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  • A cliffside Inca Trail bridge is restored at Machu Picchu, in the Cordillera Vilcabamba, Andes mountains, Peru, South America. The tree-trunk bridge controls the west entrance of Machu Picchu across a drop of 570 meters (1870 feet) to the base of the rock wall. Machu Picchu was built around 1450 AD as an estate for the Inca emperor Pachacuti (14381472). Spaniards passed in the river valley below but never discovered Machu Picchu during their conquest of the Incas 1532-1572. The outside world was unaware of the "Lost City of the Incas" until revealed by American historian Hiram Bingham in 1911. Machu Picchu perches at 2430 meters elevation (7970 feet) on a well defended ridge 450 meters (1480 ft) above a loop of the Urubamba/Vilcanota River ( Sacred Valley of the Incas). UNESCO honored the Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu on the World Heritage List in 1983.
    03PER-12-32-Inca-bridge.jpg
  • Machu Picchu is a magnificent Inca archeological site in the Cordillera Vilcabamba, Andes mountains, Peru, South America. A long stairway climbs along Inca walls. Machu Picchu was built around 1450 AD as an estate for the Inca emperor Pachacuti (14381472). Spaniards passed in the river valley below but never discovered Machu Picchu during their conquest of the Incas 1532-1572. The outside world was unaware of the "Lost City of the Incas" until revealed by American historian Hiram Bingham in 1911. Machu Picchu perches at 2430 meters elevation (7970 feet) on a well defended ridge 450 meters (1480 ft) above a loop of the Urubamba/Vilcanota River ( Sacred Valley of the Incas). UNESCO honored the Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu on the World Heritage List in 1983.  Panorama was stitched from 3 overlapping photos. Published in 2009 on Swedish trekking company site www.adventurelovers.se.
    03PER-19-pan08-12-14_Machu-Picchu.jpg
  • The pinnacle of Huayna Picchu rises over Machu Picchu, a magnificent Inca archeological site in the Cordillera Vilcabamba, Andes mountains, Peru, South America. The Incas built temples, terraces, and a trail up the peak of Huayna Picchu ("Young Peak" in Quechua, 2720 meters or 8920 feet above sea level). Machu Picchu was built around 1450 AD as an estate for the Inca emperor Pachacuti (14381472). Spaniards passed in the river valley below but never discovered Machu Picchu during their conquest of the Incas 1532-1572. The outside world was unaware of the "Lost City of the Incas" until revealed by American historian Hiram Bingham in 1911. Machu Picchu perches at 2430 meters elevation (7970 feet) on a well defended ridge 450 meters (1480 ft) above a loop of the Urubamba/Vilcanota River ( Sacred Valley of the Incas). UNESCO honored the Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu on the World Heritage List in 1983.
    03PER-15-29-Machu-Picchu-people-v.jpg
  • Tourists explore a restored Inca stone corridor at Machu Picchu, a magnificent archeological site in the Cordillera Vilcabamba, Andes mountains, Peru, South America. Machu Picchu was built around 1450 AD as an estate for the Inca emperor Pachacuti (14381472). Spaniards passed in the river valley below but never discovered Machu Picchu during their conquest of the Incas 1532-1572. The outside world was unaware of the "Lost City of the Incas" until revealed by American historian Hiram Bingham in 1911. Machu Picchu perches at 2430 meters elevation (7970 feet) on a well defended ridge 450 meters (1480 ft) above a loop of the Urubamba/Vilcanota River ( Sacred Valley of the Incas). UNESCO honored the Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu on the World Heritage List in 1983.
    03PER-16-24-Machu-Picchu-corridor.jpg
  • Machu Picchu is a magnificent Inca archeological site in the Cordillera Vilcabamba, Andes mountains, Peru, South America. Machu Picchu was built around 1450 AD as an estate for the Inca emperor Pachacuti (14381472). Spaniards passed in the river valley below but never discovered Machu Picchu during their conquest of the Incas 1532-1572. The outside world was unaware of the "Lost City of the Incas" until revealed by American historian Hiram Bingham in 1911. Machu Picchu perches at 2430 meters elevation (7970 feet) on a well defended ridge 450 meters (1480 ft) above a loop of the Urubamba/Vilcanota River ( Sacred Valley of the Incas). UNESCO honored the Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu on the World Heritage List in 1983. Published in 2009 on Swedish trekking company site www.adventurelovers.se. Published in "Light Travel: Photography on the Go" book by Tom Dempsey 2009, 2010. Panorama stitched from 4 overlapping images.
    03PER-14-pan29-28-27-31_Machu-Picchu.jpg
  • A rain storm breaks over Machu Picchu, a magnificent Inca archeological site in the Cordillera Vilcabamba, Andes mountains, Peru, South America. Machu Picchu was built around 1450 AD as an estate for the Inca emperor Pachacuti (14381472). Spaniards passed in the river valley below but never discovered Machu Picchu during their conquest of the Incas 1532-1572. The outside world was unaware of the "Lost City of the Incas" until revealed by American historian Hiram Bingham in 1911. Machu Picchu perches at 2430 meters elevation (7970 feet) on a well defended ridge 450 meters (1480 ft) above a loop of the Urubamba/Vilcanota River ( Sacred Valley of the Incas). UNESCO honored the Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu on the World Heritage List in 1983.
    03PER-12-37_Machu-Picchu-shower.jpg
  • Machu Picchu is a magnificent Inca archeological site in the Cordillera Vilcabamba, Andes mountains, Peru, South America. Machu Picchu was built around 1450 AD as an estate for the Inca emperor Pachacuti (14381472). Spaniards passed in the river valley below but never discovered Machu Picchu during their conquest of the Incas 1532-1572. The outside world was unaware of the "Lost City of the Incas" until revealed by American historian Hiram Bingham in 1911. Machu Picchu perches at 2430 meters elevation (7970 feet) on a well defended ridge 450 meters (1480 ft) above a loop of the Urubamba/Vilcanota River ( Sacred Valley of the Incas). UNESCO honored the Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu on the World Heritage List in 1983.
    00PER-15-Machu-Picchu.jpg
  • Moray, in Peru, South America, is an impressive archaeological site of terraced circular depressions, possibly an Inca agricultural experiment station. Moray is on a high plateau at 3500 m (11,500 ft) elevation in Peru just west of the village of Maras, in the Urubamba (Vilcanota) River Valley (Sacred Valley of the Incas), 50 km (31 mi) northwest of Cuzco. The Inca built Moray with a sophisticated irrigation system, possibly to study climatic effects on crops. The largest terraced pit is about 30 m (98 ft) deep, with wind and sun orientation creating a temperature difference of as much as 15 °C (27 °F) from top to bottom. Photo captured 2003.
    03PER-06-30-Moray-terraces.jpg
  • Moray, in Peru, South America, is an impressive archaeological site of terraced circular depressions, possibly an Inca agricultural experiment station. Moray is on a high plateau at 3500 m (11,500 ft) elevation in Peru just west of the village of Maras, in the Urubamba (Vilcanota) River Valley (Sacred Valley of the Incas), 50 km (31 mi) northwest of Cuzco. The Inca built Moray with a sophisticated irrigation system, possibly to study climatic effects on crops. The largest terraced pit is about 30 m (98 ft) deep, with wind and sun orientation creating a temperature difference of as much as 15 °C (27 °F) from top to bottom. Photo captured 2003.
    03PER-05-28-Moray-terraces.jpg
  • The Incas finely crafted this stone alcove in a wall at Machu Picchu, a magnificent archeological site in the Cordillera Vilcabamba, Andes mountains, Peru, South America. Machu Picchu was built around 1450 AD as an estate for the Inca emperor Pachacuti (14381472). Spaniards passed in the river valley below but never discovered Machu Picchu during their conquest of the Incas 1532-1572. The outside world was unaware of the "Lost City of the Incas" until revealed by American historian Hiram Bingham in 1911. Machu Picchu perches at 2430 meters elevation (7970 feet) on a well defended ridge 450 meters (1480 ft) above a loop of the Urubamba/Vilcanota River ( Sacred Valley of the Incas). UNESCO honored the Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu on the World Heritage List in 1983.
    00PER-15-03_Inca-stonework-alcove.jpg
  • Trekkers begin a 4-day version of the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu at this bridge over the Urubamba/Vilcanota River Valley, Sacred Valley of the Incas (7700 feet elevation) at railroad Kilometer 82, on the PeruRail route from Cusco to Machu Picchu, Cordillera Vilcabamba, Andes mountains, Peru, South America. Licensed by National Geographic Maps for a Geotourism Map of Peru's Sacred Valley, 2008.
    00PER-06-35_Urubamba-River_Inca-Trai...jpg
  • Sunset turns clouds orange over the Cordillera Vilcabamba, Andes mountains, along the Inca Trail, Peru, South America.
    00PER-10-23-Vilcabamba-Mountains-sun...jpg
  • The pinnacle of Huayna Picchu rises over Machu Picchu, a magnificent Inca archeological site in the Cordillera Vilcabamba, Andes mountains, Peru, South America. The Incas built temples, terraces, and a trail up the peak of Huayna Picchu ("Young Peak" in Quechua, 2720 meters or 8920 feet above sea level). Machu Picchu was built around 1450 AD as an estate for the Inca emperor Pachacuti (14381472). Spaniards passed in the river valley below but never discovered Machu Picchu during their conquest of the Incas 1532-1572. The outside world was unaware of the "Lost City of the Incas" until revealed by American historian Hiram Bingham in 1911. Machu Picchu perches at 2430 meters elevation (7970 feet) on a well defended ridge 450 meters (1480 ft) above a loop of the Urubamba/Vilcanota River ( Sacred Valley of the Incas). UNESCO honored the Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu on the World Heritage List in 1983.
    00PER-15-35_Machu-Picchu_Huayna-Picc...jpg
  • The four-sided Intihuatana (Hitching Post of the Sun) ritual stone sculpture was likely the most sacred place in Machu Picchu, a magnificent Inca archeological site in the Cordillera Vilcabamba, Andes mountains, Peru, South America. The name Intihuatana (coined perhaps by Hiram Bingham) is derived from the Quechua language: inti means "sun"; huata- is a Spanish spelling of wata-, the verb root "to tie or hitch (up)"; and the -na suffix derives nouns for tools or places. Scholars dispute various theoretical uses of Intihuatana such as a sacrificial altar, as a temple aligned with the surrounding mountains and their resident apus (gods), as a solar observatory (but unlikely as a sundial), or simply as an abstract art work. The mysterious Intihuatana is an important huaca (or waqa), a revered object, in Quechua language. The stone is at 13°9'48" South latitude. Machu Picchu was built around 1450 AD as an estate for the Inca emperor Pachacuti (14381472). Spaniards passed in the river valley below but never discovered Machu Picchu during their conquest of the Incas 1532-1572. The outside world was unaware of the "Lost City of the Incas" until revealed by American historian Hiram Bingham in 1911. Machu Picchu perches at 2430 meters elevation (7970 feet) on a well defended ridge 450 meters (1480 ft) above a loop of the Urubamba/Vilcanota River (Sacred Valley of the Incas). UNESCO honored the Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu on the World Heritage List in 1983.
