Amazing places in Antartica

Visit Antarctic Peninsula, Antarctica

Reaching out from Antarctica like a beckoning hand, the Antarctic Peninsula is a spectacular range of jagged mountain peaks, draped in glaciers that calve icebergs into the sea.

Part of the peninsula is sub-Antarctic: the true Antarctic begins at the 66˚ 32’ S parallel of latitude, where for one day or more each year the sun doesn’t rise or set. Most ships cross this parallel, if just so their passengers can toast the occasion.

Points of interest

Amongst the highlights of the peninsula are Port Lockroy, the British Antarctic Survey base situated in a natural harbour reached through the spectacular cliffs of the Neumayer Channel. With its own post office and museum this is one of the most visited parts of the peninsula, but it also has some unusual sights, including the skeleton of a fin whale left over from its whaling station past, which is blown around through the austral winter but painstakingly re-assembled each spring. Hope Bay is home to the Argentinean Esperanza Base, which is a year-round settlement, with a mayor, post office and school. It is also where the Antarctic continent’s first baby was born in 1978.

The Lemaire Channel is one of the most stunning and photogenic sights of Antarctica - running between the Antarctic Peninsula and Booth Island, its convoluted passage is navigable but only just, with sheer cliffs on every side.

Wildlife of the Antarctic Peninsula

At Paradise Harbour petrels, cormorants, seals, penguins and sometimes whales are extras to a breathtaking and stunning landscape, a dramatic and iconic image of Antarctica at its most beautiful. A zodiac cruise here is one of the highlights of a trip to Antarctica. Petermann Island is home to thousands of blue-eyed shags, raucous birds well worth a closer look. Babies are born bald, but when they fledge they club together on the surface of the sea to fish in rafts, diving more than 100 metres in focused, relentless hunts for fish.

Visit South Georgia, Antarctica

Two mountain ranges stretch 170 kilometres across the sea to make up this long, narrow island, in places as little as two kilometres across.

Even in mid-summer, 75% of South Georgia is covered with glaciers, ice-caps and snowfields. From 1786 until the early 20th century this was a scene of slaughter, with more than a million fur seals killed for their skins, but these days its wildlife has fully recovered and the island is arguably one of the world’s most magical and prolific wildlife hotspots, set against rugged and majestic scenery.

It is now home to more than three million fur seals and a host of birds: five million macaroni penguins strut along its shores, king penguins teeter over the shingle beaches of St Andrews Bay and albatross - comparable in size but with a four-metre wingspan – make their huge nests in the south. The wildlife has now taken over the decaying rusting hulks of the whaling station at Grytviken, the centre of the Southern Ocean whaling industry from 1904 to the mid 1960s. Shackleton’s grave in the whaler’s cemetery is well worth visiting as is the South Georgia Museum, with fascinating exhibits on the history and wildlife.

Visit South Shetland Islands, Antarctica

South of the infamous Drake Passage, the South Shetland Islands run parallel to the Antarctic Peninsula, stretching across 540 kilometres of krill-rich ocean, happy feeding grounds for whales, penguins, seals and sea lions.

King George Island is the most populated, with permanent settlements of eight nations, including Brazil, Argentina, Russia and South Korea, and summer stations manned by many other countries, each staking their rival claims to a cake-slice share of Antarctic territory.

Livingstone Island was a popular whaling station in the 19th century; now gentoo penguins play amongst the remnants of abandoned whaling stations, elephant and fur seals bask on the beach.

Elephant Island is where Shackleton’s crew hunkered down to survive an Antarctic winter, and you can still see remnants of the Endurance on the southwest of the island along with chinstrap penguins and seals.

Deception Island is one of Antarctica’s two most active volcanoes, blown out into a perfect horseshoe-shaped harbour. Stroll to the breathtaking caldera that last erupted in 1992 or bathe in Pendulum Cove, warmed to bathwater temperatures by geothermal heat.

Amazing places in Oceania

NATURAL LANDMARKS

VOLCANOES AND GEOTHERMAL FIELDS

                                          

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• Benbow lava lakes, Marum lava lakes and Ambrym volcano acid rain - Vanuatu, Malampa, Ambrym island. In these closely located craters very often are observed nearly permanent, violently boiling lava lakes. Benbow crater is spectacular, very deep hole with vertical walls. Acid rain formed by the gases from craters has burned approximately 100 km² large plain in the jungle of Vanuatu. Here live specially adapted organisms - insects, orchids.
• Kīlauea - Hawaiian Islands, Hawai'i. One of the most active volcanoes of the world, contains one of the few lava lakes in the world.
• Orakei Korako - New Zealand, Waikato. Geothermal area with unique, colourful sinter terraces and geysers. Largest geyser field in New Zealand with some 35 active geysers. Lower terrace - Emerald Terrace - is the largest sinter terrace in New Zealand. Part of it is flooded by hydropower station, submerging some 200 hot springs and 70 geysers.
• Wai-O-Tapu - New Zealand, Bay of Plenty. One of the most beautiful geothermal areas worldwide. Besides Lady Knox geyser, mud pools, numerous hot springs and sinter terraces it contains highly unusual hot spring - Champagne Pool, constantly filled with carbon dioxide bubbles. Crater of this spring is 65 m across, depth - approximately 62 m. Along the rim of this spring are deposited bright orange arsenic and antimony salts. Champagne Pool contains several species of endemic microorganisms.

