​Stargazing & Waqrapucara Photo Trek 3 Day Andean Adventure

Experience an unforgettable 3-day Stargazing & Waqrapucara Photo Trek, a perfect adventure for astrophotographers and nature lovers. Journey through the breathtaking Andean landscapes to Waqrapucara, an ancient pre-Incan fortress perched on dramatic cliffs. Capture stunning Milky Way views in a remote, light-pollution-free sky, explore unique rock formations, and witness the magic of the Andean highlands at night. This immersive trek blends astrophotography, cultural exploration, and breathtaking landscapes, making it a must for adventurers seeking a one-of-a-kind stargazing experience in Peru.

Information

Others Info:
What’s Included
Accommodation
Professional guide
Meals
Transport
Hotel pick-up and drop-off
Food and drinks
Group Size1 – 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)


IncludesPrivate round-trip transport
Professional bilingual guide
3 lunches, 3 breakfast and 2 dinner.
Camping equipment (tents, comfortable flasks of good quality).
Chef
First aid.
Oxygen
Trekking poles.
Mules and mule drivers

IT DOES NOT INCLUDE:
Extra tips
RECOMMENDATIONS:
Mosquito repellent
Sunscreen
Hat or cap
Exclusive hiking shoes
Flashlights and batteries
Personal water bottle for the first day
Water Purification tablets
Waterproof jacket for rain
Rain poncho
Warm and light clothing
Extra money.

Itienerary day by day

Day 1: Cusco – Pitumarca Village – Waqrapukara (4,300 m / 14,108 ft)

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 2: Waqrapukara – The Fortress Among Stars

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 3: Waqrapukara – Community of Campi

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.

Price Based Per Person:2025

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
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