They should have restricted the number of visiters, made the tickets more expensive if necessary, and not introduced such rules. When I was there it was already one-way trails, even when empty. But that's ok, I could still go where I wanted and take my photos. But the new rules seem ridiculous and focussing on continuing to get as big of a crowd through those ruins each day as possible. Honestly, even if I wasn't a photographer I would not be able to enjoy the ruins with such rules, knowing that crowds are behind and in front of me and I have to be on a constant move. You were really lucky to get in on such a calm day ;-)
It is very cool that you were able to practically have Machu Picchu to yourself. I totally agree with your message at the end. When visiting Machu Picchu or any major sight, you should still go check it out even if you can't bring professional equipment or even a camera. The experience is the best part!
Great message at the end on visiting for the right reasons. I maybe struggle with this (would love to get a great photo!), but even looking at a quick snapshot later from a phone etc will bring back great memories of the place, so it’s definitely worth going (to wherever the location may be)! I’ll get to Peru one of these days…
Nice, in my 'back yard'' so to speak, a;ways impresses. Viscachas are larger than chinchillas, more rabbit-like, browner, chinchillas are more mouse-like with shorter fluffier tales, more grey, both cute. Pity about the latest rules, remember setting up a tripod back in 2000 & hanging out for hours, but I must go back soon, you can never visit Mapi enough times, rules or not. Time for a family trip methinks....Enjoy Peru & welcome back!
Very informational video! I can totally understand the no tripod rule to preserve the ground and even stopping on the narrow trails. But it's tough to visit a place of this magnitude without being able to stop and take it all in
When I was in Machu Picchu, we got really lucky in that our fellow visitors were really considerate about photography spots. I've been so many places where people were just being super rude about stepping into each other's shots, or blocking trails, or otherwise just being really selfish. I was so pleasantly surprised that with all of the people at Macchu Picchu that day (at that time we were encouraged but not required to have a guide with us, but we were required to follow the specified circuit and not backtrack), people were waiting patiently at overlooks/photography locations, taking turns so that everyone was able to get those quintessential shots. There seemed to be very little to no involvement by Machu Picchu staff, mostly just guests being polite enough to first wait their turn and then be efficient at framing and taking the shot, take a moment to just appreciate the view, and then move back so that someone else can step up. You could still appreciate the view from a few steps back while someone else was taking a picture. We were there in the middle of the off season though. A larger crowd or just a different group of people could have gotten unmanageable quickly. So while this solution might not be perfect, I think a compromise of some sort was necessary. (And I absolutely agree that I would still have visited and it would have still been worthwhile even without the pictures!)
This is a great insight into visiting Machu Picchu for photography. I can absolutely understand why the rules are there, but I bet it would be amazing to sit and take it all in for a while.
Yup, the "no tripods" thing makes so much sense. You don't want someone to trip over it an fall off a ledge. But, it would be nice if it was less stress. Although, again, that's more just a problem with over-tourism rather than just the rules.
I was in Machu Picchu in the analog days with only a 28-105. Of course it would have been nice with more options, but there are just so amazingly many cool things to photograph that almost any lens will get work.
Thank you! If photography is just a job, dear lord what a drudgery! If it's your passion, you make do with whatever you've got, when you can get it. Live the experience!
Great insight! We go to Peru in a few days time, hike the inca trail and end up at Machu Picchu. I was going to bring a gorilla pod but now I know to leave it in the bag! We'll be there for sunrise but with just the one visit hopefully we'll get some good photos but as you say it's more the experience of being there! Great video and very informative! Thank you.
I was there with my wife and kids last February (and my camera with a 24-240mm)! This place is indeed amazing! Because of the pandemic, it was only about 1/3 of it's maximum capacity, so there wasn't too many people around us too, so we were able to stay longer with our guide! Quick tip for families : there are no toilets once you start the visit; if a kid needs to go, you have to go back the the entrance and cannot come back in.
