Breathtaking Natural Wonders You Won’t Believe Exist
Nature can be awe-inspiring, but sometimes it’s hard to find the time or money to go on an international trip to see the great wonders of the world up close. Luckily, there are plenty of natural wonders right here in America that will completely take your breath away – especially if you haven’t seen them before! Here are 30 breathtaking natural wonders that everyone should see at least once in their lifetime.
Great Barrier Reef, Australia
The Great Barrier Reef is one of the most well-known natural wonders in the world. It’s a chain of coral reefs that stretch for 2,600 miles along the coast of Queensland, Australia. In some parts, it’s so close to shore that people can dive from their balconies into the ocean. The reef is so big that it can be seen from outer space and is home to 1,500 species of fish and 400 types of coral.
Angels Falls, Venezuela
Located in Canaima National Park, this waterfall is nearly three times as tall as Niagara Falls and is the world’s highest uninterrupted waterfall. One of its most striking features is the flat, smooth rock face it falls down. The falls are fed by a tributary of the Carrao River, which originates from an ephemeral stream in a pool at the base of Auyantepui (the largest tabletop mountain in the world).
Mendenhall Ice Caves, Alaska
The Mendenhall Ice Caves are a series of ice caves located in the Juneau Icefield, near the city of Juneau, Alaska. They are accessible by car on the Juneau Icefield Scenic Byway. The cave is about half an hour’s drive from downtown Juneau. The ice field is around 3,000 feet (910 m) above sea level and there is a small parking lot at the entrance to the caves.
Tikal Mayan Ruins, Guatemala
Tikal is a Mayan ruin in the tropical rainforest of Guatemala, and it’s one of the most popular tourist destinations in Central America. It’s also home to one of the largest temples ever built by the Maya. The forest here is filled with animal life like howler monkeys and toucans, as well as plenty of plant species including more than 1500 different types of orchid.
Ha Long Bay, Vietnam
Ha Long Bay is a bay in northeastern Vietnam, famous for its thousands of limestone karsts and caves. Ha Long Bay is part of Quang Ninh Province, approximately 160 kilometers east of Hanoi. The bay covers an area of about 592 square kilometers with a length of 52km and width from 8 to 30km. UNESCO recognized the Taj Mahal as a World Heritage Site in 1994.
Plitvice Lakes National Park, Croatia
The Plitvice Lakes National Park in Croatia is one of the most beautiful, biologically diverse sites in Europe. The park is composed of 16 lakes that have a series of waterfalls and natural cascades which flow into each other, resulting in an incredible view. The park has been preserved and protected by UNESCO since 1979 because it is home to many unique species of flora and fauna including some endangered animals such as the otter.
Victoria Falls, Zambia/Zimbabwe Border
Victoria Falls is the largest waterfall in the world and one of Africa’s most iconic natural wonders. It lies on the Zambezi River between Zambia and Zimbabwe, and forms a natural border between them. The falls are made up of two drops with a combined height of 108 metres (354 ft) that plunge into a gorge over 300 metres (980 ft) deep.
Salar De Uyuni Salt Flats, Bolivia
Salar De Uyuni, which spans 4,000 square miles and is the world’s largest salt flat, should be on every traveler’s bucket list. The sky-blue expanse stretches as far as the eye can see and is perfect for exploring by foot or bike. The best time to visit is during the wet season from December to March when it rains almost every day.
Waitomo Glowworm Caves, New Zealand
The Waitomo Glowworm Caves are located in the lush Waikato region of New Zealand. The limestone caves come alive with what looks like a galaxy of tiny stars shining in the dark. The glowworms use their bioluminescence to lure prey and attract mates, so it’s important to keep your hands to yourself!
Cerro Torre, Patagonia
Cerro Torre is one of the most iconic peaks in South America. Despite its remote location, it has been climbed by some of the world’s best mountaineers. It’s a steep and technical climb, with a history marked by tragedy. When five climbers died in an avalanche on the mountain in 1970, it was declared off-limits to climbers for many years.
The Whitsundays Island Group of Australia
The Whitsundays Island Group in Australia is a stunning collection of islands and marine national parks. These islands are more accessible than many of the other places on this list, making them a great place to visit if you’re looking for an adventure. This group of islands is home to some of the best snorkeling and scuba diving spots in the world, as well as pristine coral reefs that are teeming with life.
Mount Roraima in Venezuela/Guyana Border Area
Mount Roraima is a tabletop mountain, with three summits of nearly identical height. It is the tallest tepui in the world. This flat-topped mountain is on the border between Venezuela and Guyana. Geologists estimate that Mount Roraima was formed from eruptions from a now extinct volcano about 1 million years ago.
Paricutin Volcano, Mexico
Paricutin Volcano is a perfect example of how nature’s power can be unpredictable. The volcano was created in 1943 when farmer Dionisio Pulido was farming his land and accidentally hit a large vein of lava buried deep below the surface. A few days later, Dionisio and his family were forced to abandon their home as it became covered with ash, rock, and fire. Today, Paricutin Volcano is one of the most active volcanoes in Mexico. However, it has not erupted since 1952.
