Tripod for Machu Picchu - Allowed or Banned

I have read numerous posts about tripods not being allowed and others say they charge a $300 usd fee, others say if your lens is over 200mm then another fee, all sorts of internet banter on this. So I would appreciate anyone who has been there and what the restrictions are regarding tripods, lenses or backpacks?

I don't want to arrive and find security has restrictions on my gear and try to rip me off.

If I need to buy something I will. I plan to use the 5D4 without the grip to save weight at the site.

Canon 5D MK4
Canon 1DX MKII
Canon 100-400
Canon 17-40

Cheers

Go to https://www.ticketmach​upicchu.com/new-regulations-machu-picchu/ and scroll down to "Prohibited objects inside the Inca City" and you'll the wording

Same site, further down, you will see in the FAQ's

Now, I can tell you that about 8 years ago I was able to enter but I had to remove the spiked feet on my tripod legs. I also know someone that had a "travel" tripod which wasn't even noticed.

You might want to invest in a monopod or carry a trekking pole that has a thread at the top for a camera. Something like https://www.amazon.com …60REBO?ref_=fsc​lp_pl_dp_2. If you go with a trekking pole, verify the collapsed length will fit in your suitcase as it will most likely not be allowed in a carry on.

Thanks for this looks like only a handheld camera is allowed and a small backpack?

With that 5DIV or 1DII the likelihood is high that you will be judged a professional and have to pay a fee, supposedly around $300. But, depending on your intent, $300, if that is factual, might not be all that bad. I think all of South America is a “cash grab”; everyone (Customs & Immigration included) with their hand out. Bring a bunch of US $20 bills with you; no offense but US$ works better than Canadian.

Might be time to add a P&S that can shoot RAW to your gear list.

I first went there in 1963 and except for a 2-day bus ride and a long climb it was a very simple task. I see now that almost 6000 tickets maximum are sold daily. I doubt that when I did it there were 100 people up there!

All of this sounds new to me.
I was there in 2011, walked in with 3 bodies (1D3, 30D and IR converted D60, with 100-400mm, 12-24, 17-40mm etc.. ) and my smallest Induro tripod with no issues.
I set up the tripod in the very out of the way location, which had a nice overview, and no bother at all. I guess it's all changed since then.

An unrelated tip, particularly when traveling in Peru, but applies to many places I've traveled including Guatemala, and Equador,. when visiting a location of interest, ALWAYS pay the local guide!

Seriously you will never regret it.

I can't for the life of me recall how or when we hooked up with one in Machu Picchu, (it may have been after we entered because we did start on our own I think) but in every case other case it was at the entrance.
- You get a history that you would otherwise never know.
- The perspective from the native is always fascinating.
- You get access to things you may otherwise not have had. (might be why I didn't get any trouble carrying three cameras and a tripod)
- It costs next to nothing, $20.00 US or so.

This was indispensable for Sacsayhuaman above Cusco, the amazing Cathedral Basilica of the Assumption of the Virgin within Cusco, The Sacred Valley, etc..

At Machu Picchu, since it's so crowded at the gate, look for the guys carrying pink flags with the sun on them. (iirc)

CyberDyneSystems wrote in post #18886404
An unrelated tip, particularly when traveling in Peru, but applies to many places I've traveled including Guatemala, and Equador,. when visiting a location of interest, ALWAYS pay the local guide!

Well I'm lucky because I have a daughter who has lived in Mexico and Guatemala for some years and is fluent in Spanish with a Guatemalan accent. On top of that she's a historian of the region and I don't have to pay her! I was particularly taken with the indigenous people in Guatemala; they were wonderful and the Mayan culture is quite incredible.

Peter, it seems we have a lot in common, my daughter is from Guatemala, and our trip was to her native village way off the beaten path, and not on any maps!

Some of the Fam with my Wife Liz towering over the mayans;

IMAGE LINK: https://jakehegnauer.z​enfolio.com/p804332531​/e35abe349

CyberDyneSystems wrote in post #18886400
All of this sounds new to me.
I was there in 2011, walked in with 3 bodies (1D3, 30D and IR converted D60, with 100-400mm, 12-24, 17-40mm etc.. ) and my smallest Induro tripod with no issues.
I set up the tripod in the very out of the way location, which had a nice overview, and no bother at all. I guess it's all changed since then.

Check https://www.ticketmach​upicchu.com/new-regulations-machu-picchu/. Significant changes in July 2017. I haven't been there in awhile so I don't know how much they are enforced.

Some of the Fam with my Wife Liz towering over the mayans[/QUOTE]
Yes, a reminder that the indigenous people are small in stature; there are three generations in the pic below. We stayed in Antigua for maybe 3 weeks and loved every minute of it.

I toted a full sized tripod up there without issue a couple of years ago. They do seem to like you to keep moving but nothing bad.

Wow, must go. Great shots Jason!

jasonp1 wrote in post #18929718
I toted a full sized tripod up there without issue a couple of years ago. They do seem to like you to keep moving but nothing bad.

Note what I said in response #9 about changes a few years ago.

Sounds like folks finally made them mad enough to make some changes. Glad I went when I did..

jasonp1 wrote in post #18929718
I toted a full sized tripod up there without issue a couple of years ago. They do seem to like you to keep moving but nothing bad.

and

Both shot from a tripod. The air is thin though and if you do much walking, you're gonna run out of juice. So I'd stay as small as possible. I wish I would have taken my three legged thing instead of my full sized Benro.

Muy bien amigo!