Have you been to Pisac or Tambomachay, Puka Pukara, Tipón, Piquillacta, or any of the multitude of other sites in the Sacred Valley? There's also the famous Rumicolca (Inca Gate) which is mostly Wari and reused by the Inca. I'm dying to visit. Most people seem to go to Machu Picchu and Sacsayhuaman... maybe Ollantaytambo and the Inca Gate and call it a day. Granted, that's already A LOT! But you definitely don't have to miss out on anything if Machu Picchu is closed.
Machu Pichu is on my list if I win the lottery - No other way I could justify the cost from my part of the world 😆 That village @12:24 and 0:30 looks interesting. Definitely my kind of photography location, even though I do mostly shoot wildlife. Loved the photos with the mist, btw!
really the photos are so interesting, the photo composition is so cool and the location is the right location to produce a work that is so special, I am a subscriber to your channel, brother, I come from an Indonesian country. regards 📸📸📸
Apologies Brendan for being behind on your videos! I take the point you made at the end but anywhere that has so many rules as that ruins the sense of the place for me. There may be valid reasons for the rules but to enjoy a place I like to be able to explore, take my time, get a sense of the place rather than be chivvied on all the time and told a load of Dos & Don'ts. Not sure I would ever get there but now I won't try - It's off my bucket list now unfortunately.
I understand the rules, to help preserve a very delicate site. Mt. Everest is now a 29.000 foot trash heap by all reports. That said, shooting at Machu Picchu would be a chore for a very deliberate shooter like me under these conditions. I must also agree, though, I'd love to just see it.
..do agree that a place like this should be more than just getting 'that' special photo..but, i like taking photos which is why i go to many places....as one who tends to use a tripod on a fairly regular basis, i would probably hate this experience..yes i would love to sit and take it all in ,absorb what is in front of me, and not feel i have to record what i see ( but i want to do this with my camera at my side)...so not being able to do this as i get herded through, would have me hating the experience...being given a list of what i can and cannot do as i get on a bus would probably have me rethink the trip up, and i do believe that for the most part there are rules in place for a reason..this trip for you and your group has been amazingly lucky experience..would now like to see an updated video from you on a regular day there with thousands of peaple and a minder telling you to keep it moving....aplace i think is one of the most amazing places on the planet and i should of gone the minute i heard about it some 50 years ago..the phrase "bucket list" has i think spoiled so many places...the absence of vast amounts gor-tex and cell phones in your fotos makes this a good video and a special day indeed...i do enjoy yer life/videos...thank you
Wow you must have felt like gods getting access to Machu Picchu without the large crowds, Unfortunately it's been made into a money making machine, the golden rule ..... no tripods 🤣🤣🤣 Great stuff 👍👍😎
Holy Cats. I had no idea. But I should have; it's a crowded world. I'm not happy in crowds. Sign,sign everywhere a sign. Like getting on the plane. The best shots I've ever seen of the area. At 10:50, stop right there. Some ancient indians stacked up those rocks. It's not fake (I hope). Weird history. -they were ancient and made wonderful construction-. We are recent and show off the Old School.
While this has been a bucket list place it sounds like more of a tourist trap than a wonderful destination. I know that overloads of people can ruin an area but restrictions like you have mentioned here only make the trip less and less enjoyable. So as bucket list destination it has moved to the very bottom. If i do go I'll bring my micro 4/3rds stuff and a 150mm lens or even a 200mm micro 4/3rds lenses.
I honestly don't think it's a tourist trap. Most of the rules aren't meant to make more money, but rather keep the site safe and stop congestion. It makes it tougher as a photographer, but it's still totally worth it.
Thank you Brendan. When rules are so crazy, it's not worth it whatever the fame of the location (sorry for you as a workshop organizer). I get your last point but that kind of tourism is simply not mine
In my opinion there are two reasons not to visit. One is valid, one isn't. 1) I don't want to go because it's over-touristed, crowded, and that's annoying (totally valid) 2) I don't want to go because I can't use a tripod (silly).
