Photography Expeditions

La Tirana, The Great Altiplanic Festival
From: July 13, 2025
To: July 17, 2025
Experience the vibrant Fiesta de La Tirana, Chile’s most iconic folk-religious celebration. Each July, thousands of dancers and musicians transform the Atacama Desert into a living tapestry of devotion. Colorful costumes, sacred rhythms, and centuries-old rituals honor the Virgin of Carmen. Set in the stark Pampa del Tamarugal, it’s a dream for photographers drawn to movement, light, and emotion. You’ll explore creative techniques like slow shutter, panning, and flash to capture the festival’s raw energy. An alcohol-free, family-friendly atmosphere ensures a pure and deeply spiritual experience.
Status: Happening Now!
The Trees of Tierra del Fuego by Andel Paulmann
From: October 2, 2025
To: October 9, 2025
Experience the remote southern edge of Patagonia on our Patagonia Far South: Winter Photo Expedition. Guided by acclaimed nature photographer Andel Paulmann, you’ll spend six days based at Innata Lodge—the only lodge open in Chilean Tierra del Fuego during winter—capturing the stark beauty of lenga forests, open pampas, river valleys, and Lake Blanco. Daily field sessions at dawn, dusk, and under the full moon focus on trees shaped by wind and snow, complemented by sightings of guanacos, foxes, wild horses, condors, and caracaras. Evening image reviews and personalized coaching help you build a cohesive portfolio by trip’s end. Limited group size ensures ample one-on-one guidance and a deep connection with this pristine landscape.
Status: Coming Soon
Expediton to the Darwin Range Patagonia, Chile
From: November 20, 2025
To: November 26, 2025
Journey to the remote Darwin Range, where glaciers, fjords, and ancient forests shape one of Earth’s last untouched frontiers. From aboard our expedition vessel, we’ll navigate six days through the icy labyrinth of the Alberto de Agostini National Park. Sailing silent waters like Parry and Ainsworth Fjords, we’ll encounter towering cliffs and nine massive glaciers echoing with calving ice. This is a realm where the Andes surrender to the sea and time seems frozen in blue and white silence. Yet amidst the beauty lies a stark truth—retreating glaciers reveal the urgent impact of a warming climate. With its dramatic light, shifting skies, and surreal colors, this is a photographer’s dream—and a call to witness the planet’s fragile majesty.
Status: Get Ready to Explore
Robinson Crusoe Island: Explorer’s Journey
From: December 6, 2025
To: December 12, 2025
Far out in the Pacific, Robinson Crusoe Island rises from the sea—wild, volcanic, and steeped in legend. Once home to marooned sailor Alexander Selkirk, the island inspired Defoe’s classic tale and still whispers stories of survival and solitude. Today, its rugged cliffs, misty ravines, and emerald forests form a pristine Chilean national park and sanctuary for rare species like the Juan Fernández Firecrown. We’ll explore its untamed heart by muleback and sea, from dramatic promontories to hidden coves once used by pirates. Photography here captures raw, elemental beauty—volcanic textures, unique wildlife, and the dance of light and sea. This is a journey into myth and wilderness, where history, nature, and adventure meet at the edge of the world.
Status: Get Ready to Explore
Beagle Channel – Patagonian Fjords: A Voyage to the Edge of the World
From: January 6, 2026
To: January 15, 2026
Sailing through the Patagonian fjords is a journey into one of the world’s last wild frontiers. Aboard the Alakush, we navigate daylight-only routes from Punta Arenas to Puerto Williams, tracing the paths of ancient mariners. Towering mountains, deep fjords, and glaciers frame each day’s anchorages, handpicked for their safety and stunning photographic potential. We explore the untamed beauty of the Darwin Range and the remote corners of Alberto de Agostini National Park. Each landing reveals raw, silent landscapes where ice, ocean, and sky meet in dramatic harmony. This is more than an expedition—it’s an intimate, visual encounter with Patagonia’s soul.
