Lima, Cusco, Machu Picchu and Jungle

This 12-day Peru expedition blends the very best of the country—colonial cities, majestic mountains, ancient ruins, and the wild Amazon jungle—through the lens of a camera. Designed for photography enthusiasts, cultural explorers, and nature lovers alike, this itinerary offers the flexibility to match your interests.

💬 Important: This is a suggested itinerary. Each journey is custom-tailored following a pre-trip consultation call to ensure the trip matches your travel style, pace, and photo goals.

📍 Highlights

✔ Explore Lima’s street life, food, architecture & coastlines
✔ Discover Cusco’s historical core and local markets with a photographer’s eye
✔ Portrait sessions in Chinchero’s textile community and landscapes at Maras Salt Mines
✔ Two days dedicated to Machu Picchu, including the famous sunrise entrance
✔ Off-the-beaten-path Rainbow Mountain and 7 Lagoons of Ausangate with astro and landscape sessions
✔ Live, eat, and photograph within authentic Quechua communities
✔ Multi-day immersion in the Amazon Jungle, with wildlife tours by boat and forest treks
✔ Learn portrait, landscape, astro, wildlife, and documentary photography techniques from your dedicated photo guide
✔ Enjoy the comfort of pre-booked hotels, domestic flights, and local experts every step of the way

🌄 Itinerary Overview

Days 1–2: Arrival in Lima + Full Photo Day Tour

Begin in Peru’s capital, where a local guide leads you through both iconic spots and hidden gems using local transport. Explore Lima’s street scenes, colonial architecture, street food, and coastal viewpoints like a true “Limeño.”

Days 3–5: Cusco, Sacred Valley & Machu Picchu

Fly to Cusco for immersive city photography, then travel through the Sacred Valley visiting Chinchero, Lake Huaypo, and the Maras Salt Mines. Train to Aguas Calientes and photograph Machu Picchu at sunrise, with guided exploration and solo time.

Days 6–8: Community Life, Rainbow Mountain & 7 Lagoons

Photograph the daily lives of a welcoming Quechua family and hike (or ride horseback) to hidden valleys and lakesaround Ausangate. Capture rainbow mountains without the crowds, and, weather permitting, experience an astrophotography session at altitude.

Days 9–11: Amazon Jungle & Wildlife Safari

Fly to Puerto Maldonado and settle into your eco-lodge in the jungle. Visit the parrot clay lick, cruise rivers in search of caimans and capybaras, and trek deep into Tambopata Reserve for Lake Sandoval, home to otters, monkeys, and birdlife.

Day 12: Back to Lima – End or Extend

Return to Lima for your international flight or opt for an additional night in the capital to unwind, shop, or explore more of Peru’s culinary scene.

✅ Included

✔ All domestic flights (Cusco – Puerto Maldonado – Lima)
✔ Airport pickups and private transport during all tour days
✔ Entry to Machu Picchu, Rainbow Mountain, Lake Sandoval & all major sites
✔ Train & bus tickets to Machu Picchu
✔ 11 nights of accommodation (double occupancy – ask for single rates)
✔ All breakfasts + 5 local lunches with Quechua families and jungle hosts
✔ All Amazon boat excursions
✔ Dedicated photography guide with instruction & support
✔ Local cultural and wildlife guides throughout the trip

🚫 Not Included

✘ International flights to/from Peru
✘ Personal insurance (required)
✘ Dinner meals (left flexible to suit your preferences)

🎒 What to Bring

Camera gear: wide-angle, zooms, telephoto, tripod, filters, extra batteries
Layers for both Andean chill and jungle humidity
Rain gear & insect repellent
Comfortable walking shoes & headlamp
Travel insurance policy
Sharp eyes and your smile!

💰 Pricing (Per Person, Based on Double Occupancy)

💲 Custom pricing upon request. Final cost will depend on accommodations, group size, and customizations after your consultation call.
📩 Let’s talk! We’ll tailor the perfect version of this trip to fit your needs.