Multiple visits are a must. When I was there in 2018, I was able to wander fairly freely during our afternoon visit. Everyone else was going up to the Watchman's Hut, but I passed on that trying to save my climbing legs for the next morning. The altitude was kicking my butt too. I had the lower circuits' pretty much to myself. The morning was a different story. There was already a block long queue at 4:30 AM. Nice that the coffee shops were open, but that caused some congestion at the rest rooms at the entrance. 😵 A few friends of mine actually went up Huayna Picchu, not a trip for the faint of heart. It's kind of like Angel's Landing at Zion. Machu Picchu had a mystical quality to it, especially in the morning. 👍🥂
Yeah, so many people skip out on the afternoon tours, but I think they're so good. It's way quieter up there - even when busy. And Wayna Picchu is steep! I'm not scared of heights, but that was sketchy haha
The complaints about the rules sound like a lot of whining. You're a guest there and all the visitors have to share it with each other. The rules sound like straightforward, sensible rules that are easy to follow and prevents people from abusing them with excuses. Otherwise, thanks for the explanations.
Very informational video! I can totally understand the no tripod rule to preserve the ground and even stopping on the narrow trails. But it's tough to visit a place of this magnitude without being able to stop and take it all in
They should have restricted the number of visiters, made the tickets more expensive if necessary, and not introduced such rules. When I was there it was already one-way trails, even when empty. But that's ok, I could still go where I wanted and take my photos. But the new rules seem ridiculous and focussing on continuing to get as big of a crowd through those ruins each day as possible. Honestly, even if I wasn't a photographer I would not be able to enjoy the ruins with such rules, knowing that crowds are behind and in front of me and I have to be on a constant move. You were really lucky to get in on such a calm day ;-)
Well said Brendan. You're there for the experience and memories. Thanks for sharing your beautiful images.
It is very cool that you were able to practically have Machu Picchu to yourself. I totally agree with your message at the end. When visiting Machu Picchu or any major sight, you should still go check it out even if you can't bring professional equipment or even a camera. The experience is the best part!
I agree as well, but managing expectations can be hard! 😆
Great message at the end on visiting for the right reasons. I maybe struggle with this (would love to get a great photo!), but even looking at a quick snapshot later from a phone etc will bring back great memories of the place, so it’s definitely worth going (to wherever the location may be)! I’ll get to Peru one of these days…
Nice, in my 'back yard'' so to speak, a;ways impresses. Viscachas are larger than chinchillas, more rabbit-like, browner, chinchillas are more mouse-like with shorter fluffier tales, more grey, both cute. Pity about the latest rules, remember setting up a tripod back in 2000 & hanging out for hours, but I must go back soon, you can never visit Mapi enough times, rules or not. Time for a family trip methinks....Enjoy Peru & welcome back!
Very informational video! I can totally understand the no tripod rule to preserve the ground and even stopping on the narrow trails. But it's tough to visit a place of this magnitude without being able to stop and take it all in
When I was in Machu Picchu, we got really lucky in that our fellow visitors were really considerate about photography spots. I've been so many places where people were just being super rude about stepping into each other's shots, or blocking trails, or otherwise just being really selfish. I was so pleasantly surprised that with all of the people at Macchu Picchu that day (at that time we were encouraged but not required to have a guide with us, but we were required to follow the specified circuit and not backtrack), people were waiting patiently at overlooks/photography locations, taking turns so that everyone was able to get those quintessential shots. There seemed to be very little to no involvement by Machu Picchu staff, mostly just guests being polite enough to first wait their turn and then be efficient at framing and taking the shot, take a moment to just appreciate the view, and then move back so that someone else can step up. You could still appreciate the view from a few steps back while someone else was taking a picture.
We were there in the middle of the off season though. A larger crowd or just a different group of people could have gotten unmanageable quickly. So while this solution might not be perfect, I think a compromise of some sort was necessary. (And I absolutely agree that I would still have visited and it would have still been worthwhile even without the pictures!)
This is a great insight into visiting Machu Picchu for photography. I can absolutely understand why the rules are there, but I bet it would be amazing to sit and take it all in for a while.
Yup, the "no tripods" thing makes so much sense. You don't want someone to trip over it an fall off a ledge. But, it would be nice if it was less stress. Although, again, that's more just a problem with over-tourism rather than just the rules.
Great shots of an amazing location…how is your coffee shop gallery location progressing, do you have an update for us?
