Argentina, High Desert by Drone
October 26 – November 6, 2027
Andes and Bolivian Salt Flats
At a Glance
Location
Argentina and Bolivia
Tuition
$14,495
Dates
March 15 – 26, 2028
Fitness Level
Availability
Limited to 8 Guests
Collections
- Journey
- Signature Collection
Andes and Bolivian Salt Flats Photography Workshop
Argentinean Desert, Snow-Capped Volcanoes, and Bolivia's Salt Flats Covered by Stars
March 15 – 26, 2028
- 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, where even the walls are made of salt! 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.
Your Pros
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, 2028: Optional Acclimatization Day in Salta
If you’re concerned about how you handle elevation, we highly recommend arriving on this day in Salta. We can help you make hotel reservations and arrange logistics. The town is a mile high so it’s very helpful to allow your body an additional 24 hours at this fairly low altitude before we begin accessing higher elevations later in this workshop.
March 15, 2028: Arrive at Salta, Drive to Hotel, Sunset Viewing
Arrive in to Salta Argentina airport (SLA) by 11:00 AM. After a quick meeting over lunch, we’ll pack up our vans and drive to our first hotel. The drive is about 3 hours to the north through some of the beautiful, high desert of Argentina. Once we arrive, you’ll have time to unpack and get situated for two nights. We’ll then plan on heading out to a location for sunset light.
March 16, 2028: Explore Quebrada de Humahuaca, Night Sky Observations
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 17–18, 2028: Travel 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. Here we’ll spend time exploring the beautifully colored canyons near town. We’ve arranged an additional day here to take advantage of this unique landscape.
March 19–20, 2028: Visit Uyuni Salt Flats, Sunset and Starlight Observations
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.
We will spend another full day exploring the eastern end of the large salt flats from morning to evening and beyond. Our goal will be to take advantage of the best light from many of the great locations. We’ll have wonderful meals at our salt hotel and spend time out under the stars.
March 21–23, 2028: Journey to Tahua, Explore Northern Salt Flats
After leaving Uyuni, we’ll make our drive across the large flat playa to the town of Tahua. We’ll then spend three nights on and around this northern region of 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 24, 2028: Drive to La Paz, Lunch in San Cristobal, Hotel Check-in
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 25, 2028: Rest, Review Captured Scenes, Learn Post Processing
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 26, 2028: Departure Day, Arrange Taxi to Airport
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.
Altitude
This photography workshop visits altitudes up to 13,000 feet in elevation. We will meet at a lower altitude to help everyone prepare for the higher elevations. This itinerary visits 13,000 feet for a brief time, and the Bolivian Salt Flats is at an altitude of 12,000 feet.
Please read this document, HIGH ALTITUDE
This workshop is designed to prepare you for the higher altitudes by spending time at much lower altitudes for multiple nights.
Fitness
Moderate: Be prepared for high-altitude conditions, reaching up to 13,000 feet. The itinerary includes long days exploring expansive salt flats and desert landscapes, with some early starts and late finishes. Expect varied terrain that may require careful footing, and be ready to carry camera gear during outings.
Flights
Arrive at Martin Miguel De Guemes International Airport (SLA), Salta, Argentina, before 11:00 AM on March 15, 2028. Depart from El Alto International Airport (LPB), La Paz / El Alto, Bolivia, anytime on March 26, 2028. 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 a $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, Argentina 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 including coverage from point of injury (required).
- Travel Medical Insurance (required).
- Trip Cancellation Insurance (optional, but recommended).
- Anything else specifically not listed as included.
- Single rooming is available for a $2,000 supplement.
Payment Terms
- Your deposit of $5,495 will hold your space in this workshop.
- Further payment of $5,000 is due by July 1, 2027.
- The balance is due not later than November 1, 2027.
- All of our standard Terms and Conditions apply, including our cancellation and refund policy.
- Need special payment arrangements? No problem, just ask us.
Frequently Asked Questions
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.
Yes, this workshop is refundable. Cancellations made more than 150 days before the start date receive a full refund. Between 150–91 days, you'll get a refund of payments exceeding 50% of tuition, and between 90–61 days, a refund of payments exceeding 75% of tuition. No refunds are available within 60 days unless we fill your space, in which case you receive a 100% refund. All refunds are issued by the original payment method and are subject to a 5% administrative processing fee.
The workshop is limited to a maximum of 8 participants, ensuring personalized attention and guidance from our two professional photographers.
A moderate fitness level is required. Be prepared for high-altitude conditions, reaching up to 13,000 feet, and long days exploring varied terrain. You'll need to carry your camera gear during outings.
Yes, medical evacuation insurance and travel medical insurance are required. Trip cancellation insurance is optional but recommended to protect your investment.
Bring a range of lenses, including wide-angle lenses from 14–35mm for landscapes and a sturdy tripod for long exposures and night photography. A drone is also recommended for capturing aerial views of the salt flats.
Yes, all meals, soft drinks, and snacks during the workshop are included. However, meals before and after the workshop dates, as well as alcoholic beverages, are not included.
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