andean wonders
On this journey, we will depart from Cusco and head south toward the legendary Lake Titicaca.
Rather than following the classic highway, we’ll take alternative routes that lead us through charming villages and breathtaking landscapes.
Beginning in the highlands of Cusco and the Sacred Valley, we’ll trace the course of the Vilcanota River, passing through Andahuaylillas, Raqchi, and Sicuani. From there, we’ll ascend to cross the majestic La Raya Pass without losing the challenging visit to one of the rainbow mountains: Palccoyo.
Once we reach Puno, we’ll enter the vast Andean plateau. At Ayaviri, we’ll explore the impressive Tinajani Canyon before continuing to Puno to finish our adventure at the shimmering waters and coastline of Lake Titicaca.
andean wonders
On this journey, we will depart from Cusco and head south toward the legendary Lake Titicaca.
Rather than following the classic highway, we’ll take alternative routes that lead us through charming villages and breathtaking landscapes.
Beginning in the highlands of Cusco and the Sacred Valley, we’ll trace the course of the Vilcanota River, passing through Andahuaylillas, Raqchi, and Sicuani. From there, we’ll ascend to cross the majestic La Raya Pass without losing the challenging visit to one of the rainbow mountains: Palccoyo.
Once we reach Puno, we’ll enter the vast Andean plateau. At Ayaviri, we’ll explore the impressive Tinajani Canyon before continuing to Puno to finish our adventure at the shimmering waters and coastline of Lake Titicaca.
a superb andean adventure, going from cusco to lake titicaca
the SUGGESTED ITINERARY
We suggest this basic plan to start planning your trip:
Lima city: D1. Arrival in Lima city.
In Cusco: D2. Flight from Lima and arrive to Cusco. Cusco city walk. D3. Sacred Valley tour: Pisac and/or Ollantaytambo. D4. Machu Picchu and return to Cusco at night.
Day 1: We´ll start our first day at 7 am driving to Misminay village. Once there we will take a walk to have the views of Moray and the Veronica mountain. We will continue visiting the Maras Salt Mines and finally shuttled to Andahuaylillas homestay.
Day 2: Drive early morning to the heights of the mountain range to Palccoyo coloured mountain (similar to the Rainbow mountain). Back in the Vilcanota valley we´ll go to Raqchi Inca site, then to La Raya pass, finishing our day near Ayaviri city in the Puno Region.
Day 3: After spending some minutes visiting the local market of Ayaviri, we´ll continue to Tinajani Canyon. From Tinajani we´ll drive up to the Puyas forest and then to the mountain range, driving then to Lampa city, Sillustani and finally arrive to Puno city. Hotel.
Day 4: After an early breakfast, we´ll take a boat ride to Taquile Island. On our way back we will stop and stay at Luquina Community Homestay. Afternoon for some walk by the surrounding mountains until the hour of sunset.
Day 5: Early morning to go to the coastline to shoot the sunrise at the great lake Titicaca. Back to the homestay we´ll take a breakfast and wait for our shuttle to Puno and the Airport of Juliaca. End of the trip. Flight to Lima.
If you want to add Arequipa, this is our suggestion:
Day 5: After shooting the sunrise, trip from Puno to Chivay entering the Colca Valley by Sibayo town. There are many hotels or community homestays.
Day 6: Day of the flight of the Condor. Leaving the lodge early we have to move to Cabanaconde, stopping on the way in some villages. After then, we´ll drive back to Chivay and take the route to the Salinas lake in the Reserve, arriving to Arequipa city in the afternoon.
Day 7: Arequipa city, Santa Catalina Monastery. Flight to Lima at night.
Day 8: Lima.
Notes: You may add one day for another photo tour in Lima or travel to Paracas (2 days recommended)
The tour can be planned starting from Lima to Arequipa, Puno and finishing in Cusco
what kind of photos we MAY take?
Landscapes, ancient places, some birds and flowers, people, and/or local activities.
what lenses are best for this trip?
A wide angle for landscapes (under 24 mm).
A tele if you want to shoot birds or some action (200 mm +).
A zoom 24-70 / 24-105 / 35-150 mm good for multi use.
On sunny days a ND2 or polarized filter, and a ND16 or ND1000
when is best?
The trip can be done safer from May to October.
WHAT DO YOU HAVE TO BRING?
During the day you must use sunscreen and fresh clothes and some wind vest.
At night clothes for temperatures of 0C.
If it snows we may have to make changes to the trip.
VERY IMPORTANT NOTE:
This is a photo trip on high altitudes 4000 or above, you must have no issues with heart, blood pressure, headaches or any other illness that may affect your health and life. This is a wild natural place and have no kind of support for health emergencies.
RESERVE your photo trip
BOOKING CONDITIONS at the bottom of the page
BOOKING CONDITIONS:
Booking procedure:
After pre booking by the web form, or contact us by whatsapp, chat or email, please send a list with names, passport numbers, tour date, meeting point and any request you think could be important, as kind of things you want to photograph, personal style, personal website, mobility issues, etc.
Remember we work only with small groups and private services.
Important:
Save the trip with 50% of the total amount.
This advanced payment is not refundable or transferred if you no show or by any cancellation reason.
The remaining balance must be paid before the begin of the trip.
At crowded places, for personal safety reasons is recommended to have a good backpack and never leave your stuff apart from you.
Use of sport or very confortable shoes fully recommended.
WE DO NOT INCLUDE drinks, personal expenses, travel/accident insurance.
Travelers are fully responsible of their health issues. Some trips require to be in enough shape for hiking at high altitudes or hot/cold areas.
Additionals:
Trips outside Lima city include the transportation.
Other timing or arrangements for mobility handicap or extra assistant under request and extra cost.
Conditions:
1. For many days trips is mandatory to ask for a booking within at least 2 weeks before tour date.
2. If cancellation occurs is considered as No Show and booking advanced payment is not subject of refund.