CLIFFS AND CANYONS

• Ball‘s Pyramid – Australia, near Lord Howe Island. Unusual remnant of volcano – 562 metres high and just 200 metres wide cliff rising directly from the sea. Tallest volcanic stack in the world. Up to recent time this was the only place in the world where the up to 15 cm long Lord Howe Island stick insect (Dryococelus australis Montrouzier) was living.
• Moeraki boulders - New Zealand, Otago. Large, spherical boulders on the beach. Diameter of these spheres reaches 2.2 m. There are similar spheres elsewhere in the world (also Koutu Point Boulders in Northland) but these are not that impressive and that exactly spherical.
• Uluru (Ayers Rock) – Australia, Northern Territory. One of Australian symbols, enormous and visually very impressive sandstone inselberg, 348 metres high and 9.4 km in circumference. Sacred place to local Aborigenes, contains many springs, waterholes, caves and rock art sites. Endemic plants.
• Wave Rock – Western Australia. Highly unusual cliff formation which resembles enormous petrified wave. Several more such formations in vicinity.

CAVES AND SINKHOLES

• Benua Cave and sinkhole - Papua New Guinea, Bougainville Autonomous Region. Giant cave at the bottom of impressive, 100 m deep jungle covered sinkhole. Cave consists of single chamber - but this chamber is one of the largest in the world, with volume 4.5 million m³, length 470 m, width 150 m and height 170 m. It would be easy to fly with helicopter inside this cave. Cave contains 18 m tall stalagmite.
• Kazumura Cave - Hawaiian Islands, Hawai'i. The longest lava tube in world, 65.5 km long and up to 1,102 m deep.
• Mamo Kananda Cave - Papua New Guinea, Southern Highlands Province. Giant cave with explored passages 55 km long, longest known in Papua New Guinea. Three largest cave chambers have a volume of 1 million m³. Enormous cavity called Space Oddity is located 525 m below the entrance.
• Minyé sinkhole and cave - Papua New Guinea, East New Britain Province. One of the largest and most impressive tiankengs (giant sinkholes) in world, located in exotic jungle and crossed by powerful underground river. Up to 510 metres deep, 350 metres across, volume - 26 million m³. It continues as a cave system. Explored length of cave passages is 5,421 m, maximum depth - 468 m. Contains one of the largest cave rooms in the world - Tuké room, 240 m long, 200 m wide and 130 m high.
• Naré sinkhole - Papua New Guinea, East New Britain Province. One of the most spectacular sinkholes in the world, also located in exotic jungle. Up to 310 metres deep, up to 150 metres across, volume - 4.7 million m³. Walls are overhanging, below flows a powerful river. At the top part of sinkhole, inside it often form clouds. Further cave reaches 415 m depth.
• Selminum Tem - Papua New Guinea, West Sepik Province. Giant cave system, total explored length is 20.5 km. Skeleton of Myocene Sirenia was found here, here live also endemic snails. Cave is very old, with deposits from two glacial periods in it. Contains engravings and other traces of human habitation.
• Waitomo Glowworm Cave - New Zealand, Waikato. The most accessible glowworm cave adorned with thousands of blue-green glowing Arachnocampa luminosa insects. Glowworms are met in numerous other New Zealand caves as well. In Waitomo area are located more than 300 caves, often with beautiful cave formations.

WATERFALLS

• Olo'upena Falls - Hawaiian Islands, Moloka'i. At 900 metres in height, this is an amazing perennial waterfall. Considered to be the fourth highest waterfall in the world.
• Sutherland Falls - New Zealand, Southland. Powerful, 580 m tall falls originating from Lake Quill.

