Jewels of the
Argentine Puna
Balance due 30 days before departure.
Vast landscapes.
A different perspective.
Discover a remarkable side of northern Argentina on a 12-day photography expedition through high-altitude deserts, colourful mountains, salt flats and volcanic landscapes.
Our Argentine Puna Photography Tour follows a route developed through first-hand exploration, bringing together striking scenery and opportunities to create images beyond the familiar viewpoints. From the textures of wind-carved rock to the changing colours of distant mountains, each landscape invites a different way of seeing.
With just nine guests accompanied by three guides, there is time to develop your compositions, ask questions and receive guidance suited to your experience. Sunrise and sunset outings, planned night photography and editing sessions make this a journey dedicated to both capturing photographs and growing as a photographer.
Accommodation, meals, private transport and scheduled activities are included, allowing you to focus on the experience.
See differently.
Follow the light.
Keep learning.
- Photograph high-altitude deserts, colourful mountains and volcanic landscapes.
- Explore a route developed through personal scouting and local experience.
- Travel with just nine guests and three guides.
- Work with the changing light at sunrise and sunset.
- Develop your night photography skills when conditions allow.
- Receive guidance on composition, exposure and technique in the field.
- Refine your photographs during editing and image-review sessions.
- Enjoy regional food and an included wine tasting.
- Travel with accommodation, meals and programme transport included.
Argentina, through our lens.
Your journey, day by day.
Our expedition begins in Salta. After your airport transfer, settle into the hotel and meet your fellow travellers and guides.
We will introduce the programme, discuss equipment and preparation, and explain the rhythm of the photography days ahead.
Nine days of exploration bring together a varied collection of landscapes and photographic experiences. The themes below describe what we will photograph throughout the route rather than the precise order of visits.
Mountains painted by nature
Discover terrain where mineral colours and layered formations create striking patterns. We will work with wide views and tighter compositions, exploring how light transforms colour, depth and texture.
The silence of the desert
Open spaces and isolated landforms offer opportunities to simplify an image and experiment with scale. These sessions encourage a slower approach: observing the scene, choosing a subject and building a composition with intention.
Volcanic forms and sculpted stone
Explore landscapes shaped by volcanic activity and erosion. We will photograph their curves, edges and textures, seeking viewpoints and light that reveal their character.
Salt, water and sand
Salt flats, lagoons and sandy landscapes introduce new textures and visual contrasts. Depending on conditions, we will explore reflections, subtle colour transitions and the relationship between land and sky.
From golden light to darkness
Sunrise and sunset sessions form an essential part of the programme. On suitable evenings, we will stay out for blue hour and night photography, adapting our approach to the opportunities available.
Time to review, rest and enjoy
Between outings, there will be opportunities to rest, select photographs and take part in editing sessions. Regional meals and an included wine tasting add another dimension to the journey.
We will enjoy the final part of our route before returning to Salta for the last night of the expedition.
It is an opportunity to reflect on the journey, share favourite images and spend a final evening together.
Airport transfers will be arranged for your return journey.
You leave northern Argentina with new photographs, practical experience and fresh ideas to carry into your next photographic adventure.
Nature sets the pace.
Every detail, considered.
Included in your trip
- 11 nights of accommodation in shared double or twin rooms with private bathrooms.
- All breakfasts, lunches and dinners during the programme.
- Private transport throughout the itinerary.
- Fuel for all scheduled journeys.
- Three guides accompanying a maximum of nine guests.
- Editing and image-review sessions during the expedition.
- Entrance fees and excursions included in the programme.
- Scheduled wine tasting.
Not included
- International flights.
- Visa.
- Travel insurance.
- Single room: $1,200
- Anything not listed as included.
A room of your own.
Experience in the field.
JOSE D. RIQUELME
José D. Riquelme is an award-winning photographer born in Murcia, Spain, recognized internationally with various awards and accolades such as:
- "Open Nature Winner and Overall Winner" at the Epson Pano Awards 2023.
- "Photographer of the Year 2021" in the night category at the 35awards.
- Four consecutive gold medals at the Trierenberg Super Circuit in Vienna.
- Remarkable Art Work at the Siena International Photo Awards.
- Gold medal at the Pano Epson Awards.
- Finalist at the Xposure International Photography Festival.
- Consistently ranked among the top three landscape and night landscape photographers at the 35awards for three consecutive years, competing with an average of 120,000 participants.
