On May 19, 2013, we spent two days on visiting Machu Picchu. Same as most of visitors, we rode train from Cusco to Aguas Calientes and stayed in hotel there. Everyday we rode bus to the ruins. Here are some tips I'd like to share regarding photography.
Gears
There are many places online mentioned tripod is not allowed in the ruins. During my two-day visit, I took a small Gitzo 1541T tripod, Really Right Stuff BH-25 ball head, Canon 6D camera with L plate, remote shutter release, 17-40 and 70-200 F4 lens. Although security staffs in the ruins were everywhere, I was never stopped or questioned for the tripod or camera. I also saw a couple other guys used the tripod in similar size. So I am pretty sure a smaller tripod was allowed. I left my Canon 1Ds Mark III at home because I worried the bigger size of the camera could draw attention from staffs. It looks like that I was overly concerned after I saw at least two photographers used pro-sized cameras.
I found both 17-40 and 70-200 lenses were useful.
Rain gear is necessary. Rain shower may occur occasionally.
Sunrise
At the time we were there, the ruins opened at 6AM, after sunrise. Even you cannot enjoy the colorful sunrise, you will still want to get into the ruins as early as you can because the light was still so much better than the day time. Most likely you would see mist, which I did not see during the day or sunset. The first bus takes off at around 5:30AM. If you get to the bus station at 5:30AM, there are probably hundreds of people ahead of you! It is really every second counts. You want to be there as early as you can.
Sunset
During my visit, I did not see the official closure time of a day. The staffs always started to escort people out of ruins right after the sun fell behind the mountains. Although there was no colorful sunset, the late afternoon sun was diffused, warm and impressive. This could also explain why I was not able to find Machu Picchu photos with red clouds online. The best location seemed to be at the guard house area and you would want to shot until the last person had to go out.
The trail to the top of Huayna Picchu is a great day-hike. I highly recommend it. Although I did not take any good photos up there, the view was breathtaking and every step up, I admired how Inca engineers built such a place on steep cliffs. It was a miracle!
Machu Picchu under late afternoon sun
Machu Picchu under late afternoon sun
Machu Picchu under early morning sun
Machu Picchu in mist
Machu Picchu in mist
Mountains under early morning sun
Llamas
Rainbow and Llama
Stone work
Mountains under early morning sun
Stone Work