    03PER-16-10_Intihuatana_Machu-Picchu.jpg
  • Machu Picchu is a magnificent Inca archeological site in the Cordillera Vilcabamba, Andes mountains, Peru, South America. Machu Picchu was built around 1450 AD as an estate for the Inca emperor Pachacuti (14381472). Spaniards passed in the river valley below but never discovered Machu Picchu during their conquest of the Incas 1532-1572. The outside world was unaware of the "Lost City of the Incas" until revealed by American historian Hiram Bingham in 1911. Machu Picchu perches at 2430 meters elevation (7970 feet) on a well defended ridge 450 meters (1480 ft) above a loop of the Urubamba/Vilcanota River ( Sacred Valley of the Incas). UNESCO honored the Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu on the World Heritage List in 1983. Seven overlapping photographs by Carol Dempsey were stitched into this panorama. Published by Sierra Magazine, Sierra Club Outings September/October 2002. Published in a book in Paris, France. Published on a German tour operator's website.
    00PERC-p5-17-23pan_Machu-Picchu.jpg
  • Machu Picchu is a magnificent Inca archeological site in the Cordillera Vilcabamba, Andes mountains, Peru, South America. Machu Picchu was built around 1450 AD as an estate for the Inca emperor Pachacuti (14381472). Spaniards passed in the river valley below but never discovered Machu Picchu during their conquest of the Incas 1532-1572. The outside world was unaware of the "Lost City of the Incas" until revealed by American historian Hiram Bingham in 1911. Machu Picchu perches at 2430 meters elevation (7970 feet) on a well defended ridge 450 meters (1480 ft) above a loop of the Urubamba/Vilcanota River (Sacred Valley of the Incas). UNESCO honored the Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu on the World Heritage List in 1983.
    03PER-15-04_Machu-Picchu.jpg
  • From atop the peak of Huayna Picchu, see terraces of the Machu Picchu archeological site in the Cordillera Vilcabamba, Andes mountains, Peru, South America. The Incas built temples, terraces, and a trail up the peak of Huayna Picchu ("Young Peak" in Quechua, 2720 meters or 8920 feet above sea level). Machu Picchu was built around 1450 AD as an estate for the Inca emperor Pachacuti (14381472). Spaniards passed in the river valley below but never discovered Machu Picchu during their conquest of the Incas 1532-1572. The outside world was unaware of the "Lost City of the Incas" until revealed by American historian Hiram Bingham in 1911. Machu Picchu perches at 2430 meters elevation (7970 feet) on a well defended ridge 450 meters (1480 ft) above a loop of the Urubamba/Vilcanota River ( Sacred Valley of the Incas). UNESCO honored the Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu on the World Heritage List in 1983.
    00PER-15-09_Machu-Picchu.jpg
  • The Incas finely crafted this stone wall with windows at Machu Picchu, a magnificent archeological site in the Cordillera Vilcabamba, Andes mountains, Peru, South America. Machu Picchu was built around 1450 AD as an estate for the Inca emperor Pachacuti (14381472). Spaniards passed in the river valley below but never discovered Machu Picchu during their conquest of the Incas 1532-1572. The outside world was unaware of the "Lost City of the Incas" until revealed by American historian Hiram Bingham in 1911. Machu Picchu perches at 2430 meters elevation (7970 feet) on a well defended ridge 450 meters (1480 ft) above a loop of the Urubamba/Vilcanota River ( Sacred Valley of the Incas). UNESCO honored the Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu on the World Heritage List in 1983.
    00PER-15-30_Machu-Picchu.jpg
  • The Peruvian hairless dog breed is known as the Peruvian Inca Orchid ("PIO") in English; "Perro sin pelo del Peru" in Spanish; "Mexican Hairless" in Mexico; "khala" in Bolivian Quechua meaning 'without clothing'; and "caa allepo" in Peruvian Quechua meaning "without vestment." Only recently did the American Khala Association adopt a standard for this hairless hound which is indigenous to Latin America from Mexico throughout Central and South America. Its body is furless, gray and wrinkled. A sharp red tongue hangs from its long and pointy snout. Atop its head stands a scant clump of hair, Mohawk-style. Humans probably brought this canine to the Americas 2,000 to 3,000 years ago during the migration from Asia across the Bering Strait. Ceramics from pre-Incan cultures show these dogs growling, giving birth, suckling, and copulating. The Inca and other pre-Columbian cultures highly valued this breed, which is now surging in popularity in the United States and Europe, but ironically declining in status in Peru. Photographed at Aguas Calientes village, "Machupicchu Town," at the foot of Machu Picchu, Peru, South America.
    03PER-20-34-Andean-dog.jpg
  • From atop the peak of Huayna Picchu, see terraces of the Machu Picchu archeological site in the Cordillera Vilcabamba, Andes mountains, Peru, South America. The Incas built temples, terraces, and a trail up the peak of Huayna Picchu ("Young Peak" in Quechua, 2720 meters or 8920 feet above sea level). Machu Picchu was built around 1450 AD as an estate for the Inca emperor Pachacuti (14381472). Spaniards passed in the river valley below but never discovered Machu Picchu during their conquest of the Incas 1532-1572. The outside world was unaware of the "Lost City of the Incas" until revealed by American historian Hiram Bingham in 1911. Machu Picchu perches at 2430 meters elevation (7970 feet) on a well defended ridge 450 meters (1480 ft) above a loop of the Urubamba/Vilcanota River ( Sacred Valley of the Incas). UNESCO honored the Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu on the World Heritage List in 1983.
    00PER-15-11_Machu-Picchu.jpg
  • Around 1450 AD, the Incas diverted a spring through impressive stone work and waterfalls at the archaeological site of Tambomachay (El Baño del Inca), 8 km north of Cuzco, in Peru, South America. Tampumachay means "collective housing resting place" in Quechua language. The Incas perfected stonecraft to an amazing degree.
    00PER-03-14_Tambomachay.jpg
  • Ecuadorian chess sets fight conquistadors versus Inca warriors in Otavalo, Ecuador, South America. The culturally vibrant town of Otavalo attracts many tourists to a valley of the Imbabura Province of Ecuador, surrounded by the peaks of Imbabura 4,610m, Cotacachi 4,995m, and Mojanda volcanoes. The indigenous Otavaleños are famous for weaving textiles, usually made of wool, which are sold at the famous Saturday market and smaller markets during the rest of the week. The Plaza del Ponchos and many shops tantalize buyers with a wide array of handicrafts. Nearby villages and towns are also famous for particular crafts: Cotacachi, the center of Ecuador's leather industry, is known for its polished calf skins; and San Antonio specializes in wood carving of statues, picture frames and furniture. Otavaliña women traditionally wear distinctive white embroidered blouses, with flared lace sleeves, and black or dark over skirts, with cream or white under skirts. Long hair is tied back with a 3cm band of woven multi colored material, often matching the band which is wound several times around their waists. They usually have many strings of gold beads around their necks, and matching tightly wound long strings of coral beads around each wrist. Men wear white trousers, and dark blue ponchos. Otavalo is also known for its Inca-influenced traditional music (sometimes known as Andean New Age) and musicians who travel around the world.
    09ECU-1303_Otavalo-Ecuador.jpg
  • Around 1450 AD, the Incas diverted a spring through impressive stone work and waterfalls at the archaeological site of Tambomachay (El Baño del Inca), 8 km north of Cuzco, in Peru, South America. Tampumachay means "collective housing resting place" in Quechua language. The Incas perfected stonecraft to an amazing degree.
    03PER-01-18-Tambomachay-waterfall.jpg
  • Around 1450 AD, the Incas crafted impressive stone walls at the archaeological site of Tambomachay (El Baño del Inca), 8 km north of Cuzco, in Peru, South America. Tampumachay means "collective housing resting place" in Quechua language. The Incas perfected stonecraft to an amazing degree.
    03PER-01-16-Tambomachay-Wall.jpg
  • A whitewashed church is built on old Inca walls at Chincheros (30 km from Cuzco), Peru, South America. Chincheros is capital of Chincheros province in the region Apurímac, on an Andean plain at an elevation of 3762 meters.
    03PER-04-Chincheros-church-bell-towe...jpg
  • A whitewashed church is built on Inca ruins at Chincheros (30 km from Cuzco), Peru, South America. Chincheros is capital of Chincheros province in the region Apurímac, on an Andean plain at an elevation of 3762 meters.
    03PER-04-30-Chinchero-church.jpg
  • The poor man's lunch is a feast of chicken, cheese, avocado, corn, Inca Kola. Feast on fresh food in Urubamba (Vilcanota) River Valley, Peru, South America.
    00PER-05-20_poor-man-lunch.jpg
  • Tom Dempsey photographed this Collared Inca (Coeligena torquata) hummingbird in Bellavista Cloud Forest Reserve, near Quito, Ecuador, South America. This species is found in humid Andean forests from western Venezuela, through Colombia and Ecuador, to Peru.
    09ECU-2047_Bellavista-Ecuador.jpg
  • A porter carries a heavy load on the Inca Trail, Cordillera Vilcabamba, Andes mountains, Peru, South America.
    00PER-14-Porter-Trail.jpg
  • A trekking guide plays the Andean flute and reflects in a pond in the Cordillera Vilcabamba, Andes mountains, along the Inca Trail, Peru, South America. Our multi-talented guide Wilbert attracted us higher with his Andean flute. He played several more instruments, spoke eight languages, earned a Ph.D. in Anthropology from a Peruvian university, and had a playful sense of humor.
    00PER-10-36.jpg
  • Trekkers eat a lunch of healthy food on Dead Woman's Pass, Inca Trail, Cordillera Vilcabamba, Andes mountains, Peru, South America. Published in Wilderness Travel 2016 Catalog of Adventures. For licensing options, please inquire.
    00PER-09-Lunch-pass.jpg
  • Our trekking group poses on Dead Woman's Pass (13,770 feet elevation) on the Inca Trail, Cordillera Vilcabamba, Andes mountains, Peru, South America. Published in September/October 2007 and in March/April 2001 Sierra Magazine, Sierra Club Outings. For licensing options, please inquire.
    00PER-09-17-Dead-Womans-Pass.jpg
  • Tom Dempsey photographed this Collared Inca (Coeligena torquata) hummingbird in Bellavista Cloud Forest Reserve, near Quito, Ecuador, South America. This species is found in humid Andean forests from western Venezuela, through Colombia and Ecuador, to Peru.
    09ECU-2031_Bellavista-Ecuador.jpg
  • Since pre-Inca times, salt farmers at the saltworks (salinas) near Maras have evaporated salty water from a subterranean stream in Peru, South America. A rough dirt road connects Maras (in the Urubamba/Vilcanota River Valley, Sacred Valley of the Incas) with Cuzco (40 km north) and other towns. The cooperative system of pond farmers was established during the time of the Incas, if not earlier, and is traditionally available to any person wishing to harvest salt. Intricate channels redirect water flow through several hundred ancient terraced ponds. As water evaporates from the sun-warmed ponds, it becomes supersaturated and salt precipitates as crystals. A pond keeper closes the water-feeder notch, allows the pond to go dry, then scrapes and carries away the dry salt. Salt color varies from white to a light reddish or brownish tan, depending on "farmer" skills. Panorama was stitched from 5 overlapping photos.
