12 Natural Wonders Around the World To Discover on Your Next Trip
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Numerous natural wonders in the world continue to capture explorers and outdoor enthusiasts. From thundering waterfalls to towering canyons, these wonders allow tourists to immerse themselves in nature’s raw power and beauty.
This list includes some of the world’s most captivating natural wonders, whether you are into mountains, waterfalls, or seascapes.
As if the scenery offered by these landscapes were not enough, they all come with endless exploration opportunities. Take a hike, ride a cable car, take a helicopter ride, trek, or camp; there are many ways to experience these awe-inspiring natural wonders’ sheer beauty and scenery.
Victoria Falls, Zambia/Zimbabwe
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Victoria Falls, situated on the border between Zambia and Zimbabwe, is one of the most spectacular waterfalls in the world. It spans over 5,500 feet (1,700 meters) in width and plummets to a depth of over 330 feet (100 meters), making it the largest waterfall by surface area.
The mighty Zambezi River forms the falls as it plunges into a narrow gorge before forming this majestic waterfall. Its magnificent curtain of water can be seen and heard from miles away.
Capture the misty views of the fall, swim in its Devil Pool if you are a daredevil, or go rafting in the Zambezi River for an adrenaline pump.
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The Grand Canyon, Arizona, USA
The Grand Canyon in Arizona, USA, is North America’s most iconic natural wonder. Formed by the mighty waters of the Colorado River over millions of years, this immense gorge stretches over 277 miles (446 kilometers) and reaches depths above one mile (1.6 kilometers).
This canyon offers many recreational activities for visitors, including hiking and whitewater rafting. Some of its most outstanding highlights include The Rim to Rim Hiking Trail, Bright Angel Trail, Desert View Drive, South Kaibab Trail, and The Desert View Watchtower.
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Great Barrier Reef, Queensland, Australia
The Great Barrier Reef is the largest coral reef system in the world and is often hailed as one of the world’s seven natural wonders. Stretching over 1,430 miles (2,300 kilometers), this vast ecosystem is home to an incredible array of marine life.
One of the best ways to experience the wonders of the Great Barrier Reef is through snorkeling and diving excursions. You will be treated to unforgettable encounters with fish and other marine life.
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Ha Long Bay, Vietnam
Ha Long Bay is a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its emerald waters and towering limestone islands. This seascape has thousands of karst formations, creating a surreal landscape perfect for photography.
The towering limestone islands, known as karsts, are adorned with lush vegetation and hidden caves, inviting exploration. One of the best ways to experience Halong Bay is through a leisurely boat tour, which allows tourists to cruise among the karst formations and visit secluded beaches and hidden coves.
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The Dolomites, Italy
The Dolomites are one of the most stunning mountain ranges you could ever visit. With 18 peaks rising over 10,000 feet (3,000 meters), dramatic cliffs, deep valleys, a misty summit, and biodiverse alpine surroundings, there is so much scenery to explore and admire in the Dolomites.
Take gondola rides up and down the peaks, hike its numerous trails, or explore the stunning lake, Lago di Braies. Some of the best spots to capture the beauty of the Dolomites include Tre Cime Di Levaredo, Alpe Di Siusi, and Secada.
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Arches National Park, Utah, USA
Arches National Park is home to over 2,000 natural sandstone arches, making it one of the world’s most distinctive and photogenic landscapes. The park’s unique rock formations have been sculpted by millions of years of erosion.
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From the famous Delicate Arch to the towering Landscape Arch, these natural wonders come in all shapes and sizes, offering varied exploration opportunities and photo backdrops.
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Iguazu Falls, Brazil
Iguazu is one of the most impressive waterfalls in the world. It spans nearly 1.7 miles (2.7 kilometers) in width and plunges to depths of over 260 feet (80 meters). The waterfalls are within the lush rainforests of the Iguazu National Park and form part of the Iguazu River.
Their towering cliffs and misty spray create a dramatic backdrop for the cascading waters, making it a truly unforgettable sight. Visitors to Iguazu Falls can witness over 275 individual cascades, the most iconic being the towering Devil’s Throat, which spans nearly 260 feet (80 meters).
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Table Mountain, South Africa
It would be unjustifiable to visit South Africa and come back without going up the Table Mountain. Table Mountain, overlooking the city of Cape Town and Table Bay in South Africa, is a geological marvel renowned for its flat-topped summit and sweeping views of the surrounding landscape.
The mountain is composed primarily of sandstone and quartzite, giving it a unique appearance and coloring. Its slopes are covered with fynbos vegetation, which includes over 2,200 species of plants, like the colorful proteas and delicate orchids. Take the cable car or Aberdares Table Mountain Hike trail up and down the mountain for better exploration opportunities.
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Matterhorn, Switzerland
The Matterhorn is among the most iconic peaks in the Swiss Alps and a symbol of mountaineering excellence; anyone who summits the Matterhorn can claim to have achieved some of the most coveted mountaineering goals. Rising to a height of 14,690 feet (4,478 meters), the Matterhorn is one of the highest peaks in the Alps and presents a formidable challenge to even the most experienced climbers. The most popular route to the summit, the Hörnli Ridge, requires climbers to navigate exposed rock faces and steep snowfields, making it a thrilling and unforgettable adventure.
The reward for those who brave the ascent is the breathtaking panorama. On a clear day, other iconic peaks, such as Mont Blanc, the Eiger, and the Jungfrau, can be seen.
You, however, do not have to summit the Matterhorn to experience the best it offers. If you are not into mountaineering, you can still enjoy the scenery from viewpoints such as the Kirchbrucke, in the charming town of Zermatt, or on the Matterhorn Trail.
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Mount Everest, Nepal
Mount Everest is the highest mountain on Earth, standing at an impressive 29,029 feet (8,848 meters) above sea level. Its sheer size and towering presence have earned it the nickname “the Roof of the World” and inspired countless expeditions to reach its summit. Every year, thousands of climbers worldwide flock to Everest’s base camps in Nepal and Tibet to pursue the ultimate mountaineering challenge.
If summiting the highest mountain in the world seems like an unattainable challenge, you can stick to sightseeing. Stay in the camps at the mountain’s base or take helicopter or bus tours offered in the region.
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Angel Falls, Venezuela
Angel Falls, located in Venezuela’s Canaima National Park, is the tallest waterfall on Earth, with a staggering drop of 3,212 feet (979 meters). Among the highlights of these falls is its breathtaking plunge from the towering Auyán-tepui, or “Devil’s Mountain,” into the misty valley below.
The sheer scale and majesty of the falls are best appreciated from the air, where visitors can marvel at the uninterrupted cascade of water as it tumbles into the abyss. Your second best bet to enjoy the scenery would be at Mirador Laime (Laime’s Viewpoint), which offers excellent photography opportunities.
Surrounded by the pristine wilderness of Canaima National Park, Angel Falls is a paradise for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. Visitors can embark on guided treks through the rainforest and swim in crystal-clear pools beneath the falls.
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Milford Sound, New Zealand
Milford Sound is renowned for its dramatic scenery and pristine wilderness. Carved by glaciers over millions of years, this iconic waterway is a must-visit destination for travelers to New Zealand. It is within the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Fiordland National Park, one of the largest natural wilderness areas in the world.
One of the best ways to experience Milford Sound is on a scenic boat cruise. This cruise takes visitors through the heart of the fjord, past towering cliffs, cascading waterfalls, and lush rainforest valleys. The fjord is also home to wildlife, with opportunities to spot fur seals, dolphins, and penguins.
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