Peruvian photographer Ernesto Benavides embarked on a journey to capture a unique and challenging job: guano extraction. With the support of the Mario Testino Foundation, we helped him give this project a true view into the harsh realities of this industry.

Wanu presents the spectacular journey of photographer Ernesto Benavides through the Macabi Islands in La Libertad. The purpose of the project was to capture the challenge and current working conditions of guano extraction.

We decided to bet on materiality and covered the book with the same fabric as the sacks in which the guano is transported. We also left the spine exposed and printed directly on the cardboard to reinforce the deserted and inhospitable sensation of the work reality in the islands. The project was chosen as one of the finalists for best photography book by Pictures of the Year International.