5 Best Travel Photos of 2017 Announced By National Geographic

National Geographic just recently announced the winners of their 2017 Travel Photographer of the Year contest. From observing wildlife in Costa Rica to Marble Caves in Chile, every photograph contains a breathtaking view. If these pictures don’t have you booking a trip soon, we don’t know what will!
1. Osaki, Japan
Second Place Winner, Nature:
Taken by Hiromi Kano, this photo captures swans gliding over the water in Kabukurinuma, Osaki, Japan, a protected wetland. Many of Japan’s wetlands have been lost, making this are a rare wintering place for birds, according to Kano.
Currency Used:
- Japanese Yen
Costs to Visit:
2. Patagonia, Chile
Honorable Mention, Nature:
These Marble Caves, located in Patagonia, Chile should definitely be on you bucket list. “For centuries, water from General Carerra Lake, South America’s second largest freshwater lake, has carved into the rock creating gentle curves and giving the sunlight even more surfaces to bounce around on.”
Currency Used:
- Chilean Peso
Costs to Visit:
- Hotel $68 - $180 per night (41,000 – 106,000 CLP)
- Food: basic lunchtime menu $6 - $10 (4,000 – 6,000 CLP)
3. Tamba, Japan
Honorable Mention, Nature:
Have you ever gotten the chance to see fireflies? A great opportunity to do this during the summer is in Japan! This photo taken by Takafuji, shows these magical fireflies in a remote village in the tamba region of Japan.
Currency Used:
- Japanese Yen
Costs to Visit:
- Hotel $50 - $100 per night (6,000 – 11,000 JPY)
- Food: basic lunchtime menu $8 - $12 (800 – 1,200 JPY)
4. Mt. Bromo, Indonesia
Honorable Mention, Nature:
This is not your average hotel view. Photographer Reynold Dewantara says he was on the patio of a local hotel when he captured this rare eruption of Mount Bromo. Visitors from all around the world can come to Indonesia to watch the sunrise over Mt Bromo.
Currency Used:
- Indonesian Rupiah
Costs to Visit:
- Hotel $19 - $48 per night (229,000 – 549,000 IDR)
- Food: basic lunchtime menu $2 - $4 (15,000 – 20,000 IDR)
5. Comala, Mexico
Grand Prize Winner:
The grand prize winner of National Geographic’s 2017 Travel Photographer of the Year goes to Sergio Tapiro Velasco. This photograph was taken in the town of Comala in Mexico. The Colima volcano is the most active volcano in Mexico. This volcano has had more than 30 periods of eruptions since 1585. There are many spectacular views all around this active volcano.
Currency Used:
- Mexican Peso
Costs to Visit:
After taking a look at these incredible photographs, I hope you have found your next travel destination! You never know what hidden gems you may find traveling across the world.
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