- Special Prize “Amazing Clouds” at The International Landscape Photographer of the Year 2021.
- Winner of the Viewbug "Shooting the Blue Hour" photo contest.
- Winner of Viewbug's Monthly Pro Photo Contest Vol 45.
Exploring northern Argentina.
Ready for the photograph.
To make the most of this photography expedition, we recommend bringing the following equipment:
- DRONE — STRONGLY RECOMMENDED, ALMOST ESSENTIAL: The aerial perspective offers exceptional opportunities to capture the Puna’s patterns, colours and vast landscapes. Bring spare batteries, your controller and any required documentation. Flights are subject to local permissions and suitable conditions.
- DSLR or Mirrorless Camera: A camera with manual exposure and focus controls.
- Wide-Angle Lens: A 14–24mm or 16–35mm lens for expansive landscapes. A fast aperture is useful for night photography.
- Standard Zoom Lens: A 24–70mm or similar for versatile landscape compositions.
- Telephoto Lens up to 400mm: A 100–400mm or similar for isolating distant details, mountain layers and abstract patterns.
- Sturdy Tripod: Essential for low-light photography, long exposures and night sessions.
- Spare Batteries and Memory Cards: Enough for full days of shooting.
- Cleaning Kit and Protective Covers: To protect your equipment from dust and sand.
- Headlamp: Preferably with a red-light mode for night photography.
- Laptop and Backup Drive: For editing sessions and backing up your photographs.
Focal lengths are given as full-frame equivalents.
During the editing sessions, we will work with the following programs:
– Adobe Photoshop and Camera Raw (similar to Lightroom): The main software for post-processing and advanced image editing. – DXO PureRAW: To optimize photo quality, reduce noise, and improve sharpness before editing.
– Nik Collection (Plug-in): A set of essential tools for applying effects, enhancing details, and creating unique styles.
– Adobe Lightroom (Optional): Ideal for organizing your photos and making basic adjustments before editing in Photoshop. It is important that you have these programs installed on your computer to make the most of the photo editing sessions. If you have any questions about the recommended equipment or software, feel free to contact us.
A few things worth knowing.
The workshop will take place in Argentina.
José D. Riquelme.
The workshop is designed for photographers of all levels, from beginners to professionals. Sessions will be adapted to meet the needs of all participants.
yes, it is mandatory
Let’s talk about your trip.
Plan your expedition.
The reservation will be confirmed once a payment of 1,000 US dollars has been made.
No spots will be reserved without the deposit.
Final Payment: The final amount must be paid 30 days before the start of the trip.
We understand that attending our workshops requires prior commitment, and also that life events can occur that may force you to cancel a trip. Depending on the cancellation date, the following conditions will apply:
- More than 150 days before the start date of the workshop: full refund of payments made.
- Between 150 and 91 days before the start of the workshop: 50% of the reservation will be refunded.
- 90-61 days before the start of the workshop: 35% of the reservation will be refunded.
- Within 60 days prior to the start of the workshop: No refund will be made.
Accidents:
- IceMonkey is not responsible for accidents involving participants during the workshop and will not cover medical expenses if necessary. During the workshop, each participant is responsible for their own safety and physical integrity.
- IceMonkey is not responsible for accidents or losses of photographic equipment during the workshop. Each participant is responsible for their own photographic equipment.
- Travel insurance is mandatory.
Punctuality:
- Each day of the expedition, all participants must be punctual at the established time. All participants must be at the starting point of the expedition for its commencement. In case of delays due to inconveniences, the participant must communicate with someone from the IceMonkey staff as soon as possible.
Respect:
- Participants may have different levels of knowledge about the subject, which requires patience when explaining topics that are already familiar to them. Each participant’s photographic area must be respected. Disrespect towards a participant or a staff member will not be tolerated. This is a discrimination-free space. We will not tolerate racism, sexism, discrimination based on sexual orientation, or gender identity.
Weather:
- The tour and its itinerary depend on the weather and can change at any time. We will always be attentive to the best weather conditions to determine where to go and optimize photography.
- Price: $7.500
- Date: Oct. 23 – Nov. 3, 2027
- Duration: 12 days / 11 nights
- Languages: english / spanish
- Places: 9
- Activity Level: All levels
- Airport Salta Airport (SLA)
Your next extraordinary
photograph starts here.
Your next extraordinary photograph.
Let’s talk about Argentina.
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