Awe at the base of Salkantay - September 2011 Peru Photo Contest

by Christopher Michael White
(Global citizen )

Where was this photo taken? City or location:
The base of Salkantay mountain

~ by Christopher Michael White, Global citizen

Date, time of day, and weather conditions?
September 3rd, 2009, sunset, clear and cold.

What were your feelings or impressions when taking this photo?
Awe. Any mountain gives off a feeling of massive size, it lets us know what was here long before we were and what will likely be here after we're gone. I am humbled 

I was hiking to Machu Pichu with my brother and sister by way the the Salkantay pass. It was freezing in the morning, buring in the mid-day sun, and windy at the pass. Even though there were people around doing the treck, all were quiet as if feeling the same vibration awe.

What kind of camera and/or lens did you use?
Canon Elphe power shot- yeah thats right, point and shoot!

What tips or suggestions do you have for other photographers?
Watch, listen, and love your own vision for it is unique and others will appreciate your true expression of that vision.

This special photo is in the September Inside-Peru Photo Contest.

It is also entered in the 2011 Photo of the Year - Inside-Peru Photo Contest.

Even if the contest for a certain month is closed, your vote will count towards the Photo of the Year, announced in January of the following year.

Each photo in the contest can receive your votes.

To vote click on one or more of the social buttons below. One button equals 1 point.

You may click one or more of the 3 buttons according to the points you feel this photo deserves.

The photographer should start the voting process by clicking on the "Like" button so your friends and family can vote.

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Map of Salkantay, Peru, area:


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Added Info:

Salkantay is a mountain peak located to the northwest of Cusco. Its full name is Nevado (Snowcap) de Salkantay.

Salkantay is the tallest peak of the mountain range between the Urubamba and the Apurimac rivers, the Cordillera Vilcabamba.

Nevado de Salkantay is 6271 meters (20,471 feet), making it about #35 in the world's highest peaks.

Christopher took this photo while on the Salkantay Trek, an alternate route to Machu Picchu, located high above the Urubama River valley. The well-known hiking trail to Machu Picchu, the Inca Trail, is not the only route to get to Machu Picchu by foot; in fact, the Salkantay Trail has its own merits, among which is the different scenery.

Now, since the Inca Trail has limited permits due to environmental concerns, more and more people are finding that the Salkantay Trek offers a great way to see the Andes and Machu Picchu.

Of course, the majority of tourists take the train from Cusco down the Urubamba Valley to Aquas Calientes at the bottom of the gorge below Machu Picchu; then take a short bus ride up to the Inca Citadel.

At this time, there are only two options to get to Machu Picchu - the train or a trail.

~ by David Schneider at Inside-Peru.com

Trekking Machu Picchu - The Salkantay Trail

10 Days - Salkantay Lodge Trek to Machu Picchu "For those wanting the beauty of the Andes and the excitement of trekking to Machu Picchu stretched over a longer route than the traditional Inca Trail, the Salkantay Route fits the bill. Though the Salkantay climb to the 'Lost City of the Incas' is challenging, nights are spent in comfortable lodges so you'll awake well rested. Just think, more glacial lakes and jagged peaks, more chances to catch your breath while capturing views that will take your breath away." ~ Gap Adventures $3,459.00 USD*

See also these pages at Inside-Peru.com:

• Trips to Machu Picchu
• Peru Attractions
• Treks to Cusco, Machu Picchu, Salkantay

Pony "Pack Train" in Cordillera Vilcabamba... Michael Brown Buy From Art.com