Salt Mines, Mountains and Quechua Farmers - Full Day Photography Expedition
Traveler rating
5.0/5
Based on 19 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Salt Mines, Mountains and Quechua Farmers - Full Day Photography Expedition worth booking?
Salt Mines, Mountains and Quechua Farmers - Full Day Photography Expedition is a 7-hour experience in Cusco, Peru, from $220 per person. It scores 64 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Solid Choice”, based on a 5/5 rating across 19 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 64 / 100
- Rating
- 5/5 (19)
- Duration
- 7 hours
- From
- $220 per person
This photography focused day expedition will take you out of Cusco in our private transport to explore some wonderful locations in the surrounding areas. Explore the Maras Salt Mines, witness huge landscapes and snowcapp
What you get
- Pictures from guide to be sent by email in the following days
- Pick-up and drop-off at hotel in Cusco
- Professional photographer guide
- Transport by private vehicle
- Photography assistance during entire tour
About this experience
This photography focused day expedition will take you out of Cusco in our private transport to explore some wonderful locations in the surrounding areas. Explore the Maras Salt Mines, witness huge landscapes and snowcapped mountains, meet and photograph locals in places unknown by the tourist masses. With tips and support throughout the whole day from a professional photographer guide in order to help you take the best photos possible.
What's included
Included
- Pictures from guide to be sent by email in the following days
- Pick-up and drop-off at hotel in Cusco
- Professional photographer guide
- Transport by private vehicle
- Photography assistance during entire tour
Not included
- Food and drinks
- Personal Insurance
What you'll see and do
Andean Photo Expeditions
9h30 - We begin our tour by picking you up from your hotel or hostel with our private car to begin our drive into the Andes. 10h15 - Our first stop is at a lesser known viewpoint that gives you a spectacular mountain view. There's a pretty neat spot here that allows for a unique picture in which you can place your subject directly in front of the mountain range in the background (break out the telephoto lens for compression of scale!) We can take this shot for you with you as the subject if you so wish. We explore this location for around 30 minutes before jumping back in the car and moving on. 10h45 - We make a quick stop in Chinchero to pick up some local empanadas to eat for lunch a little later in the day. 11h00 - We stop by a local artesenal textile market in Chinchero to learn a little of the textile making process that Chinchero is famous for, after the demonstration we will have the opportunity for a great portrait session with the ladies there, they are always wearing full traditional outfits and are happy to have some photos taken of them. 12h00 - We arrive at Maras salt mines. This is a known location so expect tourists, these go in big groups and so are rushed in and out. Our private visit to the salt mines allows more time to explore and seek out better compositions for your images. We explore here for around 45 minutes. 13h30 - We move to a lake deep in the Andes. This lake is surrounded by colourful fields of agriculture and the Andes mountains as it's backdrop! At this lake we will take some time to relax and eat our empanadas before shooting in the area. The area is full of llamas, alpacas and other animals, here we can get close and take plenty of photos of them. 15h00 - We reach our next location that is around 4000m ASL where we find a full panoramic view of the area with wonderful scope for landscape photography. This location is a private field belonging to a family of potato farmers that give us access to this unique location! If we are lucky on this field we can find friends and family of the owners farming the lands and herding their sheep, this makes for amazing on-location portrait documentary work. The light and direction of the sun at this hour allow for very complete landscape shots with highlights, shadows and different tonalities. 16:00 - Begin the drive back to Cusco. 17:00 - Arrival in Cusco, drop-off at your hotel.
480 minutes here
Where it starts and ends
Hotel pickup
Pickup is included for all travelers.
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- en, es
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 6 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Andean Photo Expeditions
Know before you go
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- Children must be accompanied by an adult
- May be operated by a multi lingual guide
Photos
What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 19 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
Photo opportunities
7 mentionsThe views and photo stops come up again and again.
The guide
5 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Knowledge and storytelling
4 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Traveler reviews
19 verified traveler reviews for Salt Mines, Mountains and Quechua Farmers - Full Day Photography Expedition. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
The Experience of a LIFETIME!! An unforgettable 2 week mother daughter trip around Peru with Andean Photo Expeditions!
