Private Tour
Salt Mines, Mountains and Quechua Farmers - Full Day Photography Expedition
Overview
Available languages
Mobile ticket
This photography focused day expedition will take you out of Cusco in our private transport to explore some wonderful locations in the surrounding areas. Explore the Maras Salt Mines, witness huge landscapes and snowcapped mountains, meet and photograph locals in places unknown by the tourist masses. With tips and support throughout the whole day from a professional photographer guide in order to help you take the best photos possible.
Additional Info
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Children must be accompanied by an adult
May be operated by a multi lingual guide
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What‘s Included
Pictures from guide to be sent by email in the following days
Pick-up and drop-off at hotel in Cusco
Professional photographer guide
Transport by private vehicle
Photography assistance during entire tour
Food and drinks
Personal Insurance
Meeting and Pickup
Pickup points
Select a pickup point
What To Expect
Andean Photo Expeditions
9h30 - We begin our tour by picking you up from your hotel or hostel with our private car to begin our drive into the Andes. 10h15 - Our first stop is at a lesser known viewpoint that gives you a spectacular mountain view. There's a pretty neat spot here that allows for a unique picture in which you can place your subject directly in front of the mountain range in the background (break out the telephoto lens for compression of scale!) We can take this shot for you with you as the subject if you so wish. We explore this location for around 30 minutes before jumping back in the car and moving on. 10h45 - We make a quick stop in Chinchero to pick up some local empanadas to eat for lunch a little later in the day. 11h00 - We stop by a local artesenal textile market in Chinchero to learn a little of the textile making process that Chinchero is famous for, after the demonstration we will have the opportunity for a great portrait session with the ladies there, they are always wearing full traditional outfits and are happy to have some photos taken of them. 12h00 - We arrive at Maras salt mines. This is a known location so expect tourists, these go in big groups and so are rushed in and out. Our private visit to the salt mines allows more time to explore and seek out better compositions for your images. We explore here for around 45 minutes. 13h30 - We move to a lake deep in the Andes. This lake is surrounded by colourful fields of agriculture and the Andes mountains as it's backdrop! At this lake we will take some time to relax and eat our empanadas before shooting in the area. The area is full of llamas, alpacas and other animals, here we can get close and take plenty of photos of them. 15h00 - We reach our next location that is around 4000m ASL where we find a full panoramic view of the area with wonderful scope for landscape photography. This location is a private field belonging to a family of potato farmers that give us access to this unique location! If we are lucky on this field we can find friends and family of the owners farming the lands and herding their sheep, this makes for amazing on-location portrait documentary work. The light and direction of the sun at this hour allow for very complete landscape shots with highlights, shadows and different tonalities. 16:00 - Begin the drive back to Cusco. 17:00 - Arrival in Cusco, drop-off at your hotel.
Options
Salt Mines, Mountains and Quechua Farmers - Full Day Photography Expedition
Pickup included
Reviews
19 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Peru, dazzling and warm country
fschmid18,
Apr 28, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Accompanied by Raul, our guide we discovered extraordinary landscapes and were able to share a great moment of conviviality with Bernardino and his family. Thanks to Andean expeditions this trip was fantastic.
The Experience of a LIFETIME!! An unforgettable 2 week mother daughter trip around Peru with Andean Photo Expeditions!
Skylar K,
Jul 8, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I went on a two-week mother daughter trip through Peru with Andean Photo Expeditions, and it was the most unforgettable adventure I’ve ever had. Dan, the owner, was so helpful in helping us create the perfect itinerary. From the seamless logistics to the thoughtfully chosen accommodations and authentic local experiences, Andean Photo Expeditions exceeded all our expectations!! Our journey began in Lima with the Huacachina Photo tour, a highlight thanks to Dan’s expert guidance, friendly nature, and incredible photography skills. We enjoyed sandboarding and dune buggy rides and received amazing drone footage too. Dan also recommended a private bonfire dinner here and it was one of the most experiences for my mom and I. During Cusco Photo tour and exploration of the Sacred Valley, we were guided by Noe, another talented member of the team. Noe took us to hidden gems and local spots we would never have found on our own, capturing stunning photos and videos throughout the trip. His creativity and talent in videography made every moment special, and he quickly became a friend. A standout experience was the Faces of Peru tour, where we participated in an authentic cultural ceremony with the Quechua community. This unique experience was deeply moving and provided insights into Peruvian culture that we could not have accessed without Andean Photo Expeditions. Noe’s translation from Quechua to English allowed us to engage fully in the ceremony. Our itinerary also included The Moray, Mara’s and Chinchero photography tour (would never have been able to do this much without them!) A highlight here was a beautiful countryside picnic set up for us, and candid moments captured beautifully by Noe throughout. Lastly, a bucket list visit to Machu Picchu, a sunrise horseback to Humantay Lake, Rainbow Mountain, and a final leg to Lake Titicaca - all experienced with the most incredible guide Noe. Andean Expeditions also set up two of the most unique and authentic experiences I’ve ever had - A special geodesic eco-dome camp before Humantay and a homestay experience on our own floating islands of Lake Titicaca, both hosted by the kindest families who made us feel instantly at home and prepared all of our fresh home cooked meals. Noe’s expertise in photography and videography was invaluable. As a new content creator, I learned so much from him that I will carry forward in my future travels. His dedication to capturing the perfect shots is truly so special. This was truly a trip of a lifetime, and I am immensely grateful to Dan and Noe for making it so special. I wholeheartedly recommend Andean Photo Expeditions to anyone looking for an extraordinary travel experience in South America. Thank you, Dan and Noe! I look forward to my next adventure with you both!