    03PER-09-02-06pan_Salinas_Inca-Salt-...jpg
  • Since pre-Inca times, salt farmers at the saltworks (salinas) near Maras have evaporated salty water from a subterranean stream in Peru, South America. A rough dirt road connects Maras (in the Urubamba/Vilcanota River Valley, Sacred Valley of the Incas) with Cuzco (40 km north) and other towns. The cooperative system of pond farmers was established during the time of the Incas, if not earlier, and is traditionally available to any person wishing to harvest salt. Intricate channels redirect water flow through several hundred ancient terraced ponds. As water evaporates from the sun-warmed ponds, it becomes supersaturated and salt precipitates as crystals. A pond keeper closes the water-feeder notch, allows the pond to go dry, then scrapes and carries away the dry salt. Salt color varies from white to a light reddish or brownish tan, depending on "farmer" skills.
    03PER-10-06_Salinas_Inca-Salt-Pans.jpg
  • Since pre-Inca times, salt farmers at the saltworks (salinas) near Maras have evaporated salty water from a subterranean stream in Peru, South America. A rough dirt road connects Maras (in the Urubamba/Vilcanota River Valley, Sacred Valley of the Incas) with Cuzco (40 km north) and other towns. The cooperative system of pond farmers was established during the time of the Incas, if not earlier, and is traditionally available to any person wishing to harvest salt. Intricate channels redirect water flow through several hundred ancient terraced ponds. As water evaporates from the sun-warmed ponds, it becomes supersaturated and salt precipitates as crystals. A pond keeper closes the water-feeder notch, allows the pond to go dry, then scrapes and carries away the dry salt. Salt color varies from white to a light reddish or brownish tan, depending on "farmer" skills.
    03PER-09-03-P1_Salinas_Inca-Salt-Pan...jpg
  • Since pre-Inca times, salt farmers at the saltworks (salinas) near Maras have evaporated salty water from a subterranean stream in Peru, South America. A rough dirt road connects Maras (in the Urubamba/Vilcanota River Valley, Sacred Valley of the Incas) with Cuzco (40 km north) and other towns. The cooperative system of pond farmers was established during the time of the Incas, if not earlier, and is traditionally available to any person wishing to harvest salt. Intricate channels redirect water flow through several hundred ancient terraced ponds. As water evaporates from the sun-warmed ponds, it becomes supersaturated and salt precipitates as crystals. A pond keeper closes the water-feeder notch, allows the pond to go dry, then scrapes and carries away the dry salt. Salt color varies from white to a light reddish or brownish tan, depending on "farmer" skills.
    03PER-09-02-P2_Salinas_Inca-Salt-Pan...jpg
  • Since pre-Inca times, salt farmers at the saltworks (salinas) near Maras have evaporated salty water from a subterranean stream in Peru, South America. A rough dirt road connects Maras (in the Urubamba/Vilcanota River Valley, Sacred Valley of the Incas) with Cuzco (40 km north) and other towns. The cooperative system of pond farmers was established during the time of the Incas, if not earlier, and is traditionally available to any person wishing to harvest salt. Intricate channels redirect water flow through several hundred ancient terraced ponds. As water evaporates from the sun-warmed ponds, it becomes supersaturated and salt precipitates as crystals. A pond keeper closes the water-feeder notch, allows the pond to go dry, then scrapes and carries away the dry salt. Salt color varies from white to a light reddish or brownish tan, depending on "farmer" skills. Panorama was stitched from 2 overlapping photos.
    03PER-11-11-12pan_Salinas-salt-pans.jpg
  • Since pre-Inca times, salt farmers at the saltworks (salinas) near Maras have evaporated salty water from a subterranean stream in Peru, South America. A rough dirt road connects Maras (in the Urubamba/Vilcanota River Valley, Sacred Valley of the Incas) with Cuzco (40 km north) and other towns. The cooperative system of pond farmers was established during the time of the Incas, if not earlier, and is traditionally available to any person wishing to harvest salt. Intricate channels redirect water flow through several hundred ancient terraced ponds. As water evaporates from the sun-warmed ponds, it becomes supersaturated and salt precipitates as crystals. A pond keeper closes the water-feeder notch, allows the pond to go dry, then scrapes and carries away the dry salt. Salt color varies from white to a light reddish or brownish tan, depending on "farmer" skills.
    03PER-11-11-P1_Salinas-salt-pans.jpg
  • Since pre-Inca times, salt farmers at the saltworks (salinas) near Maras have evaporated salty water from a subterranean stream in Peru, South America. A rough dirt road connects Maras (in the Urubamba/Vilcanota River Valley, Sacred Valley of the Incas) with Cuzco (40 km north) and other towns. The cooperative system of pond farmers was established during the time of the Incas, if not earlier, and is traditionally available to any person wishing to harvest salt. Intricate channels redirect water flow through several hundred ancient terraced ponds. As water evaporates from the sun-warmed ponds, it becomes supersaturated and salt precipitates as crystals. A pond keeper closes the water-feeder notch, allows the pond to go dry, then scrapes and carries away the dry salt. Salt color varies from white to a light reddish or brownish tan, depending on "farmer" skills. Cropped from a 35mm film slide, 2003. Published in "Light Travel: Photography on the Go" book by Tom Dempsey 2009, 2010.
    03PER-11-09-Salinas-salt-pans_MASTER.jpg
  • Since pre-Inca times, salt farmers at the saltworks (salinas) near Maras have evaporated salty water from a subterranean stream in Peru, South America. A rough dirt road connects Maras (in the Urubamba/Vilcanota River Valley, Sacred Valley of the Incas) with Cuzco (40 km north) and other towns. The cooperative system of pond farmers was established during the time of the Incas, if not earlier, and is traditionally available to any person wishing to harvest salt. Intricate channels redirect water flow through several hundred ancient terraced ponds. As water evaporates from the sun-warmed ponds, it becomes supersaturated and salt precipitates as crystals. A pond keeper closes the water-feeder notch, allows the pond to go dry, then scrapes and carries away the dry salt. Salt color varies from white to a light reddish or brownish tan, depending on "farmer" skills.
    03PER-08-17-Salinas-Urubamba.jpg
  • Since pre-Inca times, salt farmers at the saltworks (salinas) near Maras have evaporated salty water from a subterranean stream in Peru, South America. A rough dirt road connects Maras (in the Urubamba/Vilcanota River Valley, Sacred Valley of the Incas) with Cuzco (40 km north) and other towns. The cooperative system of pond farmers was established during the time of the Incas, if not earlier, and is traditionally available to any person wishing to harvest salt. Intricate channels redirect water flow through several hundred ancient terraced ponds. As water evaporates from the sun-warmed ponds, it becomes supersaturated and salt precipitates as crystals. A pond keeper closes the water-feeder notch, allows the pond to go dry, then scrapes and carries away the dry salt. Salt color varies from white to a light reddish or brownish tan, depending on "farmer" skills.
    03PER-11-0x_Salinas-salt-pans.jpg
  • Since pre-Inca times, salt farmers at the saltworks (salinas) near Maras have evaporated salty water from a subterranean stream in Peru, South America. A rough dirt road connects Maras (in the Urubamba/Vilcanota River Valley, Sacred Valley of the Incas) with Cuzco (40 km north) and other towns. The cooperative system of pond farmers was established during the time of the Incas, if not earlier, and is traditionally available to any person wishing to harvest salt. Intricate channels redirect water flow through several hundred ancient terraced ponds. As water evaporates from the sun-warmed ponds, it becomes supersaturated and salt precipitates as crystals. A pond keeper closes the water-feeder notch, allows the pond to go dry, then scrapes and carries away the dry salt. Salt color varies from white to a light reddish or brownish tan, depending on "farmer" skills.
    03PER-10-08_Salinas-salt-pan-workers.jpg
  • Santo Domingo Church was built on top of Coricancha, Cuzco's major Inca temple, and was twice destroyed by earthquakes, in 1650 and 1950. Cuzco, the longest continuously occupied city in the Americas, is built upon the foundations of the Incas. Francisco Pizarro officially founded Spanish Cuzco in 1534, in Peru, South America. UNESCO honored the City of Cuzco (Cusco or Qosqo) on the World Heritage List in 1983. Quechua oral history says that the first Inca, Manco Capac, the son of the sun god (inti), founded the city of Cuzco in the 1100s AD. After 1430 AD, the Incas burst out of Cuzco and quickly imposed their culture from southern Colombia to central Chile. The Incas used their absolute rule and organizational genius to build vast terraces for growing food on the steep Andes Mountains in a moderate climate, away from the dry desert coast and above the mosquito-filled Amazon Basin. The Incas developed textiles, pottery, metals, architecture, amazingly fitted rock walls, empire-wide roads, bridges, and irrigation, but never discovered the wheel, arch, or writing. Despite their amazing accomplishments, the Inca Empire lasted barely a century.
    03PER-03-20-Coricancha-Santo-Domingo.jpg
  • From Hostal Corihuasi, look towards the Plaza de Armas (central square) of Cuzco (Cusco or Qosqo), in Peru, South America. Cuzco was the site of the historic capital of the Inca Empire from the 1200s to 1532 and was honored on the World Heritage List in 1983 by UNESCO. Quechua oral history says that the first Inca, Manco Capac, the son of the sun god (inti), founded the city of Cuzco in the 1100s AD. After 1430 AD, the Incas burst out of Cuzco and quickly imposed their culture from southern Colombia to central Chile. The Incas used their absolute rule and organizational genius to build vast terraces for growing food on the steep Andes Mountains in a moderate climate, away from the dry desert coast and above the mosquito-filled Amazon Basin. The Incas developed textiles, pottery, metals, architecture, amazingly fitted rock walls, empire-wide roads, bridges, and irrigation, but never discovered the wheel, arch, or writing. Despite their amazing accomplishments, the Inca Empire lasted barely a century.
    03PER-03-Cusco-view-Hostal-Corihuasi.jpg
  • A person descends stone steps in an alley towards the Plaza de Armas (central square) of Cuzco (Cusco or Qosqo), in Peru, South America. Cuzco was the site of the historic capital of the Inca Empire from the 1200s to 1532 and was honored on the World Heritage List in 1983 by UNESCO. Quechua oral history says that the first Inca, Manco Capac, the son of the sun god (inti), founded the city of Cuzco in the 1100s AD. After 1430 AD, the Incas burst out of Cuzco and quickly imposed their culture from southern Colombia to central Chile. The Incas used their absolute rule and organizational genius to build vast terraces for growing food on the steep Andes Mountains in a moderate climate, away from the dry desert coast and above the mosquito-filled Amazon Basin. The Incas developed textiles, pottery, metals, architecture, amazingly fitted rock walls, empire-wide roads, bridges, and irrigation, but never discovered the wheel, arch, or writing. Despite their amazing accomplishments, the Inca Empire lasted barely a century.
    00PER-16-37_Cuzco-Peru-alley-house.jpg
  • At Machu Picchu, Peru, the Incas crafted the Temple of the Moon as a wall of doors and windows fitting perfectly under a giant overhanging rock. The summit of Huayna Picchu is normally a two-hour walk (1.9 kilometers round-trip). The easiest way to visit the Temple of the Moon is to retrace your steps down from Huayna Picchu and take the marked trail turnoff halfway down, which leads directly to the alcove, adding about 12 hours round trip. Many local names are arbitrary, non-Inca inventions, including the "Temple of the Moon." Machu Picchu was built around 1450 AD as an estate for the Inca emperor Pachacuti (14381472). Spaniards passed in the river valley below but never discovered Machu Picchu during their conquest of the Incas 1532-1572. The outside world was unaware of the "Lost City of the Incas" until revealed by American historian Hiram Bingham in 1911. Machu Picchu perches at 2430 meters elevation (7970 feet) on a well defended ridge 450 meters (1480 ft) above a loop of the Urubamba/Vilcanota River (Sacred Valley of the Incas) in the Cordillera Vilcabamba, Andes mountains, Peru, South America. UNESCO honored the Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu on the World Heritage List in 1983.
