ATTENTION! All pictures are presented in high resolution. To see Hi-Res images – just TWICE click on any picture. In other words, click small picture – opens the BIG picture. Click BIG picture – opens VERY BIG picture.

“Cusco Sunset”. The view from our hotel room in the San Blas district of Cusco. This area of town overlooked the rest of the city and gave us a breathtaking view as the sun & rain mixed one evening. Location: Cusco, Peru. (Photo and caption by Blake Burton/National Geographic Traveler Photo Contest)

“Women in Jaipur, India”. I thought this would be a good place for pictures, so I returned during the evening on my second night in Jaipur. I got lucky with the rain because it made for interesting reflections, and I had a good time trying to capture the chaotic motion on the streets of Jaipur. Hawa Mahal (The Palace of Winds) is pictured in the background. (Photo and caption by Edward Graham/National Geographic Traveler Photo Contest)

“Outburst”. This image was taken at Pacu Jawi Festival. A Traditional Bull-race that usually held after harvesting period, by Minangkabau People especially villagers at Tanah Datar, West of Sumatera. Best cows and jockeys are judge by the way they run the track fast and straight. Every race always attended by hundreds of people around the region, along with a farmers fair that held there. This event were only exist in Tanah Datar, Minangkabau Region, West of Sumatera. (Photo and caption by Fauzan Maududdin/National Geographic Traveler Photo Contest)

“Yellow Lady”. The hostile desert landscape in the Little Rann of Kutch in western Gujarat state is where these day labourers work. The stark, white salt is a challenging environment to work in, dry and bright but there is a peace and beauty to this place too which is overwhelming. It was the second time I visited these parts and each time I leave with a sense of joy and sorrow, the people are lowly paid but full of welcome and smiles to me even though life is tough for them as this is their environment. Location: Little Rann of Kutch, Gujarat, India. (Photo and caption by Charlotte Anderson/National Geographic Traveler Photo Contest)

“Do I have to come in?” My Daughter absolutely loved Hawaii, and wanted to go to the beach every day. As you can see, she kept us there as late as she could! Location: Black Rock-Maui, Hawaii. (Photo and caption by Kelly Englehart/National Geographic Traveler Photo Contest)

“Milkyway Over Halemaʻumaʻu Crater”. Mother Nature’s awesome power on display at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park Lighting up the Night with both Celestial and Terrestrial Flames. A scene like this often makes us wonder our place in the universe... (Photo and caption by Zong Ye Quek/National Geographic Traveler Photo Contest)

“Barranco Camp at night, Kilimanjaro”. Barranco camp was our third on our 7 day hike to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro. Taken after dinner while the group was getting ready to get a good nights rest before tackling infamous Barracno Wall in the morning. Location: Mount Kilimanjaro, Tanzania. (Photo and caption by Trevor Booth/National Geographic Traveler Photo Contest)

“King of the penquins”. Taken at Booth Island in Antartica. (Photo and caption by Nancy Dowling/National Geographic Traveler Photo Contest)

“Iceberg beauty”. Brilliant color reflected in Iceberg. Location: Antartica. (Photo and caption by Nancy Dowling/National Geographic Traveler Photo Contest)

“Hagia Sophia Museum”. Hagia Sophia is the one of the most visited museums and most prominent monuments in the world in terms of art and the history of architecture. It has also been called “the eighth wonder of the world” by East Roman Philon as far back as the 6th century. It was used as a church for 916 years but, following the conquest of Istanbul by Fatih Sultan Mehmed, the Hagia Sophia was converted into mosque. Afterwards, it was used as a mosque for 482 years. Under the order of Atatürk and the decision of the Council of Ministers, Hagia Sophia was converted into a museum in 1935. Location: Istanbul, Turkey. (Photo and caption by Melih Sular/National Geographic Traveler Photo Contest)

