Going to Peru, Machu Picchu in May 2019
Jan 3, 2019 07:36:49 #
We are going to Peru, Machu Picchu, Quito in Ecuador in May.
Any suggestions about the trip? What not to miss and what lenses should I take.
I am planning to take Nikon D4, 28-300 Nikon lens and 150-600 Sigma lens.
Are there birds in Peru?
Appreciate the help.
Vasant
Any suggestions about the trip? What not to miss and what lenses should I take.
I am planning to take Nikon D4, 28-300 Nikon lens and 150-600 Sigma lens.
Are there birds in Peru?
Appreciate the help.
Vasant
Jan 3, 2019 08:01:46 #
The biggest surprise on the way to Machu Picchu is Cusco. Your flight to Machu Picchu will most like land there. The Sacred Valley and Saksaywaman are amazing. See https://www.ancient-origins.net/ancient-places-americas/unravelling-mystery-behind-megalithic-stone-walls-saksaywaman-001470
If you are in Ecuador and have the ability to to travel, La Mitad del Mundo (Middle of the World) is a fun trip. Also if you have time, Otovalo is the largest indigenous market in South America.
Your 28-300 should do well there, I would think that the 150-600 would be so big and heavy that it would be cumbersome to travel with. Any local guide could give you birding advice. If you Google "birding in Peru" you'll get several good hits.
If you are in Ecuador and have the ability to to travel, La Mitad del Mundo (Middle of the World) is a fun trip. Also if you have time, Otovalo is the largest indigenous market in South America.
Your 28-300 should do well there, I would think that the 150-600 would be so big and heavy that it would be cumbersome to travel with. Any local guide could give you birding advice. If you Google "birding in Peru" you'll get several good hits.
Jan 3, 2019 08:13:08 #
Donwitz wrote:
The biggest surprise on the way to Machu Picchu is... (show quote)
Thanks for the link and information.
Will look into it. Taking 150-600 incase birds at the distance. I know it id heavy.
Vasant
Jan 3, 2019 08:14:21 #
dandekarv wrote:
We are going to Peru, Machu Picchu, Quito in Ecuador in May.
Any suggestions about the trip? What not to miss and what lenses should I take.
I am planning to take Nikon D4, 28-300 Nikon lens and 150-600 Sigma lens.
Are there birds in Peru?
Appreciate the help.
Vasant
Any suggestions about the trip? What not to miss and what lenses should I take.
I am planning to take Nikon D4, 28-300 Nikon lens and 150-600 Sigma lens.
Are there birds in Peru?
Appreciate the help.
Vasant
"Birds in Peru" Really???
Jan 3, 2019 08:15:02 #
mizzee
Loc: Boston,Ma
How fond are you of lugging around that big ol’ Sigma? Unless you’re in a blind that you didn’t have a hike to get there, I think you’ll grow weary of that lens. Do remember to take the time to simply enjoy and marvel at what you’re experiencing. What a super trip! Lucky you.
Jan 3, 2019 08:17:34 #
Jan 3, 2019 08:28:51 #
mizzee wrote:
How fond are you of lugging around that big ol’ Sigma? Unless you’re in a blind that you didn’t have a hike to get there, I think you’ll grow weary of that lens. Do remember to take the time to simply enjoy and marvel at what you’re experiencing. What a super trip! Lucky you.
I missed some good shots when we were in Chilie because I could not get close to the birds.
Jan 3, 2019 08:51:21 #
Was there this year. Be prepared for rain. Yes, there are birds there. Exotic birds at the base of Machu Picchu in Aguas Callientes. And...depending on the hotel you stay, hummingbirds. But...the real game is at Machu Picchu. You need a very wide lens. And there is quite a bit of climbing stairs there...carrying some massive lens would not be all that enjoyable or useful. You will be looking back down on the structures into the Valley...go wide. Birds are the least of the photographic subjects in Peru. The market in Cusco was a street photographer’s paradise. Women walking around with alpacas, etc. the people are the gem of Peru.
Jan 3, 2019 09:01:47 #
RWebb76 wrote:
Was there this year. Be prepared for rain. ......Yes, there are birds there. on the structures into the Valley...go wide. Birds are the least of people are the gem of Peru.
Thanks for good info. Will try to cover it on our trip.
