Come home with photographs you couldn't have made alone
Small-group and private photo tours across the Andes, Amazon, Patagonia and the Puna -- designed by Sergio Ballivian. 40 years photographing this land, 30 years guiding it.
You bring the eye. We bring four decades of South America — the access, the timing, and the local know-how that turn a trip into a portfolio. Here’s what that gets you:
What you’ll experience:
- Always at the Light: You sleep near the shot, not three hours away. When the sky ignites, you’re already there.
- Local Pro Guides: Native photographer-guides and drivers who know every back road, lagoon, and ridgeline.
- Small & Custom: Three people per 4×4, slightly more in vans. We don’t do buses. Every trip built around your expectations and vision.
- Comprehensive:One price, nearly everything covered — even your domestic flights. (Full list below.)
We don’t do the whole world. We do South America — deeply.
Six countries, four decades, and a short list of places we’ve come to know intimately.
- Argentina — Tierra del Fuego & Los Glaciares/Patagonia
- Bolivia — the flooded Salar de Uyuni & Madidi National Park
- Chile — the Atacama Desert & Torres del Paine/Patagonia
- Colombia — the Andean Highlands & Páramo Wetlands
- Ecuador — the Galápagos & the Choco cloud forest
- Peru — the Cordillera Huayhuash & the Tambopata rainforest
- New for 2026 — the Puna. We’ve scouted Argentina’s high desert for some time; this is the first year we open it to a small group. Come explore it with us.
Argentina
Bolivia
Chile
Colombia
Ecuador
Peru
Your Vision. Our Logistics.
It starts with a conversation — not a shot list, but a real sense of what you’re after. From there we match your dates to the season that delivers: want the flooded-salt-flat reflections? That’s the rainy season — it’s the flooding that makes the mirror. The value was never in the sticker price; it’s in the person standing beside you, the local who’s known this ground a lifetime.
No one can promise you a photograph. But when the season, the light, and the access line up, you’ll be exactly where you need to be to make it — and grounded in what we can honestly deliver. This is what sharing the magic is all about.
Built around the shot, not the brochure
Where you sleep — and why it varies.
5-star in the cities, comfortable 3- and 4-star in the towns, a basic hostel in the middle of nowhere. We pick beds by how close they put us to the shoot, not by their star rating. Expect real comfort where it exists, and cheerful roughing-it where it doesn’t — always for a reason.
The famous places, minus the crowds.
The same legendary locations many know — but the corners that take more time and effort to reach: deep local knowledge, a proper 4×4, an earlier start than most are willing to make. Not top-secret, just honestly earned. We begin before sunrise and end after sunset. And that’s where the uncommon angles and your best frames are waiting to be captured.
Less out-of-pocket, no surprises.
No upsells, ever. Nearly everything is included: hotel nights, about 98% of meals, park entry fees, permits, transport, snacks, soft drinks, fresh juice, filtered water, and your domestic flights inside the country. Not covered: international airfare, a few meals, liquor, and personal extras. In practice, you’ll rarely reach for your wallet. That’s the point — we’d rather you spend time shooting.
The food is part of the trip.
Wherever you are, you eat what the region does best: quinoa soup and llama on the Altiplano, a homemade empanada on the Puna, tangy ceviche on the coast, and fresh fish steamed in bamboo in the Amazon — real, honest food, true to each place.
A day in the field
Up before dawn, in position while the sky is still black. First light, then breakfast. Through the flat midday hours we rest, review the morning’s frames, or move to the next location. Back out for the golden hour — and we stay for the blue hour and the first stars, long after most tours have packed up and gone to dinner. Long days, built entirely around the light.
What’s the difference between a tour and a workshop?
A photo tour and a photo workshop aren’t the same trip with two names. They may go to the same places but move at a different pace, have different logistics, and are priced differently — and both can send you home with images you’re proud of. The only real question is which one fits the way you want to learn. Here’s the quick read.
Photo Tours
- Emphasis: Location and capturing the best possible images at those locations, often at optimal times and lighting.
- Structure: Less structured, with the focus on experiencing the location and taking photos.
- Instruction: May offer some on-location guidance and advice, but not typically formal lessons or critiques.
- Learning: Learning is more organic, with participants learning through experience and asking questions as they go.
- Example: A trip to the Amazon to photograph wildlife and some landscapes, with the guide providing tips on composition and camera settings as they travel and lighting conditions change during the day.
Photo Workshops
- Emphasis: Learning and improving photographic skills through structured lessons and feedback.
- Structure: More structured, with set lessons, assignments, and daily review and image critiques.
- Instruction: Includes formal instruction, classroom time, live demonstrations, and formal critiques.