“Ghostly Waterfall – Stirling Falls, Milford Sound, New Zealand (April 2013)”. This photo was taken from a boat of Stirling Falls at Milford Sound in New Zealand in April 2013. Lord of the Rings territory!! I used a Canon 5D Mark III using a Canon EF 24-105mm f/4L IS lens and a polarizer. Details: f/5.6, 1/60, ISO 250, 0.7 EV, 50mm. Have you ever been right in front of a huge waterfall? It's ethereal and ghostly and I feel (and hope!) that this image captures that feeling. I couldn't use a tripod on the moving boat, but got exactly the shot I wanted. (Photo and caption by Charlotte Ralph/National Geographic Traveler Photo Contest)

“Gaucho's lasso”. Brazilian Gaucho riding a wild Criollo horse to round lasso bulls. Location: Paranà, Brazil. (Photo and caption by Chris Schmid/National Geographic Traveler Photo Contest)

“Main Bazaar in New Delhi, India”. This is a long exposure, evening look at Main Bazaar in Paharganj. (Photo and caption by Edward Graham/National Geographic Traveler Photo Contest)

“Cowboy in a ribbon of light”. Rodeos always provide a sense of place. There's action, dirt, pride, you name it. It's a loud, flashy sport, with cheering and showboating. But on the underbelly are quiet moments. The moments between bucking broncs, beer drinking and the announcers crude jokes. Moments like this one, where a young boy waits patiently for the next horse to come charging out of the chutes. Location: Helena, Montana. (Photo and caption by Dylan Brown/National Geographic Traveler Photo Contest)

“Door to Hell”. Standing at the edge of the Darvaza Crater in Turkmenistan. Known as the Door to Hell, this flaming crater has been burning for decades, fueled by the rich natural gas reserves found below the surface. Location: Darvaza, Turkmenistan. (Photo and caption by Priscilla Locke/National Geographic Traveler Photo Contest)

“Mount Erebus Ice Cave”. A scientist climbs out of an ice cave formed by volcanic vents near the summit of Mt. Erebus, Antarctica. (Photo and caption by Alasdair Turner/National Geographic Traveler Photo Contest)

“Sesson-An Hermitage, Japan”. In Muromachi period, Sesson Shukei (1504–1589), a painting priest, used this hermitage as the foothold for his activities during his old age. No sound except the murmur of the wind can be heard. Tomb of natural stone, countless bamboos are all quietly breathing. Location: Miharu town, Fukushima Pref, Japan. (Photo and caption by Teruo Araya/National Geographic Traveler Photo Contest)

“Sellers of Vietnam”. Seen here is a typical hawker in Vietnam. She sells fruits and other eatables mostly. Spotted her in the ancient port town of Hoi An in Central Vietnam. Such hawkers are a common sight in the country. Getting her against a yellow old wall was indeed a precious frame to carry home. (Photo and caption by Shynil Hashim/National Geographic Traveler Photo Contest)

“Daybreak in Mandalay”. A moment of calm: a man walks across U-Bein Bridge before the onslaught of morning foot-traffic. Location: Mandalay, Myanmar. (Photo and caption by Jocelyn Voo/National Geographic Traveler Photo Contest)

“The Beauty of Life”. I was first attracted by the beautiful sound of the music and then I noticed it was an old street musician who was playing at the sunset time. He was so engaged in what he was doing and did not pay attention to the crowded street scene at all. When I took the picture, a couple of young people were passing by so I captured the picture with both the old man and young people. Old and young, quiet and energetic, all these contrasts come together and create a sense of harmony and beauty in Milan-this amazing city. Location: Duomo area Milan, Italy. (Photo and caption by Shiyun Liu/National Geographic Traveler Photo Contest)

“Harbor”. A jumble of colorful boats litter the ramp at Riomaggiore's tiny harbor. Location: Riomaggiore, Italy. (Photo and caption by Doug Croft/National Geographic Traveler Photo Contest)