Exceptional
streetmiks,
May 10, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I had an exceptional time and tour with Noe. I could not recommend more highly. I really left feeling like I made a new friend. I also loved all the app knowledge he shared.
Highly recommend
302thibaultg,
Dec 4, 2023
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Great experience with Dan with whom we visited part of Peru for a bit more than a week. He was great at finding off the beaten tracks activities as well as original venues. We particularly appreciated his ability to adapt to us and our rhythm. Being a great photographer he helped tremendously in finding the good spots and situations. Highly recommend and looking fwd to our next trip to check out the areas we didn’t have time to go to.
Best experience ever, Best photos ever
shivap853,
Nov 1, 2023
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We were on honeymoon in south America and we booked our honeymoon photoshoot with Noe in Cusco. We also wanted to see the area with a local so the whole package worked out perfectly for us. Noe was super friendly, patient and knowledgeable and SUPER TALENTED photographer. He not only took the most amazing photos but he also took us to hidden gems of Cusco and around and told us all about the history and traditions of people in the area. We can not recommend them enough. The most memorable day in our trip.
WONDERFUL!
Keelyonseeley,
Jun 2, 2023
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Review Our photo tour with Noe was nothing short of spectacular! We had a fabulous time visiting locations off the beaten path. There were virtually no other tourists. Noe is super knowledgeable, personable, friendly, fun, and kind. His English was great; we had no issues communicating with him. We couldn’t have chosen a better experience to commemorate our 25th anniversary than to capture our time in Peru with a photographic journey among spectacular scenery. What a memorable experience! We are so thankful for having had Noe’s guidance and expertise is selecting some of the most beautiful places on earth. If you are on the fence about this one…DO IT!
Professional tour
Compass21074983813,
May 24, 2023
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I joined the two days tour about Rainbow mountain and Pallay Punchu. The guide and driver are really nice. We have two great days. And I really enjoy in it. I will come back again. Thanks Andean Photo Expeditions. Thanks Noe.
Dream trip!
davidgE8722HT,
Oct 6, 2022
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This is the perfect expedition to free yourself from traditional tourist routes without hassle. You will go to places where other tourists do not go like, local markets, a school and small farms. The landscapes are breathtaking! It is also ideal for street photography. Dan, the guide, is very flexible and helpful. We didn't make a little detour to a doctor because I had an eye problem. It was nothing serious, but at least I was reassured. The mini van is clean and spacious. Frankly, if you like photography, you will get your money's worth! (see my pictures!) Thanks again Dan! David
Get carried away by Andean Photo Expeditions!
mbucceri90,
Jun 19, 2022
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00With my girlfriend we decided to rely on Dan and his agency Andean Photo Expéditions to go and visit the Salinas de Maras and the colorful mountains of Palcoyo. Fantastic experiences! All perfectly organized and with fantastic guides, Becker and Noe! The care in the explanations, the availability of the boys and the timing made these two excursions unique. In addition, Dan was also super helpful in helping us organize our tour in Peru, giving us great advice on what to do and where to go. A precious person! Relax and rely on Andean Photo Expéditions !
Highlight of my trip in south america
Pedrofp82,
Oct 5, 2020
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Stunning locations and beautiful Peruvian people - that’s what you can expect of this tour. Highlight of my trip. Great care and attention from my photographer guide with tips along the way. Overall the tour provided great images which is exactly what I wanted from this trip. Awesome experience.vwish I had se guys sooner so I could book more tours.
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