Ausangate Workshop
9-day photography workshop in Peru's Vilcanota mountain range with dramatic glaciated peaks, pristine lagoons, and cultural immersion in the Pacchanta community
Everything You Need To Know
Highlights
- Pristine mountain setting to learn in
- Curated lessons every day of workshop
- Private mule support and logistics team
- Personalized instruction throughout the workshop
What You'll Need
- Designed for photographers of all levels
- Advanced physical fitness for multi-day high-altitude trekking
- Ability to hike 4-10km daily at elevations up to 5,102 meters
- Experience with camping and outdoor photography in challenging conditions
What Makes This Location Special
Matt chose the Ausangate trek in the Vilcanota mountain range as the primary venue for this workshop because it offers dramatic mountain landscapes with opportunities to shoot while on trails with dreamy scenes, pristine lagoons, and clear night skies for astrophotography.
Why This Route
We wrap up the workshop in the community of Pacchanta, where you will connect with local people and be able to tell a story about their culture in the high-mountain environment that they've lived in for generations.
Your Journey Unfolds
Meet and Greet
We all meet in Urubamba to kick things off. This includes a meet and greet of your fellow classmates and introduction to the workshop.
Accommodation
Your chosen accommodation
Meals
Dinner
Acclimatization Hike
We do a moderate hike to prepare you for the big trek + photography instruction.
Photo Focus
- Lush valley
- Ancient ruins
- Rivers and mountains
Accommodation
Your chosen accommodation
Meals
Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Acclimatization Hike
We do another moderate hike to prepare you for the big trek + more photography instruction.
Photo Focus
- Glaciated mountains
- Alpine lakes
Accommodation
Your chosen accommodation
Meals
Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Urubamba to Mariposa Camp
We will drive 4.5 hours to the start of the trek. From there we will hike approx. 3 hours to our campsite destination. There will be photography instruction throughout the day.
Photo Focus
- Glaciated peaks
- Large glacial lakes
- Campsite at night
Accommodation
Camping
Meals
Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Mariposa Camp to Anqascocha Lake Camp
On this day we will hike from our Mariposa camp to Angascocha Lake with more instruction.
Photo Focus
- High mountain passes
- Colorful Andean lakes
- Astrophotography
Accommodation
Camping
Meals
Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Anqascocha Lake Camp to Upis Camp
We wake up early to hike from Angascocha Lake camp to Upis campsite. Instruction will be provided throughout the day.
Photo Focus
- High mountain scenery
Accommodation
Camping
Meals
Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Upis Camp to Pacchanta Community
We hike from Upis camp to a homestead in the community of Pacchanta. There are thermal baths to wash up in and we will stay with one of our partner families in these high Andes. There will be more photography instruction.
Photo Focus
- Indigenous life
- Cultural scenes
Accommodation
Pacchanta homestead
Meals
Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Pacchanta Community Full-Day Project
Final project takes place Pacchanta. It will be a minimal hiking day.
Photo Focus
- Pacchanta community and culture
- Mountain landscapes
Accommodation
Pacchanta homestead
Meals
Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Final Project and Final Review, Return to Urubamba/Cusco
Review of the final project in the morning, wrap up the workshop and return to Cusco after lunch.
Accommodation
Your chosen accommodation
Meals
Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Who's Leading This Adventure
Matt Stacy
After falling in love with Peru's mountains in 2022, Matt has led dozens of expeditions into the Cordillera Huayhuash. Living full-time in Peru for 4+ years, he's intimately familiar with the optimal shooting locations, weather patterns, and logistical intricacies of this remote circuit. His photography has been featured in adventure publications worldwide.
Teaching Style
“This is an expedition, not a workshop—I'm here to get you to the right place at the right time and set up the shots. We'll discuss technique around camp, but the focus is on capturing incredible images in one of the world's most spectacular locations.”
Local Guide Partners
Supported by experienced Peruvian mountain guides who know every trail, pass, and campsite. Our local team handles all logistics so you can focus entirely on photography.
The Practical Details
Meeting Point
The Sacred Valley, Urubamba
Transportation
Airport and bus terminal transfers, transportation to trailhead and back to Urubamba included
Accommodation
Mixed - Accommodation only on final two nights in Pacchanta community. Participants arrange their own accommodation for other nights in Urubamba/Cusco.
Meals
All meals starting with dinner the first day until dinner on the final day
Group Size
Maximum 6 participants for personalized instruction
Our Philosophy
Small group sizes ensure everyone gets personalized attention and dedicated time with the instructor. You're not just another participant—you'll receive individual feedback, have your questions answered, and work at a pace that matches your learning style.
What's Included
Investment
USD $3,499
Balance Due
- • Deposit Required: Upon booking to secure your spot
- • Balance Due: 60 days before departure
Payment Methods
Bank Wire Transfer, Credit Card
Cancellation Policy
90+ days: Full refund minus $200 admin fee. 60-89 days: 50% refund. 30-59 days: 25% refund. Less than 30 days: No refund. Travel insurance strongly recommended.
View Full Cancellation PolicyWhat's Included
- Meals (starting with dinner the first day until dinner on the final day)
- Accommodation - only on the final two nights of the workshop in Pacchanta
- Airport and bus terminal transfers
- Transportation to trailhead and back to Urubamba
- Entrance fees to Ausangate
- All meals during the trek (breakfast, lunch, and dinner)
- Certified mountain guide (English speaking)
- Cooks, porters, and mules
- Tents
- Emergency horses
- Photography instructor
Not Included
- International and domestic flights
- Accommodation before, during, and after the workshop – except for final two days in the community of Pacchanta
- Sleeping bag (rentals available)
- Camera equipment
- Extra personal snacks
- Photography equipment insurance
- Travel insurance
- Tips
- Alcoholic beverages
- Personal gear
What To Bring
Essential camera equipment for this adventure
Have Questions About Gear?
Don't have all the equipment listed? We can provide recommendations for rentals or alternatives. The most important thing is to bring what you have and be ready to learn. We'll work with your current setup to help you get the best possible results.
Ausangate
USD $3,499