“Laundry ”. People who are doing laundry at Yamura river are not doing own their laundry. They are washing and drying laundry for the shops from all over Agra. Because of luck of Education, they can not make enough money to send children to school, so their children would end up doing the same thing in their future. Location: Agra, India. (Photo and caption by Rei Murakami/National Geographic Traveler Photo Contest)

“The Magical World of Blue Lake”. The deepest karstic lake in the world reveals its secrets. Location: Russia, Caucasus, Blue Lake. (Photo and caption by Viktor Lyagushkin/National Geographic Traveler Photo Contest)

“Regla, La Habana, Cuba”. I went to La Habana in February 2013 on a photography workshop with Raúl Touzon, and went to this area called Regla and the view captivated me with all the wires and the old cars, can't find this anywhere else but Cuba. (Photo and caption by Daniel Ikemiyashiro/National Geographic Traveler Photo Contest)

“Long Shadows in Stockholm”. Sunset on a square in Stockholm. Location: Stockholm, Sweden. (Photo and caption by James Kobacker/National Geographic Traveler Photo Contest)

“Igloo”. Flying for an exploration camp in the Canadian arctic, my helicopter engineer and I had some time to build an igloo. –30C was cold taking photos at night but well worth it! Location: 200 Miles NE of Yellowknife NT, Canada. (Photo and caption by Nathan Shute/National Geographic Traveler Photo Contest)

“Stingray Split”. Years ago, fisherman would dump their scraps overboard at this location, as they came into harbour. The southern stingrays (Dasyatis americana) pictured soon learnt about this free meal, and have congregated there in large numbers. Location: Stingray Sandbar, Grand Cayman. (Photo and caption by Thomas Pepper/National Geographic Traveler Photo Contest)

“Green Glow”. Kauai is a wild and magical place. It invokes a sense of freedom, appreciation, and love. At this particular beach waves rebound and crash off of lava rocks and cliffs forming into interesting shapes. Location: Kauai, Hawaii. (Photo and caption by Lace Andersen/National Geographic Traveler Photo Contest)

“Fishing”. A father and daughter with a fish in the net at sunset on Inle Lake, Myanmar. (Photo and caption by Cynthia MacDonald/National Geographic Traveler Photo Contest)

“Vivacity”. Colours and shadows dancing in the wind. Location: Near Qinghai Lake, Qinghai province, People's Republic of China. (Photo and caption by Juan Aguilar/National Geographic Traveler Photo Contest)

“The Bixby Bridge at dusk”. The Bixby Bridge has been an icon on the Big Sur coastline since 1932. It is amazing that something man-made could blend so well into such an incredible environment. Location: Big Sur, CA. (Photo and caption by Doug Croft/National Geographic Traveler Photo Contest)

“Pergamon light”. Pergamon was an ancient Greek city in Aeolis, today located 16 miles (26 km) from the Aegean Sea on a promontory on the north side of the river Caicus (modern day Bakırçay). Some ancient authors regarded it as a colony of the Arcadians, but the various origin stories all belong to legend. Location: Pergamon, Bergama, Izmir. (Photo and caption by Mehmet Fatih Yaldız/National Geographic Traveler Photo Contest)

“Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris”. Notre Dame Cathedral is among the largest and most well-known churches in the world. It’s a highlight for each tourist & local and should be visited both during the day and at night. (Photo and caption by Nisa Maier/National Geographic Traveler Photo Contest)

“Night at Skytree”. One cold silent night at the street of oshiage, sumida stand the tallest tower in the world with a tallest structure in Japan and reached its full height of 634.0 metres. Location: １-１-２ Oshiage, Sumida, Tokyo 131-0045, Japan. (Photo and caption by Danilo Dungo/National Geographic Traveler Photo Contest)