📅 Let’s Plan Your Dream Photography Trip to Peru

📧 Email: [email protected]
🌐 Website: www.andeanphotoexpeditions.com

5 Reviews

Departure/Return Location

Your hotel or airport in Lima
Departure Time

Flexbile
Return Time

Flexible
Dress Code

Comfortable seasonal clothing & shoes
Included

Accommodation

Entrance Fees

Guide

Lunch

Meals

Photo Assistance

Transport
Not Included

Extras

Insurance

Local Flights

From our gallery

What you will see..

Tour Plan

1st Day - Arrival in Lima (this tour can also start in Cusco)

Your guide will personally pick you up at the Airport of Lima. And take you to your hotel in Miraflores.

2nd Day - Lima Photo Day Tour

The Lima Photography Day Tour is the only tour that will take you to touristic and lesser known places of the Peruvian Capital, doing so via walking and using the public transport ( safely of course ). Is there any better way to discover Lima other than doing it as a "Limeño" ?

A 7 hour complete Tour of Lima.

3rd Day - Cusco. City tour, Street Photography

We will catch an early flight to Cusco.

Once arrived in the Incan Capital, we will settle in our hotel and start our day in Cusco.

Slowly but surely, we will discover the most important places around.

4th Day - Chinchero Traditions, Lake Huaypo and Maras Salt Mines

We visit a local textile market where the ladies will teach us about the dyeing and weaving process to make the textiles this region is so famous for, we will get amazing portrait opportunities of these ladies in their typical clothes.

Later on, enjoy the amazing reflections on one of the most stunning lakes of the area: Lake Huaypo.

We will finish with the last sun rays over the salt mines of Maras and drive to Ollantaytambo.

Take the famous train through the sacred valley to the town below Machu Picchu - Águas Calientes.

5th Day - Machu Picchu

Morning and mid afternoon reserved for the lost city of the Incas - Machu Picchu. Enjoy 2 hours with a local guide who will explain everything about this archaeological location and then you will have plenty of free time for your photography.

We will take the train back to Ollantaytambo and then a private transport to Calca where we will spend a relaxed night lost in the Sacred Valley.

6th Day - Calca Market, Scenic Drive, Quechua Community

We leave our around 8am. Stop at the local market of Calca to shoot a while. Here we can also buy some basic supplies for the family we later visit. After the market we drive for about an hour through scenic valleys to reach the community.

Once in the community, our host Bernardiño will be waiting for us with his family and wife to have a welcome tea. After that we will visit the school. The kids there will make you feel like part of their community.

After a traditional peruvian meal with Bernardiño's family in his beautiful typical house we will begin our afternoon drive up to the lakes above the village. This area is surrounded by stunning valleys, mountain peaks, llamas and alpacas.

Around 4pm we will start the return trip to Cusco. It's time for dinner and some very important sleep hours.

7th Day - Rainbow Mountain, Ausangate night photography

Early in the morning we will go to the non touristic side of the famous Rainbow Mountain. The normal tourist route brings about 1000 people per day to the most common tourist path of the famous mountain. However most people do not know that it is possible to visit the other side of this mountain range. That is exactly where we will take you, deep into the Andes.

We will spend the night close to the imposing Ausangate mountain in a Quechua community. Enjoying the hot springs is a must in this location and if the weather permits it, get ready for an Astro-Photography night workshop.

8th Day - 7 Lagoons, Quechua community

The 7 lagoons await us in the morning. We will ride horses for the most difficult part up to the lagoons, we will then take some time to walk the circuit of the lagoons all the while under the shadow of the great mountain Ausangate (6,384m). Use this time to photograph the stunning landscapes, glacial blue lakes and snow-capped peaks.

We return to the community for lunch and to spend time with our hosts before departing to Cusco.

9th Day - Puerto Maldonado, Amazon

Around 10am, we will take you to the airport in Cusco. Our flight time to Puerto Maldonado should be around 30 minutes.

We will take some time to settle in our lodge on the edge of the Madre de dios River.

