Cusco is a city of Inca walls, colonial churches, and Andean culture – a filmmaker's dream at 3,400 metres. But filming here comes with unique challenges: altitude sickness, intense sun, and crowds at the most famous sites. We sat down with Diego Mamani, a Cusco‑based videographer who has shot travel content and documentaries across the Sacred Valley, to get the real story on filming in the historic capital of the Inca Empire. From the massive stones of Sacsayhuamán at sunrise to the colourful markets at golden hour, Diego shares his favourite locations, the gear that survives the altitude, and the permits you need to know about.
🎯 What You'll Learn in This Interview
- Best cinematic spots: Sacsayhuamán, Plaza de Armas, San Pedro Market, and the surrounding mountains.
- Gear for altitude & sun: Why Diego favours weather‑sealed bodies, ND filters, and a good camera strap.
- Permits & etiquette: Where you can film freely and where you need a permit (archaeological sites).
- Golden hour in the Andes: His go‑to settings for that high‑altitude light.
- Editing style: How he grades his footage to bring out the rich colours of Cusco.
🏛️ Diego's Top Filming Locations
- Sacsayhuamán – at sunrise: The massive Inca fortress overlooks the city. 6 AM is the best time – the soft morning light illuminates the zigzag walls and the city below. A wide‑angle lens (16–35mm) captures the full scale, while a telephoto isolates details in the stonework.
- Plaza de Armas – at golden hour: The main square is surrounded by colonial arcades and the cathedral. Golden hour (just before sunset) is the best time for warm light on the sandstone buildings. A fast prime lens (35mm f/1.8) is perfect for street scenes.
- San Pedro Market – at dawn: The bustling market is full of colour and energy. 7 AM is the best time – the vendors are setting up and the light is soft. A fast lens is essential for the low‑light interiors.
📸 The Kit He Actually Uses
- Primary camera: Sony ZV‑E10 II – lightweight and weather‑sealed for the altitude and dust.
- Go‑to lens: Sony 24‑70mm f/2.8 G Master – versatile for both wide and detail shots.
- Second lens: Sony 70‑200mm f/4 – for compressing the cityscape and isolating details.
- Variable ND filter: Essential for keeping shutter angle correct in the bright Andean sun.
⚡ Quick Cusco Filming Tips
- Acclimatise to the altitude: Spend a day or two in Cusco before shooting – the altitude affects your energy and your gear.
- Protect from the sun: Use a lens hood and ND filters – the Andean sun is intense.
- Use a variable ND filter to keep shutter angle correct in bright light.
- Shoot in flat profile to get the most dynamic range for grading.
- Ask permission – always ask before filming people, especially in markets and religious sites.
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All recommendations are based on real‑world testing.