Photographer’s Guide to the Lares Trek: Capturing Peru’s Hidden Gem

If you're a photographer seeking both breathtaking landscapes and cultural authenticity, the Lares Trek to Machu Picchu offers an unmatched visual experience. Tucked away from the crowds of the Inca Trail, this alternative trek immerses you in the untouched beauty of the Andes while guiding you through villages where centuries-old traditions still thrive. Whether you're an amateur with a smartphone or a professional carrying a DSLR, the Lares Trek Peru will reward you with stunning shots—if you know where and how to look.

In this guide, we’ll share essential tips, gear suggestions, and must-capture moments to help you make the most of your photography adventure on the Lares Trek.

1. Understanding the Lares Trek: Why It’s a Photographer’s Dream

Unlike the more popular routes to Machu Picchu, the Lares Trek Peru offers a quieter, more culturally immersive experience. The route passes through high mountain passes, emerald lakes, ancient farmlands, and remote Andean villages where you’ll meet local Quechua-speaking communities. The trek typically spans 3 to 5 days before connecting to Machu Picchu via train.

Here’s what makes it especially appealing for photographers:

Diverse landscapes: Snow-capped peaks, valleys, lagoons, and terraced farmlands.

Rich cultural interaction: Locals in vibrant traditional clothing, weaving, and farming.

Wildlife opportunities: Llamas, alpacas, and possibly Andean condors.

Golden hour magic: Crisp, high-altitude light during sunrise and sunset.

2. Must-Capture Moments on the Lares Trek

📍Patacancha and Huacahuasi Villages

These traditional Andean villages are teeming with photographic opportunities. Capture portraits of local weavers working their looms, elders tending to llamas, and children playing near their adobe homes.

📍 Ipsaycocha Lake

This turquoise alpine lake, surrounded by towering peaks, offers mirror-like reflections in the early morning light. It’s a fantastic location for landscape shots and long exposures.

📍 Mountain Passes (over 4,500 meters)

Sweeping panoramic views make these spots ideal for wide-angle shots. Be sure to stop and capture the dramatic vistas of snow-capped mountains and winding paths below.

📍 The Train Journey to Machu Picchu

After the trek, the train ride to Aguas Calientes offers unique perspectives of the Sacred Valley and the Urubamba River. Take this opportunity for dynamic motion shots or quiet landscape compositions from the window.

3. Gear Recommendations for High-Altitude Photography

Shooting at high altitudes and remote locations like the Lares Trek to Machu Picchu requires thoughtful preparation. Here’s what to pack:

Camera body: A lightweight mirrorless camera (e.g., Sony A7C or Fujifilm XT-4) balances quality and portability.

Lenses:

Wide-angle (16-35mm) for landscapes.

Portrait (50mm or 85mm) for cultural shots.

Zoom (70-200mm) for distant wildlife or peaks.

Tripod: A compact carbon-fiber tripod is great for long exposure and night shots.

ND Filters: Help with high-contrast scenes and long-exposure photography near water.

Extra batteries: Cold temperatures at high elevations drain batteries faster—bring at least 3–4.

Weather protection: Waterproof camera bag and lens covers are essential.

4. Tips for Capturing Stunning Photos

Time Your Shots

The early mornings and late afternoons offer the best light. Plan to start trekking early and pause during golden hour to shoot landscapes.

Respect the Culture

When photographing people, always ask for permission, preferably through your guide if there’s a language barrier. A simple smile and “¿Puedo tomar una foto?” go a long way.

Embrace All Weather

Mist, fog, or even snowfall can add mystique to your images. Don’t shy away from cloudy days—they often produce softer light and more moody photos.

Go Beyond the Obvious

While the mountain views are spectacular, don’t miss the smaller details: weathered hands weaving wool, colorful textiles drying in the wind, or footsteps in the snow.

5. Editing Tips for Lares Trek Photos

Post-processing can bring out the richness of the Andes. A few suggestions:

Boost vibrancy slightly to enhance the bright traditional clothing.

Use graduated filters in Lightroom to balance dramatic skies.

Sharpen details in textiles and landscapes to emphasize texture.

Maintain a natural look—don’t oversaturate or over-process.

6. Final Thoughts

The Lares Trek Peru is more than just a route to Machu Picchu—it's a living storybook of tradition, wilderness, and resilience. For photographers, this journey offers a blend of epic scenery and human connection that’s hard to find anywhere else in the world.

Whether you're aiming to build a travel portfolio, create content for social media, or simply capture memories for yourself, the Lares Trek to Machu Picchu will fill your lens with moments worth remembering.