- Learning: Participants actively learn new techniques and receive feedback on their work.
- Example: A workshop focused on landscape photography, with lessons on light, composition, lens choice, leading lines, and post-processing, followed by a real event in a chosen landscape with post-shooting group critiques.
Sergio’s Bio
Sergio Ballivian is a Bolivian-born photographer and expedition leader — more than 40 years photographing the Andes and Amazon, and 30 years guiding them. He spent five years at National Geographic in Washington, D.C. as the Photo Equipment Coordinator (1991-96), led the first descent and all rafting operations of Bolivia’s Tuichi River (up to class V) in Madidi National Park, and has worked as support staff, fixer, logistics, guide, and cameraman on many documentaries — including Emmy-winning adventure films by Roger Brown, and the award-winning Voices for Madidi (Best Cinematography) by Jonathan Derksen.
He was fixer, guide and translator for National Geographic photographer Joel Sartore and writer Priit Vesilind for the Atacama story (Aug. 2003). He self-published two books about Bolivia’s Andes and Amazon: Altiplano: Where Earth and Sky Embrace and Madidi: An Uncertain Future. Every itinerary offered at Sergio Photo Tours is built upon his decades of exploration, insatiable curiosity and love of adventure…but most of all his passion for photography.
Ready to experience South America with us?
Start with one of our featured itineraries, or we can gladly customize your own, or contact me directly and let’s talk about what you’re looking for: Mobile & WhatsApp +1 303-808-7713 or sergio@sergiophototours.com
In Their Own Words
Hola Sergio!
Bolivia was spectacular. We couldn't have done it without you and Oscar. I am very appreciative.
We will stay connected!
Bill W.
McCall, Idaho / Eagle, Idaho
Bill W.
Hello Sergio, Jose and Javier,
It's been a few months since we were in Peru and the Huayhuash with your team. Last night we sat down to see some photos...and we were reminiscing about those blue andean skies and the golden colors across the landscape. Even the few cloudy days and nighttime rain added to the beauty we had the pleasure of enjoying....with no one around. You were right, it is remote, but it is also incredibly beautiful, impenetrable and frankly a little imposing. We felt small surrounded by such huge peaks, and when we saw Siula Grande where Joe Simpson and his partner had their epic survival...we understood the magnitude of those peaks. I don't know how they survived...We were in good hands as Jose and Javier were excellent guides and besides knowing many of the locals we met along the way they also shared the stories of the Shining Path and the hard times so many decades ago. We give your staff 5 stars for organization, transport, food and guiding. We felt we received a great service for a fair price. Thank you so much again and we know these memories will last us a lifetime. Salut!
Jean-Pierre and Claudette (the vagabonds of Quebec)
Jean-Pierre B.
Hola amigo,
Just managed to download all my photos of Patagonia. Holy cow, I got more shots that are possible prints than I remember. Bob called the other day, he's headed down to Miami in a month, so I am sure we're going to look and share photos of Chile. Considering the great weather we got, April really was the perfect choice for the colors and the warmer temps. The day at the ranch was great! That real gaucho looked like he came out of the Marlboro ad...tough looking dude...smoking and riding his horse. The light was awesome and I did get one shot with him in silhouette that is a favorite. The infrared photos of the vicuñas and the lonely roads...came out great! I'll post a few to Instagram, make sure to follow me. Hopefully your flight was not as bumpy as ours. Let's stay in touch. I may be up for another trip soon. Take care and be good. Sam
Samuel D.
Sergio,
Sam and I had a great trip! The colors in autumn were really spectacular and I am so glad we didn't get too much wind! I think I got some really nice shots of the waterfalls and the sunset across the horns! The guanacos with the Torres in the background were keepers for sure even though it's a classic shot, I am very happy with it. Man, the snowstorn/gale on Grey Lake was something else, but I think we got the best sailing window of the day. They guys before us saw clouds and the group after us saw rain. You can't take credit for the timing but Sam and I got some killer shots of Grey glacier and the snow-covered mountains. Thanks so much for sorting out the hotels. We slept like kings. Let's visit the Atacama Desert next time! Nora says hello and we send you our best wishes!
Patrick M.
Hey Serge,
I am off to visit my sister in Minnesota but just wanted to send a quick hello and thanks before boarding my flight. The Tuichi River trip was unlike anything I have ever done. I'm a city girl, but you and Ovidio and Jose were so good to me, I can't thank you enough. Hot and humid is not my fave, but the rainforest was magical. The monkeys, macaws and the giant armadillo were amazing! I never knew an armadillo could be so huge! Anyways, Rosita and Ana-maria were such great cooks....oh my god! The fresh fish cooked in the bamboo tubes and the catfish in the banana leaves...soooo delish. The fresh made bread made me gain a few extra you know whats...so now I have to go to the gym to sweat it off. My bags finally arrived a day later back home but all's well that ends well. Sending all you guys a big hug from Aspen. Keep me on your mailing list, hopefully soon I can visit with my fiancee. XoXo Amy
Amy T.
