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

22nd Annual Smithsonian Magazine Photo Contest Travel
The Salt of the Earth

In Peru's Maras Salt Mines, this photo captures the resilience of local workers. Amidst the vibrant salt pools' orange hues, they toil in the mountainside's intricate veins, extracting nature's precious crystals. The image showcases both the breathtaking beauty of the landscape and the silent dedication of those who labor to extract the salt of the earth, illustrating the enduring human spirit in high-altitude rural communities.

Photo Detail
Date Taken: 11.2023
Date Uploaded: 10.2024
Photo Location: maras, Peru
Camera: LEICA SL2
Copyright: © thibault gerbaldi