Alvaro Arteche x OUTLIERS
MEET alvaro
My name is Alvaro Arteche and I’m a fashion and documentary photographer based between Barcelona and Copenhagen.
I studied Industrial design engineering here in Barcelona. It was during my time in uni where I picked up a camera for the very first time and started to capture my friends and travels. What started as a hobby ended up becoming my passion and later my profession.
After nearly 9 years juggling my work in a large corporation with my professional work as a photographer, I finally found the courage to step away this past April and quit to focus 100% on photography. It was a risky decision, but I couldn’t be happier. This choice came after a trip to Iceland last February, which I’m certain was the straw that broke the camel’s back.
Traveling has always been a very important part of who I am and how I like to spend my days. I was lucky enough to travel quite a lot with my family since I was a kid and I truly believe this is one of the reasons that I’m still doing it and why it’s so important for me.
As a documentary photographer, I’m drawn to new and unfamiliar places, letting my eye and intuition guide me in capturing every moment that speaks to me.
MEMORABLE TRIPS
Iceland
Sifnos
Perú
Mexico
ICELAND
As I was saying, this was a life-changing trip that exceeded all my expectations. Iceland in winter is, by far, the most beautiful and magical place I've ever been to. The power of pure nature and the majestic landscapes covered in snow has been resonating in my head ever since I visited this amazing country for the first time last February.
Because it was winter, there was almost no tourism. The only few I encountered were in the capital during my last day there. This was another extra addition to the trip that made everything shine even brighter. Being able to stand completely alone in front of places like Fjallsárlon or Svínafellsjökul is something I'll try never to forget.
It was my first-time solo traveling, and it could not have been a better experience. I did an 8 day road-trip from Reykjavik to Vestrahorn Mountain driving through the south coast of the island.
SIFNOS
In summer 2023 we spent two weeks on this beautiful Greek island. We were lucky enough to stay at a friend’s house nestled on the most beautiful Greek hillside. This island still remains an undiscovered gem in the Cyclades, overshadowed by its flashier neighbors like Mykonos and Santorini. It was the perfect place to disconnect and savor the long summer days – spending countless hours on stunning beaches and enjoying lunches with our feet in the sand.
I just self-published a photobook about my time spent there with the title Sifnos Serenade.
PERÚ
My first time visiting Perú was back in 2021 just after Covid. Two of my best friends from Barcelona moved there and founded an interior and design studio. They have been living in Cusco for 5 years now so it was a very special trip.
We spent a month traveling around, where I was able to discover this amazing country in a very local way, which was so magical. I published my first photobook “Tupananchiskama” after coming back from this trip.
During summer 2022 I returned for two weeks and we traveled through the Peruvian amazon. It was a very intense experience where I was able to discover another amazing region of the country. I cannot wait to be back.
MEXICO
I visited Mexico in 2022 and I spent two weeks there. Because we did not have a lot of time, we decided to spend one week in Ciudad de México and the other in Oaxaca and the coast.
CDMX is an amazing city which has thousands of plans to do and places to visit. As a food lover, we spent almost everyday trying to go and discover the best taquerias and places to have the best local food. It was amazing but I felt I needed a whole month to be able to discover all that this city has to offer.
Of course, Oaxaca didn’t disappoint either. Amazing culinary traditions and the best people. We also stayed for a couple of days in San Agustinillo, in a cabin in front of the pacific.
FAVOURITE STAYS
GoctaLab Art Lodge — Cocachimba, Peruvian Amazon, Perú
Antigua Casona — Cusco, Perú
Casa Valentín — Lago Titicaca, Perú
Cabañas Punta Placer — San Agustinillo, México
Héradsskólinn Historic Guesthouse — Iceland
GoctaLab Art Lodge
Artist residency in the heart of the Peruvian Amazon, with views and a location that are simply magical.
Cocachimba, Peruvian Amazon, Perú
Antigua Casona
A beautifully cozy, fully renovated hotel located in the heart of Cusco.
Cusco, Perú
Cabañas Punta Placer
A beautiful beachside cabin where you can fall asleep to the sound of the ocean. The perfect way to wrap up your Mexico trip and unwind for a few days.
San Agustinillo, México
Héradsskólinn Historic Guesthouse
A lovely, cozy hotel situated in a beautiful spot along the famous Golden Circle.
Iceland
Casa Valentín
Hotel run by the most beautiful and kind family, located on the shore of Lake Titicaca. Perfect location to explore this beautiful place for some days.
Lago Titicaca, Perú
TRAVEL WISH LIST
ANTARTICA — To be able to witness untouched, raw landscapes and encounter wildlife in one of the most remote and surreal places on Earth.
GREENLAND — It would be a dream to be able to dive into the Arctic and document the lives of locals, from their connection to the land and sea to the challenges they face in this extreme environment.
INDIA — To dive into a vibrant culture and historic beauty.
ISTANBUL — I'm planning to go very soon and I really want to experience the fusion of European and Asian heritage.