Andes and Bolivian Salt Flats Photography Workshop

Argentina Desert, Snow Capped Volcanoes, and Bolivia's Salt Flats Covered by Stars

March 14 – 25, 2026

  • Photograph the colorful deserts of Argentina
  • Mingle with the locals in villages far from the tourists
  • Dark skies and galactic core milky way over the Salt Flats

After the rains, Bolivia’s salt flats awaken into one of the most surreal landscapes on Earth. A thin layer of water stretches across the Salar de Uyuni, transforming the world’s largest salt flat into a vast mirror that reflects the sky in every direction. At sunset, warm tones ripple across the surface, creating the illusion of walking between two skies. By night, the stars of the Milky Way shine above—and below—offering a rare chance to photograph the cosmos in perfect symmetry.

This workshop is timed to take full advantage of these extraordinary conditions. We’ll begin in northern Argentina, photographing the vivid desert landscapes and high-altitude salt flats of Jujuy. Then we’ll cross into Bolivia to explore the reflected dreamscapes of Uyuni. You’ll learn to work with light and scale across expansive, minimalist compositions, use focus stacking and long exposures to enhance detail and mood, and refine your approach to night photography under some of the clearest skies in the world.

We’ll also explore the human story woven into the land. From salt-block villages and quinoa fields to local markets and textile traditions, there are meaningful opportunities for cultural photography that complement the dramatic landscapes. Throughout the workshop, our Pros will provide hands-on instruction in the field and during image reviews, helping you strengthen your visual storytelling and technical control.

Accommodations include unique stays at locally owned salt hotels, imagine, even the walls are made of salt, and we’ll venture far out onto the flats to locations few travelers ever reach. The pace is carefully planned to allow for scouting, setting up, and experimenting with composition and light. Many areas are drone-friendly, giving you the chance to capture this vast terrain from above.

By the end of this workshop, you’ll leave with a portfolio of images that capture the magic and scale of this landscape—and the skills to approach even the most challenging environments with confidence and creativity. Whether you’re chasing reflections of the Milky Way or abstract patterns etched into salt, this is your chance to create something truly unforgettable.

Itinerary

This expedition reaches altitudes up to 13,000 feet. Please read the document linked in ALTITUDE. 

This itinerary is subject to change due to weather, local conditions, and other factors.

March 14, 2026: Arrival in Salta, Argentina, Hotel Meet and Greet

Arrive in to Salta Argentina. We’ll plan to hold a meet and greet at our hotel. 


March 15–16, 2026: Exploring Quebrada de Humahuaca, Night Sky Photography

We will visit Quebrada de Humahuaca a desert landscape surrounding Salta. You’ll have the opportunity to photograph unusual desert landscapes and also capture them under dark skies. These are some of the darkest skies on the planet, and you’ll be visiting locations where you can capture the desert scenes under the stars.


March 17, 2026: Journey to Bolivian Salt Flats, Stay in Tupiza

We will travel further North to the Bolivian salt flats and cross into Bolivia where we will stay at the town of Tupiza.


March 18–19, 2026: Sunset and Salt Hotel Stay at Uyuni Salt Flats

Today, we’ll continue our journey to the salt flats and the town of Uyuni. We will check into our first salt hotel, where even the walls are made of salt cubes. After a great hearty meal, we’ll head to the salt flats for sunset. Nothing is as beautiful as watching the light warm the unending flats covered with a shallow sea of water reflecting the clouds above. 


March 20, 2026: Milky Way Imagery at Dawn, Travel to Tahua near Volcano Tunupa

We’ll get up very early to drive out on the salt flats to create images of the Milky Way in dark night skies. After sunrise, breakfast, and checkout, we’ll continue from Uyuni to Tahua, near the volcano Tunupa. We’ll have the opportunity to cross the salt flats if there’s not too much water. When we arrive in Coquesa, we’ll check in to our second salt hotel, then head out to photograph the local culture and the fantastic quinoa fields. We will photograph the stars reflecting in the salt flats this night.


