2025 Vaya Photo Contest Winners

Travel has a unique way of changing how we see the world, and there is perhaps no better proof of that than the remarkable images you capture along the way. Whether you are trekking through dense rainforests to find endemic wildlife, watching a golden sunrise over an endless savanna, or sharing a quiet moment with a local artisan in a centuries-old market, these experiences leave a lasting mark.

Every year, the Vaya Adventures team eagerly anticipates our annual photo contest. It is one of our absolute favorite traditions! Looking through your lenses gives us a vibrant window into the authentic, immersive, and tailor-made journeys you have taken across the globe.

This year, we were completely blown away by the sheer quality, emotional depth, and cultural curiosity reflected in the hundreds of submissions we received. A massive and heartfelt thank you goes out to everyone who participated, whether you submitted a cherished memory or cast a vote for your favorite shot.

*Cover photo by Vaya Traveler Rajnish Gupta

How We Chose the 2025 Winners

Selecting the top images from such a spectacular pool of entries is never an easy task. The world is vast, and the moments captured were incredibly diverse.

To help us find the standout shots for 2025, we took a slightly different approach this year. Vaya’s very own Content Manager, Tate Drucker, lent her expert eye to the selection process. An accomplished travel photographer in her own right, Tate’s work has been featured in National Geographic Traveler, and she brought that discerning perspective to the task. She carefully reviewed hundreds of your submissions, evaluating them for composition, lighting, and that elusive sense of place that defines a true Vaya adventure.

After days of thoughtful deliberation, Tate narrowed the field to the top 20 images. From there, we handed the power over to you, our incredible community of travelers. You voted for the photos that moved you the most, and today, we are thrilled to share the results!

Revealing Our Top 3 Winners for the 2025 Vaya Photo Contest

Regina Huerter

Destination: Madagascar

1st place

John Kardys

Destination: Madagascar

3rd Place

Jenny Scharff

Destination: The Serengeti

2nd Place

Top Left: Chameleon shot by Regina Huerter (1st place) – Bottom: Lions shot by Jenny Scharff (2nd place) – Top Right: Baobabs shot by John Kardys

More Honorable Mentions: The Top 20

The competition was incredibly tight this year, and the margins between the top spots were close! Our top 20 finalists represent a stunning cross-section of the globe, highlighting the diversity of our travelers’ experiences.

From the dramatic, icy expanses of the polar regions to the ancient, storied ruins of South America, these images tell beautiful stories of connection and discovery.

Below are the remaining finalists that made up our prestigious Top 20! We invite you to pause and get inspired by the beautiful moments captured through their lenses.

Robin Liberatore - Africa

Rajnish Gupta - Egypt

Jyoti Patel - Antarctica

Cathy Koch - Peru

Spenser Troiano - Africa

Robin White - Costa Rica

Harry Foster - South Africa and Botswana

Jeremy Hobbs - Tambopata Research Center

Shawn Hilleary - Peru

Margaret Long - Antarctica

Marshall Fleer - Antarctica

William Cast - Ecuador

Scott Chandler - Spain

Lara Henry - Galapagos Islands

Harris Miller - Peru

Thomas Miller - Buenos Aires

Julie Miller - Amazon

Traveler Gallery: A Window Into Your Adventures

Because we received so many wonderful images that showcased the joy, curiosity, and exploration of your custom trips, we couldn’t limit this celebration to just 20 photos.

We encourage you to enjoy this larger gallery featuring a wide selection of the photo submissions we received this year. You’ll see close-up encounters with spectacular wildlife, sweeping landscapes, and the cultures that bring these destinations to life.

Thank you again to everyone who shared a piece of their journey with us.

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Sharing Your Journey in 2026

Did you miss out on submitting your photos for 2025? Don’t worry!

As you return from your tailor-made adventures, remember to share your favorite images with us through your post-trip evaluation forms. But in case you’ve missed it, you can always submit your photos to our team by emailing photos@vayaadvetntures.com. Every photo you submit via the evaluation form or via email is automatically entered into the 2026 Vaya Photo Contest. Not only do you get to share your extraordinary memories with our community, but you will also have a chance to win exclusive travel credits and other special prizes!

Whether you are capturing the perfect light in a sun-drenched Umbrian village or photographing marine iguanas in the Galápagos, we cannot wait to see the world through your eyes next year.

Ready to Capture Your Own Memories?

For those looking to capture show-stopping moments behind the lens, be sure to check out Tate’s blog on expert tips to elevate your travel photography. Drawing on over 15 years of experience in the field, this guide is packed with practical advice and insider techniques to help you shoot like a pro.

Check out “A Field Guide to Travel Photography” here and turn your photos into timeless memories!

And if you’re looking for more travel inspiration and breathtaking moments captured by fellow Vaya travelers, we’ve got you covered; Follow us on Instagram to see stunning photos from our adventures, trip highlights, and ideas to spark your next cultural journey. Join our community and stay inspired all year round!