From deep forests, crystal-clear waters to breathtaking mountains,
and just unimaginable landscapes,
our planet never ceases to amaze.
Let’s embark on a journey to some of the most amazing natural wonders on earth.
NUMBER 17: Faroe Islands
Located in the Atlantic Ocean, about halfway between Scotland and Iceland, you will find
a group of 18 major islands, formally part of Denmark, the Faroe Islands.
The archipelago is unique because of its incredible steep mountains, spectacular cliffs, waterfalls,
and colonies of birds residing on its shores.
The Faroe Islands are heaven for nature lovers who enjoy hikes and incredible views.
NUMBER 16: Joshua Tree National Park
What at first glance seems like a landscape on a different planet,
perhaps that from a science fiction movie
is a unique desert located in California.
Formed on the intersection of Mojave and Colorado desert ecosystems, Joshua Tree National Park
is home to large yucca-type trees, called Joshua Trees.
Astonishing granite rock formations and the landscape believed to be formed about two
billion years ago, make Joshua Tree National Park a perfect for exploring,
camping, and even rock-climbing.
Situated away from big cities, stargazing at night is another popular activity
at this extraordinary park.
NUMBER 15: Pamukkale
Located in Turkey, Pamukkale were formed over hot springs.
The word Pamukkale means "cotton castle."
Hot water flowing downhill gradually deposited travertine sediments
and formed a one-of-a-kind natural thermal spa.
It is no surprise that an actual thermal spa was established here
in ancient times when the city of Hierapolis was built at the top of Pamukkale.
Some of the ruins of ancient temples and baths can still be found there today.
NUMBER 14: Raja Ampat Islands
Located on the Equator, and part of Indonesia,
the 1,500 small Raja Ampat Islands are considered divers’ paradise.
With around 75% of the world's species living in the waters of Raja Ampat
and one of the richest biodiversity ecosystems
it is no wonder why divers roam here from all over the world.
But the islands also offer breathtaking nature above water
with its abundance of exotic beaches,
cays, and hills with amazing views.
NUMBER 13: Algarve
Located in the South of Portugal, Algarve is considered the country's
most important tourist region.
Algarve is famous because of a perfect combination of mild climate,
stunning shoreline full of cliffs, caves, and hidden bays,
as well as charming fishing towns and great food and wine.
One of the most remarkable characteristics of Algarve are its numerous hidden coves
with sandy beaches placed amidst rugged limestone. cliffs.
NUMBER 12: Antelope Canyon
Arizona’s Antelope Canyon is one of the most impressive canyons in the world.
Sacred to the native Navajo people, demonstrating the Mother Nature’s powers and gifts,
these two imposing slot canyons were formed by water
making its way through the sandstone.
In the spring and summer, the sun shines through Upper Antelope Canyon’s narrow walls,
creating an extraordinary sight, lasting only a couple of moments.
NUMBER 11: Patagonia
Stretching over a large portion of the Southern part of South America,
divided between two countries, Argentina and Chile,
Patagonia offers astounding wild and untouched nature.
With the Andes Mountains dividing Patagonia into Chilean and Argentinean part,
each side is unique.
The Chilean side, next to the Pacific Ocean, is full of glaciers, fjords, and rainforests.
The side of Patagonia, located on the Atlantic Ocean in Argentina,
is mostly home to deserts and vast arid steppes.
One of the most prominent landscapes in Patagonia is Tierra del Fuego,
full of glaciers and extraordinary vistas.
NUMBER 10: Uyuni Salt Flat
The world’s largest salt flat, Salar de Uyuni in Bolivia,
was formed on what used to be a group of prehistoric lakes.
With a thick layer of salt lying on the surface,
this incredible area is actually one of the flattest surfaces on earth.
When it rains, the thin layer of dead calm water transforms Solar de Uyuni
into a large. natural mirror.
NUMBER 9: Geiranger Fjord
Norway is the land of magnificent fjords, and many of them are world-famous.
But the Geiranger Fjord is probably one of the. most remarkable ones.
Surrounded by lush green forests, and magnificent mountains,
as well as dramatic waterfalls, no wonder why the fjord
is a popular hiking destination.
