Machu Picchu

Machu Picchu, the Lost City of the Incas, is one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. Located in the Cusco Region of Peru’s Andes at an elevation of almost 8000 feet above sea level, the spectacular terraced ruins sit nestled in a tropical mountain forest, overlooked by the beautiful Huayna Picchu.

Getting There

For filmmakers and photographers looking to get to Machu Picchu, the first port of entry by air is Lima. You then take a flight to Cusco. Once in Cusco make sure to allow enough time to acclimatise to the altitude. From Cusco you take a van to Ollantaytambo, a train to Aguas Calientes, and finally a bus up to the Machu Pichu ruins. If you want to have a private bus to beat the crowds in the morning you need to pay for the whole bus.

Inca Trail

Another way to reach Machu Picchu is to hike the famed Inca Trail. Trekkers normally take four or five days to complete the Classic Inca Trail but a two day trek from the 104KM mark is also possible. The trail reaches altitudes of almost 14000 feet so porters are essential, especially for crews bringing heavy equipment. Please note, availability on the Inca Trail sells out around 5 months in advance. If you don’t have enough lead time there are areas nearby Machu Picchu that can easily double for the Inca Trail.

Location Permits

Our Peruvian fixer / service producer will be able to organise all permits. Machu Picchu film permits are only available for a two-day minimum. Allow up to a month to process permits. Please contact us for costs. Unfortunately shooting outside of visiting hours is not possible so it is best to get to the ruins early in the day.

When To Shoot?

April to October is the dry season and the best time to hike the Inca Trail and film at Machu Picchu. Note, the Inca Trail is closed for the month of February due to heavy rains.

Crew and Equipment

Supporting crew speak English and have extensive experience in servicing foreign productions. For more complicated projects it is recommended to bring in your key crew from abroad. Peru has some basic camera, grip and lighting equipment based in Lima. Local crew improvise to help you achieve more complicated shots. More specialized equipment can be easily brought in from Mexico, Chile, Argentina, or the US. Peru is not an ATA carnet country. Bringing gear into Peru is generally a very easy, hassle-free process.

Please contact us if you are looking for a reliable fixer, or production services producer, or film crew for your shoot in Machu Picchu, Peru.