Vasant
Jan 3, 2019 23:00:36 #
Jan 4, 2019 06:24:33 #
Most birders go beyond the Andes Mountains into the upper Amazon Basin in either Peru or Ecuador. Try to plan at least one day in Cuzco before heading to the ruins to acclimate to the altitude - as I recall Cuzco sits at 11,300 ft elevation. Lugging a monster lens at that altitude won't be easy! If you can get 2 or 3-day tour of the Sacred Valley you will see fewer crowds and see awesome and beautiful ruins that in some ways are even better than Machu Picchu (not as large but sometimes finer stonework).
You definitely need to get Hepatitis A vaccine - first shot now, second one in six months. Hep A is a big problem for tourists in the Andes - you get it from food. Also, if you are including both Peru and Ecuador in the same trip you will most likely need to have proof of Yellow Fever vaccine within the past ten years on an official Yellow Card. Call a local travel clinic or your local health department to find out about getting that - your family doctor most likely cannot provide that one (they may be able to offer Hep A) because you have to be licensed by the state. The vaccine is expensive - usually cheaper to get from the health department. I stopped giving YF vaccine in my practice when it cost me $200 per dose and the local health department could offer it for half that. I had to buy a box of five, and sometimes they would expire with a few doses left....
If you go into the Amazon Basin, then you might need to consider malaria prophylaxis - your health department might also offer that.
You definitely need to get Hepatitis A vaccine - first shot now, second one in six months. Hep A is a big problem for tourists in the Andes - you get it from food. Also, if you are including both Peru and Ecuador in the same trip you will most likely need to have proof of Yellow Fever vaccine within the past ten years on an official Yellow Card. Call a local travel clinic or your local health department to find out about getting that - your family doctor most likely cannot provide that one (they may be able to offer Hep A) because you have to be licensed by the state. The vaccine is expensive - usually cheaper to get from the health department. I stopped giving YF vaccine in my practice when it cost me $200 per dose and the local health department could offer it for half that. I had to buy a box of five, and sometimes they would expire with a few doses left....
If you go into the Amazon Basin, then you might need to consider malaria prophylaxis - your health department might also offer that.
Jan 4, 2019 06:27:21 #
If you have not bought your tickets yet. Plan on being in Peru July 2nd for the total solar eclipse - one of greatest event of 2019. You could get some cool pics of the eclipse.
Jan 4, 2019 07:53:26 #
Follow your guides suggestions to chew the leaves and drink the tea. The high altitudes along the way will likely cause dizziness and lethargy in some. Don’t let it be you. Definitely a trip unlike any other. You don’t wanna miss any shooting angles and many of the best require climbing steep well worn stepping stones. Unless you’re in peak performance shape lugging a heavy lens could ruin the visit. Hope to be there early in the day before the huge crowds amass and while the light is low. Finally, remember to regularly get out from behind the lens. Make a conscious effort to visually see as much as you can. You’ll want some of those images in your memory banks as well as on memory cards. Enjoy the people as well as the place.
Jan 4, 2019 08:20:45 #
RWebb76 wrote:
Was there this year. Be prepared for rain. Yes, ... (show quote)
Absolutely agree! We were there four years ago and I had a Cannon 5D MkIII with the 70 -200 f2.8 L and the 16 - 35 f2.8 L. Climbing up and down steep, narrow stone steps at 9000+ ft altitude was laborious. Go wide and go as light as possible and you will enjoy the amazing surroundings. Also, and most important, I believe that there are park restrictions on the physical size of lenses allowed in the park. Absolutely check that out before you go. Enjoy the trip.
Jan 4, 2019 08:42:51 #
I've done that treck years ago, we arrived by train from Cuzco the day before and took the first bus available from Aguas Caliente, which leaves around 6-7am. You'll get there first and can take pictures without having to worry about the crowds that will fill the place up after 10-11 am. Although I am aware that in order to preserve the site, there was talk of limiting the number of daily visitors.
At that height the bird you'll see is the Condor, but these are scarce andI don't recall seeing any others. You should spot llamas grazing on the site.
About your choice of lenses, it seems appropriate, the 28mm wide angle will be enough, specially if you get on top of the Inca Trail, you'll get some wonderfull panoramic views.
Enjoy your trip, I have great memories from our visit.
Claude
At that height the bird you'll see is the Condor, but these are scarce andI don't recall seeing any others. You should spot llamas grazing on the site.
About your choice of lenses, it seems appropriate, the 28mm wide angle will be enough, specially if you get on top of the Inca Trail, you'll get some wonderfull panoramic views.
Enjoy your trip, I have great memories from our visit.
Claude
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