ECOSYSTEMS

• Central Savai'i Rainforest - Samoa, mainly in Palauli. Forest with 72,699 ha area, the largest remaining rainforest in Polynesia. In this exotic forest are located more than 100 volcanic craters, some with recent lava fields. Amazing cloud forests constantly covered with fog. Numerous endemic species of plants (e.g. trees Abutilon whistleri, Metrosideros gregoryi, Syzygium christophersenii, Syzygium graeffei, Syzygium vaupelii, Psychotria bristolii, Reynoldsia pleiosperma, blueberry Vaccinium whitmeei and many others) and animals, new ones still are discovered. Magnificent scenery with tall waterfalls, cliffs.
• Christmas Island subtropical forest and red crabs - Australia, Christmas Island, all over the island. Forest of Christmas Island is unique in the world due to dominant species - some 50 - 100 million red crabs (Gecarcoidea natalis Pocock) - clearing the forest floor of leaves and other organic matter. These crabs are endemic to Christmas Island. Once per year they migrate to the sea to lay their eggs, on the way blocking the roads and paths. It is considered that their population increased due to the extinction of the endemic Maclear's rat (Rattus macleari) in 1903.
• The Daintree Rainforest – Australia, Queensland. Possibly the oldest rainforest in the world, growing 135 million years. Largest continuous rainforest in Australia, 1,200 square kilometres large, extremely high biodiversity. Contains unique, endemic primitive flowering plants.
• Ecosystem of Henderson Island - Pitcairn Islands, Henderson Island. The only forested atoll with intact ecosystem in the world. Endemic species - 9 species of plants and all 4 species of landbirds. Numerous invertebrates are endemic, although they are poorly researched. Island is unwalkable - covered with thicket and rugged limestone peaks.
• Jellyfish Lake (Ongeim'l Tketau) - Palau, Eil Malk in Rock Islands. Unique, marine lake, 5 ha in size, with an underground connection to the sea. Stratified in two layers which do not mix. Isolated from the sea for 12,000 years and contains a distinct population of two species of jellyfish - endemic Mastigias cf. papua etpisoni and another species of Aureliawhich also most likely is living only here. Millions of these jellyfishes make strict daily migration around the lake. Four more marine lakes with jellyfish in the nearby islands but Jellyfish Lake is the only one open to tourists. Number of jellyfish has reached up to 31 millions (January 2005), currently some 5 millions.
• Lord Howe Island – Australia, Lord Howe island. This remote, 56 square kilometres large island has its own ecoregion where half of plants and some birds and other animals are endemic. Unique characteristics is diverse glowing mushrooms in the forest, some bright enough to be used for reading in night. Endemic kentia palms are popular beautiful houseplants.
• Mount Bosavi crater - Papua New Guinea, Southern Highlands Province. Crater in extinct volcano, some 4 km wide and 1 km deep. In 2009 here were discovered 40 new, endemic species, including the 82 cm long Bosavi Wooly Rat.
• Norfolk Island subtropical rainforest - Norfolk Island. The last remnant (5 km²) of the unique Norfolk Island rainforest. Many unique endemic plants including the tallest tree fern of the world (Cyathea brownii, up to 20 m tall) and last natural stands of Norfolk pine (Araucaria heterophylla).
• Palm Valley – Australia, Northern Territory, near Alice Springs. Oasis in the middle of enormous desert, the only place in the central part of Australia where grow palms: the rare Livistona mariae as well as other rare plants. Ecosystem is fed by spring water. It is likely that palms were brought here by people some 15 - 30 thousand years ago.
• Waipoua Forest - New Zealand, Northland. The largest remaining New Zealand kauri forest.

• TREES

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• Banyan trees of Tanna - Vanuatu, Tafea, Tanna island. Many historical villages of Tanna island have giant banyan trees which are located in the centre of local culture - dancing place (nasara). Diameter of such trees reportedly reaches 50 m. Banyan of Yakel village has a house built on top - this house is used for circumcision of local boys. Kaluas is considered by locals to be the largest banyan tree in the world. Tree is extremely large, unfortunately no data about its size found.
• Centurion - Australia, Tasmania. Highest known mountain ash and eucalypt (Eucalyptus regnansF.Muell.) in the world, making this the second tallest tree species in the world. Height 99.8 m, diameter 4.05 m (girth 13.7 m), volume 268 m3. Has been at least 103 m tall but the top is broken.
• Rullah Longatyle (Strong Girl) - Australia, Tasmania. The largest eucalypt and largest Tasmanian blue gum (Eucalyptus globulusLabill.) in the world. Volume 368 m3. Height 82.3 m, diameter 5.54 m.
• Tāne Mahuta - New Zealand, Northland. A kauri tree (Agathis australis) with a girth 13.77 metres and a height of 51.2 metres.

