professional photographer | guide
Photo walks & discussions
Small group size (1-8 guests)
3 or 4-star hotels
Breakfasts
All Meals
National Park Permits
Local transportation
Accommodations
Hotels,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 Salkantay 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.

ITINERARY

Day 1: Cusco – Mollepata – Humantay Lake – Soraypampa (3,900 m / 12,795 ft)

Drive time: 3–4 hours
Hike time to Humantay Lake: 1.5–2 hours
Photography Focus: Mountain reflections, turquoise glacier lake, sunset light, and high-altitude astrophotography
We depart from Cusco early in the morning, heading towards Mollepata and then Soraypampa, the gateway to the Salkantay trail. The journey itself offers great photo opportunities—rolling green hills, mist-covered valleys, and Andean farms.
Once at Soraypampa, we hike up to the spectacular Humantay Lake, a glowing turquoise gem nestled below dramatic cliffs and the Humantay glacier. Arriving in the afternoon gives us time to explore different angles and compositions while the sun slowly begins to dip.
 Golden Hour Tip: As the light softens, aim for reflections of the glacier in the still waters, layering foreground rocks and alpine flora for depth. Look for contrasting shadows on the cliffs and shimmering details in the ice.

 Night Photography at SoraypampaAs night falls, Soraypampa transforms into a high-altitude observatory. With minimal light pollution and crisp mountain air, the stars blaze across the sky.
Set up your tripod early, and prepare for astrophotography under the silhouette of Salkantay (6,271 m / 20,574 ft), one of Peru’s most sacred and photogenic peaks.
 Astro Tips:

• Frame the Milky Way arching over the ridgelines or mirrored in water puddles near camp.
  
• Capture your illuminated tent under the stars for a storytelling shot.
  
• Use light painting to add subtle foreground interest without overpowering the sky.
  
• For drama, try a long exposure with Salkantay’s snowy peak under the stars.
  

This is one of the most rewarding nights for photographers—a blend of crisp air, total stillness, and the vast silence of the Andes under a sky full of stars.

Day 2: Soraypampa – Humantay Lake – Japanese Pampa (4,200 m / 13,780 ft)

Hike time: 4–5 hours
Photography Focus: Glacial lake reflections, mountain drama, milky way magic
We begin our day in Soraypampa, surrounded by towering Andean peaks, with the early morning light revealing the textures of the surrounding glaciers. After breakfast, we hike up to the stunning Humantay Lake, a high-altitude jewel cradled beneath the snowy flanks of Mt. Humantay (5,473 m).
This is a dream spot for landscape photographers—the lake’s vibrant turquoise tones contrast beautifully against the white glacier and deep blue sky. The wind often settles in the early morning, offering crystal-clear reflections of the mountain. Slow shutters and ND filters work wonders here.
📸 Photo Tip: Frame your shot from a low angle at the water’s edge to capture the reflection and the sky's drama. If conditions are cloudy, even better—the changing light adds mystery and mood.
From there, we continue to Japanese Pampa, a lesser-known and peaceful campsite nestled in a wide alpine valley, surrounded by dramatic peaks and far from the crowds.

 Night Photography at Japanese PampaAs night falls, Japanese Pampa transforms into an astro haven. At over 4,000 meters, with zero light pollution and dry mountain air, conditions are ideal for capturing the cosmos.
 Astrophotography Highlights:

• Milky Way arching over Salkantay and Humantay
  
• Illuminated tents under a galaxy-filled sky
  
• Long exposures with sharp, snow-dusted peaks as foreground
  

You can even play with light painting, using soft illumination on the mountains or your camp for storytelling images. For timelapses or star trails, position your tripod facing north to capture the natural spin of the sky over the Andes.
 Pro Tip: Plan your foreground during blue hour. Then, once night falls, combine long exposures for dramatic compositions that blend Earth and sky in perfect harmony.

Day 3: Carhuacocha – Japanese Pampa – Soyrococha (4,400 m / 14,435 ft)

Trek time: 6–7 hours
Photography Focus: Dramatic mountain compositions, high passes, turquoise lakes, and stargazing perfection
This is one of the most visually striking days of the entire Huayhuash photo adventure. We begin our journey from Carhuacocha and slowly ascend along a lesser-trodden trail, climbing into the heart of the range. The views unfold rapidly--Jagged ridgelines, glacial lakes, and enormous icefalls offer endless possibilities for powerful landscape shots.
We'll pass Three Sacred Lakes--Siula, Quesillococha, and Gangrajanca—where reflections, light, and color shift constantly throughout the day. These lakes are a dream for wide-angle compositions with deep leading lines and layered depth.
By afternoon, we reach Japanese Pampa, a natural balcony with 360° Andean views. This is your chance to capture the iconic Huayhuash wall—a skyline of raw peaks that few places on Earth can match.
We continue to our camp at Soyrococha, nestled below the mighty Siula Pass.

