
Magic of the Andes - Exploring the Cordillera Huayhuash
Peru Photo Workshop & Trekking Tour
June, 2025
We are excited to offer a rare and exciting opportunity in Peru this year as we prepare for our 2026 photography workshops!
Join us for an unforgettable adventure as we embark on a journey through the heart of the Andes in the Cordillera Blanca. Renowned as one of the most beautiful treks in the world, the remote and rugged region of the Huayhuash boasts impressive and dramatic landscapes with towering snow capped peaks, glaciers and turquoise alpine lakes.
Whether you're a seasoned photographer, a passionate enthusiast or someone looking to go on a grand adventure, this workshop offers an opportunity to reconnect with nature in the finest form. We will be keeping our group size small this year allowing for more one-on-one time and individualized feedback, tailoring light and composition techniques to take your photography to the next level...all at a one time discounted rate!
Main Takeaways
Itinerary
Getting to Huaraz
You can either book a flight to Lima and take a 10 hour bus ride to Huaraz or book a connecting flight from Lima to Comadante FAP German Arias Graziani Airport.
Two factors that are important to consider and will make this trek enjoyable.
1. Be in good physical condition.
The Huayhuash Trek involves long, strenuous days of hiking, at high altitudes. Therefore, focus on building your cardiovascular endurance through activities that mimic the demands of the trek, such as hiking with a weighted backpack 5-10 kg (10-20 lbs) to simulate the load you’ll be carrying on the trek. Look for trails with elevation gain to build your stamina. Stair climbing or hill repeats, cycling and running are all activities that will improve your cardiovascular fitness and help with stamina.
2. Acclimation
It is recommended to spend at least 2 days in places above 3000m. While we have built 2 days into the itinerary in Huaraz (3052 m), arriving a day or two beforehand could be a great way to ensure proper acclimatization while also allowing some downtime following your travels,
Day 1
Arrive in the beautiful city of Huaraz and check into Santa Cruz Hotel where we will be basing ourselves for the next 2 days.
After getting settled into your rooms, we will take transportation to a viewpoint overlooking the city for sunset followed by a welcome dinner.
Day 2
Enjoy breakfast in the morning at your hotel followed by a trek briefing including packing and gear list. We will then venture into town to grab any last minute items while taking in the sights, sounds and unique culture of the city.
After lunch we will be transported to the trailhead for our acclimatization trek.
After sunset we will begin our hike back to the trailhead where we will be picked up. Dinner can be had in the hotel or downtown, but a good nights rest is recommended as we leave first thing in the morning for our Huayhuash Trek
Day 3
Wake up early and meet our guide and arrerio's for the next 6 days before departing Huaraz. We can expect to be in transport for around 4 -5 hours before starting the trek to our first camp called Mituacoccha Camp.
Located at an altitude of about 4,100m (13,450 feet), Mituacoccha Camp offers trekkers a stunning and peaceful resting place amidst the dramatic landscapes of the Huayhuash Range. From camp, you can enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding peaks, including the impressive Yerupajá (the second-highest peak in Peru) and the snowy cliffs of Jirishanca. As night falls, it feels as though you can reach out and touch the stars. This camp is a stunning location to dial in your astrophotography techniques.
Day 4
We will be sure to wake up for sunrise and savour the scenery of camp before having breakfast, packing up and departing to our next camp over Paso Carhuac (4680m). Camp Carhuacocha sits at an altitude of 4150m and is a true highlight of the trek.
At Curuacocha, you'll find yourself encircled by towering peaks, including the magnificent Jirishanca, which dominates the skyline with its majestic snow-covered summits. The camp is set by the shores of a tranquil lake, the shimmering turquoise waters mirroring the surrounding mountains and skies, the perfect location to capture sunset, astrophotography and sunrise.
