Ron29 Loc: Webster, NY

Going to visit the places listed in the title in mid March. I have a Canon 70D and two lenses, a Canon 18-135 mm STM lens and a Canon 70-300 mm L glass lens.

I have read recently that if you have a lens greater than 200 mm they won’t allow it into Machu Picchu unless you pay a $300 fee. Just wondering if this is true? Also wondering if the 18-135 mm lens would be more appropriate to use in Machu Picchu anyway?

Regarding Cuzco and Lake Titicaca which lens that I have would be more appropriate? Obviously my 70-300 mm lens yields better image quality but can be heavy to lug around all day to.

marquina Loc: Richmond, Virginia

I am from Peru and I have never heard such a thing about paying a fee for bringing a specific camera lens (any lens) to Machu Picchu. BTW, you are going to do lots of walking and climbing around the Inca citadel, so careful with lugging equipment. Suggest bringing a small backpack for your equipment; a backpack that can be securely closed to prevent unwanted hands into it. I use Nikon 80-200 mm F/2.8 and I would find it too heavy to carry around the mountains for several hours. BTW, all the 3 places you listed are just fantastic! My order: Machu Picchu, Cuzco, Lake Titicaca. While in Cuzco, please make sure you have the opportunity to visit the Indian market in Pisac on Saturdays (my favorite place for photos!). Also, make sure you drink plenty of coca tea when in high altitudes. Enjoy your trip and share your photos!

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

The last time I took that trip I used a Nikon 12-24 (great at Machu Picchu and churches) and my trusty and now seldom used 18-200.

ppkwhat Loc: Gibsonton, FL

Ron29,On my trip to Machu Picchu I took my 24-120 and a 70-300 besides my 50 mm
Barely used the 50 and used the 24-120 about 70% of the time.

djtravels Loc: Georgia boy now

I shoot with a Canon 70D and have the 70-300 L glass. I really don't use it enough to justify the cost. Heave too. Not being familiar with the places you're visiting I'd hesitate to recommend any lens, but it seems that a wider angle lens for scenery would be in order. Just my 2 bits. djt

sb Loc: Florida's East Coast

Pisac (about 30 km from Cuzco) also has a very beautiful ruins above the town - not as large as Machu Picchu, but the stonework is much finer. When I was there many years ago you could get a taxi to take you up the road behind the ruins. The walk down - through terraces 800 years old - was really awesome.

You should consider getting a Canon 10-18mm wide angle lens - you will have many times that you will want it!

Spirit Vision Photography Loc: Behind a Camera.

You will definitely want a wide angle lens.

mleuck

Take the lens(es) you have purchased. Why did you buy them? If you need to ask, well ...........

Spirit Vision Photography Loc: Behind a Camera.

On a crop sensor body, I think the 18-135 and a wide angle would be sufficient to handle all shooting needs in that area.

MountainDave

I was there in August. I did not see or hear of any lens restrictions. We took a 50 mile trek/climb before reaching Machu Picchu so I opted for my 77D vs my 5D plus 24-70 2.8 and 70-200 IS 4. The 70-200 was useful during the trek for birds and flowers but I never put it on in Machu Picchu. There were a few times in the ruins I wished I had the 5D for wider angle of view. In your case, I'd just bring the 18-135. You might consider a light prime like the 50 1.8 or 40 2.8 to use for special shots or lower light.

amfoto1 Loc: San Jose, Calif. USA

I agree with previous responses that your kit might be a bit too heavy for hiking around at high altitude, as you'll be doing.

I would want a wide angle lens for some of the scenic vistas you'll be seeing... Canon EF-S 10-18mm IS STM is relatively inexpensive, small and lightweight ($270, just over 1/2 lb.... lens EW-73C hood sold separately, but important, $25.)

If you don't have the hood for your particular 18-135mm, be sure to get it too. Lens hoods can both improve your shots and physically protect the lens from bumps.

The 10-18mm and your 18-135mm would actually give you more range of focal length on your APS-C camera than most film shooters ever owned or used in their lifetimes, back in the day.

But if you still want a telephoto, I'd recommend an EF-S 55-250mm (lens hood sold separately) instead of the 70-300L. The EF-S lens is 1/3 the weight and half the size of that L. It's under 1 lb., versus almost 2.5 lb.

Your 18-135mm should serve as a good walk-around lens, with the other two occasionally supplementing it for the shots beyond it's capabilities. However if you felt the need for a faster lens, the EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 IS USM would be a good choice. It's not much different in size, but is a few ounces lighter than the 18-135mm too.

I'd also always take a set of macro extension tubes, which are light and small and easy to tuck into a camera bag or backpack. They can make any lens closer focusing for near macro shots. I use the Kenko set and think they're a good value.

The other primary accessories I'd want would be a high quality circular polarizer (B+W XS-Pro or F-Pro are a good value). Specifically, I'd want them in sizes to fit the wide angle and the mid-range zooms.... less likely to need one on the telephoto zoom. If those two lenses happen to use the same size, great! Only one C-Pol would be needed. But if not I'd get them in whatever sizes those two lenses require.

A final accessory I usually carry is a small flash. Yeah, the 70D has a built-in that can serve in an emergency, but those basically suck. Built-in flashes are weak, slow to recycle, in the worst possible place to cause redeye and ugly shadows, and they draw heavily on the camera's battery. A separate flash solves all those problems.

Extra batteries, a charger that can be used with the local electrical system, plenty of memory cards, lens and sensor cleaning kits would complete my kit. Some of that stuff could be left in a hotel safe or other secure location when not needed for a particular day trip.

Carlosu

No lense restriction. If you are with an organized tour, they will probably bring you down to the Sacred Valley, upon landing, to acclimate to the altitude. If so, visit Ollantaytambo, an amazing Inca fortress. If you are on your own, consider going to Sacred Valley right away. The altitude at Cuzco can be a problem. Machu is quite a bit lower. Think about trying to stay at the Belmont Hotel at the ruins (the only one). Otherwise, you will be there with the crowds. There is nothing like being in Machu after the buses leave after 3 pm, or so. Staying there enables you to do a hike to the Sun Gate before sunrise, where, if not too foggy, you can get some great views of Machu from above. It’s a fairly easy hike. While in Cuzco, if you start feeling ill (upset stomach, dizzy, etc.) don’t hesitate to hit the oxygen. Hotels have oxygen for their guests. Have fun

raferrelljr Loc: CHARLOTTE, NC

$300.00 fee...................tell them to "buck a fullalo.

SharpShooter Loc: NorCal

Ron, I assume you’re using a crop camera because of the lens.
For my style an 18 is not quite wide enough but would be adequate is it’s what you own. On a crop I would like at least a 15 or slight lying wider.
With a FF I could travel with just two lenses, a 24-105 and a 50 1.4. That for me does 90% of what needs to be done.
I only take longer if I’m expecting to do a day or two of possible wildlife shooting.
Of course your mileage may differ!! An oxygen bottle might be more useful than an extra lens, especially if you spend any time in Ollantaytanbo. I would highly recommend a side trip to the salt ponds in Maras! Have a great trip!!!
SS

Architect1776 Loc: In my mind