HIGHLIGHTS

Step back in time with Photo Quest Adventures on a magical expedition through the heart of the Incan Empire. Peru is a land rich in diverse terrains, indigenous cultures, and lost empires. Capture the ancient traditions of the Inti Raymi Festival in Cusco, the Incan capital situated at 11,000 feet above sea level.

Learn how to capture compelling portraits of locals using off-camera flash techniques, and master the art of shooting breathtaking landscapes with Peru’s dramatic scenery as your backdrop. From the Andean Altiplano to the soaring peaks of the Andes Mountains and the mystical lost city of Machu Picchu, this journey offers endless photographic opportunities.

We will be staying at the Sanctuary Lodge Hotel, the most luxurious accommodation located right at the top of Machu Picchu, allowing us to capture the magical sunrise directly from the hotel and avoid the long drive up to the site.

We will also venture to the serene Lake Titicaca, where you’ll photograph the world’s highest navigable lake and its unique floating islands, immersing yourself in the culture and beauty of Peru’s indigenous communities.

Join us as we explore the stunning natural landscapes of this South American gem, capturing images that tell the story of a land where ancient history and vibrant modern culture coexist in harmony.

June 18:  DEPART THE USA FOR CUSCO, PERU (CUZ)

June 19:  ARRIVE CUSCO, PERU

Arrive at the Cusco airport and transfer to the Hotel. We will meet for a group dinner this evening.  (D) 

June 20: Cusco – Sacred Valley

Cusco, the historical capital of the Incan Empire that was declared a World Heritage Site in 1983 by UNESCO. Nestled in a valley 11,000 feet above sea level, Cusco’s red-tile-roofed buildings and steep cobblestone streets are surrounded by some of the mightiest peaks in the Andes.

Tour the Sacred Valley of the Incas and hone your portrait photography at the Chincheros Market where we will photograph weavers who still use the techniques of their Incan ancestors. Explore the Maras salt mines and capture the white salt and brown dirt patchwork of almost 3000 reservoirs covering the entire valley. Photograph the locals working the mines as they press the spring water out of the salt with their feet. Shoot the Moray Inca site and its green, circular layers of agricultural terraces. The 150-meter deep bowl-like depressions served as natural greenhouses where it is believed that the Incas created their own microclimate enabling them to grow lower altitude agriculture at high altitudes.

Overnight at Aranwa Cusco Boutique Hotel.  (BL)

June 21:  Willoq – Ollantaytambo - Cusco

Explore the remote Andean village of the Willoq, a community virtually unchanged in social structure, dress and language since pre-Incan times. Practice environmental portrait photography as these indigenous people go about their daily business making textiles.

Later, continue on to the Ollantaytambo Incan site where ancient temples and fortresses were built to protect the Sacred Valley. Walkways, pools and canals, all expertly fashioned, demonstrate the unrivaled skill of the builders. 

Overnight Aranwa Cusco Boutique Hotel.  (BL)

June 22:  Machu Picchu

Transfer to the Ollanta Railway Station for a scenic ride aboard the Vistadome Valley Train to Machu Picchu. Transfer to the Sanctuary Lodge Hotel, located on Machu Picchu just feet from the ancient site.

After checking in, explore and photograph the infamous and spiritual ancient ruins surrounded by the dramatic Andes Mountain peaks. These impressive ruins were hidden for 400 years by a semi-tropical jungle in between two peaks with sheer mountainsides falling vertically to the Urubamba River. Wander through and photograph the maze of empty plazas, chambers and stone structures of this enigmatic, archaeological wonder. (BL)

Overnight at the Sanctuary Lodge Hotel.

June 23:  Machu Picchu - Cusco

Capture mystical images during an early morning photo shoot as the sun rises through the misty cloud forest surrounding the lush green mountains and ancient ruins of Machu Picchu. We have secured special access to enter the site before it opens to the general public.

Depart Machu Picchu with a late afternoon train ride from Ollanta to Cusco.  (BLD)

June 24:  Cusco, The Inti Raymi Festival

Full day excursion to the Inti Raymi Festival. We will have special access to a tribute to the Sun God, Apu Inti Tayta. TA re-enactment of the solstice celebration takes place every year on June 24 in historic Cuzco, the ancient hub of the Inca's vast empire. More than 150,000 colorfully clad natives and tourists assemble in the morning at the fabled Koricancha, or Sun Temple, where the Inca (a local resident designated to play the part) delivers an invocation of praise to Father Sun. Next, the royal entourage moves to the main plaza. After a ceremonial reading of the sacred coca leaf to divine the future of the empire, the Inca proceeds to the massive stone walls of Sacsayhuaman, a cultural treasure situated on a hilltop outside of town.

With its commanding view, the ruined fortress remains one of the most astonishing megaliths of the ancient world. Dressed in full regalia, the honorary Inca delivers his orations in Quechua, the native tongue that is still spoken in Andean highlands.

The formal spectacle lasts just four or five hours, but for an entire week Cuzco radiates renewed life and energy – a recollection of the glories of the Incan past.

Overnight at the Aranwa Cusco Boutique Hotel. (BL)

June 25:  Cusco - Juliaca

Morning transfer to Cusco airport for a flight to Juliaca. Considered “the folkloric capital of Peru,” Juliaca is located on the Collao Plateau in the Lake Titicaca basin.

Overnight at the Libertador del Lago Titicaca Hotel. (BLD)

June 26:  Puno, Lake Titicaca

From the small port of Puno, we will take a full day tour on Lake Titicaca – the world’s highest navigable lake with passenger boat services. Lake Titicaca is considered a sacred place for the Inca civilization since it’s said to be the birthplace of the first Inca king, Manco Capac. The lake is located at 12,500 feet above sea level at the northern end of the Altiplano (Andean plateau) basin high in the Andes on the border of Peru and Bolivia.
We’ll visit 3 of the lakes islands by traditional boats:  Uros Island,  Amantani Isle, and Taquile Island.

Overnight Libertador del Lago Titicaca Hotel (BL)

June 27:  Puno – Julaca - Lima

On our way to the Juliaca airport for the flight back to Lima, we’ll visit the Sillustani Tombs. The tombs are commonly referred to as “chullpas.” The chullpas, located on a peninsula in Lake Umayo, are 28 pre-Incan stone burial towers dating back to AD 900. 

Evening farewell dinner, then transfer to Lima airport for your flight home. (BD) Book your flights to Cusco and out of Lima.

MIRJAM EVERS

Najat Naba

Born in Brazil, Najat grew up in between the mountains of Lebanon and the skyscrapers of New York. Her diverse upbringing helped shape her desire to travel the world. Leading workshops, she has introduced many groups to photography while still exploring the cultures and diversity of the more than 40 countries she's visited. Her gift for languages (she speaks Arabic, Spanish and English fluently and a bit of Dutch and Portuguese) has enabled her to put people at ease through out her travels. She enjoys the opportunity that workshops give her to meet different types of people and introduce them to the beauty and marvel of the world. A huge believer in giving back, she is dedicated to supporting local charities throughout her travels. Her work has appeared in NY Times Magazine, American Photo, Financial Times, Interior Design, Popular Photography, The Editor at Large, HGTC.com, Trail of Inspiration.com, mocoloco.com and Oprah.com.

Najat's website