Stargazing & Waqrapucara Photo Trek 3 Days
Embark on the Waqrapucara stargazing trek, a 3 day Andean night sky adventure designed for photographers and astrophotography enthusiasts seeking to capture the magic of the high Andes. This unique experience blends remote landscapes, ancient Inca ruins, and pristine night skies to create an unforgettable photography workshop in Cusco’s highlands.
Stargazing & Waqrapucara Photo Tour: Photograph the dramatic Waqrapucara canyon and Inca ruins under a blanket of stars, combining cultural heritage with celestial landscapes.
Waqrapucara Night Sky Photography Peru: Capture the Milky Way, star trails, and Andean constellations above one of the most remote and scenic canyon regions near Cusco.
Andean High‑Altitude Astrophotography Trek Cusco: Trek through high-altitude trails (≈3,800–4,200 m) while optimizing both landscape and night sky photography opportunities.
Waqrapucara Milky Way Photo Expedition: Set up for long-exposure shots of the Milky Way reflected across the canyon and surrounding highland vistas.
Remote Andes Landscape and Stargazing Tour: Explore hidden trails and secluded viewpoints, providing unrivaled access for photographing untouched Andean landscapes.
Waqrapucara Star Trails & Ruins Trek: Capture mesmerizing star trails above ancient stone ruins and the rugged canyon backdrop.
Sustainable Andean Astrophotourism Peru: Travel responsibly through fragile Andean ecosystems, supporting local communities and sustainable tourism initiatives.
Waqrapucara Canyon & Night Sky Photo Journey: Combine sunrise and sunset landscapes with night sky compositions, creating a full-spectrum astrophotography experience. Highlights & Experiences
Small group astrophotography workshop with expert guidance on night sky techniques, long exposures, and composition in high-altitude environments.
Trek through the Waqrapucara canyon, photographing ancient Inca ruins and dramatic cliffs under changing light conditions.
Capture the Milky Way and star trails in one of Peru’s darkest sky regions, ideal for both amateur and professional photographers.
Experience sustainable travel practices while enjoying an immersive Andean adventure, supporting local communities and conservation efforts.
Combine daytime landscape photography of highland valleys, cliffs, and mountains with nighttime astrophotography for a diverse portfolio.
Drive time: 3.5 hours
Trek time: 2–3 hours
Photography Focus: Dramatic canyon landscapes, ancient Inca fortress, sunset silhouettes, and high-altitude astrophotography
We depart Cusco early in the morning and head south to Pitumarca, a small Andean village surrounded by wide-open valleys and traditional farms. From here, we begin our trek through a rugged, lesser-known landscape of red canyons, high plateaus, and winding Inca trails.
The highlight of the day is arriving at Waqrapukara, the majestic Inca site perched on a cliff, overlooking a dramatic canyon carved by the Apurímac River. Known as the "Horned Fortress" for its unique double-peaked rock formations, Waqrapukara is an awe-inspiring location with 360° views of untouched wilderness.
📸 Golden Hour Magic: As the sun dips low, the warm light casts long shadows across the landscape. Capture the stone ruins silhouetted against the canyon below, or use a wide-angle lens to include both the sky and the stonework in one dramatic frame.
Astrophotography at WaqrapukaraWhen night falls, Waqrapukara transforms into an astrophotographer’s dream. With zero light pollution and high-altitude clarity, the Milky Way stretches boldly across the sky, right above the twin rock spires of the fortress.
Best Night Photography Ideas:
Frame the Waqrapukara ruins beneath the galactic core
Shoot wide-angle star trails around the peaks
Light-paint the fortress walls for a mystical glow
Use your tent as a warm light source in the foreground
Tip: The calm, quiet atmosphere up here creates a powerful setting for long exposures and timelapses. Be ready for a cold but unforgettable night of shooting under the stars.
Day 1: Cusco – Pitumarca Village – Waqrapukara (4,300 m / 14,108 ft)
Photography Focus: Dramatic Andean landscapes, ancient ruins, golden hour, and elite-level astrophotography
Altitude: ~4,300 m / 14,100 ft
After a scenic hike through highland plateaus and dramatic canyons, we arrive at one of Peru’s most mystical and less-visited wonders: Waqrapukara, the "Horned Fortress" perched on a rocky promontory surrounded by deep valleys and rolling ridgelines.
As the light begins to soften, the golden hour transforms this ancient site into a surreal landscape. Stone structures cast long shadows across the grasslands, while the horn-like rock formations glow with warm tones. Every angle offers a striking composition—perfect for wide-angle landscape shots, detail work with long lenses, and timelapse setups.
Golden Hour Tips:
Use foreground textures (stone ruins, wild grasses) to frame the fortress.
Capture silhouettes of the horned rocks against a glowing sky.
Experiment with drone photography (if permitted) for sweeping aerials.
Astrophotography at WaqrapukaraWhen the sun dips and the sky turns deep blue, Waqrapukara becomes an astrophotographer’s paradise. Far from city lights and crowds, this sacred site offers uninterrupted views of the Milky Way, making it one of the most powerful and spiritual locations for night photography in Peru.
Must-Capture Shots:
Milky Way arching above the twin horned spires of Waqrapukara
Light-painting the ruins with a soft glow beneath a star-filled sky
Silhouettes and star trails around the fortress using long exposures
Moonlit magic, if you have a partial moon illuminating the scene
Pro Tips:
Use a fast wide-angle lens (f/2.8 or faster) for the stars
Bring a sturdy tripod—winds can sweep across the cliffs
Arrive early to scout compositions during daylight
Keep your tent or campfire light subtle to avoid overexposing your frames
Waqrapukara at night is more than a photography spot—it’s an experience. You’ll feel the ancient energy of the place as you frame the stars above structures built centuries ago. The silence, the height, and the starlight create images—and memories—that last a lifetime.
Day 2: Waqrapukara – The Fortress Among Stars
1 people : US$1050.00 per person
2 people : US$800.00 per person
3 people: US$750.00 per person
4 people : US$700.00 per person
5 people : US$650.00 per person
6 people : US$600.00 per person
7+ people : US$550.00 per person
Price Based Per Person:2026
Photography Focus: Epic Inca fortress views, canyon landscapes, golden hour, and pristine night skies
After sunrise at Waqrapukara, take time to explore this lesser-known Inca sanctuary perched dramatically above a canyon. Framed by towering rock formations and sheer drops, Waqrapukara offers a spectacular setting for wide-angle compositions and dramatic scale shots.
As we begin the trek toward the community of Campi, the trail winds through high Andean plateaus, remote valleys, and sweeping views of the Apurímac Canyon. Along the way, you’ll pass herds of llamas, traditional stone homes, and expansive views that stretch endlessly into the horizon.
Golden Hour Tip: As the sun dips low, the mountains and canyon walls glow with rich orange and pink tones—perfect for capturing depth, contrast, and dynamic skies. Look for leading lines in the trail and ridgelines to guide your viewer’s eye through the frame.
Day 3: Waqrapukara – Community of Campi