I was on the first morning bus and it’s phenomenal! It’d be great to go back! Thanks
I was in Machu Picchu in the analog days with only a 28-105. Of course it would have been nice with more options, but there are just so amazingly many cool things to photograph that almost any lens will get work.
Thank you! If photography is just a job, dear lord what a drudgery! If it's your passion, you make do with whatever you've got, when you can get it. Live the experience!
Great insight! We go to Peru in a few days time, hike the inca trail and end up at Machu Picchu. I was going to bring a gorilla pod but now I know to leave it in the bag! We'll be there for sunrise but with just the one visit hopefully we'll get some good photos but as you say it's more the experience of being there! Great video and very informative! Thank you.
I was there with my wife and kids last February (and my camera with a 24-240mm)! This place is indeed amazing! Because of the pandemic, it was only about 1/3 of it's maximum capacity, so there wasn't too many people around us too, so we were able to stay longer with our guide! Quick tip for families : there are no toilets once you start the visit; if a kid needs to go, you have to go back the the entrance and cannot come back in.
Brendan , that was a FANTASTIC vid full of great advice Oh yeah the shots were not bad ! hehe
Thanks 👍glad you liked it!
Have you been to Pisac or Tambomachay, Puka Pukara, Tipón, Piquillacta, or any of the multitude of other sites in the Sacred Valley? There's also the famous Rumicolca (Inca Gate) which is mostly Wari and reused by the Inca. I'm dying to visit. Most people seem to go to Machu Picchu and Sacsayhuaman... maybe Ollantaytambo and the Inca Gate and call it a day. Granted, that's already A LOT! But you definitely don't have to miss out on anything if Machu Picchu is closed.
Yeah, I've been all over. Back when I used to live in Cusco I basically went everywhere in the area that wasn't a massive mission to get ro.
Places that were once relatively unknown or hardly visited are now overrun with people due to people posting/tagging locations on social media.
Oh I'd love to go there, looks like you kind of got lucky with the train strike. Those morning shots were amazing.
Louder for the people in the back 👏👏👏 those misty conditions were incredible!
Machu Pichu is on my list if I win the lottery - No other way I could justify the cost from my part of the world 😆
That village @12:24 and 0:30 looks interesting. Definitely my kind of photography location, even though I do mostly shoot wildlife.
Loved the photos with the mist, btw!
Thanks Jon
Simply stunning!! Great vlog and awesome shots bud. ❤ Jase 🍻
really the photos are so interesting, the photo composition is so cool and the location is the right location to produce a work that is so special, I am a subscriber to your channel, brother, I come from an Indonesian country. regards 📸📸📸
Apologies Brendan for being behind on your videos! I take the point you made at the end but anywhere that has so many rules as that ruins the sense of the place for me. There may be valid reasons for the rules but to enjoy a place I like to be able to explore, take my time, get a sense of the place rather than be chivvied on all the time and told a load of Dos & Don'ts. Not sure I would ever get there but now I won't try - It's off my bucket list now unfortunately.
I understand the rules, to help preserve a very delicate site. Mt. Everest is now a 29.000 foot trash heap by all reports. That said, shooting at Machu Picchu would be a chore for a very deliberate shooter like me under these conditions. I must also agree, though, I'd love to just see it.
what a magical place! So lucky with all that situation ahah
I agree that the experience has to come first. I also always chuckle at your subtle humor!
haha, I'm glad someone does!
Amazing place! Thanks for sharing it with us!
Thanks for watching!
..do agree that a place like this should be more than just getting 'that' special photo..but, i like taking photos which is why i go to many places....as one who tends to use a tripod on a fairly regular basis, i would probably hate this experience..yes i would love to sit and take it all in ,absorb what is in front of me, and not feel i have to record what i see ( but i want to do this with my camera at my side)...so not being able to do this as i get herded through, would have me hating the experience...being given a list of what i can and cannot do as i get on a bus would probably have me rethink the trip up, and i do believe that for the most part there are rules in place for a reason..this trip for you and your group has been amazingly lucky experience..would now like to see an updated video from you on a regular day there with thousands of peaple and a minder telling you to keep it moving....aplace i think is one of the most amazing places on the planet and i should of gone the minute i heard about it some 50 years ago..the phrase "bucket list" has i think spoiled so many places...the absence of vast amounts gor-tex and cell phones in your fotos makes this a good video and a special day indeed...i do enjoy yer life/videos...thank you
preach BVS - tripods be dammned! lol
Brendan can you use a monopod.....that's one of my dream place to go....