After few hours of rest, we will get on our boat to reach our Sunset point.

Once dark has fallen we will start the night search for caiman and Capibara.

10th Day - Boat through the Amazon. Wildlife. Indigenous Community.

Early in the morning we will head to the Parrot Clay Lick.

For parrot enthusiasts, visiting a macaw and parrot clay lick is guaranteed to be one of the most memorable highlights of your trip to the Amazon rainforest. The Tambopata National Reserve in south-eastern Peru protects the world’s largest known parrot clay lick and the area contains the highest known concentration of them in the world.

A claylick (locally known as colpa or collpa) is a naturally forming wall of clay on a riverbank caused by erosion from the river.

Every morning at around dawn, macaws, amazons, parakeets and other parrots flock to these clay licks to eat clay, sometimes hundreds at a time, creating an incredible wildlife spectacle.

11th Day - Lake Sandoval

We will head to the Sandoval Lake (Tambopata Reserve) where we will have a 5.5 km walk in the jungle with many opportunities to observe monkeys, snakes, tarantulas and wild pigs.

When we reach the shores of Lake Sandoval, take a boat to navigate on the lake and keep looking for local fauna such as alligators, giant river otters, parrots and a diversity of birds.

12th Day - Flying back to Lima

This is our last day in the Jungle, it is time for us to fly to another kind of jungle… Lima.

This last day depends on you. You can have your international flight the same day in the evening, or choosing to stay an extra night in Lima.

Tour Location

Maras Salt Mines

Maras Salt Mines is a fascinating destination located in the Sacred Valley of the Incas, near the town of Maras in Peru. The site consists of thousands of small salt pans that are filled with water from a nearby natural spring. As the water evaporates in the sun, it leaves behind salt crystals that are harvested by local families who have been working these mines for generations.

The resulting view is a stunning patchwork of white salt pans that stretch out over the landscape like a giant mosaic. Visitors can explore the site on foot, walking along narrow pathways between the salt pans and observing the local workers as they carry out their traditional methods of salt production.

The Maras Salt Mines are not only a beautiful sight, but also an important part of the local community and culture. Visitors can learn about the history and significance of the salt mines and how they have been a vital source of income and commerce for the surrounding area for centuries. For photo tourists, the Maras Salt Mines offer a unique and striking subject to capture, with the contrast between the white salt and surrounding greenery providing a beautiful backdrop for memorable photos.

Machu Picchu

Machu Picchu is one of the most famous tourist destinations in the world and is often referred to as the "Lost City of the Incas." It is a remarkable ancient site located in the Andes Mountains of Peru and was constructed during the height of the Inca Empire.

The site is situated on a mountain ridge and features a series of impressive terraces, buildings, and temples that blend seamlessly with the surrounding natural environment. Visitors can explore the site on foot, taking in the stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys, as well as the impressive stonework of the buildings and the intricate water systems that were used to supply the city.

For photo tourists, Machu Picchu is a dream destination, with endless opportunities for capturing breathtaking photos of the stunning scenery and architectural marvels. Whether taking in the sweeping panoramic views from high above or capturing the intricate details of the stone structures up close, visitors are sure to come away with a collection of unforgettable images. The iconic image of the ruins against the backdrop of the mountain peaks is a must-capture moment for any photographer visiting Machu Picchu.

Puerto Maldonado

Puerto Maldonado is a city in the southeastern region of Peru, known as the gateway to the Amazon Rainforest. This vibrant city is a hub for eco-tourism and wildlife photography, with an abundance of opportunities to capture stunning images of the diverse flora and fauna of the region.

From colorful macaws and monkeys to exotic butterflies and orchids, the Amazon Rainforest is a photographer's paradise. With its proximity to several national parks and conservation areas, Puerto Maldonado is the perfect base for exploring the rainforest and capturing breathtaking photos of its incredible biodiversity.

Whether you're a professional photographer or simply looking to capture some amazing vacation snapshots, Puerto Maldonado is an ideal destination for photo tourists.

