A person with a headlamp crossing a wooden footbridge over a stream at dawn, tents beside Laguna Carhuacocha and snow peaks lit pink beyond, Cordillera Huayhuash, Peru

Huayhuash Photo Expedition

Immerse yourself in the dramatic landscapes of Peru's Cordillera Huayhuash Alpine Circuit while giving you dedicated time and access to create compelling imagery

Coming 2027
Advanced
10 Spots
9Days
8Nights
USD $2,800
Why This Destination

What Makes This Location Special

The Cordillera Huayhuash is one of the most beautiful mountain ranges in the world, with seven glaciated peaks rising over 6,000 meters, vibrant turquoise lakes, and remote terrain that make it feel different from anywhere else in the Andes. The landscapes are raw, quiet, and virtually untouched by humans, which gives photographers the rare chance to work in a wild mountain setting. It is especially interesting because no matter what the weather is like, rain or shine, there will always be photo opportunities around every corner. It's a place where you can constantly interact with the landscape, and because of that, you can come away with images that feel otherworldly and alive. This destination gives photographers the chance to slow down, look around, and really connect with the scene in front of them. There are new scenes to work with in every valley, high-altitude pass, and campsite. Plus, the lack of crowds on the last days of the trek means you can enjoy them alone. The Huayhuash Alpine circuit is the best place to go if you want to have an adventure and take beautiful mountain pictures.

Folded mountain ridges in bands of rust red, violet, ochre and grey, Cordillera Huayhuash, Peru
Close view of a glacier with blue ice cliffs and seracs spilling over dark rock, Cordillera Huayhuash, Peru
Black-and-white aerial view of the rocky summit of Nevado Puscanturpa standing above a bank of cloud, Cordillera Huayhuash, Peru
A hiker in a red jacket on a rocky high pass, a turquoise lake and a wall of glaciated peaks spread out behind, Cordillera Huayhuash, Peru
Shafts of sunlight through haze across layered blue mountain ridges under a pale sky, Cordillera Huayhuash, Peru
An orange tent on the shore of a still lake below a snow-covered peak and glacier, flanked by dark rock walls, Cordillera Huayhuash, Peru
Cloud tearing across snow-covered peaks and dark rock ridges under a grey sky, east side of the Cordillera Huayhuash, Peru
An orange supermoon rises above a line of snow-capped peaks glowing pink at dusk above brown hills, Cordillera Huayhuash, Peru

Why This Route

This expedition is not the standard Huayhuash circuit that other tour agencies will take people on. We designed this expedition for photographers who want to capture the Huayhuash Circuit in a more intentional and adventurous way, with several days that will set us free from the typical tourist path.

At A Glance

Everything You Need To Know

Highlights

  • Sunrise and sunset sessions
  • Private mule support and logistics team
  • Curated pacing for best photo opportunities
  • Access to remote alpine viewpoints

What You'll Need

  • Moderate to strong fitness is required. You should be comfortable hiking 4–8 miles (6.5–12.8 km) per day on mountain trails with elevation gain
  • The pace is steady and manageable, with breaks for instruction and photography
Meet Your Guide

Who's Leading This Adventure

Matt Stacy

Matt Stacy

Wilderness First Responder7+ Years Expedition Photography50+ Expeditions Led in Peru

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.

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.

Logistics

The Practical Details

Meeting Point

Huaraz, Peru

Transportation

Airport and bus terminal transfers. Transportation to trailhead and back to Huaraz.

Accommodation

Mixed—Hotel & Camping - Hotel in Huaraz. Camping during the trek with tents provided.

Meals

All meals during the trek (breakfast, lunch, and dinner)

Group Size

Up to 10 photographers for optimal flexibility

Our Philosophy

We keep groups intentionally small so you have the flexibility to capture the shots that matter to you. No waiting in line for the perfect angle, no rushing because the group needs to move on. Everyone gets the time and space they need.

Investment

What's Included

Investment

USD $2,800

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

61+ days before departure: we keep 30% of the trip price and refund the rest of your deposit. 31–60 days: we keep 75%. 30 days or less: no refund. Card fees are non-refundable. Travel insurance strongly recommended.

View Full Booking Terms

What's Included

  • Airport and bus terminal transfers
  • Transportation to trailhead and back to Huaraz
  • Entrance fees to Huascarán National Park and the Cordillera Huayhuash
  • All meals during the trek (breakfast, lunch, and dinner)
  • Certified mountain guide
  • Cooks, porters, and mules
  • Tents
  • Emergency horses
  • Entrance fee to Maras Salt Mines
  • Headlamp for early morning hiking
  • Published photography guide

Not Included

  • International and domestic flights
  • Transport from Lima to Huaraz
  • Accommodations
  • Sleeping bag (rentals available)
  • Camera equipment
  • Extra personal snacks
  • Gear and travel insurance
  • Tips
  • Alcoholic beverages
  • Personal gear
Gear Guide

What To Bring

Essential camera equipment for this adventure

A wide-angle lens
A medium telephoto lens
A telephoto lens
Filters (VND and PL are optional)
Camera batteries (at least 5-6 depending on your camera)
SD cards
Tripod (required)
Headlamp (required)
Remote Trigger (optional if not built in to your camera)

What to pack for comfort and safety

Warm layers for early morning hiking
Base layers
Comfortable shoes or boots for hiking on a dirt trail
Regular and long wicking first layer for cold weather, like polyester, nylon, or merino wool
Short-sleeved shirts or t-shirts, breathable fabrics, like nylon and polyester
Long-sleeved shirts or t-shirts
Quick dry pants, trekking pants, and shorts
Insulated long-sleeve jacket (fleece, synthetic, down, merino wool)
Liner gloves
Light cap and beany
Rain jacket (in the rainy season, bring rain pants)
Breathable sports socks or hiking socks (merino wool recommended)
Extra warm socks for nights
Multifunctional headwear (e.g. Buff)
Waterproof and breathable hiking boots
Comfortable and lightweight shoes for campsite
Sleeping Bag (0°C / 32°F to -15°C / 5°F) (rent available)
Day Pack (preferably with rain cover)
Trekking Poles (available to rent)
Waterproof duffle bag
Sunglasses
Headlamp
Microfiber towel
Sunblock, lip balm, and insect repellent
Reusable water bottle
Personal First Aid Kit (recommended)

Equipment and services included

Emergency first aid kit and oxygen

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.

A dark mountainside in shadow above valleys filling with cloud, sunlit brown ridges and a snowy range on the horizon, Cordillera Urubamba, Peru
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Huayhuash Photo Expedition

USD $2,800