The photographer is a special breed of traveler. Drawn to objects and landscapes that others may miss, travel photographers search for that special place where they can find one amazing sight after another, and as word spreads about the beauty of Peru, one of the many jewels of South America South, more and more avid photographers. -both amateurs and professionals- have headed there for a photographic safari, with the intention of capturing the diversity of the country. They enjoy trips to Peru that take them to a variety of destinations, from the vibrant neighborhoods of Lima, the Inca sites of Machu Picchu and historic Cusco, to the incredible Amazon rainforest, one of the most biodiverse regions in the world.
Those considering nature photography tours and other photography excursions to great destinations around the world should take a closer look at Peru. This 496,000-square-mile country, home to 29 million people, is slowly becoming the travel photography capital of the world. And it’s easy to understand why!
In addition to providing great places to take pictures and participate in photography classes and photography workshops, Peru offers much more for the visitor, from the opportunity to enjoy luxury vacation hotels that offer stunning views of the ocean to the opportunity to volunteer in Peru. work in some of the most needy mountain communities in the country. Adventure tours in Peru are also popular and include mountain biking, hiking, rock climbing, and many other extreme activities. Whatever your idea of the perfect vacation is, it can be achieved in Peru.
Most Peru travel packages begin in Lima, the nation’s eclectic capital city, which boasts a prime location on the coast. Lima offers a wealth of opportunities for the traveler armed with a digital camera or other photographic equipment, including the ability to photograph:
- The impressive Peruvian coast – The beaches along the Pan-American Highway in Lima are ideal for those who enjoy bird photography. Bird watchers and photographers travel to the coast to capture not only images of the incredible crystal-clear sand dunes, surfers and fishermen, but also an indescribable abundance and variety of seabirds. Due to the Humboldt Current with its cold nutrient rich water from the Arctic, it supports an incredible population of fish which in turn supports a large number of birds that feed on the fish.
- On one trip one can see a number of endemic species including: Humboldt Penguin, Peruvian Diving Petrel, Peruvian Pelican, Peruvian Booby, Guanay Cormorant, Red-legged Cormorant and the beautiful Inca Tern and more.
- the culture district – Lima is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and as such is a tourism mecca for lovers of history and the arts.
- Architecture – When it comes to interesting buildings, Lima has it all. From Spanish colonial designs to baroque cathedrals and 1960s “brutalist” designs, the photographer who enjoys capturing interesting buildings will love Lima and should consider an architectural tour of the city.
- While the cities of Peru are attractive, including not only Lima but also Arequipa, Puno, and Puerto Maldonado, the mountains of Peru also attract photographers, especially the outdoor photographer who loves history. While visiting the Andes region, photographers can capture a variety of images that are sure to amaze those who see them.
- inca trail – The way to Machu Picchu, photographers can book guided tours of the Inca Trail, most of which start in historic Cuzco. Hikers who want to capture the essence of the Inca Empire from behind a camera will definitely want to put this on their must-see list.
- Macchu Picchu – Peru’s most visited attraction, the great Inca city of Machu Picchu is a must for any photo tour of this diverse nation. Tours to Machu Picchu provide the opportunity to capture the details of the lives of those who were part of the Inca culture. For the photographer, tours to Machu Picchu are especially attractive at sunrise and sunset.
- Cuzco – An impressive archaeological area that is sure to appeal to those on a photography vacation or photo tour. Cuzco is a great walking city and also hosts many festivals throughout the year, making it a great place for portrait photographers to capture shots of the locals, who are direct descendants of the Incas, in traditional dress weaving and chewing coca leaf. It’s easy for photographers to immerse themselves in this extraordinarily preserved culture at the center of the Inca empire.
- sacred Valley – The picturesque Sacred Valley of the Incas or Urubamba Valley is located just north of Cuzco. This photogenic valley is not only full of archaeological ruins, but also dotted with small Quechua towns and cities like Pisac, Ollantaytambo, and Chinchero. Cultural photographers will have a field day here, as the culture of the Quechua people is still intact and can be photographed while visiting the colorful traditional indigenous markets in Pisac and excursions to Pisac and Chinchero.
- For many people heading to Peru, the final destination is the Amazon rainforest, which occupies about two-thirds of the country. Many Peru tour packages bring visitors to this area, especially those with a keen interest in ecotourism.
- In fact, tourism in the Amazon continues to grow and photographers who come to the Peruvian Amazon can photograph:
- Wildlife – The Amazon is the most biodiverse area in the world, home to 1,800 species of birds, 403 special amphibians, 462 species of mammals, 395 species of reptiles and 900 species of fish. Amazing! Amazon nature tours are perfect for wildlife photography and the end results are often impressive.
- Manu National Park – Manu and several other national parks and reserves, such as Tambopata, are located within the Amazon region. Package tours that take visitors to these destinations are ideal for photographers, and specialized tours designed specifically for photography feature guides who can provide plenty of tips for taking the best possible photos.
- Iquitos – The largest city in the Peruvian jungle, Iquitos was once the center of the region’s rubber industry. Today, photographers enjoy taking photos of this charming city, the Belem floating market, a building built by Gustave Eiffel, and the charming Shipibo natives who reside there.
- Peru travel packages for avid photographers should also include visits to these amazing places. So, grab your camera and photo accessories and head over to:
- the nazca lines – These mysterious geoglyphs are best photographed from the air and photo tours of the formations are the specialty of many travel agencies in the area. About a 3-hour drive from Lima, the Nazca Lines should be on any photographer’s list of places to see in Peru.
- Colca Canyon – The second deepest canyon in the world, Colca is a photographer’s dream. Home to the Andean condor, an endangered species of bird, it is the perfect spot for bird and other wildlife watching and, in fact, is one of the most impressive natural attractions in South America.