Tour Reviews

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Comments

Leslie

18/02/2022

Extraordinary Photographic and Cultural Tour!
Extraordinary experience! Dan and Alex are excellent guides offering friendly and professional travel and photographic expertise. I enjoyed every moment of this expedition through the Sacred Valley, Amazon jungle and Machu Picchu. I was a photography beginner myself and this trip offered everything I needed to learn about photography and the true essence of the Peruvian culture. This company was exceptionally organized, knowledgeable, punctual and very reliable. Highly recommend this team! Not only did Alex and Dan offer great expertise as photographers and guides but they really connect with the region, people and culture on a deep and personal level, offering a unique and lovely experience. I highly recommend this company for anyone interested in sustainable travel, photography or just simply wanting an authentic Peruvian culture personal tour. We also had excellent and friendly drivers and the most beautiful scenes to capture! This is a must for anyone traveling to Peru – experienced or newbies!

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Shyam

18/02/2022

Peru – a beautifully bespoke fortnight
We were a group of 4 friends, on this big holiday to Peru. The itinerary was put together by Dan Søby of Andean Photo Expeditions in partnership with Marius Coetzee of Oryx Photo Tours. It was my first time in South America and I couldn’t have asked for more – we did stuff that was on the tourist trail…Machu Picchu, Cusco, the Amazon rainforest …and a lot of stuff that was off the beaten track – mountain vistas with no other tourists in sight, a visit to a Quechua family in Pampallacta (definitely a highlight for me), a flight over the Nazca Lines (surprisingly this is not on every visitor’s agenda), and some rainforest photography with members of the Machiguenga tribe.

Dan was an amazing guide and a fab photography tutor, pointing out angles, checking our camera settings – and making me see composition in a new light (pun unintended 😜).

Our transport arrangements were perfect and we had some wonderful drivers – Bruce, in particular, who safely manoeuvred Lima traffic, the narrow streets of Cuzco and the unpaved tracks of the Sacred Valley with consummate skill.

I can’t recommend Dan and Andean Photo Expeditions highly enough, and look forward to their expanding their itineraries beyond Peru and Bolivia. I’m sure we’ll be back.

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Sarah Lin

05/01/2023

Amazing Trip!
Sep 2022
It is difficult expressing just how perfect our 19-day Peru trip with Andean Photo Expeditions was; mere words feel completely insufficient.

Peru and its landscapes, flora, fauna, and culture independently are without a doubt already incredible, but both Dan and Noe infinitely elevated our experiences of Peru. They were so mindful, so meticulous, and so knowledgeable in their service, and their love for the country, its people, and history rolled off of them in waves as they revealed to us pockets of Peruvian culture and hidden photographic gems I fully believe most visitors will never get to experience.

The only problem Dan and Noe have left me with is the dread that no trip I take in the future will ever be able to top this unforgettable, rich, and beautiful adventure they took us on. For that, I am eternally grateful.

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Brian S

05/01/2023

Truly excellent!
It was amazing!
We had an incredible 12 day tour between Lima, the Cusco Region and the Amazon rainforest.
Everything was perfect. Amazing logistics and Dan crafted an itinerary with unique, unforgettable experiences which we were able to capture on film.
Thank you!

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James

25/01/2023

Trip of a lifetime. I just got back from a 12 day trip in Peru with Andean Photo Expeditions, and I have to say it was the trip of a lifetime. From exploring the Peruvian Amazon to climbing the heights of the Andes, we were able to not only explore the spectacular sights, but also have culturally rich, off-the-beaten-path experiences.

From the beginning of the process, Dan worked with us to proactively plan a bespoke trip that catered to our interests and fit within our timeline. Even while we were there, our guide was able to adjust plans according to last minute changes (such as protests closing Machu Picchu for two days). Dan made everything a breeze and had our complete trust.

If you’re going to do Peru, do it with Andean Photo Expeditions and you will do it right. I can’t recommend Dan highly enough.

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Lima, Cusco, Machu Picchu and Jungle