Status: Get Ready to Explore
Cape Horn Uncharted: A Photographer’s Voyage
From: January 17, 2026
To: January 26, 2026
Venture to the edge of the world, where the Wollaston Archipelago rises from the fierce Drake Sea in a landscape sculpted by wind and wave. At its heart lies Hornos Island, home to the legendary Cape Horn—a symbol of maritime lore and untamed beauty. These remote isles, part of Chile’s Cape Horn National Park and a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, offer a rare canvas for adventurous photographers. From the gentle hills of Hershel Island to the granite peaks of Mount Hyde on Wollaston, the geography is as dramatic as it is diverse. Cape Horn itself stands as a wind-battered sentinel, defiant against the Southern Ocean’s fury and steeped in seafaring myth. If the elements permit, we’ll land, explore, and inscribe our names in the Cape Horn guestbook—joining the legacy of explorer’s past.
Status: Get Ready to Explore
Parque Nacional Lauca, The Infinite Altiplano
From: March 9, 2026
To: March 15, 2026
Lauca National Park, perched at 4,000 meters in Chile’s far north, is a pristine sanctuary of volcanoes, lagoons, and high-altitude wildlife. This UNESCO Biosphere Reserve offers a dreamscape of mirror-like lakes, golden plains, and snow-capped peaks reflected in Lake Chungará. Home to vicuñas, flamingos, and the enduring Aymara people, it’s a land where nature and tradition coexist in quiet harmony. In March, the Altiplano bursts to life—lush wetlands, vivid colors, and dramatic skies create perfect conditions for photography. Our base in the village of Putre offers warmth and comfort between daily adventures guided by Enrique Huanca, son of the Altiplano. This is more than a photo expedition—it’s a soulful encounter with the Andean world, where every image holds ancient echoes.
Status: Get Ready to Explore
Patagonia’s Last Light: A Journey Through Tierra del Fuego
From: March 29, 2026
To: April 12, 2026
Sail through silent fjords, beneath towering glaciers, and into Patagonia’s untouched frontier. Explore Tierra del Fuego’s vibrant autumn forests, remote pampas, and hidden mountain passes. Photograph King Penguins, calving glaciers, and the golden hues of southern forests. Experience authentic Patagonian culture with traditional cuisine and local stories. A once-in-a-lifetime adventure by sea and land, guided by expert photographers. Capture the last wild light at the edge of the world.
Status: Get Ready to Explore
Patagonia: Autumn at the End of the World
From: April 12, 2026
To: April 21, 2026
Journey to the southernmost edge of the Americas, where autumn ignites the forests in fiery hues. Photograph King Penguins, vast pampas, and glacier-carved landscapes under golden southern skies. Ride alongside Patagonian gauchos across remote valleys and open plains. Experience the spirit of Tierra del Fuego through its landscapes, wildlife, and traditions. An unforgettable photographic adventure at the end of the world.
Status: Get Ready to Explore
Beyond the Moai: Discovering the Soul of Easter Island Through your Lens
From: May 18, 2026
To: May 23, 2026
Join us for an unforgettable photographic expedition to Rapa Nui, where moai statues stand as silent witnesses to a rich and enigmatic past. Guided by acclaimed photographer Guy Wenborne, we’ll spend six days exploring iconic sites and hidden corners of this volcanic island. Each day offers stunning light—from golden sunrises to deep twilight—casting magic over basalt cliffs and ocean horizons. Beyond landscapes, we connect with the living culture of the Rapanui people, whose stories deepen every image we create. Our base at Explora Rapa Nui provides comfort, expert instruction, and daily image reviews to refine your craft. More than a workshop, this is a journey into the soul of an island shaped by fire, wind, and timeless legend.
Status: Get Ready to Explore