Geiranger Fjord is part of the Geiranger National Park.
NUMBER 8: Amazon Rainforest
Also referred to as the Earth’s lungs, South America’s Amazon Rainforest
stretches over nine countries.
Amazon is the world’s largest tropical rainforest, known for its abundance of biodiversity,
with around 10% of all the world species living here.
While the Amazon river, the largest river by water discharge in the world,
covers most of the Amazon rainforest,
it actually spreads through thousands of other rivers.
The rivers, and jungle with entire areas where no human has ever set foot on,
the Amazon rainforest is a popular destination for explorers.
NUMBER 7: Yellowstone National Park
Located mostly in the US state of Wyoming,
while also stretching into neighboring Montana and Idaho,
Yellowstone National Park covers around 3,500 square miles
or around 9,000 square kilometers of land.
The world’s first national park,
known for its hot springs, gushing geysers, rivers flowing through vast landscapes,
mountains, and canyons, Yellowstone is home to an abundance of wildlife.
Bears, wolves, bison, elks, and antelopes are just some of the incredible inhabitants
of this spectacular setting.
NUMBER 6: Iguazu Falls
The largest waterfalls in the world, Iguazu Falls,
are located on the border of Brazil and Argentina
on the Iguazu River.
The waterfalls daze with almost two miles or three kilometers of cascades
comprising of hundreds of smaller waterfalls.
The most famous section of the falls is the iconic Devil’s Throat,
The word Iguazu derives from the native language
meaning "big water."
NUMBER 5: Uluru
Hidden in the heart of Central Australian desert,
280 miles or 450 kilometers away from the nearest town,
stands a massive monolith called Uluru, also known as Ayers Rock.
A sacred ground to native Aborigines, Ayers Rock is now closed for visitors,
who can only admire it from the ground.
The area around it is full of indigenous paintings
and features a surprising number of green areas and wildlife.
This 1,142 feet or 348 meters tall sandstone monolith
is believed to be 550 million years. old.
NUMBER 4: Namib Desert
Stretching around 1,200 miles or around 2,000 kilometers
along Namibia's Atlantic coast,
as well as over the parts of South Africa, and Angola,
the Namib desert is one of the largest deserts on earth.
The origins of the name from the native people of Nama,
actually describes what Namib stands for: "an area where there is nothing."
From some of the tallest dunes in the world,
spreading as far as the eye can see,
to incredible coast where the desert meets the sea,
Namib offers one of the world’s most beautiful, as well as the most isolated places on earth
with a surprising number of unique animals and plants.
NUMBER 3: Plitvice Lakes
Located in Croatia’s karst landscape,
Plitvice Lakes are a group of impressive cascading lakes
set in the serene green scenery.
The lakes were formed as a result of several karst rivers converging underground,
over time creating travertine barriers.
Plitvice Lakes feature 16 large cascades and over 90 waterfalls.
NUMBER 2: Guangxi
Located in China, on the border with Vietnam,
lies one of the most dramatic landscapes on earth.
The Guangxi region is famous for its karst mountains rising from the water,
an abundance of fascinating caves, and its history.
Home to remarkable wildlife and plants,
Guangxi was one of the country’s richest biodiversity areas
but has been under strong human influence for centuries,
and very few pristine terrestrial ecosystems still exist.
You can stop in the town of Guilin or elsewhere in this region
to admire breathtaking rice fields and mountains,
which you will also find on 20 Yuan banknotes.
NUMBER 1: Mount Kilimanjaro
At over 19,000 feet or almost 6,000 meters,
Mount Kilimanjaro is the highest single free-standing mountain on earth,
located in Tanzania, and. overlooking Kenya.
Its three volcanic cones, shrinking glaciers, and specific terrain configuration
make Kilimanjaro a very desirable climbing destination,
as well as subject to scientific exploration.
You can admire the mountain from below from many national parks
both in Tanzania and Kenya,
such as Kilimanjaro National Park or Amboseli National Park
known for its large elephant herds
and views towards the impressive Mount Kilimanjaro.