OTHER NATURAL LANDMARKS

• Ediacara Fossil Site – South Australia. Find of fossils of global importance – contains unique fossils of extremely ancient soft-bodied animals who lived 630 – 542 million years ago. Geological period named after the site – Ediacaran Period.
• Fox Glacier and Franz Josef Glacier - New Zealand, West Coast. Unique glaciers whose descent is so steep that the ice ends up close to the rainforest.
• Magnetic termite mounds – Australia, Northern Territory, Lithcfield National Park. Unique landscape formed by multiple flat termite mound formations oriented in north-south direction in order to control the temperature inside the mounds.
• Mayang Spring - Papua New Guinea, East New Britain. Extremely powerful spring with a discharge of some 20,000 l/s. Source of Galowe River.
• Morning Glory of Carpentaria Gulf - Australia, Queensland and Northern Territory. Unique phenomenon, characteristic for region at the southern part of Carpentaria Gulf. Here in September - November early in the morning often form up to 1000 km long roll clouds, providing unique sight.
• Northern Malaita diamond pipes - Solomon Islands, Malaita. Unique find of rare rock compositions (alnoite, lharzburgite) - possibly the first known diamond pipes in oceanic crust in the world. Found garnets and microdiamonds and there are expectations that diamonds will be found here as well.
• Wolfe Creek crater – Australia, Western Australia. Visually expressive meteorite impact crater, 875 metres in diameter, 60 metres deep. Created some 300,000 years ago.

MAN MADE LANDMARKS

ANCIENT SHRINES

• Ahu Tongariki - Easter Island. The largest ahuwith unusual history - its moai possibly were toppled during the civil wars and swept inland by some 100 metres by a tidal wave in 1960. In 1955 - 1996 it was gradually restored and all 15 moai again face the sunset during the summer solstice. The largest standing moai of Easter Island is on Ahu Tongariki - it weighs 86 tons. One moai has also pukao on its head. This ahu is 220 m long.
• Ahu Vinapu - Easter Island, east from Hanga Roa. Group of impressive ahus. The most impressive part of one of ahus (Ahu Tahiri) is the base of it - it is made of enormous (average weight - 7 tons), perfectly fitted basalt slabs made in different way than other ahus on island. This belongs to one of impressive achievements of megalithic cultures worldwide and poses a puzzle to archaeologists who sometimes (if looking superficially) suppose that this ahu has been influenced by Inca architecture. Tahiri most likely had some 6 moais erected on top of it.
• Marae Taputapuatea – French Polynesia, Leeward Islands, Raiatea. A unique complex of marae, one of important sacred complexes of Polynesians. Established around 1000 AD and expanded significantly since then, used as a learning centre for priests and navigators. Includes multiple stone structures and sculptures. This unique archaeological monument is partly restored.
• Me'ae Iipona – French Polynesia, Marquesas, Hiva Oa. An impressive ceremonial site with the largest prehistoric stone statues (tiki) in French Polynesia, up to 2.6 m high. Restored in 1991.
• Nusa Roviana hillfort and shrines - Solomon Islands, Nusa Roviana island, Western Province. Impressive settlement complex - 600 m long hillfort with 3 m high, 2 m wide and 500 m long wall made of stone rubble. Settlement has 24 terraces for growing taro. Here are located 13 skull shrines filled with skulls of deceased chiefs. Many stones are adorned with beautiful carvings. Small terraced area in the highest place of island contains one of the most important shrines in Roviana - Tiola or dog shrine with a stone carving - dog's head. According to legends this statue is turning towards the direction where danger to Roviana is coming. Site was developed before the 19th century, dated finds from the 14th and 17th century. Fortress was destroyed in 1892.
• Peter-ihi ceremonial dancing ground and Norohure ceremonial dancing ground - Vanuatu, Vao at Malakula. Unique monument - megalithic ceremonial dancing ground with ancestral slit drums. Nearby - enormous banyan tree. At Norohure dancing ground are placed large stone sculptures - faces. There are more interesting megalithic monuments in Malakula and Vao islands.
• Vonavona Skull Island (Kindu, Kundu Hite) - Solomon Islands, Western Province. Impressive archaeological monument - tent shaped wooden shrine with decorated stone slab - door. This shrine sits on the top of corall mound and is filled with skulls of deceased chiefs. It is possible that in the front of other skulls is located the skull of feared head hunter - chief Higova (Ingova) who died in 1906. Around the shrine are broken shell rings - offerings.