“The Big Blue”. Having done, over 200 dives, this one will always be a special one. The Great Blue Hole off the coast of Belize is an eerie descent down an ancient sink hole. The shaft is narrow, straight down and quickly eats up the sun. The darkness is disorienting. You keep pushing your limits as the temperature plummets and your heart races faster and faster. You are surrounded by a tangible silence that amplifies your fear that the unknown will suddenly lash out at you through the veil of darkness. You are now deeper than you have even been, so you are using up your oxygen faster than ever. (Photo and caption by Jitsen Chang/National Geographic Traveler Photo Contest)

“Travel of galactic railroad”. Tadami line railway run through the Aizu district in Fukushima prefecture.Aizu is famous for heavy snow. Location: Aizu, Fukushima, Japan. (Photo and caption by Hideyuki Katagiri/National Geographic Traveler Photo Contest)

“Swifts over the fall”. This picture was taken at the majestic Iguazú Falls. The flight of these flock of swifts across the huge waterfalls portrait the sense of freedom and wildness that belongs to this fantastic world wonder. Location: Puerto Iguazú, Misiones, Argentina. (Photo and caption by Filippo Pellegrini/National Geographic Traveler Photo Contest)

“Ready to Fly?” A combination of an early morning sun,coupled with cool wind and a breathtaking bird eye's view of Cappadocia, Turkey urges one to abandon the safety of the ground to seek for a serenity up in the air that is impossible to duplicate with 2 feet planted. (Photo and caption by Isaac Cheong/National Geographic Traveler Photo Contest)

“Smoke at Sunset”. Taken durning Belle Fouche Prescribed burn at Devils Tower National Monument. Location: Devils Tower NM, WYoming. (Photo and caption by Drew Gilmour/National Geographic Traveler Photo Contest)

“Elean Donan Castle”. Many photos of this castle are made, but this one has a last shine of the sun on rocks and stone, separating the castle from the landscape. (Photo and caption by Frank Heumann/National Geographic Traveler Photo Contest)

“In the middle of the pouring rain”. The picture has been taken in Kandy in Sri Lanka. We found a shelter just before the monsoon rain and watched the streets. (Photo and caption by Bartlomiej Mielnik/National Geographic Traveler Photo Contest)

“Temple at the foot of Mount Bromo”. At the foot of the active Volcano Bromo on the Island of Java lies the Hindu Temple Pura Luhur Poten which is often immersed in a soft mist at dusk. On this day Mount Bromo showed unusually strong activity, which lead to a exceptionally high and dense dust cloud. Location: Mount Bromo, Java, Indonesia. (Photo and caption by Tim Jenka/National Geographic Traveler Photo Contest)

“The faithful in amber after the abandonment”. The Catholic faithful have been taken aback by the news of the abdication of Pope Benedict XVI, the first Pope in recent history, after the “great refusal” of Celestine V in 1294, from 28 February 2013, will leave the throne of St. Peter. Joseph Ratzinger leaves his office because, he says, no longer up for health reasons. The news goes around the world, there is amazement, disbelief, between the faithful and tourists. L 'opinion of a pilgrim: “I grew up with the pontificate of John Paul II, he fought to the end, he had to do so too Ratzinger. A Pope can not resign due to illness”. Location: Roma. (Photo and caption by Antonio Gibotta/National Geographic Traveler Photo Contest)

“Seeing Double”. Two figures walk along one of the reflecting pools at Santiago Calatrava's futuristic architectural wonder – The City of Arts and Sciences, in Valencia, Spain – a massive space full of lines, repetitions & reflections. Location: City of Arts & Sciences, Valencia, Spain. (Photo and caption by Erika Szostak/National Geographic Traveler Photo Contest)

“My Old Home”. The interior home of one of the outback villages in the outskirts of Siem Reap, Cambodia is as simple as it can be, devoid of much luxuries and necessities, as can be seen in the home of this Cambodia lady making herself up before she starts her day. (Photo and caption by Nick Ng Yeow Kee/National Geographic Traveler Photo Contest)

