Our Story

Rooted in Adventure

A climber in an orange jacket walking a rocky path through a moss-covered queñua forest of twisted trees, on the way to Refugio Ishinca, Cordillera Blanca, Peru
About AAV

Why We Do What We Do

An orange tent glowing at night beside a lake, a waterfall and snow-covered peaks under a deep blue sky with faint stars, Cordillera Huayhuash, Peru

Est. 2025

The best shot is usually where the tour buses don't stop

After our founder Matt's life-changing expedition to Peru in 2022, it became clear these mountains held something special—endless valleys and peaks that would be full with photographers if they were in the Alps or Rockies, but here they sat almost empty, waiting.

We started going to these places with the idea of bringing small groups, sharing locations that are adventure and landscape photographers' paradise. Places where you can capture images that nobody else has.

We're here for photographers who understand that getting the shot sometimes means starting the hike at 3am, who know that weather can make or break a composition, and who'd rather have one incredible image than a hundred average ones.

Our Values

What Matters to Us

01

Community Partnerships

We always partner with the local communities where we operate. Our focus is on creating genuine relationships built on mutual respect, trust, and camaraderie.

02

Leave No Trace

Matt was a proud Boy Scout growing up, and LNT principles are woven into every adventure we operate. Our mission is to leave every trail better than we found it.

03

Small Groups By Design

Our small group sizes preserve the serenity of the places we visit, giving guests a more intimate connection to their surroundings.

Meet the Founder

The Photographer Who Started AAV

Black-and-white portrait of Matt Stacy, adventure photographer and founder of Andes Adventure Visuals, with long hair and a beard, in a knit sweater

Matt Stacy's journey to the Andes began far from these peaks in the flatlands of the midwestern United States, specifically in the suburbs of Chicago. Everything changed for him when he moved to the west for a job in the tech industry and discovered Southern California's blissful mountain ranges.

"My passion for photography grew alongside my love of mountain exploration. I fell for long hikes to scenic destinations and wanted to capture those moments in a way that would inspire others. I bought my first camera and taught myself to use it, aiming to tell compelling visual stories that encourage others to seek their own outdoor adventures."

Since founding Andes Adventure Visuals in 2025, Matt has dedicated himself to sharing incredible locations with other photographers who crave something beyond the usual shots.

Credentials & Experience

2025 Backcountry Magazine Photo Annual
Spanish Speaker
Wilderness First Responder
Avalanche Level 1
Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate
Our Approach

How We Work

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
01

Tailor-Made Experiences, Not Packaged Tours

Your skill level, your photography goals, your interests. We adapt the experience to match what you're looking for, not force you into a predetermined itinerary.

Close view of a glacier with blue ice cliffs and seracs spilling over dark rock, Cordillera Huayhuash, Peru
02

Community Driven

Everyone who participates in an Expedition or Workshop is invited to join one of our Andes Adventure Visuals alumni groups where we'll continue in sharing our passions for all things photography, outdoor adventures and more.

A red dome tent pitched in a hollow dug into snow, a backpack at its entrance and cloud filling the valleys below, Cordillera Urubamba, Peru
03

Expert-Led Itineraries

Matt lives in Peru full-time and has explored the nooks and crannies of the largest mountain ranges for 5+ years, meaning he knows the special places and times to visit these areas unlike any influencer that passes through. This is his home, not just a vacation spot.

A dark mountainside in shadow above valleys filling with cloud, sunlit brown ridges and a snowy range on the horizon, Cordillera Urubamba, Peru
04

Sometimes Rugged, Always Real

We're honest about what each experience requires. Some itineraries venture into challenging mountain terrain, others are single-day programs without intense physical demands. We prepare you for what's ahead, no surprises.

Two trekkers with large packs walking a stony trail through scrub, glaciated peaks at the head of the valley ahead, first day of the Santa Cruz trek, Peru
05

Continuous Development & Innovation

Our ears are open and we love feedback. Is there something you particularly loved about your experience? Or something that you wish we did differently? We want to know your thoughts to better serve you and our future customers.

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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Peru is Calling

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