OTHER MEGALITHIC MONUMENTS

• Badrulchau - Palau, Ngarchelong (Babeldoab Island). 52 (now 37) mysterious stone monoliths, six have rough faces hewn. Location of former bai - men's clubhouse, built as early as around 161 AD.
• Ha'amonga 'a Maui (Trilithon) – Tonga, Tongatapu. Amazing megalith – a trilithon of three limestone slabs, located in the second capital of Tonga (established around the 10th century AD). Each stone weighs some 20 tons and is some 6 m high. Built in the beginning of the 13th century, possibly as a royal gateway. Nearby is large upright stone slab – Maka Fa'akinanga – a legendary throne of the king.
• House of Taga latte stones – Northern Mariana Islands, Tinian. Currently the largest latte stones – megalithic construction (house foundation) of two stones, characteristic for Marianas. The only standing latte stone here is 4.6 m tall and was a part of the house of mythological chief Taga. Other latte stones have fallen.
• Nan Madol – Federated States of Micronesia, Pohnpei. Unique archaeological monument in this part of the world – ruins of prehistoric city. Consists of nearly 100 artificial islets with massive stone walls, with the largest stones weighing up to 50 tons. A capital of Saudeleur dynasty. The megalithic structures were built in the 12th – 13th century and inhabited until the early 14th century.
• Rai of Yap - Federated States of Micronesia, Yap Island. Limestone discs with a hole in the middle, diameter up to 3 metres, used as money over the last 500 years. In 1929 there were registered 13,281 stone discs all over the island, now many have been looted and some thousands remain. The largest "coins" are on Rumung Island – one "coin" here has a diameter of 3.6 m.
• Rano Raraku quarry - Easter Island. One of the visually most impressive megalithic monuments of the world. Rano Raraku served as a mine of moai, used around 1200 - 1700 AD. Here in the comparatively soft volcanic tuff were hewn moai sculptures for further transport to different parts of island. Numerous - 397 - sculptures are still located in situ, half-made or left on the way to their destinations. Very impressive are the semi-completed moai still standing in the vertical cliff face. Not less imposing are the moai dotting the slope and partly subsided in the ground. Rano Raraku serves as a great place to research the evolution of moai. Here is located the largest moai weighing 270 tons and 21.6 m tall, many times larger than any transported moai. Here nearby is located also Tukuturi - unusual sitting sculpture made of red stone from Puna Pau quarry.

PETROGLYPHS AND ROCK ART

• Awim Cave art - Papua New Guinea, East Sepik Province. Several caves here contain up to 60 m wide panels covered with numerous paintings, some contain up to 500 figures. Figures are colored with white clay, coal and red ochre. Often color has been sprinkled, leaving negative images of objects - hands, feet and casssowary feet, leaves. In many caves of Upper Karawaru river in this area have been found numerous cave paintings. Some of these caves contain beautifully carved, up to 400 years old wooden figures made by Ewa people.
• Hapupu dendroglyphs - Chatham Islands, north-east Rehoa. The richest find of the unique dendroglyphs left by the ancient Moriori people. In 1998 here were found 92 kopi trees (Corynocarpus laevigata) with ancient signs cut by Moriori people centuries ago. There are five groups of dendroglyphs on the islands, where 147 trees with carvings were found in 1998. These locations are - Te Waroa (8), Taia (21), Lake Kairae (16) and New Barker Bros Ltd Block (22). In 1950s there were known some 1,400 trees with dendroglyphs, in earlier times dendroglyphs were reported also on Pitt Island. It is possible that these markings are linked to the cult of dead or to burial rituals.
• Kalumburu Gwion Gwion – northern tip of Western Australia. Excellent samples of Gwion Gwion (Bradshaw) style – sophisticated silhouettes of humans and other beings, often mythical ones. At least 17,000 years old.
• Koonalda Cave – South Australia, Nullarbor Plain. A cave richly decorated with approximately 20,000 years old drawings over area of thousands of square meters. Part of the cave flooded as the sea level rised.
• Murujuga cliff art – Western Australia, Dampier archipelago. Over one million diverse petroglyphs, often showing also extinct animals such as the Tasmanian tiger (Thylacinus cynocephalus Harris). Largest collection of cliff art in Australia.
• Orongo petroglyphs - Easter Island. One of the most significant petroglyph sites worldwide with 1,274 valuable carvings documented. Large blocks of vulcanic tuff around Orongo village are adorned with beautiful carved reliefs which show mainly birdman.
• Ubirr (Obiri) – Northern Australia, Kakadu National Park. Some of the best galleries of Aboriginal X-ray style drawings, some are up to 40,000 years old. Three galleries are accessible to visitors.
• Yalo Cave and Apialo Cave - Vanuatu, Malampa, Malakula island. Caves of the spirits of deceased people who lived in this area. Yalo Cave (120 m long) contains some 750 rock paintings and engravings and Apialo Cave (smaller) - 1500 rock paintings and engravings. Many of these paintings are hand stencils, also drawings of faces. Initially - some 3,000 years ago - caves were inhabited. Many living traditions of local people are linked to these caves. Another important monument is stone of Navet'itiet located in another cave which also is adorned with engravings. According to the legends this stone is used by deceased ones to file off their noses.

