Each year, hundreds of thousands of people – locals and foreigners alike – flock to Cusco, Peru, for Inti Raymi, one of the biggest annual festivals in South America. A solstice celebration of ancient Incan origin, it survived colonial Spain’s attempt to stifle it in the 16th century to become the grandest traditional display of Inca culture that still flourishes in living colour today.

This shot captures a beaming smile from a young girl from Cusco as she struggles not to laugh while having her photo taken. Cusco, the ancient capital of the Inca Empire is located in southeastern Peru, high in the Andes Mountains at more than three kilometres above sea level.

With its ancient origins in Peru’s central highlands, Quechua civilisation has an extraordinary cultural heritage. Unfortunately, a growing influx of tourism through Peru’s legendary Sacred Valley has left local indigenous villages fighting to preserve their way of life. Thankfully, an innovative local organisation aims to safeguard Andean mores through education.