The ancient Inca city of Machu Picchu, located just 4 hours from Cusco, is one of the most photographed destinations in the world. This famous mountain in Peru is known for spectacular vistas, Instagram-worthy shots and historic ruins like no other. Follow our Machu Picchu photography guide and learn how to take the best photos of these incredible ruins in Peru.
When arriving at Machu Picchu, you may be somewhat overwhelmed by the amount of places to take pictures from. Not to mention the sheer beauty of the site itself. You may also be wondering where to get the best pictures of Machu Picchu. Planning out your route ahead of time will help save valuable time and energy so you can fit in as many locations as possible during your visit and achieve the best Machu Picchu photography!
The classic “postcard” shot of Machu Picchu taken from the Guardian House.
This quintessential viewpoint is easy to spot by the line of tourists waiting next to the thatched hut of the Guardian House to take selfies. With a small flat rock for you to sit on, think about having someone take your picture here, so you have a nice photo memory. A lot of the guided tours will stop here so people have a chance to grab their “postcard shot” with Machu Picchu, so you may have to wait a few minutes. However, this is the perfect time to prep your settings on your camera and take a few test shots while you wait. Make sure to have your wide-angle lens prepped and ready as this is an ideal focal length to capture the sweeping landscape and ruins. Check out the classic shot viewpoint here.
The view of Machu Picchu from the terraces, just a few steps from the Guardian House. Photo by Adriana Proano
If you like Inca terraces, then this spot is for you. Not only is this viewpoint relatively easy to get to (just a few steps from the classic shot), but it is also less busy with tourists, so you have a bit more time to play around with your shots. Arguably, this is also the more beautiful capture of Machu Picchu — especially if you have nice light. Keep your wide angle lens out for this one as well. To see what this view looks like, click here.
The view of Machu Picchu taken on the way to the Sun Gate. Photo by Peru For Less
Hiking to the Sun Gate from Machu Picchu takes an hour, so try to get there early to knock this off your list. Or, if you’d rather save some time, you can just hike halfway and still get a solid shot. Try using both your wide angle and your zoom lens to get a better variety. For the Sun Gate vantage point, click here.
The view of Machu Picchu from the Huayna Picchu summit. Photo by Peru For Less
The view from Huayna Picchu peak is unbeatable. This mountain sits across from the ruins and up a very steep climb. Make sure you have the correct ticket to be able to enter the hike (more on that below). If you plan on climbing Huayna Picchu, definitely pack light and prep your camera before the main vantage point. Check out the view here.
The view of Machu Picchu from the Machu Picchu Mountain summit. Photo by Lizzie Thomas
If you are as interested in hiking as you are in taking photos, then Machu Picchu Mountain is a good choice. This hike is an investment (around 4 hours round trip) and requires a lot of time and energy. If you are up for the challenge, you’ll reach the highest vantage point in all of Machu Picchu. However, this will cut in to your photo time, so make sure you’ve planned out your time accordingly or split your time into 2 days. For the panoramic view, click here.
A map highlighting the best viewpoints for taking photos within Machu Picchu. Also, the routes and points of interest are included to help you plan your walk. Map by Peru For Less.
The number one thing to remember while photographing Machu Picchu is to shoot what you like. Don’t dwell on what others will think — stay true to your own style. No two images of Machu Picchu are the same because everyone has their own unique perspective.
A tourist taking a selfie with a llama in Machu Picchu. Photo by Daniella Beccaria
For even more ideas for your Machu Picchu pictures, check out our traveler’s guide to Machu Picchu sights.
When packing for your trip to Machu Picchu, keep it light. You will be walking (or hiking) in elevation and having a heavy pack will only slow you down. Here’s our recommended gear list to make your photo trip a successful one:
Machu Picchu Tours:
Machu Picchu lit up by the golden light of sunset. Photo by audrey_sel on Flickr
No one has complete control over the light they shoot in, but you can help your odds by aiming for certain times of the day. Most Machu Picchu photographs show that beautiful rich color created by either the sunrise or sunset. If you are aiming for the sunrise, the earliest you can enter Machu Picchu is 6am, so make sure you check the sunrise times before you purchase your ticket. Capturing the sunrise light can be extremely difficult due to cloudy/misty mornings and the chance of rain.
For this reason, we recommend aiming for the sunset or anytime after 3pm. If you purchase a general afternoon ticket (or one of the hike tickets to allow you time in the afternoon) you will have a better chance for clear skies and illuminating light. This will give you the best depth of color and texture for a higher impact.
A creative shot of the famous Machu Picchu stonework with no people around. Photo by Lizzie Thomas.
With over 1 million tourists visiting Machu Picchu annually, avoiding the crowds can be a tricky feat. You do have a few options to give you an advantage in your Machu Picchu photography adventure:
Weather in Machu Picchu is unpredictable — even when you’ve planned out the perfect itinerary and checked the forecast a thousand times — you can never predict perfect weather, especially at high elevation. With this in mind, you should come prepared for everything: rain, sun, wind, etc.
Our best advice would be to plan your trip according to the best weather, and if the rain still comes, go with the flow. Some of the most beautiful photos of Machu Picchu are on rainy days when the mist and the fog create that mysterious and magical moment in the ruins. However, if you’re feeling a bit nervous about it, check out the best time to visit Machu Picchu.
When visiting this ancient citadel, remember that you are walking into preserved Inca history. Treat this sanctuary like you would treat a museum — stay on marked paths, do not climb on the ruins and do not move any stones from their place. Seeking out the best Machu Picchu photography does not mean you have the right to break the rules.
Machu Picchu has its own list of regulations of what you can and cannot bring/do. To make it easy for you, we continually update this regulations overview outlining all the current regulations, so make sure to read up on the rules before you go.
We hope you enjoyed this Machu Picchu Photography Guide. Now that you’re equipped with the best tips on how to photograph Machu Picchu, start planning your adventure! Learn more about Machu Picchu with our Machu Picchu Destination Guide and connect with one of our Travel Advisors to customize your trip and create the best photo experience!
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