OTHER ARCHAEOLOGICAL MONUMENTS

• Agaiambo Swamp - Papua New Guinea, Northern Province. Large swamp, last refuge of uncontacted pygmy people with very short legs, most likely extinct by now.
• Kuk Swamp - Papua New Guinea, Simbu Province. Papua New Guinea is one of the few locations in the world where developed indigenous agriculture. Kuk Swamp is good representative of this ancient local agriculture. It has been cultivated for 7 - 10 thousand years and up to this day there are well visible ancient ditches and drains.
• Omedokel Cave - Palau, Rock Islands. 2,300 - 1,400 years old burial site of the early inhabitants of islands and around 1000 years old burials of newer inhabitants. Older burials belong to extinct dwarf people, possibly weighing just 28 - 47 kg.
• Pulemelei Mound (Tia Seu Mound) – Samoa, Palauli. The largest man-made mound in Pacific. This pyramid shaped mound is made of stone, up to 12 m high, with 65 x 60 m long sides. Built around 1100 – 1400 AD.

ARCHITECTURE MONUMENTS

• Art Deco architecture in Napier - New Zealand, Hawke's Bay. The town at Hawke's Bay was destroyed by earthquake in 1931 and rebuilt in the architectonic style of the time. Thus Napier represents one of the best Art Deco architecture complexes worldwide.
• Sydney Opera House - Australia, New South Wales. One of the iconic buildings representing not only Australia but the 20th century architecture in general, built in 1973.
• Sydney Harbour Bridge - Australia, New South Wales. Renowned arch bridge, built in 1932, with 139 metres high arch.

Amazing places in South America

Machu Picchu, Peru

Nestled high in the mist-shrouded Andes Mountains, Machu Picchu is one of Peru’s most famous and iconic sites. Built sometime around the mid-15th century, this Incan citadel was abandoned after the invasion of Spanish conquistadors in the early 16th century. Its ruins were not rediscovered until American explorer Hiram Bingham stumbled upon it in 1911. Today, Machu Picchu can be accessed easily by train, though the more adventurous traveler can hike to this site via the Inca Trail. Traversing more than 50 miles from Cusco at altitudes of up to 14,000 feet, it isn’t a journey for the fainthearted, but the sight of the stunning Incan ruins at the end makes it more than worth it.

Iguazu Falls, Brazil/Argentina

Located on the border of Brazil and Argentina, the stunning Iguazu Falls are a series of 275 waterfalls – some as high as 260 feet tall – on the river of the same name. On both the Brazilian and Argentinian side, Iguazu Falls can be accessed by a series of catwalks, or visitors can get up close to the waterfalls on a boat trip. There are advantages to viewing the falls from both sides. Argentina has a larger section of the falls and a catwalk taking visitors directly over its most dramatic waterfall, the Devil’s Throat, but the Brazil side offers some absolutely breathtaking panoramic views.

Easter Island, Chile

You won’t find many destinations that are as far-flung as Easter Island. Located more than 2,000 miles off the coast of Chile, it’s one of the world’s most remote islands, but its beautiful landscape, mysterious statues and Polynesian culture are more than worth the trek. Easter Island’s best-known landmark is its Moai statues, of which there are almost 900 scattered across the island. There are many other things to see and do here, from the volcanic craters and beautiful sandy beaches to the Tapati Festival, a two-week-long celebration of local Rapa Nui culture that takes place each February.

Torres del Paine National Park, Chile

Chile’s Torres del Paine National Park is a truly stunning slice of southern Patagonia. Covering nearly 1,000 square miles, its most recognizable feature are the three dramatic granite peaks that give the park its name and cut a jagged path across the sky. Here visitors will also find a breathtaking landscape populated by dramatic waterfalls, pristine lakes and a verdant forest. At the beautiful Lake Grey, intrepid explorers can kayak among its glacier and icebergs. Meanwhile nature lovers visiting Torres del Paine National Park might be lucky enough to spot guanacos, pumas and Andean condors.

Galápagos Islands, Ecuador

As one of the planet’s most biodiverse locations, it’s not surprising that the Galápagos Islands – the very islands that, in part, inspired Charles Darwin’s theories on evolution after he studied its diverse wildlife in the early 19th century – is a top destination for nature lovers. Famous for its giant tortoises, the islands are also home to unusual species like the flightless cormorant, marine iguanas, and the large painted locust. Beyond its awe-inspiring wildlife, visitors will also find places of interest like the Lava Tunnels (a labyrinthine series of passages formed millions of years ago by molten lava) or the busy port of Puerto Ayora, the archipelago’s biggest town.

Atacama Desert, Chile

Encompassing more than 40,000 square miles in northern Chile (and parts of Peru, Bolivia and Argentina), the Atacama Desert is the driest region on the whole planet — there are even some particularly arid stretches where rainfall has never been recorded. Due to its sheer size, whittling down a list of must-see spots is hard, but the green waters of the Laguna Verde salt lake near the border with Argentina are truly stunning. Mano del Desierto – Chilean artist Mário Irarrázabal’s hand-shaped sculpture south of Antofagasta – is a perfect stop-off for lovers of quirky art. Also home to two major observatories thanks to the region’s high altitude and lack of cloud cover and light pollution, the Atacama Desert is a prime spot for stargazing, too.