    03PER-16-34_Machu-Picchu_Temple-0f-M...jpg
  • A blue and yellow PeruRail train stops in Aguas Calientes village ("Machupicchu Town"), at the foot of Machu Picchu in the Cordillera Vilcabamba, Andes mountains, Peru, South America. PeruRail runs passenger train service from Cusco to Aguas Calientes (Spanish for "hot water" or "hot springs"), nestled on the Urubamba/Vilcanota River (Sacred Valley of the Incas). Machu Picchu was built around 1450 AD as an estate for the Inca emperor Pachacuti (14381472). Spaniards passed in the river valley below but never discovered Machu Picchu during their conquest of the Incas 1532-1572. The outside world was unaware of the "Lost City of the Incas" until revealed by American historian Hiram Bingham in 1911. Machu Picchu perches at 2430 meters elevation (7970 feet) on a well defended ridge 450 meters (1480 ft) above a loop of the Urubamba/Vilcanota River (Sacred Valley of the Incas). UNESCO honored the Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu on the World Heritage List in 1983.
    03PER-20-33-Train-Aguas-Calientes-Ma...jpg
  • Church of La Compania is built on Inca stone foundations in Plaza de Armas, the central square of Cuzco (Cusco or Qosqo), in Peru, South America. Cuzco was the site of the historic capital of the Inca Empire from the 1200s to 1532 and was honored on the World Heritage List in 1983 by UNESCO. Francisco Pizarro officially founded Spanish Cuzco in 1534. Cuzco is the longest continuously occupied city in the Americas and is built upon the foundations of the Incas at 3400 meters or 11,200 feet elevation.
    03PER-04-06-Cuzco-Church-of-La-Compa...jpg
  • The last orange light of sunset highlights turbulent clouds over the finely crafted Inca walls of Sacsayhuaman (Saqsaywaman), a "Royal House of the Sun" built on a hill above Cuzco (Cusco or Qosqo), in Peru, South America. Cuzco was the site of the historic capital of the Inca Empire from the 1200s to 1532 and was honored on the World Heritage List in 1983 by UNESCO. Francisco Pizarro officially founded Spanish Cuzco in 1534. Cuzco is the longest continuously occupied city in the Americas and is built upon the foundations of the Incas (at 3400 meters or 11,200 feet elevation). The natural light sunset was captured on Fujichrome Velvia film. Licensed by National Geographic Maps in 2008 for a Geotourism Map of Peru's Sacred Valley.
    03PER-03-04_Sacsayhuaman-Cusco.jpg
  • A rainbow shines over a llama grazing on agricultural terraces at Machu Picchu, Cordillera Vilcabamba, Andes mountains, Peru, South America. Machu Picchu was built around 1450 AD as an estate for the Inca emperor Pachacuti (14381472). Spaniards passed in the river valley below but never discovered Machu Picchu during their conquest of the Incas 1532-1572. The outside world was unaware of the "Lost City of the Incas" until revealed by American historian Hiram Bingham in 1911. Machu Picchu perches at 2430 meters elevation (7970 feet) on a well defended ridge 450 meters (1480 ft) above a loop of the Urubamba/Vilcanota River ( Sacred Valley of the Incas). UNESCO honored the Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu on the World Heritage List in 1983.
    03PER-17-09-Llama-Rainbow.jpg
  • Carved rock forms an abstract puma shape at Qenko. The large limestone outcrop of Qenko was an important Inca huaca (or waqa, a revered object, in Quechua language). Qenko is a 20 minute walk from Sacsayhuaman, on Socorro hill, 4 km from Cuzco (Cusco or Qosqo), in Peru, South America. Beneath Qenko are several tunnels and caves, replete with impressive carved niches and steps, which may have been places for spiritual contemplation and communication with the forces of life and earth. Qenko was carved with a complex pattern of steps, seats, geometric reliefs, and puma designs. The name Qenko derives from the Quechua word quenqo, meaning "labyrinth" or "zigzag," referring to patterns laboriously carved into the upper, western edge of the stone. The three main layers of the Inca cosmos are: sky (condor), earth (puma), and the underworld (snake).
    03PER-02-02_Qenko-Cave-puma-2.jpg
  • Rumiñahui Mountain (from Quichua rumi=rock, ñawi=eye/face) is a dormant, heavily-eroded stratovolcano 15,489 feet (4721 meters) above sea level in the Andes mountains 40 km south of Quito, Ecuador, South America, overshadowed by its taller neighbor Cotopaxi. Cotopaxi National Park (Spanish: Parque Nacional Cotopaxi) is a protected area in Ecuador in the Cotopaxi Province, Napo Province and Pichincha Province. The volcano is named after Rumiñahui, who was an Inca general at the time of the Spanish conquest of the Inca Empire. The canton of Rumiñahui in the Ecuadorian province of Pichincha was named after the volcano. It is part of the chain of volcanoes around the Pacific plate known as the Pacific Ring of Fire.
    09ECU-2244_Ecuador.jpg
  • At Machu Picchu, Peru, the kite-shaped sacred stone sitting in the small square around the Principal Temple might represent the Southern Cross constellation. This stone is a huaca (or waqa), or revered object, in Quechua language. Machu Picchu was built around 1450 AD as an estate for the Inca emperor Pachacuti (14381472). Spaniards passed in the river valley below but never discovered Machu Picchu during their conquest of the Incas 1532-1572. The outside world was unaware of the "Lost City of the Incas" until revealed by American historian Hiram Bingham in 1911. Machu Picchu perches at 2430 meters elevation (7970 feet) on a well defended ridge 450 meters (1480 ft) above a loop of the Urubamba/Vilcanota River (Sacred Valley of the Incas) in the Cordillera Vilcabamba, Andes mountains, Peru, South America. UNESCO honored the Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu on the World Heritage List in 1983.
    03PER-16-05_Machu-Picchu_Southern-cr...jpg
  • Ancient pre-Inca rock wall. Day 8 of 10: Trek 10 days around Alpamayo, in Huascaran National Park, Cordillera Blanca, Andes Mountains, Peru, South America (UNESCO World Heritage Site). This panorama was stitched from 2 overlapping photos.
    14PER2-142-143pan_ancient-corral-Per...jpg
  • Salt bags. Since pre-Inca times, salt farmers at the saltworks (salinas) near Maras have evaporated salty water from a subterranean stream in Peru, South America. A rough dirt road connects Maras (in the Urubamba/Vilcanota River Valley, Sacred Valley of the Incas) with Cuzco (40 km north) and other towns. The cooperative system of pond farmers was established during the time of the Incas, if not earlier, and is traditionally available to any person wishing to harvest salt. Intricate channels redirect water flow through several hundred ancient terraced ponds. As water evaporates from the sun-warmed ponds, it becomes supersaturated and salt precipitates as crystals. A pond keeper closes the water-feeder notch, allows the pond to go dry, then scrapes and carries away the dry salt. Salt color varies from white to a light reddish or brownish tan, depending on "farmer" skills.
    03PER-08-31-Salt-bags.jpg
  • La Virgen de Quito, on Panecillo hill, is an aluminum statue of the winged virgin (45 meters tall), inspired and enlarged from Bernardo de Lagarda's 1734 sculpture on display on the main altar in San Francisco Church, Quito, Ecuador, South America. This madonna was created in 1976 by Spanish artist Agustín de la Herrán Matorras. The virgin stands on top of a globe and is stepping on a snake. The wings are unusual in the tradition of madonna icons. Seen to the south of downtown Quito, the Panecillo hill looks like a “small bread roll” (its Spanish translation) and stands at about 3000m (9840 feet). Before the Spanish arrived, the Incas worship the sun on Shungoloma, or Hill of the Heart (present-day Panecillo).  Later, from 1812 to 1815, the Spanish constructed a fortress on the hill to control people below. Visit from Old Town via inexpensive taxi. See panoramic 360° views of Quito from here, best early in the morning (around 10:00 am), before the clouds form on nearby mountains. On a clear day, see Cotopaxi in the distance.  UNESCO honored City of Quito as a World Heritage Site in 1978. Quito was founded in 1534 on the ruins of an Inca city. Despite the 1917 earthquake, the city has the best-preserved, least altered historic center in Latin America.
    94GAL-02-05_Virgin-of-Panecillo_Quit...jpg
  • A weathered green door in Cuzco (Cusco or Qosqo), Peru, South America. Cuzco was the site of the historic capital of the Inca Empire from the 1200s to 1532 and was honored on the World Heritage List in 1983 by UNESCO. Francisco Pizarro officially founded Spanish Cuzco in 1534. Cuzco is the longest continuously occupied city in the Americas and is built upon the foundations of the Incas at 3400 meters or 11,200 feet elevation.
    00PER-16-21_green-door.jpg
  • Plaza de Armas, the central square of Cuzco (Cusco or Qosqo), glows at night in Peru, South America. Cuzco was the site of the historic capital of the Inca Empire from the 1200s to 1532 and was honored on the World Heritage List in 1983 by UNESCO. Francisco Pizarro officially founded Spanish Cuzco in 1534. Cuzco is the longest continuously occupied city in the Americas and is built upon the foundations of the Incas (at 3400 meters or 11,200 feet elevation).
    03PER-03-12-Plaza-de-Armas-Cuzco.jpg
  • The Pudu of South America is the world's smallest deer genus. This photo shows a captive Southern Pudu (Pudu puda) living in a fenced area in Vilches nature reserve, near Talca in the Maule Region, Chile. Historically, the Maule river marked the southern limits of the Inca Empire.
    93CHI-03-08_Pudu-deer_Vilches-Natura...jpg
  • Jet window view over Quito. San Francisco de Quito, most often called Quito, is the capital city of Ecuador (and of Pichincha province) in northwestern South America.  UNESCO honored City of Quito as a World Heritage Site in 1978. Quito was founded in 1534 on the ruins of an Inca city. Despite the 1917 earthquake, the city has the best-preserved, least altered historic center in Latin America. This city of 1.4 million people (as of the 2001 census) is located in the Guayllabamba river basin, on the eastern slopes of Pichincha, an active stratovolcano in the Andes mountains. In 2008 Quito became headquarters of the Union of South American Nations. The elevation of the city's central square (Plaza de La Independencia or Plaza Grande) is 2850 meters (9350 feet), making Quito the second-highest administrative capital city in the world (after La Paz, Bolivia). The central square of Quito is located about 25 km (15 miles) south of the equator; the city itself extends to within about 1 km (0.6 miles) of zero latitude. A monument and museum marking the general location of the equator is known locally as la mitad del mundo (the middle of the world), to avoid confusion, as the word ecuador is Spanish for equator.
