Is there a "Golden Hour" at Machu Picchu for travelers who are interested in taking enigmatic sunrise and sunset photos?

Yes is the short answer. We believe the best strategy is to plan for a window of time, rather than a moment of time, to get "the consummate shot" of the ancient Inca city. There is no clear view of the horizon from anywhere in the park. The skyline is jagged due to the towering mountainous landscape. Targeting the hour after sunrise is better than trying to pin down one single moment of time. 7AM ish is the average window for sunrise over the ancient Inca city. At the Inti-punku (Sungate,) the time will be earlier and visitors entering the main gate of the park do not have enough time to get up there for the early morning light. But you should go anyway, just because it's a cool place. I would get tickets for 10am or 11am. By the time you hike up there (about 1.5 hours) the sky could be clear. Starting last June 1, 2024, the Sungate hike is now only available during high season (June 1-Oct 15) for visitors who enter the main gate. 

(Inca Trail hikers will get their first glimpse of Machu Picchu at the Sungate if skies are clear!)

Targeting entry through the Machu Picchu main gate at 6am is best for sunrise photography, and entry from 2-3pm will put you in proximity of getting a slew of sunset shots from 4-5:30pm.

Is there one moment at one spot where photographers need to be to capture the sun appearing or disappearing over Machu Picchu?

Not really. The reasons for this are:

  • There is no clear horizon. The idea of a single moment of sunrise or sunset is complicated. Machu Picchu sits in a saddle surrounded by various mountains and valleys, all of which affect the time and the amount of sunlight illuminating different parts of the park.
  • The location of ideal spots for capturing images of sunrises and sunsets changes as the angle of the sun makes seasonal shifts. This affects the lighting at different times of the day and year.
  • Capturing an image of the actual golden ball as it rises over Machu Picchu is tricky. But if you focus on early morning light conditions, you'll be able to get a shot of something! 

Tips for getting good sunrise or sunset photos at Machu Picchu:

  • Allow yourself a "window" of time, not a moment in time, for shots from various angles.
  • Take multiple photos from the same spot over the course of several minutes or set up a time lapse movie. Move around to get shots from different angles. Remember, circuits are one-way. You can't go back and forth. Keep in mind that tripods are not permitted and of course visitors can't touch the stones and features. This is where using your creativity becomes part of the challenge of getting "the shot."
  • Remember that the climate at Machu Picchu tends to be misty and foggy mainly in the mornings. However, during the rainy season from late December to late March misty conditions may affect the views at any time of the day. And to a lesser extent, mist and fog can appear any day of the year.
  • May through October are the best months to increase your chances of having clear conditions for clear sunrise and sunsets at Machu Picchu. But fog, mist, and rain are possible year round. There's never a guarantee.
  • Buy more than one entry ticket on different days and different entry times to increase your chances of viewing Machu PIcchu under different weather and lighting conditions. We can assist you in setting up a 2 Day / 1 Night trips to Machu Picchu from Cusco.
  • Book the 1-Day Inca Trail hike to Machu Picchu. This is a 2-day trip to Machu Picchu. And it's the perfect way to hike into the upper terraces on the Inca Trail for the classic view from circuit #1 in the afternoon, followed by an overnight in a hotel, then early morning entry the next day on circuit #3.
  • Misty conditions can change. Just hanging around for a few minutes from a view point may bring results. Or not. I've seen several fantastic images of Machu Picchu where rolling mist and fog created unique one-of-a-kind images that captured the mysterious mood associated with Machu Picchu.

What circuits are best for sunrise shots at Machu Picchu?

Our manager Vidal, in Cusco, who has been guiding at Machu Picchu for 30 years, likes circuit 2A for 6AM entry if you want the classic view of Machu Picchu from an upper platform, and shots of the ancient city in early light conditions. Keep in mind that sunrise shots can be taken from any spot in the park during the golden hour. (6-8am ish)

What circuits are the best for sunset shots of Machu Picchu?

Get circuit 2A if you want a classic view of Machu Picchu and shots of the city in late afternoon light. Enter from 1400-1500 for late afternoon light from 4-5:30pm. Enter the main gate a little after 2PM and take your time to hike up to the upper terrace for the classic view around 3-4pm.
From the terrace you enter the ancient city to take advantage taking photos in late afternoon light until you get to the exit. Rangers will be directing people towards the exits before 5pm because they want everyone out before 5:30pm to get the last buses to the village of Aguas Calientes.
It's possible to get sunset and golden hour shots from all over the national park from various angles on any circuit. Depending on the weather of course.


Disclaimer: No one can guarantee you're going to have optimal conditions for photographing Machu Picchu. Hopefully these tips will help you understand how to improve your chances of getting the ideal photos of Machu Picchu no matter when you visit.