PERU LAND OF THE INCAS 18-30 MAY 2019 Ignacio Palacios Tom Putt
SEVEN COLOR/ RAINBOW MOUNTAIN Vinicunca is one of the most spectacular places in the Cordillera Vilcanota, as it keeps a natural color that is given by the presence of sedimentary rocks that are eroding. What s impressive is how the stones have been formed to create a set of seven colors, also known as Cerro Colorado. The rainbow mountain was ranked by National Geographic as one of the 100 places you must visit before you die, due to the beautiful colors. 2 3
MACHU PICCHU Machu Picchu was declared as one of the New Seven Wonders of the Modern World on July 7th, 2007. This majestic Sanctuary belongs to the List of World Heritage of Unesco since 1983. A visit to the Inca city of Machu Picchu is the highlight of our trip. In a spectacular location, it s the best-known archaeological site on the South American continent. 4 5
CORDILLERA BLANCA THE SANTA CRUZ TREK The Cordillera Blanca means White Mountain Range which is a true testament to the range of almost countless snow-capped peaks, which are part of the larger Andes range and extends for 200 kilometres. Cordillera Blanca is one of the most concentrated collections of big peaks in the Western Hemisphere, with 33 summits topping 5,400 meters. It includes several peaks over 6,000 metres high and 722 individual glaciers. The highest mountain in Peru, Huascarán of 6,768 metres, is located here. 6 7
PERU - LAND OF THE INCAS The most popular way to experience the White Mountain Range is to hike the Santa Cruz Trek, considered by many as one of the best hiking routes in the world. This 50km trail takes you through open valleys, passed high snowcapped mountain peaks along rivers and the shores of brightly colored lagoons. This photography workshop is a unique opportunity to visit some of the most amazing places on this planet. This includes the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu and the White Mountain Range, the most concentrated collection of big peaks in the Western Hemisphere and the highest mountain in Peru. Traveling with Ignacio, you will see this iconic land at its best and if your partner is not a keen photographer, I would invite you to bring her/ him along as you will both enjoy the rich photo opportunities, as well as an amazing cultural experience and natural wonders. With its wild landscapes, and rich cultural heritage, Peru will feed the imagination of any traveler/ photographer. 8 Plaza de Armas, Cuzco 9
ITINERARY DAY 1-18 May: Arrival in Cuzco via Lima We will arrive at Cuzco airport. Transfer to hotel and group gathering/ presentations. In the afternoon we will visit and photograph the city, the main square and its markets. Night in Cuzco, Aranwa boutique superior room. DAY 2-19 May: Cuzco Visit to the Coricancha museum (Sun Temple) and the Sacsayhuaman fortress. We will wonder around this beautiful town and we will rest to overcome the jetlag and to acclimatize to the high altitude as Cuzco is located at 3,350m above the sea level. Night in Cuzco, Aranwa boutique superior room. There are numerous great treks that take you deep into this mountain range but the Santa Cruz offers a little bit of everything in just three to four days. DAY 3-20 May: Sacred Valley Cuzco Maras Moray Ollantaytambo Aguas Calientes We will visit Miras, a typical Audenian village. Miras salt mines and lunch at Wayra restaurant where we will have a delicious Peruvian meal and a dance performance with horses called Marinera. After lunch we will visit the Ollantaytambo fort. At around 7pm we will take the train to Aguas Calientes, near Machu Pichu. Hotel in Aguas Calientes (Hotel Sumaq, to be confirmed). DAY 4-21 May: Machu Picchu Cuzco We will start our ascent to the sanctuary very early in the morning (by bus). We will photograph and visit Machu Picchu with an official guide and we will explore the 140 structures and temples. At midday we will have a buffet lunch at the Sanctuary lodge and we will continue our trip to Aguas Calientes. At around 4pm we will take a train (Vista Dome) to Ollantaytambo and then we will travel by bus to Cuzco. Night at Aranwa boutique superior room. DAY 5-22 May: Seven Colours Hill (Cerro Vincunca) Day excursion from Cuzco to photograph this incredible mountain at sunrise. Vinicunca is a majestic location and nature s gift. Its name takes from Quechua and means seven color mountain. We will go up to 5200m. Short trek and back to Cuzco. Leaving at 1am, trekking from 5am to 8am. Night in Cuzco, Aranwa boutique superior room. 10 115
