

Sacred Valley Photo Tours
Sacred Valley Photo Tours
Activity Type

Physical Grading

Service Level

Group Size

- Positive impact on nature
- Jobs for local tour guides
- Jobs for local muleteers & porters
- Empowering those who have fewer chances
- Money for local transportation
Sacred Valley Photo Tours
Sacred valley Photo Tours–Feel the pulse of ancient history on this 2-day photography journey through one of Peru’s most timeless regions–the Sacred Valley, shooting traditional Quechua markets, the breathtaking terraced salt mines of Maras, Pisac with its massive crop terraces, the sunrise at Chinchero, and the sunset at the sun temple of Ollantaytambo.
This tour is about bringing the ancient Incan temples, local people, and its Incan cobblestones streets to life through photography. We believe the greatest way to see and explore a place is with your camera in tow. And it’s not about snapping pictures so you can remember moments later – for us, it’s all about the journey, and the moment itself.
Shoot the magnificent Inca ruins found from Pisac to Ollantaytambo and beyond, some of the finest not only in Peru, but also in all of the Americas, are testaments to the region’s immense ceremonial importance. The Incas built several of the empire’s greatest estates, temples, and royal palaces between the sacred centers of Cusco and Machu Picchu, positioned like great bookends at the south and north ends of the valley. A perfect destination with stunning vistas of snow-capped peaks in the Urubamba Range.
Our photography vacations, excursions, tours, Journeys are unique in that they help you see the genuine side of the city, encouraging you to explore off the well-trodden tourist trail and teach you how to take great photos in the process. Join us!
Trip Details for Sacred Valley Photo Tours
Duration: 2 Days / 1 Nights
Physical Rating: 2 – Light – Moderate. Hotel, Lodge nights and/or safari-style camping, hikes of two to four hours on some days. Other physical activities are sometimes included, such as optional sea kayaking, rafting, suitable for most fitness levels. Nothing too challenging
Service Level: Upgraded
Group Size: Small Private Group. Small group experience, Min 02 – Max 08, Avg 04.
Activity: Photography Adventures.
Arrive: Cusco, Peru
Depart: Cusco, Peru
Trip Itinerary
DAY 1: Visit to Pisac Inca Site, Calca Typical Market, Ollantaytambo Inca Site, Ollantaytambo Town, And Sunrise shooting in Ollantaytambo Town.
Today early in the morning we head out on a full-day photography exploration of the Urubamba Valley – the enchanting “Sacred Valley of the Incas”. Shortly after leaving Cusco. En route, visit a center where South American camelids, such as llamas and alpacas, are bred, a great place for shooting these animals. Learn about the valuable fibers created from their coats, and feed these iconic animals. Our next photo stop will be at the exceptionally well-preserved ruins at Pisac, which provide an opportunity for us to take a short warm-up hike as we shoot the site’s various structures and terraces before making our way down to Pisac town and its bustling crafts market, where we’ll explore this colorful market as we take amazing pictures. After exploring, we travel through the Sacred Valley to Calca, a small town in the Sacred Valley, it has something special to offer us, its typical market.
We will then continue to Urubamba where we have our lunch, Our next traveling is through the same valley, past Incan terraces and fields of corn, wheat, barley and quinoa, ultimately arriving in the town of Ollantaytambo, where a stunning temple of the sun is located over the hill, made by rocks that were brought from 4 miles away. We’ll take our time to shoot unique photos with our creative Tour Leader. We then explore Ollantaytambo town whose street plan still maintains its original Incan layout. After Cusco was overtaken by the conquistadors, Manco Inca and his army of approximately 30,000 retreated to Ollantaytambo and were victorious here against the forces of Spanish commander Hernando Pizarro in the Battle of Ollantaytambo. After a photo tour of the town and remarkable namesake ruins.
Our tour ongoings on the hillside of Pinkuylluna mountain, located in front of the temple of the sun of Ollantaytambo, where some Incan constructions are perched on the hillside, and perfect place to shoot the sunset, with the backdrops of Mountains and Inca ruins. In the evening we drive to our hotel located in the same valley, upon our arrival hotel check-in. Next, dinner, after having dinner, we have a chance to go to hotel garden to shoot some night sky pictures. Meals not included.
DAY 2: Sunrise Shot in Chinchero Inca Site, Moray Inca Site, Maras Town, Maras Salt Pans, Andean Hills
We’ll take our early breakfast at hotel to head out on a full-day exploration of the western side of Urubamba Valley. We travel to the lovely high Andean village of Chinchero, with beautiful colonial church and Inca temples, a perfect place to shoot the sunrise. Next, we visit a textile cooperative and learn more about the weaving traditions that have been passed down among the local people for centuries, a great place to take amazing shots about the Andean textile.
Our next photography destination will be the Inca ruins of Moray. The circular terraces of Moray were used as an agricultural “research laboratory” for the Incas, who studied temperature variation from one terrace to another in order to develop different crop varieties. We continue to the small town of Maras, and the picturesque salt mines. Originally used by the Pre-Inca and Inca culture, villagers from surrounding communities still mine salt by hand from the spring-fed terraced pools. We’ll finish our photography session of the Sacred Valley at this amazing place. In the late afternoon we return to our hotel. Breakfast, and packed lunch included.