Salar de Uyuni, Bolivia

Southwest Bolivia’s Salar de Uyuni, which at just over 4,000 square miles in size is the world’s largest salt flat, is one of South America’s most surreally beautiful landscapes. During the rainy season, a layer of water covers its surface and creates a mirror effect, making it hard to tell where the land ends and the sky begins. On the edges of the flats near the town of Uyuni lies a train cemetery, which is home to the rusting hulks of several antique trains formerly used to transport the region’s rich minerals. A trip out to the middle brings visitors to Isla Incahuasi, a rocky outpost and former island home to giant cacti and hiking trails.

Angel Falls, Venezuela

Located in Venezuela’s Guayana highlands in the western reaches of Canaima National Park, Angel Falls is the world’s highest waterfall and is a truly breathtaking sight to behold. Cascading a staggering 3,230 feet from the edges of the Auyantepuy mountain, it is almost 20 times higher than Niagara Falls. The awe-inspiring waterfall can be seen in comfort from a sightseeing flight tour or a boat trip up the Carrao and Churún rivers. However, more intrepid adventurers can opt to trek to Angel Falls via the surrounding rainforests and canyons; an arduous but rewarding hike.

Santuario de las Lajas, Colombia

Built into a canyon of the Guáitara River in remote southwestern Colombia, Santuario de las Lajas – unsurprisingly referred to as ‘a miracle of God in the abyss’ – is an architectural jewel of South America. Perched 328 feet above the river below, this beautiful Gothic Revival-style church was built between 1916 and 1949, though its inspiration goes back much further. According to legend, in 1754, local woman María Mueses and her daughter Rosa took shelter in the canyon during a terrible storm and witnessed an apparition of the Virgin Mary in the rock face. The church remains a popular pilgrimage destination today.

Fernando de Noronha, Brazil

This is an idyllic archipelago of 21 islands located 200 miles off the coast of Brazil. Adventurers who get the chance to visit Fernando de Noronha should consider themselves lucky. Since this space was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2001 thanks to its rich wildlife, only 420 tourists are allowed on the islands at any given time in an effort to preserve its natural wonders. Fernando de Noronha’s rugged, volcanic landscape is home to a contrast of scenery, wherein rugged mountains and tropical forest give way to pristine beaches with white sands and crystal-clear waters. Here, snorkelers and divers can see sharks, dolphins and sea turtles.

Perito Moreno Glacier, Argentina

Scoffing in the face of global warming, unlike many of the world’s glaciers the stunning Perito Moreno Glacier (located in Patagonian Argentina’s Los Glaciares National Park) is actually growing. The glacier stretches three miles in length and rises  200 feet above Lago Argentino. Visitors during spring and summer months (that’s November to early March for non-Southern hemisphere residents) can witness parts of the glacier breaking from the safety of adjacent observation decks. For a truly exhilarating experience, adventurous travelers can hike across Perito Moreno during its more stable winter months.

Caño Cristales, Colombia

The stunning Caño Cristales – a 62-mile-long tributary of Río Guayabero – is, thanks to its marine plant life, often nicknamed the ‘Liquid Rainbow’ or ‘River of Five Colors’. Home to the macarenia clavigera – a water plant endemic to Colombia’s remote Serranía de la Macarena region – the waters of Caño Cristales are a cacophony of color. This is especially true from June to November, when the plant turns from green to a bright reddish pink. Also home to a series of picturesque waterfalls and natural pools, visitors exploring Caño Cristales can take even take a dip in its vibrantly colored waters.

Amazing places in North America

                                                                                 

1.) Canyonlands National Park, USA - Utah’s Canyonlands National Park is an authentic playground of rivers, canyons, mesas, and arches. Whether you want to raft the Colorado River, bike the epic Island in the Sky, or explore the rugged expanse in a Jeep, Canyonlands is a true adventurer’s paradise.


2.) Sima de las Cotorras, Mexico - Deep in Chiapas, Mexico, there’s a 500ft.-wide sinkhole full of ancient cave paintings and wild parrots: Sima de las Cotorras. Standing at the edge is breathtaking enough, but you can actually rappel down the walls to see the massive cave on the sinkhole floor.


3.) Horseshoe Bend, USA - As one of the most famous stops along the Colorado River’s path through Arizona, Horseshoe Bend should come as no surprise to lovers of the Southwest. Though familiar, hiking the ridge to see the river 1,000 feet below is an amazing experience that just has to be done in person.