ITINERARY CONTINUED DAY 6-23 May: Cuzco Lima Huaraz Transfer to Cuzco airport and flight to Lima (approx. 1hr). In Lima a minibus will take us to Huaraz (410km with a stop to have lunch). Night in Huaraz at hotel Andino Club, superior room. DAY 7-24 May: Rest day at Huaraz This is a beautiful place to rest and get ready for the trekking. Wilcacocha lake at 370m is a beautiful place that can be reached by car (30mins). Night in Huaraz at hotel Andino Club, superior room. DAY 8-11 - Trekking along the Santa Cruz Escarpments The trek starts at the village of Cashapampa, 35km away from Caráz, from here will start one of the most beautiful walks along the Cordillera Blanca (White Mountain Range). This trekking explores some of the most spectacular escarpments in the Huascarán National Park: Santa Cruz, Huaripampa and Llanganuco and some of the most beautiful mountains such as: Alpamayo, Artesonraju, Taulliraju, Pisco, Chacraraju, Chopicalqui, Huandoy, Huascarán, among others. DAY 8-25 May: Transfer from Huaraz to Cashapampa Llamacorral We will leave Huaraz at 9am and transfer to the start of the trail (Cashapampa, 2,900m, 3hrs approx.). At the start of the trail we will meet our porters the horses that will carry all our loads. The trekking starts with a gradual ascent over the valley that opens ups a bit later showing beautiful scenery. Trekking time: 5/6hrs approx. Night at campsite near the river at Llamacorral (3,760m). DAY 9-26 May: Llamacorral Alpamayo Cb Taullipampa We will start with an easy walk across the valley enjoying the view of the Ichicocha and Jatuncocha lakes, of a beautiful turquoise colour. We will also enjoy the views and of Caraz, Pumapampa and Alpamayo mountains. We will then climb to the base camp at Alpamayo and after taking photographs at this incredible place we will come back to the route to arrive to our campsite, which is located at the base of Taulliraju mountains. The campsite is surrounded by huge mountains such as Paria, Artesón, Rinrijirca and Quitaraju. Trekking time: 6hrs approx. Night at campsite, located at 4,250m at Taullipampa. 12 13
ITINERARY CONTINUED Machu Picchu was declared as one of the New Seven Wonders of the Modern World on July 7th, 2007. This majestic Sanctuary belongs to the List of World Heritage of Unesco since 1983. Machu Picchu is the most representative touristic attraction of Peru and regarded as a masterpiece of architecture and engineering. DAY 10-27 May: Taullipampa Paso Punta Union Paria This is one of the most intense days of the trek. In the morning we will start ascending to Punta Union pass (4,750m) along a trail in zigzag (2-3hrs) to reach the highest point of the trekking and to enjoy and photograph the Cordillera Blanca. After that we will go down to a beautiful lake (Morococha) and we will have lunch. After a few more hours walking we will reach our campsite Huaripampa or Paria at 3,700m. Trekking time: 7/8 hours. DAY 11-28 May: Huaripampa Vaqueria From Huaripampa campsite at 3,700 m, we will continue walking across the village and arrive to the trail at 3600m. This will lead us to the Llanganuco pass. In this sector, we will visit a few small villages and at the end of the trek we will take a transfer to Huaraz. Trekking time: 3/4hrs, transfer time: 3hrs. Night in Huaraz. DAY 12-29 May: Transfer from Huaraz to Lima by bus or plane. Night in Lima. Hotel to be confirmed. Miraflores area. DAY 13-30 May: Transfer to Lima Airport Breakfast and transfers to Lima airport. End of tour. Note regarding trekking Trek grading and walking times are average estimates only for people of average fitness and who are well acclimatized to the altitude. Some people will be much faster and others will find it more difficult and be much slower. Times have been based on our experience with previous groups. Your own hiking speeds will depend on how well you have adjusted to the altitude as well as your own personal fitness level. The effects of altitude do make the trekking & climbing much harder than a similar trek closer to sea level and different people adjust to the altitude in a different timeframe. You need to have average to good fitness and can hike a sustained uphill for 2 to 3hrs without distress and manage the long descents down from the passes to be able to enjoy these treks, and also be able to manage several nights sleeping in tents in sometimes very cold conditions. The Santa Cruz trek should be considered to be physically demanding owing to the altitude (you are above 4000m for the duration of the treks) and the mountainous nature of the terrain. Trails are often steep both ascending or descending and can be slippery & rocky in places. It is a common comment from clients that they found the hiking to be harder than they were expecting. 14 Santa Cruz trekking 15