    09EQUCIMG_4067_Quito-Ecuador.jpg
  • The Metropolitan Cathedral of Quito (La Catedral Metropolitana; or officially: Catedral Primada de la Virgen Asunta al Cielo Primatial, which means Cathedral of the Assumption of Our Lady to Heaven) is located in Independence Plaza, Quito, Ecuador, South America. The official church was built by 1565, with additions and renovations completed by 1806. The arches feature late Gothic design; the main altar is more Baroque in nature; the choir area is Neoclassic; and the ceilings boast Moorish styling. The interior includes various artworks such as the “Ascension of the Virgin” by Manuel Samaniego; a piece by Caspicara entitled “Descent of Christ from the Cross”; and paintings created at the School of Quito. The Metropolitan Cathedral of Quito contains the tomb of Mariscal Sucre, Antonio Jose de Sucre, Cardinal de la Torre and some of the Republic's presidents as well as other priests and bishops. Cardinal de la Torre was born Carlos Maria Javier in Quito on 14 November 1873. He became the first Roman Catholic bishop in Ecuador to be promoted to cardinal. He died in 1968 and was buried at the cathedral. UNESCO honored City of Quito as a World Heritage Site in 1978. Quito was founded in 1534 on the ruins of an Inca city. Despite the 1917 earthquake, the city has the best-preserved, least altered historic center in Latin America.
    09ECU-1257_Quito-Ecuador.jpg
  • Bolas (from Spanish bola, "ball," also known as boleadoras, or Inca ayllo) are a throwing weapon made of weights on the ends of connected cords, designed to entangling legs and capture animals. Bolas are most famously used by South American gauchos, but have been found in excavations of Pre-Columbian settlements in Patagonia, where indigenous peoples caught guanaco and rhea (ñandú guazu). They have also been found, as a Stone Age lithic tool in North America at the Calico Early Man Site. See a street fair in San Telmo ("Saint Pedro González Telmo"), the oldest barrio (neighborhood) of Buenos Aires, Argentina.
    05ARG-10224.jpg
  • Water drips from a wild Begonia flower along the Inca Trail at Machu Picchu, in the Cordillera Vilcabamba, Andes mountains, Peru, South America.
    03PER-18-26-Begonia-Drops.jpg
  • Quinoa (Spanish: quinua, from Quechua: kinwa), a plant native to the Andes Mountains in South America, has been a staple food since before Inca times. Quinoa is a species of goosefoot (Chenopodium), a grain-like crop grown primarily for its edible seeds. Because it is not a member of the grass family, it is a pseudocereal rather than a true cereal or grain. As a chenopod, quinoa is closely related to species such as beets, spinach, and tumbleweeds. Quinoa originated in the Andean region of Ecuador, Bolivia, Colombia and Peru, where it was successfully domesticated 3,000 to 4,000 years ago for human consumption, though archeological evidence shows a non-domesticated association with pastoral herding some 5,200 to 7,000 years ago. Quinoa is gluten-free, is exceptionally high in protein, and is a good source of dietary fiber, phosphorus, magnesium, and iron. The photo is from the end of the Santa Cruz Trek in the Cordillera Blanca, Andes Mountains, Peru, South America.
    00PER-36-Quinoa.jpg
  • On a hand loom, an Andean woman weaves for a month on a rug which she sells for just $35 US. Her village is too far in the mountains for government to extend electric lines. She wears a felt hat and subsists on raising alpacas much as did her Inca ancesters. The moderately strenuous trek from Lares to Patacancha (near Ollantaytambo) traverses rugged, little-visited country in the Cordillera Urubamba across passes at 13,800 and 14,200 feet elevation. A five hour bus ride from Cuzco reaches Lares, where you can soak in developed hot spring pools. Llamas and horses carried our loads for two nights of camping at 12,500 feet elevation.
    00PER-18-Weaver.jpg
  • People stroll a street in Quito, Ecuador, Pichincha province, South America. San Francisco de Quito is most often called Quito, capital city of Ecuador and of Pichincha province. This city of 1.4 million people (as of the 2001 census) is located in the Guayllabamba river basin, on the eastern slopes of Pichincha, an active stratovolcano in the Andes mountains. UNESCO honored City of Quito as a World Heritage Site in 1978. Quito was founded in 1534 on the ruins of an Inca city. Despite the 1917 earthquake, the city has the best-preserved, least altered historic center in Latin America. In 2008 the city was designated as the headquarters of the Union of South American Nations. The elevation of the city's central square (Plaza de La Independencia or Plaza Grande) is 2850 meters (9350 feet), making Quito the second-highest administrative capital city in the world (after La Paz, Bolivia). The central square of Quito is located about 25 km (15 miles) south of the equator; the city itself extends to within about 1 km (0.6 miles) of zero latitude. A monument and museum marking the general location of the equator is known locally as la mitad del mundo (the middle of the world), to avoid confusion, as the word ecuador is Spanish for equator.
    09ECU-1284_Quito-Ecuador.jpg
  • The Metropolitan Cathedral of Quito (La Catedral Metropolitana; or officially: Catedral Primada de la Virgen Asunta al Cielo Primatial, which means Cathedral of the Assumption of Our Lady to Heaven) is located in Independence Plaza, Quito, Ecuador, South America. The official church was built by 1565, with additions and renovations completed by 1806. The arches feature late Gothic design; the main altar is more Baroque in nature; the choir area is Neoclassic; and the ceilings boast Moorish styling. The interior includes various artworks such as the “Ascension of the Virgin” by Manuel Samaniego; a piece by Caspicara entitled “Descent of Christ from the Cross”; and paintings created at the School of Quito. The Metropolitan Cathedral of Quito contains the tomb of Mariscal Sucre, Antonio Jose de Sucre, Cardinal de la Torre and some of the Republic's presidents as well as other priests and bishops. Cardinal de la Torre was born Carlos Maria Javier in Quito on 14 November 1873. He became the first Roman Catholic bishop in Ecuador to be promoted to cardinal. He died in 1968 and was buried at the cathedral. UNESCO honored City of Quito as a World Heritage Site in 1978. Quito was founded in 1534 on the ruins of an Inca city. Despite the 1917 earthquake, the city has the best-preserved, least altered historic center in Latin America.
    09ECU-1256_Quito-Ecuador.jpg
  • Spiral columns of a church in Quito. San Francisco de Quito, most often called Quito, is the capital city of Ecuador (and of Pichincha province) in northwestern South America.  UNESCO honored City of Quito as a World Heritage Site in 1978. Quito was founded in 1534 on the ruins of an Inca city. Despite the 1917 earthquake, the city has the best-preserved, least altered historic center in Latin America. This city of 1.4 million people (as of the 2001 census) is located in the Guayllabamba river basin, on the eastern slopes of Pichincha, an active stratovolcano in the Andes mountains. In 2008 the city was designated as the headquarters of the Union of South American Nations. The elevation of the city's central square (Plaza de La Independencia or Plaza Grande) is 2850 meters (9350 feet), making Quito the second-highest administrative capital city in the world (after La Paz, Bolivia). The central square of Quito is located about 25 km (15 miles) south of the equator; the city itself extends to within about 1 km (0.6 miles) of zero latitude. A monument and museum marking the general location of the equator is known locally as la mitad del mundo (the middle of the world), to avoid confusion, as the word ecuador is Spanish for equator.
    09ECU-1134_Quito-Ecuador.jpg
  • The Basilica of the National Vow (Spanish: Basílica del Voto Nacional) is a Roman Catholic church, neo-Gothic in style, located a few blocks away from Plaza de la Independencia in Quito, Ecuador, South America. Construction began in 1892. Pope John Paul II blessed the Basilica on January 30th, 1985 and in 1988 it was declared immaculate. Although the church was consecrated in 1988, it remains technically "unfinished." The Basilica is 150 meters long, 35 meters wide, 35 meters high in the sanctuary and 15 meters in the votive chapels. Its towers are 78.23 meters high, 73 meters in the dome, 16 meters by 45 meters on the base of its towers. San Francisco de Quito, most often called Quito (elevation 9350 feet), is the capital city of Ecuador. UNESCO honored City of Quito as a World Heritage Site in 1978. Quito was founded in 1534 on the ruins of an Inca city. Despite the 1917 earthquake, the city has the best-preserved, least altered historic center in Latin America. Panorama was stitched from 12 overlapping photos.
    09ECU-1078-89pan_Quito-Basilica.jpg
  • The Basilica of the National Vow (Spanish: Basílica del Voto Nacional) is a Roman Catholic church, neo-Gothic in style, located a few blocks away from Plaza de la Independencia in Quito, Ecuador, South America. Construction began in 1892. Pope John Paul II blessed the Basilica on January 30th, 1985 and in 1988 it was declared immaculate. Although the church was consecrated in 1988, it remains technically "unfinished." The Basilica is 150 meters long, 35 meters wide, 35 meters high in the sanctuary and 15 meters in the votive chapels. Its towers are 78.23 meters high, 73 meters in the dome, 16 meters by 45 meters on the base of its towers. San Francisco de Quito, most often called Quito (elevation 9350 feet), is the capital city of Ecuador. UNESCO honored City of Quito as a World Heritage Site in 1978. Quito was founded in 1534 on the ruins of an Inca city. Despite the 1917 earthquake, the city has the best-preserved, least altered historic center in Latin America. Published in "Light Travel: Photography on the Go" book by Tom Dempsey 2009, 2010. Panorama stitched from 8 overlapping images.
    09ECU-1064-71pan_Quito-Basilica.jpg
  • Ice plant flowers (Family Aizoaceae or Ficoidaceae) bloom at Basilica of the National Vow (Spanish: Basílica del Voto Nacional), a Roman Catholic church, neo-Gothic in style, located a few blocks away from Plaza de la Independencia in Quito, Ecuador, South America. Interesting gargoyles (grotesques) of Ecuadorian fauna adorn the exterior. Construction began in 1892. Pope John Paul II blessed the Basilica on January 30th, 1985 and in 1988 it was declared immaculate. Although the church was consecrated in 1988, it remains technically "unfinished." The Basilica is 150 meters long, 35 meters wide, 35 meters high in the sanctuary and 15 meters in the votive chapels. Its towers are 78.23 meters high, 73 meters in the dome, 16 meters by 45 meters on the base of its towers. San Francisco de Quito, most often called Quito (elevation 9350 feet), is the capital city of Ecuador. UNESCO honored City of Quito as a World Heritage Site in 1978. Quito was founded in 1534 on the ruins of an Inca city. Despite the 1917 earthquake, the city has the best-preserved, least altered historic center in Latin America.
    09ECU-1050_Quito-Ecuador.jpg
  • The Basilica of the National Vow (Spanish: Basílica del Voto Nacional) is a Roman Catholic church, neo-Gothic in style, located a few blocks away from Plaza de la Independencia in Quito, Ecuador, South America. Interesting gargoyles (grotesques) of Ecuadorian fauna adorn the exterior. Construction began in 1892. Pope John Paul II blessed the Basilica on January 30th, 1985 and in 1988 it was declared immaculate. Although the church was consecrated in 1988, it remains technically "unfinished." The Basilica is 150 meters long, 35 meters wide, 35 meters high in the sanctuary and 15 meters in the votive chapels. Its towers are 78.23 meters high, 73 meters in the dome, 16 meters by 45 meters on the base of its towers. San Francisco de Quito, most often called Quito (elevation 9350 feet), is the capital city of Ecuador. UNESCO honored City of Quito as a World Heritage Site in 1978. Quito was founded in 1534 on the ruins of an Inca city. Despite the 1917 earthquake, the city has the best-preserved, least altered historic center in Latin America.