4.) Athabasca Glacier, Canada - How about a 3-mile-long glacier that you can visit in your car? That’s the Athabasca Glacier, located in the spectacular Columbia Icefield near Jasper in the Canadian Rockies. Visit soon, though, as this behemoth beauty has been receding at a rapid clip for the past century.


5.) Crowsnest Pass, Canada - Crowsnest Pass is one of the most beautiful stops along Canada’s Continental Divide. There are countless trails, rivers, lakes, and hills to explore, but the not-so-outdoorsy can also visit the area’s historic mines or simply grab a hot coco and enjoy the Northern Lights.


6.) Upper Antelope Canyon, USA - Ah...Upper Antelope Canyon, the toast of landscape photographers everywhere and, with the exception of the Wave, possibly the most unique rock formation in the US. Try to book a guided visit for the morning when the interplay of light and shadow is at its most majestic.


7.) Tamul Falls, Mexico - These spectacular turquoise falls are only a day’s drive from Texas. In the town of Tanchachín, you can raft up the canyon, passing by spectacular rock formations and the ancient ruins of Tamtoc, before arriving at one of the continent’s most beautifully blue waterfalls.


8.) Sandbanks Provincial Park, Canada - Set on the scenic coast of Lake Ontario, Sandbanks Provincial Park is like a little slice of Florida in Canada. There are sandy beaches, calm waters perfect for water-sports, and, as many travelers can attest, some of the most beautiful sunsets in North America.


9.) Cañon de la Angostura, Mexico - The only word that truly describes Cañon de la Angostura is “magical.” Suspended boardwalks take you deep into a canyon wonderland of giant waterfalls and crystal-blue waters dotted with occasional ladders leading to hidden caves. As we said, magical.


10.) Custer State Park, USA - Custer State Park has a natural bounty that rivals that of any national park in the West. Herds of bison and pronghorn antelope roam golden prairies and shady pine forests and the best part is that it’s close to many other iconic landmarks like Mt. Rushmore.


11.) Avalanche Lake, USA - After a 2-hour hike among the peaks and valleys of Montana’s Glacier National Park, lucky travelers will arrive at Avalanche Lake, an unbelievably clear lake nestled among snowy mountains and cascading waterfalls. Can you imagine a better place for a mid-summer swim?


12.) Johnston Canyon, USA - Near Banff, Alberta, you’ll find the Johnston Canyon trail, an easy hike which runs along the rock formations, emerald pools, and dazzling waterfalls of Johnston Creek. For a different perspective, try visiting in winter when the waterfalls freeze into surreal white sculptures.


13.) Trail Ridge Road, USA - Trail Ridge Road in Colorado’s Rocky Mountain National Park offers some of the most breathtaking views found anywhere. Whether you traverse the trails on foot or drive straight to the top, standing 11,000ft. above the glorious Rockies is an sight not to be missed!


14.) Banff National Park, Canada - The sheer variety of mountains, trails, and glacial lakes in Alberta’s Banff National Park could merit an article of their own. What can we say? It’s easily the most famous national park in Canada and simply one of the most awesomely beautiful places on Earth.


15.) Grutas de Cacahuamilpan, Mexico - Even seasoned travelers are surprised to learn that one of the world’s largest cave systems is in Guerrero, Mexico. You can venture a mile into the earth and discover stalactite-lined galleries hundreds of feet wide. Did we mention they often hold concerts inside?


16.) Grizzly & Wolf Discovery Center, USA - The Grizzly & Wolf Discovery Center near Yellowstone is a sanctuary for orphaned wildlife and, since the park is set up to mimic the surrounding wilderness, it offers one of the best chances to see North America’s large predators in a (nearly) natural setting.


17.) Mammoth Hot Springs, USA - After seeing the grizzlies, head over to Mammoth Hot Springs, one of the nation’s most otherworldly geothermal areas. With its boiling springs, ghostly-white terraces and technicolor pools, there are few places on Earth quite like Mammoth Hot Springs. 


18.) Mauna Kea Observatories, USA - Ok, ok...we admit this may be cheating, but Hawaii’s Mauna Kea Observatories are soooo spectacular we just had to add it! Located high above the clouds on a Hawaiian volcano, we challenge you to find a better sunset (or star-watching site) anywhere.


19.) Rio Pescados, Mexico - North America has plenty of rafting-ready canyons, but how about jungles? Well, Rio Pescados near Veracruz, Mexico offers just that. This eco-tourism hot spot has exhilarating rafting, ziplines, and hiking and, thanks to its climate, you can visit Rio Pescado year-round.


20.) Watkins Glen State Park, USA - New York’s Watkins Glen State Park proves you don’t need to head west for amazing natural settings. Try the Gorge Trail which heads past nearly 20 different waterfalls along with quiet pools and interesting rock formations.