 Night at Soyrococha: An Astrophotographer’s DreamAt 4,400 meters, far from any village or artificial light, Soyrococha offers pristine dark skies with razor-sharp visibility. The jagged silhouettes of Siula Grande and Yerupajá create a dramatic foreground against the Milky Way’s glowing arc.
 Astrophotography Highlights:

• Milky Way Core over Siula Pass
  
• Silhouetted peaks with star trails
  
• Time-lapse opportunities of stars drifting over snow-capped summits
  
• Light-painted foregrounds (rocks, tents, or trail cairns)
  

Tip: Use a low ISO test shot first, then fine-tune your composition with a wide aperture and long exposure. A moonrise here—if timed right—can illuminate the peaks just enough to add depth without blowing the highlights.
This is the kind of night that defines a photographic journey.

Day 4: Soyroqocha – Wayracmachay (4,000 m / 13,123 ft)

Trek time: 5–6 hours
Photography Focus: Majestic mountain vistas, alpine lakes, high-altitude light, and astrophotography magic
As we leave the tranquil shores of Soyroqocha Lake, the landscape transforms with dramatic mountain ridgelines and sweeping valleys leading us towards Wayracmachay. The path is framed by towering peaks, including Tocllaraju and Nevado Santa Cruz, making every step a photographic opportunity.
During the day, the light is perfect for capturing crisp, wide-angle shots of the jagged mountains that surround us. The colors of the wild, high-altitude landscape pop, with patches of grass, glacial moraines, and clear skies. Use the alpine lakes as reflective foregrounds for stunning compositions.
As we approach Wayracmachay, the natural beauty intensifies, offering high-altitude views of the surrounding peaks and valleys. This is an exceptional spot for wide panoramas, especially as the sun starts to dip behind the mountains.

 Astrophotography at WayracmachayAs night falls, Wayracmachay transforms into a star-studded paradise. The elevation offers clear, crisp air, and the lack of light pollution makes it a perfect spot for astrophotography.
 Best Shots:

• Milky Way rising behind towering peaks like Tocllaraju and Santa Cruz
  
• Star trails circling the peaks, capturing the grandeur of the landscape under the night sky
  
• Reflections of the starry sky in small pools of water or alpine lakes
  

Tip: Capture the milky way’s arc stretching above the jagged mountains and use the rocky landscape to create dynamic foregrounds. The intense, cold-blue night sky contrasts beautifully with the warmer tones of the starlight, offering endless creative potential.

Day 5: Wayrac – Qolpapampa – Hydroelectric – Aguas Calientes

Trek time: 6–7 hours
Photography Focus: Mountain landscapes, jungle transition, dramatic skies, astrophotography
After breakfast in Wayrac, we begin our descent towards the Sacred Valley, transitioning from high Andean landscapes into the lush, cloud-covered Amazonian foothills. The varied terrain makes for diverse photo opportunities, with each step revealing new angles and layers of scenery.
As we pass through Qolpapampa, we'll capture the changing flora and fauna, as the arid highlands give way to more tropical, dense vegetation. Take in the incredible contrast between the rugged peaks and the deep, green valleys below. The small villages and agricultural terraces add authenticity to the scene, especially when seen in wide-angle shots.

 Landscapes and Sunset PhotographyAs we approach Hydroelectric, the light will begin to soften, allowing for some stunning landscape photography. The lush green valleys, steep mountain walls, and the river below provide dramatic compositions. Wide-angle shots are ideal for capturing the vast scale of the surrounding mountains and the winding path ahead.
 Golden Hour Tip: Aim for silhouettes of trees or small houses in the foreground, with vibrant hues of orange and pink in the sky. The way the light falls on the steep mountain slopes and the river adds depth and texture to the scene.

Day 6: Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu – Cusco

Photography Focus: Sunrise over Machu Picchu, landscape photography, and astrophotography under the Andean sky.
Morning: Sunrise at Machu PicchuYour adventure begins early with a pre-dawn bus ride up to Machu Picchu, where you’ll catch the first light of day spilling over the ancient Inca citadel. This is a photographer’s paradise—the soft glow of the rising sun creates a magical atmosphere, lighting up the stone terraces and mist-shrouded mountains.
📸 Best Shots for Landscape Photography:

• Wide-angle views of the citadel, with the surrounding green peaks bathed in golden light.
  
• Close-up details of the Inca stonework with the mountain backdrop, especially as light hits the structures at different angles.
  
• Overhead shots of the entire Machu Picchu site from the Inca Bridge or Huayna Picchu for dramatic perspectives.
  

After exploring the ruins and capturing these iconic landscapes, you’ll have time to hike to nearby viewpoints like Intipunku (the Sun Gate) for sweeping shots of the Machu Picchu complex nestled in the valley.
Return to CuscoAfter capturing the night sky, we’ll head back to Cusco to relax and reflect on the incredible sights and moments you’ve captured on this unforgettable journey.

Price Based Per Person:2025

1 person :  US$1750.00 per person
2 people :  US$1400.00 per person
3 people:   US$1350.00 per person
4 people :  US$1300.00 per person
5 people :  US$1250.00 per person
6 people :  US$1150.00 per person
7+ people : US$1100.00 per person