    09ECU-1022_Quito-Ecuador.jpg
  • The Basilica of the National Vow (Spanish: Basílica del Voto Nacional) is a Roman Catholic church, neo-Gothic in style, located a few blocks away from Plaza de la Independencia in Quito, Ecuador, South America. Interesting gargoyles (grotesques) of Ecuadorian fauna adorn the exterior. Construction began in 1892. Pope John Paul II blessed the Basilica on January 30th, 1985 and in 1988 it was declared immaculate. Although the church was consecrated in 1988, it remains technically "unfinished." The Basilica is 150 meters long, 35 meters wide, 35 meters high in the sanctuary and 15 meters in the votive chapels. Its towers are 78.23 meters high, 73 meters in the dome, 16 meters by 45 meters on the base of its towers. San Francisco de Quito, most often called Quito (elevation 9350 feet), is the capital city of Ecuador. UNESCO honored City of Quito as a World Heritage Site in 1978. Quito was founded in 1534 on the ruins of an Inca city. Despite the 1917 earthquake, the city has the best-preserved, least altered historic center in Latin America.
    09ECU-1014_Quito-Ecuador.jpg
  • San Francisco de Quito, most often called Quito, is the capital city of Ecuador (and of Pichincha province) in northwestern South America. UNESCO honored City of Quito as a World Heritage Site in 1978. Quito was founded in 1534 on the ruins of an Inca city. Despite the 1917 earthquake, the city has the best-preserved, least altered historic center in Latin America. This city of 1.4 million people (as of the 2001 census) is located in the Guayllabamba river basin, on the eastern slopes of Pichincha, an active stratovolcano in the Andes mountains. In 2008 the city was designated as the headquarters of the Union of South American Nations. The elevation of the city's central square (Plaza de La Independencia or Plaza Grande) is 2850 meters (9350 feet), making Quito the second-highest administrative capital city in the world (after La Paz, Bolivia). The central square of Quito is located about 25 km (15 miles) south of the equator; the city itself extends to within about 1 km (0.6 miles) of zero latitude. A monument and museum marking the general location of the equator is known locally as la mitad del mundo (the middle of the world), to avoid confusion, as the word ecuador is Spanish for equator.
    09ECU-1130_Quito-Ecuador.jpg
  • San Francisco de Quito, most often called Quito, is the capital city of Ecuador (and of Pichincha province) in northwestern South America. UNESCO honored City of Quito as a World Heritage Site in 1978. Quito was founded in 1534 on the ruins of an Inca city. Despite the 1917 earthquake, the city has the best-preserved, least altered historic center in Latin America. This city of 1.4 million people (as of the 2001 census) is located in the Guayllabamba river basin, on the eastern slopes of Pichincha, an active stratovolcano in the Andes mountains. In 2008 the city was designated as the headquarters of the Union of South American Nations. The elevation of the city's central square (Plaza de La Independencia or Plaza Grande) is 2850 meters (9350 feet), making Quito the second-highest administrative capital city in the world (after La Paz, Bolivia). The central square of Quito is located about 25 km (15 miles) south of the equator; the city itself extends to within about 1 km (0.6 miles) of zero latitude. A monument and museum marking the general location of the equator is known locally as la mitad del mundo (the middle of the world), to avoid confusion, as the word ecuador is Spanish for equator.
    09ECU-1116_Quito-Ecuador.jpg
  • The Basilica of the National Vow (Spanish: Basílica del Voto Nacional) is a Roman Catholic church, neo-Gothic in style, located a few blocks away from Plaza de la Independencia in Quito, Ecuador, South America. Interesting gargoyles (grotesques) of Ecuadorian fauna adorn the exterior. Construction began in 1892. Pope John Paul II blessed the Basilica on January 30th, 1985 and in 1988 it was declared immaculate. Although the church was consecrated in 1988, it remains technically "unfinished." The Basilica is 150 meters long, 35 meters wide, 35 meters high in the sanctuary and 15 meters in the votive chapels. Its towers are 78.23 meters high, 73 meters in the dome, 16 meters by 45 meters on the base of its towers. San Francisco de Quito, most often called Quito (elevation 9350 feet), is the capital city of Ecuador. UNESCO honored City of Quito as a World Heritage Site in 1978. Quito was founded in 1534 on the ruins of an Inca city. Despite the 1917 earthquake, the city has the best-preserved, least altered historic center in Latin America.
    09ECU-1043-p1_Quito-Ecuador.jpg
  • San Francisco de Quito, most often called Quito, is the capital city of Ecuador (and of Pichincha province) in northwestern South America. This city of 1.4 million people (as of the 2001 census) is located in the Guayllabamba river basin, on the eastern slopes of Pichincha, an active stratovolcano in the Andes mountains. UNESCO honored City of Quito as a World Heritage Site in 1978. Quito was founded in 1534 on the ruins of an Inca city. Despite the 1917 earthquake, the city has the best-preserved, least altered historic center in Latin America. In 2008 the city was designated as the headquarters of the Union of South American Nations. The elevation of the city's central square (Plaza de La Independencia or Plaza Grande) is 2850 meters (9350 feet), making Quito the second-highest administrative capital city in the world (after La Paz, Bolivia). The central square of Quito is located about 25 km (15 miles) south of the equator; the city itself extends to within about 1 km (0.6 miles) of zero latitude. A monument and museum marking the general location of the equator is known locally as la mitad del mundo (the middle of the world), to avoid confusion, as the word ecuador is Spanish for equator.
    09ECU-1282_Quito-Ecuador.jpg
  • Colorful spices are sold in the Otavalo food market. The culturally vibrant town of Otavalo attracts many tourists to a valley of the Imbabura Province of Ecuador, surrounded by the peaks of Imbabura 4,610m, Cotacachi 4,995m, and Mojanda volcanoes. The indigenous Otavaleños are famous for weaving textiles, usually made of wool, which are sold at the famous Saturday market and smaller markets during the rest of the week. The Plaza del Ponchos and many shops tantalize buyers with a wide array of handicrafts. Nearby villages and towns are also famous for particular crafts: Cotacachi, the center of Ecuador's leather industry, is known for its polished calf skins; and San Antonio specializes in wood carving of statues, picture frames and furniture. Otavaliña women traditionally wear distinctive white embroidered blouses, with flared lace sleeves, and black or dark over skirts, with cream or white under skirts. Long hair is tied back with a 3cm band of woven multi colored material, often matching the band which is wound several times around their waists. They usually have many strings of gold beads around their necks, and matching tightly wound long strings of coral beads around each wrist. Men wear white trousers, and dark blue ponchos. Otavalo is also known for its Inca-influenced traditional music (sometimes known as Andean New Age) and musicians who travel around the world.
    09ECU-1543_Otavalo-Ecuador.jpg
  • Giant wooden spoons at Otavalo market, Ecuador, South America. The culturally vibrant town of Otavalo attracts many tourists to a valley of the Imbabura Province of Ecuador, surrounded by the peaks of Imbabura 4,610m, Cotacachi 4,995m, and Mojanda volcanoes. The indigenous Otavaleños are famous for weaving textiles, usually made of wool, which are sold at the famous Saturday market and smaller markets during the rest of the week. The Plaza del Ponchos and many shops tantalize buyers with a wide array of handicrafts. Nearby villages and towns are also famous for particular crafts: Cotacachi, the center of Ecuador's leather industry, is known for its polished calf skins; and San Antonio specializes in wood carving of statues, picture frames and furniture. Otavaliña women traditionally wear distinctive white embroidered blouses, with flared lace sleeves, and black or dark over skirts, with cream or white under skirts. Long hair is tied back with a 3cm band of woven multi colored material, often matching the band which is wound several times around their waists. They usually have many strings of gold beads around their necks, and matching tightly wound long strings of coral beads around each wrist. Men wear white trousers, and dark blue ponchos. Otavalo is also known for its Inca-influenced traditional music (sometimes known as Andean New Age) and musicians who travel around the world.
    09ECU-1495_Otavalo-Ecuador.jpg
  • A traditional woman with gold necklaces attends Otavalo Market in Ecuador, Imbabura Province, South America. The culturally vibrant town of Otavalo attracts many tourists to a valley of the Imbabura Province of Ecuador, surrounded by the peaks of Imbabura 4,610m, Cotacachi 4,995m, and Mojanda volcanoes. The indigenous Otavaleños are famous for weaving textiles, usually made of wool, which are sold at the famous Saturday market and smaller markets during the rest of the week. The Plaza del Ponchos and many shops tantalize buyers with a wide array of handicrafts. Nearby villages and towns are also famous for particular crafts: Cotacachi, the center of Ecuador's leather industry, is known for its polished calf skins; and San Antonio specializes in wood carving of statues, picture frames and furniture. Otavaliña women traditionally wear distinctive white embroidered blouses, with flared lace sleeves, and black or dark over skirts, with cream or white under skirts. Long hair is tied back with a 3cm band of woven multi colored material, often matching the band which is wound several times around their waists. They usually have many strings of gold beads around their necks, and matching tightly wound long strings of coral beads around each wrist. Men wear white trousers, and dark blue ponchos. Otavalo is also known for its Inca-influenced traditional music (sometimes known as Andean New Age) and musicians who travel around the world.
    09ECU-1480_Otavalo-Ecuador.jpg
  • The culturally vibrant town of Otavalo attracts many tourists to a valley of the Imbabura Province of Ecuador, surrounded by the peaks of Imbabura 4,610m, Cotacachi 4,995m, and Mojanda volcanoes. The indigenous Otavaleños are famous for weaving textiles, usually made of wool, which are sold at the famous Saturday market and smaller markets during the rest of the week. The Plaza del Ponchos and many shops tantalize buyers with a wide array of handicrafts. Nearby villages and towns are also famous for particular crafts: Cotacachi, the center of Ecuador's leather industry, is known for its polished calf skins; and San Antonio specializes in wood carving of statues, picture frames and furniture. Otavaliña women traditionally wear distinctive white embroidered blouses, with flared lace sleeves, and black or dark over skirts, with cream or white under skirts. Long hair is tied back with a 3cm band of woven multi colored material, often matching the band which is wound several times around their waists. They usually have many strings of gold beads around their necks, and matching tightly wound long strings of coral beads around each wrist. Men wear white trousers, and dark blue ponchos. Otavalo is also known for its Inca-influenced traditional music (sometimes known as Andean New Age) and musicians who travel around the world.
    09ECU-1346_Otavalo-Ecuador.jpg
  • A traditional woman with gold necklaces attends Otavalo Market in Ecuador, Imbabura Province, South America. The culturally vibrant town of Otavalo attracts many tourists to a valley of the Imbabura Province of Ecuador, surrounded by the peaks of Imbabura 4,610m, Cotacachi 4,995m, and Mojanda volcanoes. The indigenous Otavaleños are famous for weaving textiles, usually made of wool, which are sold at the famous Saturday market and smaller markets during the rest of the week. The Plaza del Ponchos and many shops tantalize buyers with a wide array of handicrafts. Nearby villages and towns are also famous for particular crafts: Cotacachi, the center of Ecuador's leather industry, is known for its polished calf skins; and San Antonio specializes in wood carving of statues, picture frames and furniture. Otavaliña women traditionally wear distinctive white embroidered blouses, with flared lace sleeves, and black or dark over skirts, with cream or white under skirts. Long hair is tied back with a 3cm band of woven multi colored material, often matching the band which is wound several times around their waists. They usually have many strings of gold beads around their necks, and matching tightly wound long strings of coral beads around each wrist. Men wear white trousers, and dark blue ponchos. Otavalo is also known for its Inca-influenced traditional music (sometimes known as Andean New Age) and musicians who travel around the world.