Wow you must have felt like gods getting access to Machu Picchu without the large crowds, Unfortunately it's been made into a money making machine, the golden rule ..... no tripods 🤣🤣🤣 Great stuff 👍👍😎
Vlogging with a crowd around! What would Thomas Heaton do? ;-)
Holy Cats. I had no idea. But I should have; it's a crowded world. I'm not happy in crowds. Sign,sign everywhere a sign. Like getting on the plane. The best shots I've ever seen of the area. At 10:50, stop right there. Some ancient indians stacked up those rocks. It's not fake (I hope). Weird history. -they were ancient and made wonderful construction-. We are recent and show off the Old School.
While this has been a bucket list place it sounds like more of a tourist trap than a wonderful destination. I know that overloads of people can ruin an area but restrictions like you have mentioned here only make the trip less and less enjoyable. So as bucket list destination it has moved to the very bottom. If i do go I'll bring my micro 4/3rds stuff and a 150mm lens or even a 200mm micro 4/3rds lenses.
I honestly don't think it's a tourist trap. Most of the rules aren't meant to make more money, but rather keep the site safe and stop congestion. It makes it tougher as a photographer, but it's still totally worth it.
Loved it. Thanks Brendan. 👍😊
You should have a beanbag in your camera bag for places that you can't bring tripods
Kenya on the building watching right now 🇰🇪❤️💯💯
What time of the year do you recommend visiting to catch the misting of Machu Picchu?
The rules ARE crazy. But we made the best of it 😀
Haha, I don't think they're that bad. Imagine 400 photographers with tripods there!
@@BrendanvanSon Yeah thats true haha 🙂
@@oliverhummell da hast du ja richtig Glück gehabt. Machu Picchu fast für dich allein. 👍😀
@@wallystellmacher6794 Yeah :D
Krasse Regeln 😳
Nach Drohne brauch ich da wohl nicht fragen 😂
Since you need to be accompanied by a guard, they could do mornings or evenings time frames only for photographers. Easy, problem solved.
How though? Like make it so only photographers can be in the park at sunrise or sunset?
It's happened!
Thank you Brendan.
When rules are so crazy, it's not worth it whatever the fame of the location (sorry for you as a workshop organizer).
I get your last point but that kind of tourism is simply not mine
In my opinion there are two reasons not to visit. One is valid, one isn't.
1) I don't want to go because it's over-touristed, crowded, and that's annoying (totally valid)
2) I don't want to go because I can't use a tripod (silly).
Multiple visits are a must. When I was there in 2018, I was able to wander fairly freely during our afternoon visit. Everyone else was going up to the Watchman's Hut, but I passed on that trying to save my climbing legs for the next morning. The altitude was kicking my butt too. I had the lower circuits' pretty much to myself. The morning was a different story. There was already a block long queue at 4:30 AM. Nice that the coffee shops were open, but that caused some congestion at the rest rooms at the entrance. 😵 A few friends of mine actually went up Huayna Picchu, not a trip for the faint of heart. It's kind of like Angel's Landing at Zion.
Machu Picchu had a mystical quality to it, especially in the morning. 👍🥂
Yeah, so many people skip out on the afternoon tours, but I think they're so good. It's way quieter up there - even when busy. And Wayna Picchu is steep! I'm not scared of heights, but that was sketchy haha
The complaints about the rules sound like a lot of whining. You're a guest there and all the visitors have to share it with each other. The rules sound like straightforward, sensible rules that are easy to follow and prevents people from abusing them with excuses.
Otherwise, thanks for the explanations.
First
Very informational video! I can totally understand the no tripod rule to preserve the ground and even stopping on the narrow trails. But it's tough to visit a place of this magnitude without being able to stop and take it all in