ITINERARY CONTINUED Peru is the land of the Incas. It was the capital of South America and where the Spanish founded their empire. Camera skills We will assist you out in the field with the camera skills needed to capture those incredible moments. You will get advice in the field from some of the world best. Regardless of your level and your camera equipment, you will improve your skills as a photographer and you will learn the craft with an expert team. Post-processing During the workshop, we will have the opportunity to process and enhance your images using Lightroom, Photoshop, Capture One and other editing software. If the weather is good, we will be out in the nature photographing but there are always opportunities to sit down and work on your images when we are in the hotel. Critique sessions The purpose of critiques is to offer one s impression of a photo. During sessions, you will have professional views of your work with a constructive evaluation to include feedback, suggestions and tips. Photography is an art and therefore critiques can often feel personal, but it is often a great learning exercise to have your images reviewed by some professional photographers. Level of photography All levels of photographers are welcome. We will be providing instruction on all aspects of image capture and post processing and it does not really matter whether you are a beginner or an expert photographer. We welcome all levels of photographers using equipment from mobile phones & tablets, compact cameras to digital SLR cameras. Physical requirements The Santa Cruz trek should be considered to be physically demanding owing to the altitude (you are above 4000m for the duration of the treks) and the mountainous nature of the terrain. Trails are often steep both ascending or descending and can be slippery & rocky in places. It is a common comment from clients that they found the hiking to be harder than they were expecting. Accommodation Although we will be bumping along the way on rocky dirt roads for much of the tour, the incredible scenery and sights are worth the effort and despite the remote location, our lodging every night is clean, spacious, and comfortable (and at times, surprisingly luxurious). 16 Ceviche, a typical Peruvian dish 17
THE TEAM My photography is a two parts creative process, the first part is to take the photograph and the second part, as Ansel Adams said is performing it. It is in the second part that I have the opportunity to make the images my own and bringing out qualities that communicate my vision. Ignacio Palacios IGNACIO PALACIOS Ignacio Palacios is a Spanish/ Australian travel photographer based on Planet Earth that stops in Sydney from time to time. He is best known for his travel, landscapes and fine art photography. His previous background was in engineering and management consultant for various companies in wind and renewable energies. Although he has been a part time photographer since 1998, he became a full time professional photographer in 2012 following the footsteps of three generations of photographers in his family. Ignacio has traveled around the world since 1998, gathering an extensive collection of images of people, places, wildlife and landscapes across more than 80 countries in five different continents. He is one of the world s few full-time professional photographers/guides and he has led tours to Patagonia, the Altiplano, the Atacama Desert, Galapagos, Spain, Norway, Finland and Iceland since 2013. Ignacio writes and provides images to numerous magazines and publications around the world, such as Luminous Landscape and Lonely Planet books and guides. He has received Australian and International awards and has been a finalist and highly commended in some prestigious competitions such as the NSW AIPP Epson Awards, BBC Veolia Environment Wildlife Photographer, National Geographic Travel Contest, Australian Geographic Photographer of the Year, Travel Photography or the Year, IPA, Head On, Eyes on Asia and the International Loupe awards. In 2014 he was awarded with a LUX Gold in Spain (the most prestigious professional photography award in his country). www.iptravelphotography.com.au TOM PUTT Hi my name is Tom Putt. I am passionate and wildly enthusiastic about landscape photography, having spent the last 20 years exploring all parts of Australia to photograph. I first fell in love with photography at the age of 13. Following my love of ornithology, I photographed birds. Once leaving university, I pursued a career in sports photography where I covered over 300 events across Australia and the world, including the Sydney 2000 Olympic and Paralympic Games. My passion has always been photographing the breathtaking Australian landscape. For the past 20 years, I have been priviledged to call the Australian wilderness my office. For me, there s nothing more exhilerating than being surrounded by this serenity. Whether it be standing on top of a mountain, or wandering along a ancient dry creek bed, my heart and soul always feels at home amongst these landscapes. 18 Peruvian woman sewing 19
