ppkwhat Loc: Gibsonton, FL

I was thinking in going back to Machu-Picchu but due to these crazy regulations I just about gave it up. I agree with the Peruvian government they needed to organize the visits a little better, but to force you to use a guide will restrict the time you need to really set yourself to photograph with whatever time you need to set up for the shot and not be pushed to "get going" and follow the guide. Also splitting the areas to visit into two it's another restriction that will force you to buy two different tickets and maybe stay there much longer than needed or get back another day. Minus well take a point and shoot camera and do like the "wide-eye" tourist excursions clicking at everything. The two times I was there, on the first I spent 3 days camping with a group of Peruvian archeologists in 1970 and had a blast. We moved around, all over the place. The second time, few years ago, I spent the whole day over there, alone and nobody bothered me. Some other tourists actually came to me asking questions about what I was photographing and a couple of them decided to follow me around. Today I don't know, in fact I'm pretty sure I wouldn't be able to do that. It's a great place to visit though even with the restrictions. If I ever get back there, I would take my Nikon D-750 with a 24-120 lens and just maybe a 70-300.

Grace98 Loc: Waterlooville, Hampshire - United Kingdom

Can I come with you?? Both places on my bucket list in same order as you. I'm also worried about the camera weight. I'm waiting to see reviews of the Nikon P1000 when it comes out and maybe get one just for holidays.

zug55 Loc: Naivasha, Kenya, and Austin, Texas

UNESCO has been pressuring the Peruvian authorities to do a better job protecting Machu Picchu against the impact of mass tourism. Any kind of camera support is against the rules, even selfie sticks. They have a lot of guards in the citadel so breaking the rules will be hard.

As others pointed out, bringing the 70-200mm is fine, but you definitely also need a wider lens. I checked my pictures, and most of them were in the 30-60mm range (full-frame). I used the telephoto lens for some details and for shots of the snowy peaks at a distance. I agree that the Sony 24-105mm is the perfect lens for Machu Picchu. If you only bring one lens, that is the one. The lens has good image stabilization so shooting hand-held won't be a problem.

One word about altitude sickness: the elevation at Cusco is 3,400m (11,000 ft). If you fly there from Lima (sea level) you may experience serious altitude sickness. This is not to be confused with being short-of-breath because of the thin air. Different people have different tolerance thresholds, regardless of whether they are in good shape or not. Some people are fine, some have a headache that will go away after a day or two, while a few are sick as a dog (severe headache, nausea, etc.) I have had a serious problem with altitude sickness since childhood.

There are three ways to manage this: you can rise slowly. I stopped at Arequipa (9,000 ft) for four days. There also is preventive medication--check with your physician or travel clinic if you think that you may have a problem with rapid changes in altitude. I have taken this medication on trips in the Andes several times, and it has worked great for me. (I don't mention it because I am not a medical doctor.) The third is no alcohol and drinking a lot of water. The good news is that Machu Picchu is a lot lower (8,000 ft), but the bad news is that the only way to get there is through Cusco.

Cusco, btw, is an amazing city. I spent four days there, and it was not enough. Also there are many incredible sites in the Sacred Valley, like Ollantaytambo and Pisaq.

MikWar Loc: Chicago, Western Suburbs

Lieb stated exactly what I would have said - monopod, rain protection, early.

Sally D

Dossile

I am also heading to Machu Picchu. There are now strict regulations regarding any kind of support, including walking sticks. They will be confiscated. I have been before and took beautiful pictures with a cheap Canon point and shoot. I will take a wide angle 16-35, a 50 mm and my 70-200 E. Despite the upgrade in gear, I have to wonder if my pictures will be as idealic given the amber light at sunrise on my previous trip. I will undoubtedly use the wide the most, but also have come to enjoy the perspective that a telephoto gives with landscapes and the ability to paste separate photos together. I am saddened that I have to stay with a guide. My last time I wandered and shot prior to heading up to the vista at Huayna Picchu. You need a separate ticket for that. It is bright enough that hand held pictures are beautiful everywhere except in the few covered areas. Have fun. I have only heard of a few people being hassled about the amount of photo gear, and they had LowePro backpacks filled to the brim. Still got in.

mizzee Loc: Boston,Ma

As a 70 year old as well with similar issues, consider renting the Olympus OMD e-Mark 5 II. Lightweight, many lenses to choose from so you'll have more options within your weight limit. Best of all the 5- axis image stabilization is beyond awesome. Did I mention it's weatherproof, dust proof, rain proof? I traded n my beloved Nikon gear for the issues you discuss. I couldn't be happier with my Oly. Something to think about.

vbhargava Loc: San Diego

You could consider the Sony FE 16-35mm f/4 OSS. It is a good for wide angle landscape lens.

jak86094

I went on a similar tour three years ago and took my Nikon D7000 and Nikkor 18-200 zoom and it was a great combination...wide enough for sweeping landscapes but enough reach for details, and on the Galapagos, you can get so close to the animals that I didn't miss a longer telephoto lens. If there's something special you want (e.g., macro) you'll have to plan for that too. I had my smartphone, which was really great in museums and churches...some beautiful but limited light...and I had a point and shoot Ricoh (now Panasonic, I think) that I used while snorkeling. That's a great trip. Hope you have a good tour company and guides. That will make all the difference.

Daryl New Loc: Wellington,New Zealand

Some interesting replies,makes you wonder if the locals have shoe fetish....lol

Lieb Loc: Idaho

A friend of mine went to Machu Pichuu and took a monopod. He is not professional photographer and did not get special permission. He took great photographs. Somehow he was allowed to use it. That's all I know. I'll email him and find out more.

Lieb Loc: Idaho

We arrived at Machu Pichuu early, hired a guide and took the two hour tour. He bid us farewell and we spent the remainder of the day by ourselves and took all the photos we wanted. That was our experience. May be we were lucky.

ramarsh

24-105 with image stabilization is all you need.
I've been there.
OCEA has not.
Don't step back.
Nothing like it.

Dossile

With the hundreds of thousands who visit Machu Picchu every year, I actually agree with the policy of not allowing selfie sticks, mono pods and tripods. I would encourage respect for the regulation so that generations can enjoy the majesty. I hate the damage done to many of the trails and their scenery in Utah and Colorado by thoughtless tourists trying to get the coolest selfie.

carl hervol Loc: jacksonville florida

No tripods are allowed