Day 5
Enjoy sunrise by the lake capturing the incredible alpine glow on the surrounding peaks followed by breakfast. Today we will be trekking to Tres Lagunas, one of the trek's most picturesque and serene spots, offering a stunning combination of glacial lakes and towering mountain views. Located at an altitude of approximately 4,500 m (14,764 feet), these lakes, with their vivid turquoise waters, are framed by dramatic peaks, including Jirishanca and Yerupajá.
After we have spent time capturing this panoramic viewpoint, we will trek over Suila Pass (4800m) to our next camp called Huayhuash Camp (4400m).
Day 6
From Huayhuash camp, we will make our way to Elefante Camp. Depending when we arrive, we will try to tackle San Antonio Pass for sunset.
The San Antonio Pass on the Huayhuash Trek offers one of the most stunning and expansive views in the entire trek, making it a highlight for many. Sitting at an elevation of 4,800m (15,748 feet), the pass provides a breathtaking vantage point overlooking the surrounding mountains, valleys, and pristine wilderness.
Day 7
If we are unable to trek to San Antonio Pass the night prior, we will leave first thing in the morning and arrive in time to capture blue hour and sunrise. We will continue trekking over San Antonio Pass 4990m descending into the Sarapo Valley, the site of British Climber Joe Simpsons historic mountaineering accident that inspired the book and film "Touching the Void." We will set up camp at Cutatambo (4,400 m) in the Sarapo Valley, break for lunch and then hike and photograph locations on the way to Gran Vista Pass.
Day 8
From Cutatambo Camp we will trek to Huayllapa Village where we will take transport back to Huaraz. This will conclude the adventure portion of the workshop. Prepare for a long day in the car, but dinner and a hot shower awaits!
Day 9
Today is about relaxing and indulging. You've earned it. The morning is free time for you to sleep in, enjoy a delicious breakfast or walk around the city. We will be meeting at 2pm in the hotel dining room to go over post processing techniques. We will follow with a farewell dinner.
Night buses from Huaraz to Lima are a comfortable option if participants wish to book a flight home or wish to extend their travels.
Day 10
Today concludes the workshop for those that are extending their stay in Huaraz or wish to depart to Lima.
What’s Included
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Certified English Speaking Mountain Guide
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Donkeys, Tent, Sleeping Matt, Utensils
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Park Entrances
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Breakfast, lunch and dinner on the trail
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Transportation to our locations
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3-4 nights hotel accommodation double occupancy including breakfast
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5-6 nights camping
What’s Not Included
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Flight tickets / Visa
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Bus Tickets from Lima to Huaraz and back
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Sleeping Bag
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Meals outside camping
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Private Room (additional $200usd)
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Equipment Insurance
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Health/Travel Insurance- consultation with travel clinic or family doctor is recommended to discuss altitude sickness, symptoms & prevention as well as any medications or vaccinations required for entry to Peru
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What's Included?Certified Mountain Guide Transportation to and from El Calafate 3 nights accommodation double occupancy including breakfast Breakfast, lunch and dinner on the trails Transportation to our locations
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What's Not Included?Meals outside camping Private Room (extra cost) Flight tickets / Visa Porter Service Camping equipment Health/Travel/Equipment Insurance


Presented by Pete O'Hara,
Owner Silver Fern Productions
The majority of my early creative career was spent working in the Canadian television industry, providing the fortunate opportunity at a young age to travel the world while developing my skills as a cinematographer, editor, and photographer.
With these skills, I began working on branded projects with agencies and brands such as, Ikea, Buick and Lexus before beginning to focus my expertise in television development collaborating with companies such as Disney, HGTV, Discovery Channel and The Property Brothers.
Presented by Jenna Dixon,
Owner JENNA DIXON PHOTOGRAPHY
Jenna has had her work featured with Time Magazine and Nat Geo from New York to Miami and is regularly featured in local magazines across Canada.
You can find Jenna's work with Canadian Tourism boards, including Travel Yukon and Tourism Vancouver Island, as well as a number of commercial brands and publications.