TERMS AND CONDITIONS WORKSHOP DATES AND PRICES Tour dates: 18 30 May 2019 The tour commences in Cuzco and ends in Lima Cost is US$8,990 per person, twin share Optional single supplement US$1,490 (limited places) Maximum 12 participants A deposit of US$2,000 is required when you book the workshop Terms of payment A deposit of US$2,000 must be paid to secure your place. The deposit is non-refundable unless you can sell your place to someone else The Registration Form must be filled in and signed by each participant at the time of paying the first deposit. Participation will be declined otherwise The remaining balance must be paid on or before 31 January 2019 Bookings will be accepted strictly in the order they are received Important: the workshop requires a minimum of 8 participants to run so please don t book your flights until this has been confirmed. What s included 13 days (12 nights) in Peru Transportation and accommodation Accommodation on full board during the tour English speaking guide throughout the tour Mineral water during excursions All local taxes Entrance fees in the parks/ reserves Horses and porters during the White Mountain Range Trek Local guide fees when visiting parks/reserves. What s not included Airfares from Australia/US and other international destinations Internal flights in Peru Travel insurance with emergency evacuation is mandatory as a condition of booking Visas (see information about Visas below) Camera/Equipment Insurance Optional personal activities Alcohol consumption and extra beverages Tips to the local guides along the way Any other personal expenses. Cancellation Policy A written notice of any cancellation must be received by you at which time the following cancellation fees will apply: If cancelled between 1 February 2019 and end of March 2019, 50% of the workshop cost will be payable If cancelled between 1 April 2019 and before departure, a fee equal to 100% of the workshop cost will be payable Failure to pay by the due dates will be considered a cancellation of the booking and fees paid will be nonrefundable Bookings made after 1 February 2019 must be paid in full No refunds will be made for unused portions of the workshop. The photography workshop is sold as a land package (no airfares included) Cancellation fees are not transferable. Camera gear There is really no limit to what camera gear you take but we always recommend travelling light! Check with your airline about weight restrictions. Whatever level of camera equipment you have, we will help to ensure you get the most out of it. Fitness and health considerations A good level of walking fitness is required. If you have concerns about your own capabilities or health please check with your doctor before booking a place. Trek grading and walking times are average estimates only for people of average fitness and who are well acclimatised to the altitude. Some people will be much faster and others will find it more difficult and be much slower. Times have been based on our experience with previous groups. Your own hiking speeds will depend on how well you have adjusted to the altitude as well as your own personal fitness level. The effects of altitude do make the trekking & climbing much harder than a similar trek closer to sea level and different people adjust to the altitude in a different timeframe. You need to have average to good fitness and can hike a sustained uphill for 2 to 3 hours without distress and manage the long descents down from the passes to be able to enjoy these treks, and also be able to manage several nights sleeping in tents in sometimes very cold conditions. The Santa Cruz trek should be considered to be physically demanding owing to the altitude (you are above 4000m for the duration of the treks) and the mountainous nature of the terrain. Trails are often steep both ascending or descending and can be slippery & rocky in places. It is a common comment from clients that they found the hiking to be harder than they were expecting. By signing the Registration Form, you guarantee that to the best of your knowledge, you do not have any physical or other disability that could create a risk for you or other tour participants. Once a booking has been accepted by IP Travel Photography, medical circumstances will not be accepted as an exemption to the Cancellation Policy above. Within the Registration Form, please indicate any health issues, allergies or dietary requirements. IP Travel Photography does not assume any responsibility or liability for medical care or special dietary requirements. If a participant become ill during the workshop, IP Travel