Tripod restrictions at Machu Picchu?

Well, I can access the forum for a minute, so I guess I'll ask my question: does anyone know if there are restrictions on using a tripod, or "professional-looking" camera at Machu Picchu in Peru? I recently brought my 12X20 to Uluru (Ayer's Rock) in Australia, and was relentlessly hassled by park rangers every minute that I spent there. I'd like to avoid a similar fate at Machu Picchu next week: is there a permit that I can get, fee/bribe I can pay?

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Thanks for any help you can offer, if in fact this forum still exists!

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Nathan

Nathan, I was at Machu Picchu years ago, and I don't know if this

helps, but even if you should need a permit for a tripod, be prepared

to offer a bribe! The Secret Police at the Cusco airport kidnapped a

british doctor who was part of the group I was travelling with. This

happened while we were waiting to board. He simply dissappeared.

Since we were a fairly large group of Yanks and Brits and we all

refused to board until our missing comrade was found, the airline

people started a search of the terminal and found him tied and

gagged in a janitors closet. One of the officials pressed into

service by the airline was identified by the shaken doctor and he(the

official, a member of the secret police) fled the terminal with two

accomplices. To put this into perspective, this happened nearly ten

years ago. Personally, I'd go back to Peru in a heartbeat. Cusco

incidentally, is a lovely city. Just beware that there are still

banditos and some of them work for the government(Hey! That sounds

like where I live now!) Sounds like you'll have a great trip, just

take care.

I can't help you with an answer. Sorry! However, hauling a 12x20 up to

machu picchu I think may be a greater burden than anything else, but I

am envious of the opportunity to try! I hope you succeed! btw, where

are you located when not traveling? I'd love to see the results!

I think John's experiences date to the last days of real activity on

the part of the 'shining path' who, by the mid '90's were totally

toothless. By that same period government had stabilized a

great deal, although there is some unrest these days again.

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I have traveled to Cuzco and Machu Picchu several times over

the past 15 years and have had no trouble at all for the past 7-9

years. As to your specific question, I know of no regulations that

would get in the way of your using whatever equipment you

wanted on a non professional basis. I have had a 4x5 and tripod

with me in teh ruins several times.

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Equally, if ont more importantly is making srue that you are

prepared to haul whatever equipment you choose. The question

is one of altitude and being sure you are prepared for the

altitude. Whatever you do I strongly recommend that, unless you

are an experienced hiker and in great shape, you strongly

consider taking the train to the ruins rather than walking.

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Enjoy