    09ECU-1551_Otavalo-Ecuador.jpg
  • A woman with green felt hat and gold necklace attends Otavalo Market in Ecuador, Imbabura Province, South America. The culturally vibrant town of Otavalo attracts many tourists to a valley of the Imbabura Province of Ecuador, surrounded by the peaks of Imbabura 4,610m, Cotacachi 4,995m, and Mojanda volcanoes. The indigenous Otavaleños are famous for weaving textiles, usually made of wool, which are sold at the famous Saturday market and smaller markets during the rest of the week. The Plaza del Ponchos and many shops tantalize buyers with a wide array of handicrafts. Nearby villages and towns are also famous for particular crafts: Cotacachi, the center of Ecuador's leather industry, is known for its polished calf skins; and San Antonio specializes in wood carving of statues, picture frames and furniture. Otavaliña women traditionally wear distinctive white embroidered blouses, with flared lace sleeves, and black or dark over skirts, with cream or white under skirts. Long hair is tied back with a 3cm band of woven multi colored material, often matching the band which is wound several times around their waists. They usually have many strings of gold beads around their necks, and matching tightly wound long strings of coral beads around each wrist. Men wear white trousers, and dark blue ponchos. Otavalo is also known for its Inca-influenced traditional music (sometimes known as Andean New Age) and musicians who travel around the world.
    09ECU-1546_Otavalo-Ecuador.jpg
  • A man sells rugs in Otavalo, Ecuador, South America. The culturally vibrant town of Otavalo attracts many tourists to a valley of the Imbabura Province of Ecuador, surrounded by the peaks of Imbabura 4,610m, Cotacachi 4,995m, and Mojanda volcanoes. The indigenous Otavaleños are famous for weaving textiles, usually made of wool, which are sold at the famous Saturday market and smaller markets during the rest of the week. The Plaza del Ponchos and many shops tantalize buyers with a wide array of handicrafts. Nearby villages and towns are also famous for particular crafts: Cotacachi, the center of Ecuador's leather industry, is known for its polished calf skins; and San Antonio specializes in wood carving of statues, picture frames and furniture. Otavaliña women traditionally wear distinctive white embroidered blouses, with flared lace sleeves, and black or dark over skirts, with cream or white under skirts. Long hair is tied back with a 3cm band of woven multi colored material, often matching the band which is wound several times around their waists. They usually have many strings of gold beads around their necks, and matching tightly wound long strings of coral beads around each wrist. Men wear white trousers, and dark blue ponchos. Otavalo is also known for its Inca-influenced traditional music (sometimes known as Andean New Age) and musicians who travel around the world.
    09ECU-1540_Otavalo-Ecuador.jpg
  • Painted gourds for sale, Otavalo, Ecuador, South America. The culturally vibrant town of Otavalo attracts many tourists to a valley of the Imbabura Province of Ecuador, surrounded by the peaks of Imbabura 4,610m, Cotacachi 4,995m, and Mojanda volcanoes. The indigenous Otavaleños are famous for weaving textiles, usually made of wool, which are sold at the famous Saturday market and smaller markets during the rest of the week. The Plaza del Ponchos and many shops tantalize buyers with a wide array of handicrafts. Nearby villages and towns are also famous for particular crafts: Cotacachi, the center of Ecuador's leather industry, is known for its polished calf skins; and San Antonio specializes in wood carving of statues, picture frames and furniture. Otavaliña women traditionally wear distinctive white embroidered blouses, with flared lace sleeves, and black or dark over skirts, with cream or white under skirts. Long hair is tied back with a 3cm band of woven multi colored material, often matching the band which is wound several times around their waists. They usually have many strings of gold beads around their necks, and matching tightly wound long strings of coral beads around each wrist. Men wear white trousers, and dark blue ponchos. Otavalo is also known for its Inca-influenced traditional music (sometimes known as Andean New Age) and musicians who travel around the world.
    09ECU-1535_Otavalo-Ecuador.jpg
  • Hand bags and fabric are sold in the Otavalo market, in the Imbabura Province of Ecuador, South America. The culturally vibrant town of Otavalo attracts many tourists to a valley of the Imbabura Province of Ecuador, surrounded by the peaks of Imbabura 4,610m, Cotacachi 4,995m, and Mojanda volcanoes. The indigenous Otavaleños are famous for weaving textiles, usually made of wool, which are sold at the famous Saturday market and smaller markets during the rest of the week. The Plaza del Ponchos and many shops tantalize buyers with a wide array of handicrafts. Nearby villages and towns are also famous for particular crafts: Cotacachi, the center of Ecuador's leather industry, is known for its polished calf skins; and San Antonio specializes in wood carving of statues, picture frames and furniture. Otavaliña women traditionally wear distinctive white embroidered blouses, with flared lace sleeves, and black or dark over skirts, with cream or white under skirts. Long hair is tied back with a 3cm band of woven multi colored material, often matching the band which is wound several times around their waists. They usually have many strings of gold beads around their necks, and matching tightly wound long strings of coral beads around each wrist. Men wear white trousers, and dark blue ponchos. Otavalo is also known for its Inca-influenced traditional music (sometimes known as Andean New Age) and musicians who travel around the world.
    09ECU-1514_Otavalo-Ecuador.jpg
  • A traditional woman with gold necklaces attends Otavalo Market in Ecuador, Imbabura Province, South America. The culturally vibrant town of Otavalo attracts many tourists to a valley of the Imbabura Province of Ecuador, surrounded by the peaks of Imbabura 4,610m, Cotacachi 4,995m, and Mojanda volcanoes. The indigenous Otavaleños are famous for weaving textiles, usually made of wool, which are sold at the famous Saturday market and smaller markets during the rest of the week. The Plaza del Ponchos and many shops tantalize buyers with a wide array of handicrafts. Nearby villages and towns are also famous for particular crafts: Cotacachi, the center of Ecuador's leather industry, is known for its polished calf skins; and San Antonio specializes in wood carving of statues, picture frames and furniture. Otavaliña women traditionally wear distinctive white embroidered blouses, with flared lace sleeves, and black or dark over skirts, with cream or white under skirts. Long hair is tied back with a 3cm band of woven multi colored material, often matching the band which is wound several times around their waists. They usually have many strings of gold beads around their necks, and matching tightly wound long strings of coral beads around each wrist. Men wear white trousers, and dark blue ponchos. Otavalo is also known for its Inca-influenced traditional music (sometimes known as Andean New Age) and musicians who travel around the world.
    09ECU-1510_Otavalo-Ecuador.jpg
  • A traditional woman with gold necklaces attends Otavalo Market in Ecuador, Imbabura Province, South America. The culturally vibrant town of Otavalo attracts many tourists to a valley of the Imbabura Province of Ecuador, surrounded by the peaks of Imbabura 4,610m, Cotacachi 4,995m, and Mojanda volcanoes. The indigenous Otavaleños are famous for weaving textiles, usually made of wool, which are sold at the famous Saturday market and smaller markets during the rest of the week. The Plaza del Ponchos and many shops tantalize buyers with a wide array of handicrafts. Nearby villages and towns are also famous for particular crafts: Cotacachi, the center of Ecuador's leather industry, is known for its polished calf skins; and San Antonio specializes in wood carving of statues, picture frames and furniture. Otavaliña women traditionally wear distinctive white embroidered blouses, with flared lace sleeves, and black or dark over skirts, with cream or white under skirts. Long hair is tied back with a 3cm band of woven multi colored material, often matching the band which is wound several times around their waists. They usually have many strings of gold beads around their necks, and matching tightly wound long strings of coral beads around each wrist. Men wear white trousers, and dark blue ponchos. Otavalo is also known for its Inca-influenced traditional music (sometimes known as Andean New Age) and musicians who travel around the world.
    09ECU-1509_Otavalo-Ecuador.jpg
  • Shoes for sale, Otavalo, Ecuador, South America. The culturally vibrant town of Otavalo attracts many tourists to a valley of the Imbabura Province of Ecuador, surrounded by the peaks of Imbabura 4,610m, Cotacachi 4,995m, and Mojanda volcanoes. The indigenous Otavaleños are famous for weaving textiles, usually made of wool, which are sold at the famous Saturday market and smaller markets during the rest of the week. The Plaza del Ponchos and many shops tantalize buyers with a wide array of handicrafts. Nearby villages and towns are also famous for particular crafts: Cotacachi, the center of Ecuador's leather industry, is known for its polished calf skins; and San Antonio specializes in wood carving of statues, picture frames and furniture. Otavaliña women traditionally wear distinctive white embroidered blouses, with flared lace sleeves, and black or dark over skirts, with cream or white under skirts. Long hair is tied back with a 3cm band of woven multi colored material, often matching the band which is wound several times around their waists. They usually have many strings of gold beads around their necks, and matching tightly wound long strings of coral beads around each wrist. Men wear white trousers, and dark blue ponchos. Otavalo is also known for its Inca-influenced traditional music (sometimes known as Andean New Age) and musicians who travel around the world.
    09ECU-1492_Otavalo-Ecuador.jpg
  • Produce market, carrots, cabbage, tomatoes, Otavalo, Ecuador, South America. The culturally vibrant town of Otavalo attracts many tourists to a valley of the Imbabura Province of Ecuador, surrounded by the peaks of Imbabura 4,610m, Cotacachi 4,995m, and Mojanda volcanoes. The indigenous Otavaleños are famous for weaving textiles, usually made of wool, which are sold at the famous Saturday market and smaller markets during the rest of the week. The Plaza del Ponchos and many shops tantalize buyers with a wide array of handicrafts. Nearby villages and towns are also famous for particular crafts: Cotacachi, the center of Ecuador's leather industry, is known for its polished calf skins; and San Antonio specializes in wood carving of statues, picture frames and furniture. Otavaliña women traditionally wear distinctive white embroidered blouses, with flared lace sleeves, and black or dark over skirts, with cream or white under skirts. Long hair is tied back with a 3cm band of woven multi colored material, often matching the band which is wound several times around their waists. They usually have many strings of gold beads around their necks, and matching tightly wound long strings of coral beads around each wrist. Men wear white trousers, and dark blue ponchos. Otavalo is also known for its Inca-influenced traditional music (sometimes known as Andean New Age) and musicians who travel around the world.