Note on Itinerary
Although we do our best to adhere to the schedule listed above, this itinerary is subject to change for numerous reasons beyond our control.
Inclusions
Included on the Sacred Valley Photo Tours
- Private Transport.
- Entrance fee to the Incan Sites.
- Special photography permission for Incan Sites
- A photographer Tour Leader.
Not Included on the Sacred Valley Photo Tours
- Extra expenditure during the tour, such as: bottle water, soda, alcoholic drinks, extra snacks.
- Tipping.
- Hotel.
- Some meals.
- Photography equipment
- Travel Insurance.
Prices & Dates
Number of participants | Price per person | Total ($ USD) | |
---|---|---|---|
1 Participant | We have special rates for SOLO travelers. Get started by filling out the inquiry form. | Enquire Now | |
2 Participants | $ 420.00 | $ 840.00 | Enquire Now |
3 Participants | $ 400.00 | $ 1 200.00 | Enquire Now |
4 Participants | $ 380.00 | $ 1 520.00 | Enquire Now |
5 Participants | $ 340.00 | $ 1 700.00 | Enquire Now |
6+ Participants | We have special rates for groups, which are over 6ppl. Get started by filling out the inquiry form. | Enquire Now |
# | |
---|---|
1 person (We have special rates for SOLO travelers. Get started by filling out the inquiry form.) |
Enquire Now |
2 people $ 420.00 |
Enquire Now |
3 people $ 400.00 |
Enquire Now |
4 people $ 380.00 |
Enquire Now |
5 people $ 340.00 |
Enquire Now |
6+ people (We have special rates for groups, which are over 6ppl. Get started by filling out the inquiry form.) |
Enquire Now |
- Flexibility on dates: Choose your own dates, you decide when to start your journey.
- Perfect for families, group of mates (friends), honeymoon: Make this trip for you and your loved ones or someone special.
- Totally customizable: Travel the way you want; so you can travel exactly how you want. Book this trip as is or customize it to be as active or relaxed, rustic or luxurious as you wish to go. Perfect for multi-generational families and to celebrate a special anniversary or milestone birthday.
- Go at your own pace: Walk or explore on your own rhythm, forget to stay or keep up with the large groups. It's your own journey.
Note on Prices
Prices are quoted in US Dollars and all payments must be made in US Dollars. Prices are per person based on SEMI-PRIVATE service; we depart with 2 ppl as a minimum, 8 ppl as maximum, and an average of 4 ppl in a group.
Trip Payment Schedule
- At time of reservation: 50% of the total balance.
- 90 days prior to departure: Balance should be paid fully, or once upon your arrival in Cusco the other 50% of final balance must be paid fully.
Cancellation and Transfer Fee Schedule
- Minimum fee (Tour permit fee): $80 per person
- 61-90 days prior to departure: 30% of trip cost
- 46-60 days prior to departure: 50% of trip cost
- 45 days or less: 100% of trip cost
What Makes Us Different!… Here’s, Why You Should Book With Us!
What Makes Us Different!… Here’s, Why You Should Book With Us!
Making a choice of your right travel company/ tour operator is the most important decision you will make as you make your plans for a long-anticipated dreamed adventure. At first glance, some companies may seem cheaper. However, when you research a little deeper, you will see why traveling with Peru Summit Adventures assures that you will have the most memorable travel experience possible. In fact, we guarantee it, our TripAdvisor reviews say that.
Making genuine and sustainable itineraries often translate to real costs, with a host of responsible travel practices that underpin our prices, here are the reasons why you should go with us!
1. We Focus on Details
Little insignificant details make all the difference to get a successful trip and an unforgettable experience, that’s the point where our tailor-made trip specialists and destination experts work intensely. No stone is left unturned in our quest to deliver exceptional private tours, trekking tours, and expeditions in Peru. With us, it’s all about you and your traveling mates too, for sure! We take your wants, needs, time constraints, budgets, and personal travel style into account to deliver experiences that are far from standard.
2. Our Safety Record is Flawless
Safety is at the core of everything we do at Peru Summit Adventures. There is nothing that we take more seriously. Put away your concerns and start enjoying the trip of your life knowing that you are on safe and sound hands. Peru Summit Adventures is a registered trademark and a licensed company by the Peruvian Ministry of Tourism (MINCETUR).
3. Knowledge and Expertise
What an awesome to travel with someone who is from the same destination, a professional expert, it’s how you get the first-hand information. Our Peru Summit Adventures staff are friendly, funny, with deep knowledge on the route and destination, and great storytellers. We love what we do and it’s obvious. A simple concept, yes, but it makes all the difference. The team at Peru Summit Adventures all live and breathe the trip, experience, adventure, (you’ll see this when you arrive!). We love what we do, and it’s obvious. From the moment you arrive, you’ll feel the buzz and excitement that Peru Summit Adventures offers.
4. We are Local Entrepreneurs, A Family Enterprise (we are not a gringo company)
