21 Best Photography Spots in Peru

Peru is a country in South America and a touristic dream. From the jungles of the Amazon and Machu Picchu to coastal beaches in Lima and Cusco and everywhere in between, you can find beauty wherever you look, an old Incan city high in the Andes mountains. The area around Machu Picchu has a lot of archaeological sites, such as the Sacred Valley, the Inca Trail, and the colonial city of Cusco. Lima, the capital, is on Peru’s dry Pacific coast. It has a colonial center that has been kept, as well as important collections of pre-Columbian art.

Peru is a country full of diverse landscapes – from the Andes mountains to the west to more than 3,000 miles of the Pacific coastline on the west. One can find photography opportunities wherever they travel to. Here are some of the spots that we could always recommend to any beginner travel photographer or pro to include in their trip.

Best gear to photograph Peru

The gear we recommend is a good camera and the holy trinity.  A wide-angle lens.  14-24mm or something similar.  A 24-70mm or something similar and, of course, a 70-200mm or something similar.

If you do not have these particular lenses, do not worry; something similar will be just fine. A tripod is also highly recommended to capture those epic sunsets and night shots.

Best Photography Spots in Peru

1. Machu Picchu

Machu Picchu is the most recognized and popular attraction in Peru. Its beauty was not lost on the Incas, who carved the ruins into a rock mountain and surrounded it with temples, plazas, and aqueducts. Machu Picchu was once home to 500 people at its peak and was constructed in just six years in 1500. The “Lost City” remained hidden from European eyes for 400 years until American explorer Hiram Bingham stumbled upon it in 1911. Machu Picchu is recognized as one of the most beautiful and important archaeological sites in Peru. The natural beauty and architecture of this place will blow your mind away, as well as its location as a mountain amidst ruins.

2. Rainbow Mountain, Vinicunca, Cusco Region

One of the best photography spots in Peru, Rainbow Mountain has no roads leading to it. Instead, you have to hike through Andean valleys and high-altitude lakes to get there. The result is unique views that are a great subject for your camera or phone. This natural wonder is a photographer’s dream come true. The mountain features six distinct shades of blue that are visible when light hits it at different angles.

3. Salt ponds of Maras

The salt ponds of Maras are located on the Pacific coast of Peru and offer a unique opportunity to admire the beauty of nature. These amazing formations were formed by generations of natural erosion that has been going on for thousands of years. With a wide range of vibrant colors, this truly is an unforgettable experience!

4. Concentric terraces in Moray

Concentric terraces in Moray is one of the best photography spots in Peru, and very popular among landscape photographers. Concentric terraces in Moray is one of the best photography spots in Peru. It is definitely an extraordinary place to visit, with plenty of terraces, temples, and chullpas. The surrounding landscape adds a mystical aura to this place that is so unforgettable.

5. Nazca Lines

The Nazca Lines are a group of large geoglyphs or “drawings” in the desert of southern Peru. Consisting of hundreds or even thousands of figures, they depict living creatures, humans, and geometric shapes that can only be seen properly from the air. The Lines of Nazca are a set of giant figures etched into the desert floor in southern Peru, most of them over 600m long. While some say they are ancient runways for aliens or spacecraft, researchers believe that they have spiritual significance and were designed to be viewed from the sky by the ancestors of the Nazca people.

Best Photography Spots in Peru

6. Cruz Del Condor viewpoint

The Cruz del Condor viewpoint is one of the most spectacular viewpoints in Peru. It offers stunning 360-degree views of the southern Andes and its high peaks including the beautiful snow-capped Cordillera Blanca range. The best time to visit it is early morning in order to get good light, or late afternoon for photographs as the sun moves lower down over the mountains.

7. Las Tres Lagos 3 lakes from the huayhush trek

Las Tres Lagos, located in the heart of the Sacred Valley and part of the Casa de Huaynacu Archaeological Sanctuary, is one of the most spectacular sites for photography. A trip to the lagoon will leave you spellbound by the diversity of colors and shapes that surround you. The light-blue waters dazzle like thousands of diamonds reflecting on its surface, surrounded by snow-capped peaks that seem to reach towards the sky. It’s an almost indescribable experience as you take in this extraordinary place.

8. Tequile Island on Lake Titicaca

Tequile Island on Lake Titicaca is one of the best photography spots in Peru, home to millions of seabirds that were traditionally considered sacred by the Aymara people. The coastline of this island is surrounded by rocky cliffs and beaches where you can swim. Tequile Island is located in the middle of Lake Titicaca, just off of the eastern shore. At this location, one can admire the stunning views of the lake temple and get the perfect photo opportunity to confirm that you’ve spent a day in paradise.

