Top Destinations for Photography Enthusiasts in Cusco, Cusco, Peru

Cusco, Peru, Cusco, Activity-Based Travel Pages, Top Destinations for Photography Enthusiasts

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.