March 21–23, 2026: Exploring Salt Flats, Tunupa Volcano, Quinoa Fields Photography

We’ll spend these days on and around the salt flats, visiting various surrounding villages and vistas. Depending on the conditions, we’ll photograph the volcano of Tunupa with polygon shapes in the salt flats or visit the colorful quinoa fields. We’ll have another opportunity to spend time on the salt flats photographing the stars and the Milky Way in some of the darkest skies in the world.


March 23, 2026: Departure for La Paz, Lunch at San Cristobal Market

On our last day in the region, we’ll drive to La Paz. We leave early and make a few restroom stops along the way, with a good break for lunch at the market in San Cristobal. Once in La Paz, we’ll check in to our hotel for a much-earned meal and rest.


March 24, 2026: Post-Processing Day in La Paz

Today, we’ll sleep in and spend time on the incredible hotel grounds. After breakfast, we’ll move to our private room, where we can all spread out our computers and begin viewing the images captured during the previous days. You’ll be taught post-processing methods to blend your star images with the land scenes to create memorable photos of this beautiful place. You’ll have time to rest up before our final dinner. 


March 25, 2026: Departure Day, Airport Transfers for Homebound Flights

Fly home anytime. Many flights back to the US depart at 2-3:00 AM, and we’ll arrange a taxi for you to the airport. 


Testimonials

Andy P.
Atacama Desert '22
Extraordinary effort from Joseph and Ceci in very challenging circumstances which delivered a wonderful, memorable experience for all of us!
Jim R.
Atacama Bolivia Salt Flats '23
Wayne & Joseph were great at offering comp suggestions & shooting advice. Cecilia's local knowledge of flora, fauna, geology, culture, and history added a lot to the experience - providing stories & context for our photos.
Stacy C.
Atacama Bolivia Salt Flats '23
I realize that we were in some really remote places and I was pleasantly surprised by the quality of the lodging and food. I especially enjoyed the concept of staying at lodges run by the local people to help inject money into their local economy.
Gallery

Behind the Scenes

Altitude

This photography workshop visits altitudes up to 14,300 feet in elevation for brief periods, but we sleep at much lower altitudes. 

Please read this document, HIGH ALTITUDE

This workshop is designed to prepare you for the higher altitudes of more than 10,000 feet by spending time around 8,000 feet in the deserts of Argentina.

Fitness

Moderate: You must be able to walk up to one mile at elevations up to 13,000 feet.

Flights

Arrive at Martín Miguel de Güemes International Airport (SLA), Salta, Salta before 3:00 PM on March 14, 2026. Depart at El Alto International Airport (LPB), La Paz, Bolivia anytime on March 25, 2026. Air travel delays are common. Please arrive early, possibly even the day prior, so you don’t miss any of the workshop.

What to Bring

Please see our page How To Prepare For Your Workshop. We will send you a detailed information document 90 days before your workshop. This document will include specifics of where and when to meet, gear and clothing recommendations, and more.

What’s Included

  • Double occupancy lodging. Single available for $2,000 supplement.
  • All meals, soft drinks, and snacks during the workshop.
  • All permits and park fees.
  • All transportation during the workshop.
  • Tips for crew, drivers, and local guides.
  • English-speaking local guide throughout the workshop.
  • Photographic guiding and instruction from 2 pros.
  • Image reviews and post-processing instruction.
  • Adventure, fun, inspiration, and a great time!

Not Included

  • Travel to Salta, Salta and from La Paz, Bolivia.
  • Unscheduled airport transfers.
  • Passport and visa fees (if applicable).
  • Any meals or accommodations before or after the workshop dates.
  • Items of a personal nature.
  • Alcoholic Beverages.
  • Medical Evacuation Insurance (required).
  • Travel Medical (required).
  • Travel Medical and Trip Cancellation Insurance (optional, but recommended).
  • Anything else specifically not listed as included.
  • Single rooming available for $2,000 supplement.

Payment Terms

  • Your deposit of $4,995 will hold your space in this workshop.
  • Further payment of $4,000 is due by August 1, 2025.
  • The balance is due not later than December 1, 2025.
  • All of our standard Terms and Conditions apply.
  • Need special payment arrangements? No problem, just ask us.

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