MJD98004

I've been a Canon guy since way last century and have taken years of digital shots of mostly sporting events before the kids headed out to college. I celebrated this new stage of being able to explore the world by upgrading from 7d to a 5d Mark IV. With the upcoming trip, I just don't want to miss what is likely a once-in-a-lifetime visit to these places. Climate-wise it is likely to be foggy, maybe in both places, and I always have trouble in flat light. Any suggestions on this or anything else is appreciated!

revhen Loc: By the beautiful Hudson

Take me along as your photo advisor!!!

jack schade Loc: La Pine Oregon

Welcome to the forum.

Jack

MJD98004

Do you fit in a carry-on??

TopDrifter Loc: Unicoi, Tn

Professional Photography Advisor available for trips to Macchu Pichu and Gallapogos, will work cheap and supply expert advise on picture taking. I must bring my own equipment to ensure you don't miss any opportunities...lol
Personally, I think you will do great so enjoy that once in a lifetime or "Bucket List" adventure and make sure you have enough micro-disc space to take as many photos as you want. I did that in Spain a few years ago, luckily I was able to purchase a micro-disc from a local photo shop in the village we were in.

MJD98004

I am definitely set in the memory card department! Something so small that can store that much data is, no doubt, the most space-worthy on a tight packing list. Biggest challenge will likely be setting up with a micro tripod since my full-size seems too big to carry. I still have a couple of weeks to figure that part out, though.

TonyP Loc: New Zealand

I was on Machu Pichu this time last year. No problem with mist or fog though I didnt go up early on the first bus.
Not sure what advice you want/need but heres a few tips.
First off, make sure you dont underestimate the altitude. Get acclimatised before going up. Altitude sickness isnt pleasant and I saw a number of tourists spending more time sitting than climbing. (Google tips for this). Try and get a front seat on the bus beside the driver. If he's cleaned the window you will probably get some dramatic shots thru the front window No toilets on the mountain after you go thru the entry. Take a bottle of water on your belt. Was very warm but can get cold too at that altitude so do carry a jacket in your back pack along with some energy snacks. I found good walking shoes were a benefit, tho I saw others in sand shoes, including an Asian lady who broke her ankle and had to be carried down.
I took a D7100 with a 24-70 2.8 and a CPL. This was wide enough for me but could have done with a bit more length on a couple of occasions, would have saved my legs. Dont worry about carrying a tripod. I have a small (6inch square x 2inch thick approx) soft pillow I use to rest the camera on. Lots of big rocks to put your pillow on. (also handy if you want to lie down and have a snooze :) )
Make sure you make the effort to go right to the top and see the stone 'cottage' up there.
Take a notebook and a map so you know what you are seeing and note down each shot so you can identify it later.
Their are lots of 'guides' standing around on the tracks who are very helpful if you can make yourself understood, but I think their main job is to get annoyed with people who drop rubbish, cig butts etc.

Dont know if this is the sort of advice you are looking for.
Enjoy the experience. Its a mystical, magical part of the world.

Edit, some pics on my website below if interested.

MJD98004

Fantastic thoughts. Much appreciated!

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

Some tips for fog -
http://www.cambridgeincolour.com/tutorials/fog-photography.htm
http://www.digital-photo-secrets.com/tip/4328/capture-photos-foggy-misty-conditions/
https://fstoppers.com/landscapes/8-helpful-tips-photographing-fog-118042

Good video
http://video.nationalgeographic.com/video/photography-krist-fog

billnikon Loc: Pennsylvania/Ohio/Florida/Maui/Oregon/Vermont

Tripadvisor.com, top 10 things to see after you input where your going.

sb Loc: Florida's East Coast

Do not do a day trip. It is best to stay overnight and catch the early shuttle up to get the best light and the fewest tourists. You fly into Cuzco which is at 11,000 feet (at the bottom of the valley!). The altitude is terrible, so if you can spend a few days acclimating it will help. The hotels have oxygen. If you know that you get headaches at altitude you can take medication to help prevent that (Diamox). Most of the packaged trips fly you in to Cuzco early and hustle you off on the train. Make absolutely sure that you get a Hepatitis A vaccination before you go.

AFPhoto Loc: Jamestown, RI, USA

I was there two years ago. I agree with all the tips so far. I brought my Cannon 5Dlll and both a 16 - 35 f2.8L and my trusty 70 - 200 IS f2.8L. Surprisingly I used the latter most of the time. From the very top near the stone cottage you can look back down at the classic view of the ruins. The longer lens was perfect for setting up the composition of some really nice shots. Enjoy the trip and do be careful with the altitude.

daldds Loc: NYC

I was in Machu Pichuu in a photo workshop a couple of years ago. I will be happy to use pm to answer questions.
Number 1, Acute Mountain Sickness: go to your M.D. for a script for acetazolamide to take prophylactically, in spite of possible mildly annoying side-effects. You don't want to waste time feeling as if you have a monster hangover. Plus, AMS can lead to dangerous conditions.
That's also # 2 and 3. After a couple of days, you won't need it any more.
Our first morning with a guide was so fascinating that I pretty much spent the two hours looking and listening, taking maybe 1/2 dozen shots.
So, enjoy the history. It's a major bucket list constituent.

Akron Roger

It seems that you are on a tour, combining both sites. If so, you have no options as to how long you are at any place. As far as I'm concerned, I take a "tough" camera as a back-up.
In the Galapagos, be careful---the rocks are quite sharp and you have "beach" landings with difficult footing. Try not to grab a rock for stability, it could cut you or be occupied by a
seal, who doesn't want to share. Just be aware and there should be no problems. While Cuzco is at 11,000 feet, Agua Calientes is, as I recall, at about 8,000 feet, comparable to
Aspen Colorado. The altitude is a factor, but pacing yourself and staying hydrated should get you through--- lay off the alcohol at high altitudes! Both places are wonderful, enjoy!

johnnys

...see https://www.flickr.com/photos/johnnys623 for my b/w photos from 1961 - you might want to shoot some of the amazing stonework in b/w instead of the 'touristic' colour
images. Then, the air was crystal clear. More photo opportunities at Sacsayhuaman on your way...
Have a good trip!
J