Enrique Huanca Pairo

Guest Guide

Born in an Aymara family, Enrique calls the Arica and Parinacota region (the Chilean Altiplano) his home. He has over 27 years of experience in adventure tourism, working as a mountain and trekking guide with extensive knowledge of the Altiplano environment. He has completed training with NOLS (National Outdoor Leadership School), the Patagonia Guide School, and the Peruvian Guide School, holds a WAFA (Wilderness Advanced First Aid) certification. Enrique is also a Chef graduated in International Gastronomy.

Andres Puiggros

Guest Expedition Leader

Agricultural Engineer by profession and nature photographer by passion, I have found in the Arica and Parinacota Region the perfect blend of both worlds. I arrived in Arica in 2007, and since then, I’ve devoted myself to exploring its most remote and stunning landscapes — from the lush valleys and fertile foothills to the majestic and mystical highlands.

Traversing the driest desert in the world while discovering hidden sanctuaries of pure and diverse nature is an experience I invite everyone to live. The region’s biodiversity is astonishing and distinct from the rest of the country, shaped by our unique climatic and geographical conditions. From the pristine night skies of the altiplano, the vastness of the desert, the grandeur of Lake Chungará, to the singular native flora species — this region offers endless opportunities to capture its natural richness through photography. It’s an experience you won’t want to miss.

Email: andres.puiggros@gmail.com

Andel Alexa Paulmann Mast

Guest Expedition Leader

After years working as a designer, Andel decided to merge her greatest passions: nature, photography, and art. Since 2011, she has dedicated herself fully to nature photography, specializing in landscapes. She guides photographic expeditions and workshops, delivers lectures, serves as a juror in various photography competitions, and teaches photography courses. Between 2014 and 2019, Andel worked with Natphoto, and in the summer of 2015, she served as a photographer and guide in Antarctica. Her photographic work has been showcased in several individual exhibitions, and she has participated in numerous group exhibits. She founded the Facebook group “Bosques Nativos de Chile” (Native Forests of Chile) to raise awareness of the importance and beauty of Chilean native forests, and her photographs have contributed to books dedicated to nature and conservation. Andel represented Chile along with fellow photographers in the World Photographic Cup, participated in a photography Biennale in China, and won third place in photography at the International Art Biennale in Argentina.

Andel is deeply committed to landscape conservation and aims, through her work, to inspire awareness about the beauty and vital need to protect natural landscapes, particularly those that remain pristine.

Sebastián Wilson León

Guest Expedition Leader

Sebastián is a distinguished photographer based in Santiago, Chile specializing in architectural and landscape photography. His work is recognized for its exceptional clarity, precise composition, and evocative use of light and shadow. Sebastián’s architectural photography highlights the design and form of structures globally, while his landscape work captures the grandeur and beauty of the natural world. Featured in numerous publications, his images demonstrate a keen eye for detail and a deep appreciation for his subjects. Sebastián worked with Natphoto as teacher and workshop guide for several years. For more than 10 years he’s dedicated to education, sharing his expertise through workshops, podcasts and seminars and in particular asLightroom instructor. His photography is a testament to his passion and skill, consistently delivering visually stunning and emotionally resonant images.

Carolina Peric

Client Happiness Alchemist

Carolina Peric’s journey has been shaped by a rich tapestry of global experiences. She began her career as a flight attendant, traveling the world and immersing herself in diverse cultures. Her adventurous spirit led her to Singapore, where she spent nine years working as a relocation specialist, helping families navigate the challenges of settling into a new country. Beyond logistics, she provided invaluable support in making transitions smooth and stress-free. Her time in Cambodia further deepened her global perspective, as she contributed to housing projects, making a meaningful impact on local communities.

With a passion for people and seamless experiences, Carolina now brings her expertise to Southern Light Photo Expeditions. As the force behind back-office operations and client relations, she ensures every journey runs flawlessly. Her ability to connect with people from all walks of life, combined with her organizational skills and problem-solving mindset, makes her an invaluable part of the team. Whether managing logistics or building lasting relationships, she is dedicated to making every expedition a truly enriching adventure.