I went on a two-week mother daughter trip through Peru with Andean Photo Expeditions, and it was the most unforgettable adventure I’ve ever had. Dan, the owner, was so helpful in helping us create the perfect itinerary. From the seamless logistics to the thoughtfully chosen accommodations and authentic local experiences, Andean Photo Expeditions exceeded all our expectations!! Our journey began in Lima with the Huacachina Photo tour, a highlight thanks to Dan’s expert guidance, friendly nature, and incredible photography skills. We enjoyed sandboarding and dune buggy rides and received amazing drone footage too. Dan also recommended a private bonfire dinner here and it was one of the most experiences for my mom and I. During Cusco Photo tour and exploration of the Sacred Valley, we were guided by Noe, another talented member of the team. Noe took us to hidden gems and local spots we would never have found on our own, capturing stunning photos and videos throughout the trip. His creativity and talent in videography made every moment special, and he quickly became a friend. A standout experience was the Faces of Peru tour, where we participated in an authentic cultural ceremony with the Quechua community. This unique experience was deeply moving and provided insights into Peruvian culture that we could not have accessed without Andean Photo Expeditions. Noe’s translation from Quechua to English allowed us to engage fully in the ceremony. Our itinerary also included The Moray, Mara’s and Chinchero photography tour (would never have been able to do this much without them!) A highlight here was a beautiful countryside picnic set up for us, and candid moments captured beautifully by Noe throughout. Lastly, a bucket list visit to Machu Picchu, a sunrise horseback to Humantay Lake, Rainbow Mountain, and a final leg to Lake Titicaca - all experienced with the most incredible guide Noe. Andean Expeditions also set up two of the most unique and authentic experiences I’ve ever had - A special geodesic eco-dome camp before Humantay and a homestay experience on our own floating islands of Lake Titicaca, both hosted by the kindest families who made us feel instantly at home and prepared all of our fresh home cooked meals. Noe’s expertise in photography and videography was invaluable. As a new content creator, I learned so much from him that I will carry forward in my future travels. His dedication to capturing the perfect shots is truly so special. This was truly a trip of a lifetime, and I am immensely grateful to Dan and Noe for making it so special. I wholeheartedly recommend Andean Photo Expeditions to anyone looking for an extraordinary travel experience in South America. Thank you, Dan and Noe! I look forward to my next adventure with you both!
Response from the operator: Hi Skylar, What a review ! Thank you so much for your time and kindness. We all hope to see you soon again. Take care and hello to you Mother.
via Tripadvisor
Exceptional
I had an exceptional time and tour with Noe. I could not recommend more highly. I really left feeling like I made a new friend. I also loved all the app knowledge he shared.
Response from the operator: Hi, Thank you for tour kind review ! Take care and see you soon
via Tripadvisor
Highly recommend
Great experience with Dan with whom we visited part of Peru for a bit more than a week. He was great at finding off the beaten tracks activities as well as original venues. We particularly appreciated his ability to adapt to us and our rhythm. Being a great photographer he helped tremendously in finding the good spots and situations. Highly recommend and looking fwd to our next trip to check out the areas we didn’t have time to go to.
Response from the operator: Hi Thibault, Thank you for your kind words. Happy most of your shot have been awarded with a Leica Master Shot. You deserve it ! See you soon, Dan
via Tripadvisor
Best experience ever, Best photos ever
We were on honeymoon in south America and we booked our honeymoon photoshoot with Noe in Cusco. We also wanted to see the area with a local so the whole package worked out perfectly for us. Noe was super friendly, patient and knowledgeable and SUPER TALENTED photographer. He not only took the most amazing photos but he also took us to hidden gems of Cusco and around and told us all about the history and traditions of people in the area. We can not recommend them enough. The most memorable day in our trip.
Response from the operator: Hi Shiva, Thank you very much for your kind words. I'll share those with Noe. Take good care of yourselves, Dan
via Tripadvisor
WONDERFUL!
Review Our photo tour with Noe was nothing short of spectacular! We had a fabulous time visiting locations off the beaten path. There were virtually no other tourists. Noe is super knowledgeable, personable, friendly, fun, and kind. His English was great; we had no issues communicating with him. We couldn’t have chosen a better experience to commemorate our 25th anniversary than to capture our time in Peru with a photographic journey among spectacular scenery. What a memorable experience! We are so thankful for having had Noe’s guidance and expertise is selecting some of the most beautiful places on earth. If you are on the fence about this one…DO IT!
Response from the operator: Hi Denise, We are delighted to read how much you enjoyed your time with us. Hope to see you soon, Dan
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 7 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- 1+
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Price range
- $220 to $450
- Hotel pickup
- Included for all travelers
- Booked in 30 days
- 7
- Verdict
- Solid Choice
Why this scores 64
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Salt Mines, Mountains and Quechua Farmers - Full Day Photography Expedition: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Cusco.
How much does Salt Mines, Mountains and Quechua Farmers - Full Day Photography Expedition cost?
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Prices start at $220 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Cusco usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Salt Mines, Mountains and Quechua Farmers - Full Day Photography Expedition take?
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Plan for about 7 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Cusco is not rushed.
Is Salt Mines, Mountains and Quechua Farmers - Full Day Photography Expedition worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 64 out of 100, which we label "Solid Choice". That score blends traveler sentiment (5/5 across 19 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Cusco, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Salt Mines, Mountains and Quechua Farmers - Full Day Photography Expedition?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Salt Mines, Mountains and Quechua Farmers - Full Day Photography Expedition suitable for kids and families?
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The operator sets a minimum age of 1. Older children generally do well here, and families should factor in the 7-hour running time when deciding.
How far in advance should I book Salt Mines, Mountains and Quechua Farmers - Full Day Photography Expedition?
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Around 7 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Cusco can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Cusco and add a light layer if any part of the 7-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Salt Mines, Mountains and Quechua Farmers - Full Day Photography Expedition start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Cusco within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Cusco?
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On Outty we rank every Cusco experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Sacred Valley Full Day Tour, Peruvian Cooking Class Cocktails and Market Tour in Cusco, Cusco: Rainbow Mountain & Red Valley Premium Day Trip with Meals. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Cusco?
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Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Cusco?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
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