    09ECU-1475_Otavalo-Ecuador.jpg
  • At the Saturday animal market, a woman sells rope in Otavalo, Ecuador, South America. The culturally vibrant town of Otavalo attracts many tourists to a valley of the Imbabura Province of Ecuador, surrounded by the peaks of Imbabura 4,610m, Cotacachi 4,995m, and Mojanda volcanoes. The indigenous Otavaleños are famous for weaving textiles, usually made of wool, which are sold at the famous Saturday market and smaller markets during the rest of the week. The Plaza del Ponchos and many shops tantalize buyers with a wide array of handicrafts. Nearby villages and towns are also famous for particular crafts: Cotacachi, the center of Ecuador's leather industry, is known for its polished calf skins; and San Antonio specializes in wood carving of statues, picture frames and furniture. Otavaliña women traditionally wear distinctive white embroidered blouses, with flared lace sleeves, and black or dark over skirts, with cream or white under skirts. Long hair is tied back with a 3cm band of woven multi colored material, often matching the band which is wound several times around their waists. They usually have many strings of gold beads around their necks, and matching tightly wound long strings of coral beads around each wrist. Men wear white trousers, and dark blue ponchos. Otavalo is also known for its Inca-influenced traditional music (sometimes known as Andean New Age) and musicians who travel around the world.
    09ECU-1437_Otavalo-Ecuador.jpg
  • The Saturday animal market bustles in Otavalo, Ecuador, South America. The culturally vibrant town of Otavalo attracts many tourists to a valley of the Imbabura Province of Ecuador, surrounded by the peaks of Imbabura 4,610m, Cotacachi 4,995m, and Mojanda volcanoes. The indigenous Otavaleños are famous for weaving textiles, usually made of wool, which are sold at the famous Saturday market and smaller markets during the rest of the week. The Plaza del Ponchos and many shops tantalize buyers with a wide array of handicrafts. Nearby villages and towns are also famous for particular crafts: Cotacachi, the center of Ecuador's leather industry, is known for its polished calf skins; and San Antonio specializes in wood carving of statues, picture frames and furniture. Otavaliña women traditionally wear distinctive white embroidered blouses, with flared lace sleeves, and black or dark over skirts, with cream or white under skirts. Long hair is tied back with a 3cm band of woven multi colored material, often matching the band which is wound several times around their waists. They usually have many strings of gold beads around their necks, and matching tightly wound long strings of coral beads around each wrist. Men wear white trousers, and dark blue ponchos. Otavalo is also known for its Inca-influenced traditional music (sometimes known as Andean New Age) and musicians who travel around the world.
    09ECU-1409_Otavalo-Ecuador.jpg
  • A woman with felt hat and gold necklaces attends Otavalo Market in Ecuador, Imbabura Province, South America. The culturally vibrant town of Otavalo attracts many tourists to a valley of the Imbabura Province of Ecuador, surrounded by the peaks of Imbabura 4,610m, Cotacachi 4,995m, and Mojanda volcanoes. The indigenous Otavaleños are famous for weaving textiles, usually made of wool, which are sold at the famous Saturday market and smaller markets during the rest of the week. The Plaza del Ponchos and many shops tantalize buyers with a wide array of handicrafts. Nearby villages and towns are also famous for particular crafts: Cotacachi, the center of Ecuador's leather industry, is known for its polished calf skins; and San Antonio specializes in wood carving of statues, picture frames and furniture. Otavaliña women traditionally wear distinctive white embroidered blouses, with flared lace sleeves, and black or dark over skirts, with cream or white under skirts. Long hair is tied back with a 3cm band of woven multi colored material, often matching the band which is wound several times around their waists. They usually have many strings of gold beads around their necks, and matching tightly wound long strings of coral beads around each wrist. Men wear white trousers, and dark blue ponchos. Otavalo is also known for its Inca-influenced traditional music (sometimes known as Andean New Age) and musicians who travel around the world.
    09ECU-1405_Otavalo-Ecuador.jpg
  • A tourist negotiates with a fabric seller at a market in Otavalo, Ecuador, South America. The culturally vibrant town of Otavalo attracts many tourists to a valley of the Imbabura Province of Ecuador, surrounded by the peaks of Imbabura 4,610m, Cotacachi 4,995m, and Mojanda volcanoes. The indigenous Otavaleños are famous for weaving textiles, usually made of wool, which are sold at the famous Saturday market and smaller markets during the rest of the week. The Plaza del Ponchos and many shops tantalize buyers with a wide array of handicrafts. Nearby villages and towns are also famous for particular crafts: Cotacachi, the center of Ecuador's leather industry, is known for its polished calf skins; and San Antonio specializes in wood carving of statues, picture frames and furniture. Otavaliña women traditionally wear distinctive white embroidered blouses, with flared lace sleeves, and black or dark over skirts, with cream or white under skirts. Long hair is tied back with a 3cm band of woven multi colored material, often matching the band which is wound several times around their waists. They usually have many strings of gold beads around their necks, and matching tightly wound long strings of coral beads around each wrist. Men wear white trousers, and dark blue ponchos. Otavalo is also known for its Inca-influenced traditional music (sometimes known as Andean New Age) and musicians who travel around the world. For licensing options, please inquire.
    09ECU-1394_Otavalo-Ecuador.jpg
  • A caged turkey is sold at the Saturday animal market in Otavalo, Ecuador, South America. The culturally vibrant town of Otavalo attracts many tourists to a valley of the Imbabura Province of Ecuador, surrounded by the peaks of Imbabura 4,610m, Cotacachi 4,995m, and Mojanda volcanoes. The indigenous Otavaleños are famous for weaving textiles, usually made of wool, which are sold at the famous Saturday market and smaller markets during the rest of the week. The Plaza del Ponchos and many shops tantalize buyers with a wide array of handicrafts. Nearby villages and towns are also famous for particular crafts: Cotacachi, the center of Ecuador's leather industry, is known for its polished calf skins; and San Antonio specializes in wood carving of statues, picture frames and furniture. Otavaliña women traditionally wear distinctive white embroidered blouses, with flared lace sleeves, and black or dark over skirts, with cream or white under skirts. Long hair is tied back with a 3cm band of woven multi colored material, often matching the band which is wound several times around their waists. They usually have many strings of gold beads around their necks, and matching tightly wound long strings of coral beads around each wrist. Men wear white trousers, and dark blue ponchos. Otavalo is also known for its Inca-influenced traditional music (sometimes known as Andean New Age) and musicians who travel around the world.
    09ECU-1389_Otavalo-Ecuador.jpg
  • At sunset, clouds creep over Otavalo, Imbabura Province, Ecuador, South America. The culturally vibrant town of Otavalo attracts many tourists to a valley of the Imbabura Province of Ecuador, surrounded by the peaks of Imbabura 4,610m, Cotacachi 4,995m, and Mojanda volcanoes. The indigenous Otavaleños are famous for weaving textiles, usually made of wool, which are sold at the famous Saturday market and smaller markets during the rest of the week. The Plaza del Ponchos and many shops tantalize buyers with a wide array of handicrafts. Nearby villages and towns are also famous for particular crafts: Cotacachi, the center of Ecuador's leather industry, is known for its polished calf skins; and San Antonio specializes in wood carving of statues, picture frames and furniture. Otavaliña women traditionally wear distinctive white embroidered blouses, with flared lace sleeves, and black or dark over skirts, with cream or white under skirts. Long hair is tied back with a 3cm band of woven multi colored material, often matching the band which is wound several times around their waists. They usually have many strings of gold beads around their necks, and matching tightly wound long strings of coral beads around each wrist. Men wear white trousers, and dark blue ponchos. Otavalo is also known for its Inca-influenced traditional music (sometimes known as Andean New Age) and musicians who travel around the world.
    09ECU-1366_Ecuador.jpg
  • Woven rugs are sold Otavalo, Ecuador, South America. The culturally vibrant town of Otavalo attracts many tourists to a valley of the Imbabura Province of Ecuador, surrounded by the peaks of Imbabura 4,610m, Cotacachi 4,995m, and Mojanda volcanoes. The indigenous Otavaleños are famous for weaving textiles, usually made of wool, which are sold at the famous Saturday market and smaller markets during the rest of the week. The Plaza del Ponchos and many shops tantalize buyers with a wide array of handicrafts. Nearby villages and towns are also famous for particular crafts: Cotacachi, the center of Ecuador's leather industry, is known for its polished calf skins; and San Antonio specializes in wood carving of statues, picture frames and furniture. Otavaliña women traditionally wear distinctive white embroidered blouses, with flared lace sleeves, and black or dark over skirts, with cream or white under skirts. Long hair is tied back with a 3cm band of woven multi colored material, often matching the band which is wound several times around their waists. They usually have many strings of gold beads around their necks, and matching tightly wound long strings of coral beads around each wrist. Men wear white trousers, and dark blue ponchos. Otavalo is also known for its Inca-influenced traditional music (sometimes known as Andean New Age) and musicians who travel around the world.
    09ECU-1313_Otavalo-Ecuador.jpg
  • A woman with purple head covering sells a cow at the bustling Saturday animal market in Otavalo, Ecuador, South America. The culturally vibrant town of Otavalo attracts many tourists to a valley of the Imbabura Province of Ecuador, surrounded by the peaks of Imbabura 4,610m, Cotacachi 4,995m, and Mojanda volcanoes. The indigenous Otavaleños are famous for weaving textiles, usually made of wool, which are sold at the famous Saturday market and smaller markets during the rest of the week. The Plaza del Ponchos and many shops tantalize buyers with a wide array of handicrafts. Nearby villages and towns are also famous for particular crafts: Cotacachi, the center of Ecuador's leather industry, is known for its polished calf skins; and San Antonio specializes in wood carving of statues, picture frames and furniture. Otavaliña women traditionally wear distinctive white embroidered blouses, with flared lace sleeves, and black or dark over skirts, with cream or white under skirts. Long hair is tied back with a 3cm band of woven multi colored material, often matching the band which is wound several times around their waists. They usually have many strings of gold beads around their necks, and matching tightly wound long strings of coral beads around each wrist. Men wear white trousers, and dark blue ponchos. Otavalo is also known for its Inca-influenced traditional music (sometimes known as Andean New Age) and musicians who travel around the world. Published in "Light Travel: Photography on the Go" book by Tom Dempsey 2009, 2010.
    09ECU-1430.jpg
  • See a carved stone copy of the Raimondi Stela outdoors at Chavin de Huantar archeological site, in the northern Andean highlands of Peru, South America. The 3,000-year-old stela (or stele) design is carved in the image of a god, possibly the main god worshiped in the New Temple of Chavín de Huántar, the "Staff Bearing God," which covers the bottom third of the stone. The upper two thirds is a head dress. The engraved design is one of the finest examples of contour rivalry, an artistic technique in which the image changes depending on point of view. From one point of view, see an image of a fearsome deity holding two staffs, but upside down see a smiling reptile and a stacked row of smiling, fanged faces. Italian archaeologist Antonio Raimondi found the stela in the hut of a peasant in Callejon de Conchucos in 1874. Go to the Museo Nacional de Arqueologia e Antropologia in Lima to see the original Raimondi Stela, made of highly polished granite seven feet high, dating from 1000 BC. The major pre-Inca culture of Chavín created the first widespread, recognizable artistic style in the Andes during their advanced civilization from 900 BC to 200 BC, and extended their influence to other receptive civilizations along the coast. Chavin de Huantar is east of the Cordillera Blanca at 3180 meters elevation (10,430 ft) at the head of Conchucos Valley, a long day trip by car from Huaraz. UNESCO honored Chavin Archaeological Site on the World Heritage List in 1985.
    03PER-22-32_Raimondi-Stela_Chavin.jpg
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