Altiplano Adventure South America

Dec 8-19, 2026 - 1 Spot Left!

Witness the high-altitude landscapes of Northern Argentina, where every day brings a new visual masterpiece. You’ll capture surreal mineral lagoons glowing in shades of turquoise and crimson, vast salt flats stretching to the horizon, sculpted canyon walls lit by sunrise, and volcanic cones rising from remote desert plains. From sweeping dunes and dramatic badlands to isolated valleys filled with flamingos and wildlife, this journey is designed for photographers seeking bold color, striking textures, and otherworldly scenery at every turn. This is a true expedition-style workshop—traveling by 4x4 into some of the most seldom-seen corners of the Altiplano—where accommodations may be simple and the roads a bit rugged, but the photographic rewards are extraordinary.

Tuition

8790/Person
All-Inclusive

Max Group Size

Max 6 Students

Instructor(s)

David Swindler

Physical Intensity

Altiplano Adventure Photo Workshop South America

Highlights

All-inclusive with single occupancy accommodations including first and last nights at a 5-star hotel.
Epic off-the-beaten-path access across Northern Argentina’s Altiplano
Small group experience — limited to just 6 photographers
Epic off-the-beaten-path access across Northern Argentina’s Altiplano
Photograph surreal lagoons, salt flats, canyons, dunes, and volcanoes
Drone-required workshop with outstanding aerial composition opportunities
Prime season for dramatic clouds, shifting light, and dynamic weather
Expedition-style 4x4 travel with simple lodging in remote locations.

Itinerary

Day 1 – Arrival & Welcome
Arrive in Northern Argentina and settle into a luxury hotel for our opening night. Meet the group over a delicious welcome dinner.

Days 2–3 – Canyons, Rock Formations & Desert Light
We begin photographing dramatic canyon walls, wind-carved landscapes, and remote desert vistas. Short hikes will take us to incredible geologic formations as burrowing parrots squabble overhead.

Days 4–5 – High-Altitude Lagoons & Flamingo Valleys
Venture deeper into the Altiplano to capture surreal mineral lagoons, volcanic backdrops, and wildlife-filled valleys. Expect brilliant color, reflections, and unique high-desert panoramas.

Days 6–7 – Craters, Badlands & Hidden Landscapes
Explore some of the most isolated corners of the plateau, photographing ancient volcanic features, sculpted badlands, colorful canyons, and striking aerial patterns only visible from above.

Days 8–9 – Salt Flats, Cones & Labyrinthine Deserts
Our most otherworldly days: sunrise over glowing red lagoons, drone perspectives of remote desert labyrinths, and bold evening light on volcanic cones and endless scenic vistas.

Days 10–11 – Iconic Mountain Color & Final Sunsets
We transition toward the northern mountain valleys for sweeping views of multicolored ridgelines as curious vicunas roam in the brush. The patterns of nature in this area are nothing short of amazing.

Day 12 – Sunrise Farewell & Return
Photograph a final sunrise over the high Andes before returning to Salta for a farewell dinner and a comfortable night in a 5-star hotel.

Logistics

Arrive in Salta, Argentina (SLA) anytime before 5PM on Dec 8, 2026. You can take Uber or an airport taxi to our 5-star hotel where we'll meet at 7PM for a delicious welcome dinner. We return to Salta the evening of Dec 18. The hotel provides breakfast on Dec 19 and you can plan your return travel anytime on the 19th.

This is a Drone-Required workshop. This is different from a drone-focused workshop where all shots are aerial based. We'll have a good mix of both ground and aerial shots. However, there are some locations where there is nothing to shoot from the ground unless you have a drone. All participants need to be proficient in flying their aircraft BEFORE the workshop. We recommend drone models that are better in windy conditions such as the Mavic models by DJI.

Our dates correspond with the beginning of the rainy season. We like these shoulder season dates since we get a nice mix of clouds and dramatic weather to enhance our photos. We cover a large range of altitudes on this workshop from the lowlands at 4,000 ft up to 15,000 ft. If you are sensitive to altitude you may want to consult with your doctor and arrive early to acclimatize. Temperatures can range from 25°F to 85°F. Light snow is a possibility. It's important to dress in layers. See the gear list further down.

Transportation will be provided in 4x4 trucks. Space is limited to 1 suitcase and 1 camera bag per person. We highly recommend hard-sided luggage since it can get dusty. When we are in the remote regions, the lodging and meals are simple but adequate.

We highly recommend all participants purchase Travel Insurance to protect their workshop investment. The proper policy will cover trip cancellation in addition to emergency medical and evacuation. We will schedule a zoom meeting when we're a few months out to ensure you are well prepared.

Pricing

$8,790/ PERSON + TAX

Trip Includes:

11 nights single occupancy hotel lodging with 3 nights in upscale 4-5 star properties. Double occupancy is not available.
All meals, snacks, and beverages.
All 4x4 ground transportation throughout the workshop.
In-field photography instruction
Post-processing and image critique
Pre-workshop zoom meeting
Services of local guides.

Trip Does NOT Include:

Flights to and from your home to Salta, Argentina.
Gratuities for Instructors and Drivers.

The Fine Print:

50% deposit required to hold your spot.
Remaining balance is due Aug 8, 2026.
If you need to cancel, a full refund less a $300 cancellation fee will be given once your spot is filled by another participant.
Loyalty discounts are not available for this international workshop.
See the full Terms and Conditions.

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Recommended Camera Gear

Digital SLR or mirrorless camera body. Two bodies for fewer lens changes.
Wide angle lens in the 16-35mm range or wider.
Mid-range zoom lens in the range of 24-100mm.
Long telephoto zoom lens in the 100-400mm range. A lens that only reaches 200mm is not long enough for wildlife.
Tripod and L-bracket for your camera.
Circular polarizer for your wide and mid-range lenses.
Drone camera - REQUIRED!! Recommend models that perform better in windy conditions.
Backpack to carry your camera gear.
Extra batteries, memory cards, and cleaning supplies.
Laptop if you wish to backup your photos or do any post-processing.

Personal Gear List

Waterproof and windproof shell.
Warm layers like fleece and down jackets.
Thermal underlayers
Comfortable long-sleeve shirts for sun protection.
Sturdy footwear and long pants.
Things to keep you entertained during long hours on the road.
Headlamp
Sunscreen, Sunglasses, Sun Hat.
Refillable water bottle.
Power adapter for Argentina.
Ear plugs and eye-mask for better sleeping.
Medications and Toiletries

Trusted by Over 900 Reviews

David Swindler

Founder - Photography Instructor

David Swindler is an award-winning landscape and wildlife photographer. Among others, he has been recognized by the International Photography Awards, Siena International Photo Awards, International Aerial Photographer of the Year, Sony World Photography Awards, International Landscape Photographer of the Year, and National Geographic. He received a degree in chemical engineering and worked in the semiconductor industry specializing in optics and photolithography. In 2014, he left his day job to follow his true passion. He has traveled to some of the most remote regions of the world and has extensive experience photographing a wide variety of subjects and conditions. As the founder of Action Photo Tours, he finds great satisfaction in helping others learn photography, especially in the wild desert environment near his home in Kanab, UT. David is an expert in night photography and loves to get out and shoot the starry night skies.

Gallery Awards and Media Coverage

Having guided photo tours for years, David is very familiar with many different types of cameras. He is a master with light and composition. But most importantly, his dedication to his clients is what really sets him apart! But don't take our word for it - read what others are saying: Trip Advisor.