Photography reserves the right to continue the tour for the benefit of the rest of the participants. IP Travel Photography will make every effort to assist you whilst trying to minimize disruption of the workshop for other participants. Visas Australian citizens do not require a visa to enter Peru. They need only to hold a valid passport and a return ticket on arrival. Australians can stay up to 183 days in Peru. If you are not an Australian citizen please check with your embassy/consulate. Rights IP Travel Photography reserves the right to: Substitute hotels/ accommodation when necessary Make changes in the itinerary or transport if required due to changes in airline schedules, or when necessary Cancel the workshop prior to departure, in which case a full refund of all payments received will be given. If such event occurred, IP Travel Photography will not be responsible for any other expenses such as nonrefundable air fares, visa fees and other related expenses. The responsibility for such bookings lies with the participant. As such, IP Travel Photography recommends participants to purchase a travel protection insurance prior to paying the first deposit. Substitute the tour leader and guest photographer as originally specified, in which case this substitution will not entitle the participant of a refund Accept or refuse any person as a participant in the workshop Change the price of the workshop due to adverse currency exchange fluctuations, airline schedule changes, fuel and tax price charges. Liability The operation of the workshop is at the sole discretion of Ignacio Palacios, having in mind the wellbeing and interests of all participants and the safe and sensible operation of the program as specified within this itinerary IP Travel Photography does not accept any liability for the acts, omissions or default, whether negligent or otherwise of third party providers IP Travel Photography disclaims liability for any injury, damage, loss, delay, additional expense or trouble caused by force majeure or any other event which is not preventable by reasonable diligence on IP Travel Photography s part. IP Travel Photography IP Travel Photography Pty Ltd is an ASIC business name with Australian Business Number 30617460929 and registered in Australia under the Business Names Registration Act 2011. IP Travel Photography Pty Ltd (Ignacio Palacios) will guide and provide photography tuition to all participants during the tour. IP Travel Photography is not a travel agent or travel service provider. 20 21
CHECKLIST How did people without steel, or wheels, or a written language, build a stairway to heaven and a pleasure palace for the ages? Machu Picchu, just one reason the Incas must have been so proud, so secure, in their impossible empire from the Andes to the Amazon. CNN Travel Camera equipment DSLR or Medium Format (check your baggage allowance with your airline/travel agent) Tripod with quick release plate Standard zoom, wide angle and telephoto lenses Battery and chargers Shutter cable release Polarising filter and ND filters Laptop computer with Photoshop and Lightroom and/or Capture One External backup drives and memory cards for storage. We recommend to shrink-wrap your baggage at your departure airport. Ensure your telephoto lenses are packed in protective packs designed for such lenses. We also recommend that you pack your camera equipment as your hand luggage as much as possible so that if the checked-in baggage is lost or delayed at least you can start photographing as soon as you arrive. Note: Please contact me if you want to discuss equipment for this trip. What to bring, clothing and other Water bottle (1lt) to avoid the use of plastic bottles for mineral water. Our guide will make sure to refill your bottle whenever necessary. Sun block and sun glasses (protection against UV) Hat IP Travel Photography reserves the right to cancel this workshop. In the event of this happening, all payments received will be refunded but participants shall have no further claim against IP Travel Photography arising from such cancellation. Any such refund will not include payments for any bookings for other services made in addition to the itinerary outlined above. The responsibility for such bookings lies with the participant. As such, IP Travel Photography recommends participants to purchase a travel protection insurance prior to paying the first deposit. To reserve your place for 2019 or to make an enquiry, please email ignacio@iptravelphotography. com.au 22 Gaucho (skilled horseman) on a horse 23
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TO RESERVE YOUR PLACE FOR 2019 OR TO MAKE AN ENQUIRY, PLEASE EMAIL IGNACIO@IPTRAVELPHOTOGRAPHY.COM.AU 2018 IP Travel Photography www.iptravelphotography.com.au