At Machu Picchu the best photo often arrives when light shifts, not at the busiest overlook. Morning mist softens terraces; when sun breaks, stone hardens. Read tripod rules ahead; for handheld work, balance shutter speed and aperture.
Instead of erasing people, use them for scale—a small walker tells the size of the terraces. Guardhouse and Sun Gate views are classic; quieter compositions wait on mid terraces.
Drones are banned. Carry spare batteries and cards; humidity fogs lenses. Patience outranks filters.