9. El Misti volcano in Arequipa

The El Misti volcano is one of the best photography spots in Peru. Discover the best times to visit this natural wonder, and explore some of the most beautiful images captured by professional photographers. The El Misti Volcano is one of the most majestic sights you’ll come across in Peru. The volcano rises 3000 meters above sea level and can be viewed from many points around the city. You will be amazed by its beauty, which includes a wide range of colors created by different minerals that are present in the rocks and ash. It’s an absolute must-see for anyone visiting Arequipa!

10. Oasis of Huacachina

If you love the beauty of nature, the colors of desert and sky, the stunning landscape that Huacachina offers is the perfect destination for you. Oasis of Huacachina is known as one of the best photography spots in Peru. What makes this spot such a favorite is not only because it’s touristy but also because it is an adventure you have to plan on this place. Its desert landscape and color spectrum make it a photographer’s dream.

Best Photography Spots in Peru

11. Inca ruins, Choquequirao

The Inca ruins of Choquequirao are one of the best photography spots in Peru. A sacred site, it is located 14,700 ft above sea level making for unparalleled views. The trek will take you through a variety of terrains and different climates, which culminate at this breathtaking site. A hike to one of the most beautiful Inca ruins in Peru and the perfect place for a photography spot.

12. Coricancha Sun Temple in Cusco

Nothing offers a better vantage point of Cusco than the Coricancha, or Sun Temple, atop the ridge of Sacsahuaman. One of the best photography spots in Peru, it provides spectacular views of the city, as well as easy access to the archaeological complex nearby. A visit to the Coricancha Sun Temple in Cusco is one of the best photography spots in Peru. This former temple of the Incas was restored and converted into a church, but its layout and architecture show much of their original form. It’s easy to see why it was chosen for such a purpose: The site is stunning with its amazing city views, mountains, and beautifully-designed gardens.

13. Manu National Park

Manu National Park is one of the best places in Peru to photograph wildlife. Manu National Park is located in southeastern Peru, bordering Bolivia and north of the Madre de Dios River. The park was founded in 1972 and was named after the Manu River, which runs through it. The park’s valleys and other areas are home to many animals who live there year-round or migrate into Peru from neighboring countries in search of water or food. Manu is one of the largest protected areas in South America, offering a natural habitat for many species including monkeys and over 400 bird species.

14. Sillustani – pre-Incan burial ground (tombs)

A photo opportunity of a lifetime, Sillustani is an ancient pre-Incan burial ground full of ornate mausoleums. Each is carved out of the rock face, and decorated with friezes, as well as three-dimensional carvings that were used for burial goods. With the stunning pre-Incan burial ground of Sillustani just a day’s drive from Cusco and surrounded by the Sacred Valley’s famous mountain peaks, you don’t need to be a devoted archaeologist to fall under this ancient site’s spell.

15. Tambomachay

Tambomachay is known as one of the best photography spots in Peru. Its stunning falls, flora, and fauna are breathtaking. Stunning landscapes of lush jungle and waterfalls will grab your attention from the moment you arrive in Tambomachay.

Best Photography Spots in Peru

16. Chan Chan Ruins

Chan Chan is a city of ruins that was once the capital of a vast empire. Chan Chan is one of the most spectacular pre-Colombian ruins in Peru, and it also has massive defensive walls that were built around the city– this makes it an excellent place to get some great shots or make a video.

17. Government Palace of Peru

The Government Palace is one of the most important buildings in Lima. It is used for meetings of the Council of Ministers and other important events. The Government Palace became famous in 1992 after holding the headquarters of the government of Alberto Fujimori. Today, it is one of the most popular photography locations in Lima.

18. Alpaca and Llama, Calco Canyon

Calco Canyon is a beautiful spot in Peru where you can see alpacas and llamas. The river that flows through the canyon is great for rafting, while the hillsides are perfect for hiking and biking. This site, located in Calca, Cusco, is one of the most incredible places on the planet! A charming town with a spectacular landscape. Excellent light, colors, and textures.

19. Salcantay peak

Salcantay peak is one of the most stunning peaks in South America. It is located at the end of a valley that serves as a gateway to the heart of the Cordillera Blanca. The massive glaciers and rugged mountains provide an experience like no other, especially for those looking to capture their fair share of unique photographs.2

20. La Catedral, Paracas

Located in the Paracas National Reserve, La Catedral is one of Peru’s most photographed landmarks for a reason. This red rock-blended layer of sandstone lies along the desert cliffs, offering amazing views of the turquoise waters below. 

21. Huayhuash mountain range

Huayhuash mountain range is a large mountainous region in Peru and one of the best photography spots in the world. With its high peaks, glaciers, and beautiful valleys, Huayhuash is the perfect place for adventurers and nature lovers.

THESE ARE THE BEST PHOTOGRAPHY SPOTS IN PERU

If you liked the list, leave a comment and tell your friends about it. Feel free to look at our other photography guides if you want to. Please come back, as we are always adding new information to our guides.

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