Probably you will see that most of the tour operators mention it on their websites that are local tour companies, however, if you research a little deeper you will find out that’s not true, they might be although half of the operation is done from here and another half abroad, they even have NorthAmerican phone number or European phone numbers, which is a clue to find out, we are not against the foreigner companies or half foreign companies, what we are against is that they lie.
In Cusco exist just few truly local tour operators. If you did not know, foreign companies come to Peru to get rich without paying a General Sales Tax or Tax Contribution to our country. If you did not know that, according to the United Nations, for every US $100 spent on a tour in a developing country or foreign travel companies, only $5 stays in the local economy. Normally, almost all of the money flows back to large companies operating outside the destination countries. As we are a local family enterprise, we guarantee that your travel expenditures will support the local economy, and improve the lives of Peruvians through contributing to general sales tax.
Responsible Travel
Be a responsible traveller! Let’s make this world a better place for everyone and for everyone that lives in it! The natural environments that we travel to are fragile and abundant with beautiful culture and traditions that are often reliant on tourism. We have a responsibility as travelers to minimize the impact of our presence, protect what is delicate, and leave a positive influence everywhere we can.
As a locally owned and based Peruvian tour company, we integrate these practices into our in-country operations we are aiming for a style of travel that makes the world a better place for everyone, and for everyone that lives in it. Since our very first days as a tour operator, responsible business has been at the heart of what we do. Peru Summit Adventures is committed not just to treading lightly, but to making a real difference by helping and investing in local communities, education initiatives, environmental conservation projects. These values are not more than just words, they are ingrained in the
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Do I need to bring my photography equipment?
You do indeed need to bring your own equipment, you will soon find that choices in photography equipment are very much based on personal preference, and there is no way we could accommodate everyone’s tastes.
You can bring more than just basic cameras if you choose, but keep in mind you have to be able to carry the gear in your day pack during the day hikes and it has to fit safely inside a duffel bag. You should at the very least bring a waterproof bag to carry your camera in – Multiday treks tend to drizzle at high altitudes close by to the glaciers. If you have any questions at all about whether your equipment is appropriate for one of our trips please call us at +51 98 4464 391 or send us a note via our contact page also via WhatsApp and we will be happy to assist you get sorted out.
Other items that you need to bring with
- Travel insurance (and some copies).
- Face tissue paper, toilet paper.
- Camera.
- Camera kit and accessories.
- Camera charger and, extra batteries.
- Sunblock,
- Sun hat.
- Sunglasses.
- Backpack to carry your things.
- Rain gear
- Water bottle, Canteen or Camelback container.
- Long sleeve T-shirts.
- Hiking trousers
- American dollars and Peruvian soles in cash.
- Anti-inflammatory tablets (e.g., Ibuprofen).
- Personal first-aid kit (should contain lip salve, Aspirin, Band Aids, anti-histamine, Imodium or similar tablets for mild cases of diarrhea, re-hydration powder, extra prescription drugs you may take).
Whats the Trip Like
When To Go
This photography tour to Sacred Valley can be explored all year, but in late January and February, are the rainiest months, when some Inca sites are foggy and difficult to see. The season normalizes in March and April, when the rains lighten up and the mountains are still green. High season begins in May and extends through September, as these are the driest months. October through December are considered shoulder season, when occasional rain is possible, but keep in mind that the highlands of Peru are a temperate desert and it is not uncommon for it not to rain for weeks at a time even in the height of the rainy season. This is also the time with the fewest hikers on the trail, more flowers in bloom, and fewer tourists at Machu Picchu as well as in Cusco. Temperatures in the Cusco-Machu Picchu region range from the high 60s in the daytime to the low 40s at night, with some variation depending on the time of year you go.
Trip Leaders
A professional Peru Summit Adventures Tour Guide with a deep knowledge of the destination and a focus on customer service makes all the difference. Our leaders are experts in Inca history, nature, birding, photography, gastronomy, local language, etc., with a profound connection to Peru’s fascinating traditional culture. They take care of all the details so that you can savor the experiences of the trip. And just as important, they have a remarkable gift for sharing their extensive knowledge and favorite places. Our Tour Leaders (tour guides) have the warmth, endless energy, and that special “it” factor that transforms a trip into an unforgettable journey.
Extend your Experience
Suggested Reading List
We have created a custom comprehensive listing of Sacred Valley Photo Tours, Machu Picchu and Peru, Machu Picchu, and Peru travel books for this trip. Our reading list Peru is custom-designed to complement specific Peru Summit destinations. We feature a handpicked selection of travel guides, maps, literature, books on art, cuisine, nature, and culture, designed to help you get more out of your travels to Machu Picchu & Peru.
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