Smithsonian magazine's 22nd Annual Photo Contest | Made possible through the support of MPB.com

21st Annual Smithsonian Magazine Photo Contest Travel
Ancient Staircase

Photo of an ancient stone staircase and parapet at the desert fortress of Cerro Prieto Espinal(500-1452 CE). It was likely one of several fortresses the Chimu and Inka Empires conquered and used to maintain their power.

Photo Detail
Date Taken: 07.2022
Date Uploaded: 11.2023
Photo Location: Pacasmayo, Peru
Camera: SM-G781W
Copyright: © Christopher Wai