A native of Japan, Katsuyoshi Tanaka, relocated to New York in 1993. After working as an assistant for a National Geographic photographer, he began his freelance career in 1995. Since then he has been involved in various projects for magazines, books and exhibitions in the U.S., Japan and many other countries.

He travels extensively in Europe and South America where he has been documenting traditional cultures and lifestyles such as bullfighters in Spain, Inca descendants in Peru, and mixed races and cultures in Brazil. He has also documented social issues such as School Reform in the United States and America’s Prison System.

In recent years, he has photographed various performing arts such as classical ballet, modern dance companies and opera theaters. He held a series of photo exhibitions of American Ballet Theatre (in Tokyo, New York, and Alexandria, Virginia). He also held an exhibit on Tango Argentina at Ronald Reagan National Airport in Washington D.C. in 2007 with full support from American Red Cross.

In 2008, he was assigned to photograph Cirque du Soleil, world-famous performance group based in Canada, when they opened their residential show in Tokyo.

Tanaka started taking photos of people and nature throughout Brazil in 2001. In February 2011, he published a photography book, “BRAZIL – The Poetry of Diversity” with full sponsorship from Nikon Inc. Tanaka started documenting Chile in 2005. He was fascinated by the grandeur of the landscape and has been frequently traveling to Patagonia, Atacama Desert, Easter Island and the high plateau in the Andes with the support from Explora.

To view his work, visit his website: www.katsutanakaphotography.com.

SACRED VALLEY & MACHU PICCHU

DAY 1

Transfer from the airport in Cusco to Explora Valle Sagrado (1.5 hr drive ), situated in the heart of “Sacred Valley”.  The Explora team will welcome you to the lodge and show you the rooms. You’ll meet the photographer and leader of the expedition, Katsuyoshi Tanaka, along with the explora’s guide to discuss the program.  Welcome presentation and lunch.

First encounter with Inca’s wisdom:

Late afternoon, visit “Sarinas del Maras”, thousands of salt pans spreading along the hill.  It has been used for salt extraction since Inca times.  Capture the shinning reflection on the water with the sunset hitting over the deep valley.

DAY 2

Festivals:

Mid-August is a season for festivity, best time to capture the cultural heritage in the valley.  Visit religious celebration of “Virgin Asunta” in a village, Coya.  Photograph the mass in the central square and follow the colorful procession in which you will document the incredible syncretism of Christianity and local religion.

Cemetery:

During the festival, the locals gather at the small cemetery in the village and pray for the ancestor.  Another great opportunity to photograph the local tradition.

 Inca football:

At the end of the day, whole villagers gather at the field and watch this insane and comical yet serious football game.  The players push and hit each other with traditional costume and the crowd gets absolutely ecstatic!

DAY3

Sunrise over the plateau:

Depart hotel at dawn and head to the hilltop to capture the stunning view of the valley.  Sometimes the low fog covers the entire plateau and makes the mysterious view.

Moray:

The amphitheater- like circular stone terraces are believed to be the agricultural laboratory during Inca period.  Capture this breathtaking archeological site.

Bullfight:

Visit another festival in the uphill village, Tiobamba.  Thousands of locals gather from mountains to watch the traditional bullfight.  It is a fight between two bulls pushing each other, rather idyllic scene but sacred ritual for the locals.

DAY 4

Cusco:

Full day expedition to Cusco, the former capital of Inca Empire.  Start from the fortress of Saqsaywaman, down to the temple of Corincancha and the main square of Plaza de Armas.  Combine street photography and architectural shoot, try to capture a rich and complex history and present life of Cuscanian.

DAY 5

Machu Picchu:

Full day expedition to historical sanctuary, Machu Picchu.  Take train from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes through deep valley and bus ride to top of the ruins.  This sacred yet mysterious site was abandoned in the history until rediscovered in 1911.  Photograph the myth and legacy of “lost city of Inca”.

DAY 6

Sunrise over Veronica :

Early departure to foothill of Mt. Veronica and capture the astonishing sunrise over the signature mountain.

After outdoor breakfast, trek down the preserved highland forest.  Microclimate over the hill creates Zen-garden like tranquil landscape with the moss covering the trees and ground. Best place to photograph the endangered birds.

Ollantaytambo:

Another spectacular Inca ruins with enormous stone terraces and temple. Once unbeatable fortress, it is a living town of Incas now where the people live and preserve the history.  In the evening, go on a photo walk through the deep narrow alleys in the town.

DAY 7

Weaving :

Visit small weaving village, Chahuaytiri, deep in the valley and document the traditional Andean textile making. 30-40 weavers in the village, both men and women, old and young, engage and preserve this precious culture.

5 Lagoons:

Half day expedition with adventure and photography.  We walk along the trail with stunning view of snow capped mountains and 5 different lagoons, go through a ravine with plenty llama and alpaca herds.  Great finale for the program !

DAY 8

After breakfast and easy morning, depart hotel around noon to the airport in Cusco, then head back home !

*Itineraries are subject to modifications and changes. We will make every effort to operate programs as planned, but alterations may still occur based on the weather and other conditions.

Recommended clothing:

See here what to pack to Vale Sagrado.

Equipment and further recommendations:

These expeditions are designed for photographers of any level that are passionate for photography, nature and adventure. We highly recommend that participants bring a digital camera, tripod and their own laptop computer with software for organizing and submitting photos as we have daily critique sessions. We will have Nikon camera equipment available for your use upon request.  Please contact for the detail.

Staff:

Our expeditions are led by NY based photographer and Latin America specialist Katsuyoshi Tanaka, who has traveled extensively in Sacred Valley. One of Explora’s bilingual guides will accompany you as well on each exploration, introducing you the history, flora & fauna, geography and other key features of the area. All of the Explora guides have advanced level Wilderness First Responder certification and always carry a radio and emergency kit with them.