Sergio! Saludos desde Chile!
Quiero espresar mis sinceros agradecimientos por el gran trabajo que nos brindaste atravesando el Altiplano en tu Land Cruiser! Vaya hombre....los otros que van 6 por auto no saben lo que se pierden en no poder viajar contigo. Comodos con solo 4 personas por auto, deliciosa comida, y tu conocimiento de la zona del Salar de Uyuni y Sud Lipez es impresionante! Te felicito porque nos dejaste con los mejores recuerdos para toda la familia. Mis hijos aun se recuerdan de los poliganos de salt, la luz espectacular en la mañana ilumbrando el Thunupa y cuando nos mostraste las mommias en la cueva! Y las manadas de vicuñas corriendo hacia laguna Colorada! Wow! Nos hemos enamorado de Bolivia y su gente. Un fuerte abrazo y espero que vayamos al Parque Nacional Madidi contigo muy pronto.
Jonathan, Ingrid, Jose y Tanja
Jonathan W.
Hola Sergio and Sandro!
Warm greetings from a very busy and noisy Madrid. We miss the quiet of the jungle mornings on the Tuichi River. The magic morning light on the lagoon at Chalalan was more than my eyes could stand and more than a few times...a tear would escape. All in gratitude of course. I don't know where to begin because so many amazing things kept crossing our paths, the tapir swimming across the Tuichi, the fresh paw prints of a Jaguar and the hurried prints of the capybara trying to get away sent chills up my spine every time I look at those photos. The list of amazing insects, birds and monkeys we saw kept us entertained and saddened at the same time. The beauty and peace we saw in the jungle is now shattered by the possibility of the mining upriver beyond San Jose. I hope it never comes to fruition by I have seem similar things happen across the border in Peru. But, all of that, cannot take away from the hospitality of the cooks, the great food and top-notch guides that accompanied us deep into the rivers beyond the lodge. The pack of wild peccaries truly scared me, but at the same time re-affirmed that life is good! Thankfully they were on the other side of the river so we had a great vantage point to see with our binoculars. The raw jungle always amazes me. My daughter Karina says hello and says the bracelet she got from Juanita is her favorite! Please send her a warm hug from both of us.
Until next time...we wish you well and many, many thanks for taking care of us.
Yvonne and Karina
Yvonne S. de T.
Dear Sergio and staff,
Jerry and I were more than pleasantly surprised with the professional services you afforded us. You were right, Bolivia is stunning, rugged and full of history. It's also rough around the edges, and you made sure we understood what we would be getting in the middle of nowhere. Nonetheless, the operation was run like a tight ship, Jose was a superb guide and he knew his mountains! It seems he also climbed a lot of the ones we saw on the trail. Very impressive! Jerry, the picky eater was more than pleased and you know me, coffee, some fresh fruit and some cereal took care of my needs in the morning. I don't know how Maria cooked such amazing food in a tent, at 11,000 ft in the chilly Andes, night after night. I think we both gained a pound or two. We commend you and we can't recommend your services enough to our friends at the photo club. Yup, they were jealous of the photos we took! Let's hope in a couple of years we can visit the Quimsa Cruz Range Jose talked so much about. Take care and our heartfelt thanks from the Washington DC!
With warm wishes,
Barbara and Jerry K.
Barbara K.
I have worked with Sergio for almost 20 years. We met because we were both photographers. At first, I was charmed by his gregarious personality. Now, having had the privilege of seeing how Sergio operates his business, I am amazed at his skill for tour management and making adventure tourism fascinating, entertaining and educational. He is a truly a professional tour operator. He is my "de facto" resource for anything South America. And if I am going anywhere outside of South America, I check with him first to see what and who he knows. I've logged thousands of miles with Sergio by foot, by boat, and by 2 and 4 wheels, and am looking forward to many more miles and sunsets through my lens with Sergio. He will take amazing care of you and show you a mind blowing world in the Andes.
Documentary film about the Tuichi River in Madidi National Park in Bolivia, Oct 2021
Brian M.
Tuichi River
Sergio was very detail oriented making sure that logistics, safety and comfort were a priority. Trip was one of a lifetime. All of Sergio's hired help were professional and were all friends by the end of the trip. I can't wait to go on another trip with Sergio.
Peter Van De C.
