These 12 stunning natural wonders will take your breath away. Each of these destinations is unbelievably gorgeous and truly awe-inspiring – you’ll be adding these destinations to your travel bucket list as soon as you finish reading! It is incredible what Mother Nature can do! Take a look at these beautiful locations and decide which you should visit first.
Verdon Gorge, Provence, France
Beautiful turquoise waters flow through steep vertical cliffs at the Verdon Gorge in Provence, France. The breathtaking destination is the perfect place to visit if you want to enjoy swimming in crystal clear waters or rock climbing the 700-meter walls that surround the river. Rent a paddle boat and go for a serene ride through the gorge for a once-in-a-lifetime experience. This is one lesser-known destination that you must see in person in order to really appreciate its beauty.
Perito Moreno Glacier, Patagonia, Argentina
Not only is the Perito Moreno Glacier a pretty sight, but it is also an exciting one. The glacier grows and contracts each year but also creates a natural ice dam across the vast Lago Argentino. Every few years, the pressure behind the dam gets so strong that the ice explodes, causing a spectacular rupture that is incredible to see. However, even if the blue ice isn’t exploding, it is still a very unique place to visit.
Jeju Island Lava Tubes, South Korea
You will walk through incredible dark tunnels made of lava when you visit this natural wonder of the world in South Korea. There are about 360 satellite volcanos on Jeju island but the main one, called Hallasan, rises just under 2000 meters out of the water. It has been dormant for about 5000 years so it is considered safe to walk through the underground caves where magma once flowed. Seeing this incredible natural lava formation is definitely worth the risk!
Cliffs of Moher, Ireland
Rising 213 meters out of the Atlantic Ocean, the Cliffs of Moher are quite a sight to see. They stretch for 8 kilometers, providing a natural wall as the country’s border. Besides being a formidable sight, the cliffs are also home to an impressive number of wild birds, making this natural destination perfect for bird lovers. You will have stunning views whether you choose to watch the wildlife or the Atlantic Ocean.
Puerto Princesa Subterranean River, Palawan, Philippines
The underground river called Puerto Princesa runs through deep caverns for over 8 kilometers. You can navigate the dark river by canoe with a guide who is sure to point out the incredible limestone karst formations, stalagmites, and stalactites. This unique river has been nominated to be one of the top 7 Wonders of Nature and many agree that it should be on that list! It is quite a special place.
Great Barrier Reef, Australia
The Great Barrier Reef needs to be on every list that looks at the natural wonders of the world. Made up of about 3,000 individual reefs, this is the world’s largest structure made from living organisms. The delicate ecosystem is home to sea turtles, whales, and hundreds of types of coral. It is so vast that it can even be seen from space! Get your scuba gear on and prepare to be amazed by what lies underwater at this must-see destination.
Trango Towers, Pakistan
If you want to climb some of the highest cliffs in the world, you should head straight to the Karakoram mountain range, home to the Trango Towers. With an elevation of more than 6,200 meters, this natural wonder is perfect for anyone who loves climbing or base jumping. However, anyone will enjoy just looking at the cliffs, taking in their sheer size and beauty.
The Shilin Stone Forest, China
The karst rocks in the Shilin Stone Forest are more than 270 million years old. The stones stick out of an ancient petrified forest, looking like needles reaching into the sky. There are many local legends about the forest and how the stones were formed which make this beautiful destination even more exciting.
Lake Baikal, Russia
Lake Baikal is a giant wonder of freshwater. In fact, it holds about 20% of the world’s freshwater supply. The lake is over 25 million years old and is home to around 2,600 species of plants and animals. You may even see the “Baikal Monster” when you visit, a mythical creature that locals say has lived in the lake for decades.
Grand Prismatic Spring, Wyoming, United States
The Prismatic Spring is a gorgeous pool of water located in Yellowstone National Park. The rainbow-colored water is quite a sight to see! The outer layers of the water shine green and orange due to the thermophile bacteria in the water. The crystal clear blue water in the center is just as stunning. One look and you will wonder how so many stunning colors can naturally exist in one spring of water.
Salar de Uyuni, Bolivia
The Salar de Uyuni is a vast sand flat that stretches further than the eye can see. The most impressive part of the large, smooth landscape is the mirror effect that occurs after rainfall. A thin layer of water covers the whole flat, reflecting the sky above. The illusion will make you feel like you are walking in the clouds.
Antelope Canyon, Arizona, United States
The Antelope Canyon is made from beautiful red and orange sandstone walls. The colors are so vibrant that it is impossible to believe they are natural! Wind and water have eroded the canyon into gorgeous, flowing shapes that are sure to take your breath away. Plus, it is very easily accessible, making it a beautiful natural wonder that anyone can visit.