“Living on the Edge”. It was a Saturday in February 2012. I took this photo at the top of the chairlift of the Pointe de l'Au in the ski area of ​​Les Portes du Soleil, Switzerland. In the background, the Les Dents du Midi. (Photo and caption by Florin Biscu/National Geographic Traveler Photo Contest)

“Reykjavik Sunset Windows”. I was photographing Reykjavik Harbor at sunset, with mountains across the bay, around 11:30pm. While waiting with my tripod set up facing the harbor, I turned around and saw the amazing reflection in the office building windows behind me, and composed this image. Location: Reykjavik, Iceland. (Photo and caption by Dana Clemons/National Geographic Traveler Photo Contest)

“Touch of Blue”. A slot canyon begins as a hairline crack in rock, which is beaten upon by rapidly flowing water until it becomes larger; finally over a vast period of time and a multitude of flash floods have eroded the rock, it forms a narrow crevice. The final result is a claustrophobic caverns, twisting and turning, often allowing only a glitter of glowing light into its depths. Wind, water and time carve lines on the walls of some slot canyons where flowing patterns run fluidly like the wind that help make them. Location: Arizona. (Photo and caption by John Chaney/National Geographic Traveler Photo Contest)

“Old Mill”. Each autumn, the shortening of the hours of daylight and the return of near freezing weather triggers the breakdown of chlorophyll, the chemical that gives plants their green color. As the green fades, the quaking aspen forests decorate their mountainous landscapes with spectacular displays of shades of yellow with occasional splashes of orange and red. Location: Colorado. (Photo and caption by John Chaney/National Geographic Traveler Photo Contest)

“In God's eyes”. View from the roof of the Duomo of Milan. It's one of most popular places in Itlay. Tourist from all over the world come here everyday to see this masterpiece. (Photo and caption by Jian Yang/National Geographic Traveler Photo Contest)

“Monument Valley Sandstorm Sunrise”. Arriving at Monument Valley in the middle of a sandstorm, created some pretty eerie effects. Location: Monument Valley, UT. (Photo and caption by Robert Skerman/National Geographic Traveler Photo Contest)

“Moon and Star”. In this photo there are a “moon” and a “star”. The arch has the shape of moon, and sunlight passing through the small hole looks like a star. This photo is taken at Turret Arch of Arches National Park. I have seen so many photos of Turret Arch, but this one gives a very different view. (Photo and caption by Yang Li/National Geographic Traveler Photo Contest)

“Sheikh Zayed Mosque”. A reflection of the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in the basin of the fountain opposite the mosque where the main dome of the mosque appears. Location: Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. (Photo and caption by Dhafer Al Shehri/National Geographic Traveler Photo Contest)

“New York reflections”. Street view with window reflections at the Manhattan island, New York, USA. (Photo and caption by Elena Petrova/National Geographic Traveler Photo Contest)

“The curious camel in Petra”. Camel is one of the most iconic species in the deserted area of Petra. In the past it was a mean of transportation and nowadays it give rides to the tourists. On the day I took this picture, I visited Petra in the early morning and I found this two camels were idled in front of the famous spot of Petra, the Treasury. While I was trying to photograph a pair of camel with the Treasury as the background, one of them discover me and turns his head towards me, creating this interesting shot of a curious camel. Location: Petra, Jordan. (Photo and caption by Sai Kit Leung/National Geographic Traveler Photo Contest)

“Nakameguro, Tokyo, 2013”. Nakameguro is one of the best places in Tokyo where to admire the magnificence of blossoming Sakura trees. This picture has been taken in spring 2013 at 満開 (“mankai”), a word that indicates the peak of the blossoming. (Photo and caption by Giovanni Pascarella/National Geographic Traveler Photo Contest)

“End of the World”. The picture was taken from Dachstein glacier catching the last sunbeam before the Sun fell behind the Alps. A storm was approaching blowing the snow. If we wanted to show how the World will die, this could have been a proper scene. Location: Dachstein, Austria. (Photo and caption by János Demeter/National Geographic Traveler Photo Contest)

