top of page

Skip the Crowds at Machu Picchu — Enjoy a More Peaceful Place to Propose in Ollantaytambo During Your Trip

Updated: 4 days ago

Many travelers imagine proposing at Machu Picchu, but in reality it’s crowded, rushed, and far from private. The good news? There’s a far better option. Since every train to Machu Picchu passes through the picturesque town of Ollantaytambo, it’s incredibly easy to slip in a quiet, romantic moment here instead. Away from the tour groups, we guide you to hidden locations where you can enjoy your proposal just the two of you — relaxed, natural, and beautifully captured without an audience.


Ollantaytambo is one of those rare places where history truly feels alive. This small Andean town is known as a living Incan village, and within just a few blocks you can completely lose yourself in ancient stone streets and feel as though time has paused. Ancient archaeological ruins rise on both sides of the valley, giving the whole town a powerful sense of depth, culture, and connection to the past.


This surprise proposal shows just how easily a private and romantic moment can be added to your Machu Picchu trip. Why propose in front of a crowd when you can enjoy a quiet moment in picturesque Ollantaytambo, either before or after your big adventure?

Since Ollantaytambo is the main boarding point for the famous train rides to Machu Picchu, it sees a huge flow of visitors every day. But hidden between the movement of tourists and the rhythm of local life are quiet corners and secret pathways, which make it the perfect jump-off spot for a surprise proposal that blends naturally into your travel itinerary. And the best part is that we know exactly where those private, off-the-beaten-path spots are.


This beautiful celebration for Giulian and Marcia began in the town’s plaza. Giulian had told Marcia he booked a couple's photo and video session, a perfect excuse that felt completely natural since the town is overflowing with charm. It makes total sense to capture travel memories with a local photographer and videographer team who know exactly where the light hits just right.



Couple standing close together in a narrow stone alley in Ollantaytambo, Peru, during a romantic travel photoshoot.
A quiet moment together in the ancient stone alleys of Ollantaytambo.

We started the shoot in the colorful market, warming up and keeping Marcia relaxed and unsuspecting. With so much movement around them, she had no idea a proposal was part of the plan. As the couple eased into the experience we shifted to the narrow ancient street where soft afternoon sunlight spilled across the stone walls. These were perfect moments filled with local life, culture, and that soft Andean glow that makes Ollantaytambo so unforgettable.


Couple laughing and holding hands against a rustic yellow stone wall in Ollantaytambo Peru.
Lovingly soaking in the history and warmth of Ollantaytambo before the proposal.

Once everyone felt comfortable, we floated the idea of heading into nature for a few shots by the river at sunset. Marcia thought it was just an extension of their shoot, and the idea of enjoying dinner there afterward made it feel even more natural. We jumped into the car, secretly arranged in advance, and drove out along a bumpy dirt track to our top-secret location tucked deep in the Sacred Valley. Soft golden light drifted across the mountains, setting the tone for something truly magical.


Couple walking through historic Incan stone street during a romantic photoshoot in Ollantaytambo, Peru.
Golden hour portraits during their couples photoshoot in Peru, captured right before the surprise proposal.

When we arrived at the proposal location, we guided them to a private garden where we had prepared an A-frame arch decorated with greenery and soft floral accents. In that perfect moment, everything aligned and it was Giulian’s turn to step forward and ask his beloved for her hand in marriage. Her face lit up with pure joy, and his eyes overflowed with love and relief that his important job was done! It was emotional for all of us. Marcia said yes, of course, and the happiness between them was radiant.



As the sun lowered behind the peaks, the couple relaxed by the fire, enjoying a celebratory drink and canapes, taking a peaceful moment away from the cameras to breathe in the beauty of what had just happened.


And the night still held one more unforgettable surprise. As dusk settled, we led them into a private dome for a candlelit dinner experience that looked like something out of a dream. Soft light reflected off the glass panels, roses and petals circled the space, and the wood stove created a warm, intimate glow. It was truly breathtaking. After a few final engagement portraits, we left them to enjoy a romantic three-course dinner prepared with organic ingredients from the Andes.


Couple standing inside a candle-lit geodesic dome with a floral arrangement and wood-burning stove during a romantic proposal in the Sacred Valley, Peru.
She said yes, and their proposal continued with an intimate candle-lit moment inside our geodesic dome in the Sacred Valley of Peru.

This is a moment captured in time that they will look back on forever, filled with love, adventure, and the magic of the Sacred Valley.




Plan Your Own Surprise Proposal in Cusco, Peru


If you are dreaming of a proposal in Peru, we offer both pre-set proposal packages and completely bespoke experiences in the Sacred Valley and Cusco city. We can design your celebration around your itinerary, your style, and the places that inspire you. Whether you want an intimate moment in nature, a cultural experience, or a private celebration under the stars, we will create something unforgettable for you.


A huge thank you to our incredible photography and videography team-

Jazz Films Bodas- Instagram @jazzfilms_bodas


Contact us to begin planning your proposal in Peru.

Comments

bottom of page