Introduction
Surely one of the most breathtaking and photogenic destinations in the world. Following in the footsteps of the Inkas we’ll photograph their incredible feats of engineering where man made construction blends so seamlessly with nature it’s often difficult to tell them apart. Adding to this are the equally impressive Spanish colonial buildings and influence in towns such as Cusco that only serve to add more drama and elegance. The faces of the Inka are still evident in many of the local people and their traditions and we will be looking for opportunities to capture these.
Peru is one of the friendliest and most varied of the Latin American countries and with our expert local guides we will get the most from our time there. As well as building a memorable portfolio of images expect to also gain a deeper insight to the history and social structure of the central Andean region. Many of the local inhabitants hold strongly to their past and traditions.
The crown of this incredible trail is our visit to Machu Picchu. Rediscovered a hundred years ago by Hiram Bingham the mostly forgotten citadel was established by the Inkas in the 1400’s only to be abandoned at the time of the Spanish conquest. With the help of locals Bingham opened up awareness of the site to a wider audience. Although an arduous trek it’s possible to ascend the adjoining Huayna Picchu (small or young peak) or on the other side of the ruins Machu Picchu (old mountain) for some breathtaking views of the scale and engineering feats of the Inkas.
There is so much to see and photograph on these historic trails that you will leave Peru with a large collection of memorable images.
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Cusco and transfer to hotel.
Arrive in the Peruvian city of Cusco, usually from an internal flight from Lima. You will be met at the airport and transfer to our comfortable hotel in the centre of Cusco. Time to relax and acclimatise to the high altitude. We will have a pre trip meeting in the evening followed by dinner in a local restaurant.
Day 2: Shooting in and around Cusco.
The action starts after breakfast. Our Cusco guide will meet us and we will set out on foot to shoot many of the points of interest in the town, including the charming Plaza de Aramas (also a great shot at night), the cathedral, the famous Inka 12 sided stone and much more. After lunch, our guide will take us to a nearby market for more amazing photography opportunities. During dinner we will chat about our photos from the day and have a talk on the history and culture of the high Andes and Quechua people.
Day 3: Visit to Sacsayhuaman.
We will have an early start and drive up to Sacsayhuaman, overlooking Cusco. Our guide will keep us informed while we take photos of this incredible Inka ruin. After this we will move on to the ruins at Pisac perched high above the Urubamba River in the Sacred Valley. Besides the breathtaking views, there is lots to shoot here, in particular, graphic compositions of Inka stonework. There is time to get a little creative and soak up the splendour. As ever, our knowledgeable local guide will be on hand to show us around and provide information. In the late afternoon we’ll move down to the market town of Pisac for dinner. We will overnight here.
Day 4: Photography in Pisac market.
We’ll make an early start today to shoot images in the famed market. The locals almost exclusively wear their traditional dress and follow ancient customs. The photography opportunities are endless. Our guide will assist and most of the vendors are happy for you to photograph them or their wares (often in exchange for a small gratuity). Peruvians in general are a friendly and open people and although you will have a language barrier it is easy to strike up a good rapport with the locals. After lunch, we will transfer to the historic fortress town of Ollantaytambo, stopping on the way for a swift drink of chichi with the locals. In the evening we’ll go out for a shoot in the town.
Day 5: Meander through the Sacred Valley.
Today we move along the valley towards Urubamba. Here we will be looking to get off the beaten track and on to the trail into a local village that doesn’t see many tourists. There are numerous other sights of interest and we will be taking our time, visiting Chinchero and Calca. Today is all about becoming even more absorbed in the Andean culture. There is much to photograph from farmers working their terraces by hand to small children playing in village squares. We will end the day in Ollantaytambo for a meal in a local restaurant.
Day 6: Shoot in Ollantaytambo.
Today we’ll go up to the remarkable ruins located above the town. There are many examples of incredible exploits of engineering to be found here and our guide will unravel the fascinating story of how the Inkas, without the use of the wheel, managed to work and transport huge blocks of stone, some weighing many tons from the valley below. Again, the views are incredible and there is a multitude of interesting and photogenic opportunities. We’ll relax in the middle of the day and go out in the town in the late afternoon.
Day 7: Arrive Aguas Caliente our base camp for Machu Picchu.
Following a morning walk around Ollantaytambo, we’ll take the train to Aguas Caliente, itself a marvellous subject for photography. This charming town has boomed in recent decades and there are lots of photo opportunities in the narrow streets and markets. We will visit the local hot bathes in the evening and prepare for the following day.
Day 8: Full day at Machu Picchu.
We will be out at first light this morning and in to Machu Picchu on the first transfer bus. The whole day will be spent here however, our main points of interest are early morning and late afternoon for the best light and to avoid the crowds. Subject to availability we stand a good chance of getting one of the restricted ticket allocations for trekking up Huayna Picchu. Besides the splendour of the ruins of the ‘Lost City’ there are numerous walks and treks. Depending on the weather, we will walk to the Sun Gate (nicknamed fog gate by the locals) for an alternative view of the city. We will have a hearty picnic lunch somewhere among the ruins. In the evening we will return to Aguas Clients for a well earned rest.
Day 9: Return to Cusco.
Today we return to Cusco via the train back to Ollantaytambo, to say goodbye to Peru and after lunch you will be transferred back to the airport to connect with your return flight.
NOTE: The order of this itinerary may change nearer the time based on advice from our local partner agency. We may move the visit to Machu Picchu to coincide with the day of the summer solstice subject to updates nearer to departure.
What’s included
- All of the accommodation listed in the day to day itinerary.
- Services of the Creative Trail leader, local guides and drivers.
- Cusco visitor ticket and Machu Picchu entrance.
- All meals listed except any on the last day in Cusco.
- Ground transport from Cusco and back to Cusco car, bus, coach, train, guided walks.
- Photography tuition and guidance from your leader.
Not included
- International flights to and from Cusco.
- Travel insurance.
- Visa costs and airport taxes if applicable.
- Tips and local payments to guides, porters and drivers.
- Meals, other than those listed and drinks, bar bills or snacks.
- Souvenirs, curios or other purchases such as laundry.
- Any optional tours or activities not included in the itinerary.