
Top Destinations for Photography Enthusiasts in Cusco, Cusco, Peru
1. Sacsayhuamán
Incredible Inca fortress with massive stone blocks fitting together perfectly.
- Stunning Architecture: Offers unique architectural style not found in other historical sites.
- Sunset Views: Provides breathtaking sunset views over Cusco city.
- Panoramic Photography Opportunities: Allows for panoramic shots capturing both the structure and surrounding landscapes.
2. Machu Picchu
Iconic Inca city hidden high in the Andes Mountains.
- Historical Significance: Holds deep historical and cultural importance.
- Lush Landscapes: Surrounded by lush greenery, providing a beautiful contrast to the ancient ruins.
- Sunrise and Sunset Photography: Known for spectacular sunrises and sunsets, offering photographers unique lighting conditions.
3. Qorikancha
Former Inca royal palace and temple dedicated to the Sun God.
- Rich History: Has a rich history and is an important part of Incan religious beliefs.
- Intricate Stonework: Features intricate stonework that showcases the Incas' mastery of architecture.
- Contrast with Spanish Architecture: Standing next to a beautiful Spanish church, offers interesting contrasts in architectural styles.
4. Q'eswachaka Inca Bridge
Traditional Incan rope bridge built annually by local communities.
- Living Tradition: Represents a living tradition that has been maintained for centuries.
- Stunning Location: Located in the beautiful Sacred Valley, provides stunning mountain vistas.
- Unique Architecture: Features a unique architectural design that showcases Incan engineering skills.
5. Pisac Market
Colorful market selling traditional Peruvian crafts and textiles.
- Vibrant Colors: Offers vibrant colors, textures, and patterns that make for striking photos.
- Local Culture: Allows photographers to capture the essence of local culture and traditions.
- Photography Opportunities: Provides excellent opportunities for street, portrait, and product photography.
6. Ollantaytambo
Incan town with stunning fortress ruins.
- Well-Preserved Architecture: Features well-preserved Incan architecture and terraces.
- Rural Setting: Located in a rural setting, offering tranquil and peaceful landscapes.
- Sunset Views: Provides beautiful sunset views over the valley.
7. Moray
Incan agricultural laboratory featuring mysterious terraced circular depressions.
- Agricultural Innovation: Represents an innovative approach to agriculture, reflecting Incan wisdom.
- Stunning Landscapes: Surrounded by breathtaking landscapes and mountain vistas.
- Unique Architecture: Features a unique circular design that sets it apart from other Incan ruins.
8. Chinchero
Colorful Andean village known for its textile weaving and traditional market.
- Traditional Textiles: Features beautiful, handwoven textiles in vibrant colors.
- Rural Setting: Located in a rural setting, providing stunning mountain vistas.
- Photography Opportunities: Offers excellent opportunities for landscape and portrait photography.
9. Umbertina Chocolate Workshop
Local chocolate workshop offering tours and workshops.
- Cultural Experience: Provides a unique cultural experience by showcasing traditional Peruvian chocolate-making techniques.
- Beautiful Setting: Located in a picturesque setting, surrounded by lush greenery and flowers.
- Photography Opportunities: Offers opportunities for macro photography of chocolate-making processes.
10. Salineras de Maras
Terraces filled with salt ponds that have been in use since Incan times.
- Historical Significance: Has historical significance, as it represents a traditional method of salt production.
- Stunning Landscapes: Surrounded by beautiful landscapes and mountains.
- Unique Architecture: Features a unique, traditional design of salt ponds.
11. Lake Humantay
Stunning alpine lake nestled among snow-capped mountains.
- Natural Beauty: Offers breathtaking natural beauty, with surrounding snow-capped mountains.
- Peaceful Setting: Provides a peaceful and tranquil setting for photographers.
- Photography Opportunities: Offers excellent opportunities for landscape photography, especially at sunrise or sunset.
12. Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca)
Multi-colored mountain range with vibrant layers of sediment.
- Natural Wonder: Represents a natural wonder, with its colorful layers of sediment.
- Stunning Landscapes: Surrounded by breathtaking landscapes and mountain vistas.
- Photography Opportunities: Offers excellent opportunities for landscape photography, especially during sunrise or sunset.
13. Llaqtapata Archaeological Park
Incan archaeological site with stunning views of Machu Picchu.
- Historical Significance: Has historical significance, as it was an Incan estate and control center.
- Stunning Views of Machu Picchu: Offers stunning views of Machu Picchu in the distance.
- Photography Opportunities: Provides excellent opportunities for landscape photography, especially during sunrise or sunset.
14. White Christ Statue (Cristo Blanco)
Giant white statue of Jesus overlooking Cusco city.
- Religious Symbolism: Represents a powerful religious symbol, offering unique photographic opportunities.
- Stunning Views: Provides stunning views over Cusco city and the surrounding mountains.
- Photography Opportunities: Offers excellent opportunities for landscape photography, especially during sunrise or sunset.
15. Coricancha Temple
Incan temple dedicated to the Sun God, now covered by a Spanish church.
- Rich History: Has a rich history, serving as an important Incan temple.
- Architectural Contrast: Features an interesting architectural contrast between the Incan and Spanish structures.
- Photography Opportunities: Offers excellent opportunities for architecture and contrast photography.