Echoes from the Andes: A Photo Tour of Peru

I’m still riding the high from an epic photo tour across Peru, where every turn on the road was a story waiting to be told. Alongside my good friend Nicolas Castermans, we led a band of ten intrepid souls, cameras at the ready, into the heart of a land that’s as rich in spirit as it is in scenery.

We started in Lima, whilst it was a pleasant an interesting place, it wasn’t really why I wanted to visit Peru. I was eager to escape the hustle of the big city and immerse myself in the rural lifestyle and traditional culture that Peru is famously known for. As you’ll see, I wasn’t disappointed.

Photo Tour First Stop

Our first stop was Arequipa, and our first glimpses of the Andes. Here Nico had arranged for us to gather at a rooftop bar, perfectly timed with the setting sun. With drinks cradled in our hands, we were treated to a canvas of spectacular oranges and pinks unfolding in front of the ancient cathedral. It was a delightful experience, filled with the clicking of our cameras as we enjoyed the expansive view from our elevated spot.

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Unexpected Encounters

The adventure was full of unplanned meetings, like this local woman and her llama on a lonely Andean road. It was these moments, that often turned into some of the most cherished captures of our journey.

These surprise meetings were really special. As I say, they weren’t really planned, they just happened organically. It sometimes felt like these moments chose us, rather than the other way around. We would laugh, snap some photos, and start to feel connected to Peruvian people.

Life by the Lake

Lake Titicaca was more than just a place we visited, it felt like home, even just for one night, thanks to Valentin and his wife. Allowing us full access to their home. They were so kind, and being near the peaceful lake was a big part of our time there. It was here that we first realise how the altitude, and lack of oxygen, really does affect the human body. If you’re not used to it you can really suffer, all of a sudden just walking up a flight of stairs was hard work for us.

Their life was so different from what most of us were used to in our home towns. It was amazing to meet them and see how they live their everyday lives. Tending to llamas, sheep, pigs… Staying with them wasn’t just about taking great photos by the lake, it was about getting to know real Peruvian people and how they live.

Neymar’s World

The Rainbow Mountains are quickly becoming a tourist hotspot in Peru, despite only being discovered around 10 years ago. Generally tourists will visit on a day trip from Cusco, arriving just in time for the harsh midday light. Not ideal if you want to capture the mountain in its full glory. Therefore we spent a night in a quaint rural settlement perched at an altitude of 4800 meters (15,800 feet). It was an extraordinary adventure, as we became the first tourists to overnight in this community. The family we stayed with kept llamas, adding an authentic touch to our experience.

The village life was simple and genuine, and the local children, with their innate charm and innocence, were perfect models for our lenses, often seen playing amidst the llamas. For many of us the highlight wasn’t the mountains themselves but the family we stayed with. Characters such as Neymar with his oversized cowboy hat and his sister Flor who loved to dance and practice her English.

A New Dawn at Machu Picchu

No trip to Peru would be complete without a visit to this awe-inspiring sight. We started our Machu Picchu day well before sunrise, and I’m not ashamed to admit it was a bit of a mission hiking up to the highest point, but the adrenaline and excitement got us all to the top.

I wanted to give our group something special, and we were rewarded with the rising mist over this ancient wonder. As the morning mist started to unveiled the silent city, our efforts were rewarded with a truly magical scene. My advice to anyone visiting Machu Picchu would be to get there before the gates open at 6am. Again, it is possible to visit Machu Picchu on a day trip, but you won’t have the chance to see it in its full glory. 

But the tour wasn’t just about seeing cool places, it was about the people we met and the unexpected friendships we made. Those memories, those smiles and laughs we shared with people we just met, that’s what I will remember most about the trip.

Join the Adventure Every photo we took was a testament to the raw, unscripted beauty of Peru. From the unguarded laughter of new friends to the silent sagas of the landscapes, we captured it all. And this is exactly what www.raw.tours is all about – not just seeing the world, but feeling it, one genuine moment at a time.

Are you ready to be part of the story? To not just witness but engage with the world in ways you’ve never imagined? Then come along on our next photo tour. The details are over at www.raw.tours – where your next great adventure awaits.