“Milford Sound Kayaking”. Kayaking Milford Sound in the South Island of New Zealand was the highlight of our trip. This photo captures the start of our journey with the sun just reaching the tops of the mountains, a few lingering clouds, the perfectly calm water, and one of the waterfalls cascading down the massive cliffs on both sides of the Sound. (Photo and caption by Daniel Furfari/National Geographic Traveler Photo Contest)

“Passers Between the Passing Words”. Palestinian refugee child living in Geziret Fadel, one of the biggest Palestinian refugee communities in Egypt. (Photo and caption by Mosa'ab Elshamy/National Geographic Traveler Photo Contest)

“The «Mammoth» Bison”. A Bison crossing the Mammoth Springs in Yellowstone National Park, US. (Photo and caption by Anandraj Thiyagarajaperumal/National Geographic Traveler Photo Contest)

“Seeking Silence India”. India is a buzling country. As an Western Photographer its hard to find a place where you are not bothered. I'm trying to find the “silence” in my photography. Location: Allahabad, India. (Photo and caption by Danielle van der Schans/National Geographic Traveler Photo Contest)

“Husky ride ”. Huskies pulling my sledge through the forest. Location: Finland Lapland. (Photo and caption by William Chua/National Geographic Traveler Photo Contest)

“The incredible Machu Picchu in Peru”. Not easy to reach, but totally makes the view worth it: Over 7,000 feet above sea level and nestled on a small hilltop within the Andean Mountain Range, the majestic ancient city soars above the Urabamba Valley below, Built around the 15th century by the Incans. One of the places that you have to see in your lifetime. Location: Machu Picchu, Peru. (Photo and caption by Vijay Aitha/National Geographic Traveler Photo Contest)

“Time and Tide”. Early in the morning, soft sunshine spills over the earth of Bagan as well as its Buddhist temple, which guards the villagers from age to age. (Photo was taken in December 2012). Location: Bagan Myanmar. (Photo and caption by Feng Xue/National Geographic Traveler Photo Contest)

“A morning in Bosque”. Bosque is all about big blastoffs of Geese and Cranes, beautiful landscapes and gorgeous sunrises. I spent two weeks hoping to capture that essence in a single shot. When I look back at this image, I'm overcome with a sense of joy and strong emotions. I got up everyday early in the morning hoping to witness this wonder and photograph it, determined to create some magical shots. I remember the last morning I woke up, wondering if I was going back empty handed. At roughly 6:40am what I though could not happen finally happened, a morning in Bosque that I had dreamed of. Location: Bosque Del Apache, New Mexico. (Photo and caption by Gaurav Mittal/National Geographic Traveler Photo Contest)

“Swim with Jelly Fish”. Its like a dream when u swimming with harmless jellyfish... Location: Palau. (Photo and caption by CheanChong Lim/National Geographic Traveler Photo Contest)

“And then the sun showed up...” On a trip trough Netherlands. Location: Amsterdam. (Photo and caption by David Markovic/National Geographic Traveler Photo Contest)

“Reflections”. A powerful space will move us in many ways. This picture captures the moment I first stepped out of the elevator of Sky 100 in Hong Kong, trying to grasp where I was. Location: Sky 100, Hong Kong. (Photo and caption by Ginger Kong/National Geographic Traveler Photo Contest)

“Casa de Fado”. A casa de Fado in Lisbon's traditional neighborhood Alfama. A guitar player seemigly warms up by trying a few chords before playing a song, while three women discuss in front of him. Location: Alfama, Lisbon. (Photo and caption by Emanuele Siracusa/National Geographic Traveler Photo Contest)

“Sokolica”. Sokolica, Poland. (Photo and caption by Marcin Kęsek/National Geographic Traveler Photo Contest)