The World’s Great Natural Wonders
Thundering waterfalls, a salt flat that mirrors the sky, granite towers and a bay of limestone islands.
Iguazú Falls, Argentina & Brazil
Iguazú is not one waterfall but a crescent of hundreds of cascades spread through subtropical rainforest, with rainbows hanging in the spray and toucans overhead. Catwalks on the Argentine side lead to the edge of the Devil’s Throat, where the Iguazú River drops into a roaring chasm. Stay near the falls in Puerto Iguazú and pair it with Buenos Aires or Rio. See South America Tour Specialists.
Victoria Falls, Zambia & Zimbabwe
Known locally as Mosi-oa-Tunya, “the smoke that thunders”, Victoria Falls is one of the largest curtains of falling water on Earth. Walk the rainforest paths on the Zimbabwe side, take a sunset cruise on the Zambezi, and combine it with a Chobe safari in Botswana. See Victoria Falls hotels and African Safari Specialist.
Salar de Uyuni, Bolivia
At over 10,000 square kilometers, the world’s largest salt flat sits high on the Bolivian Altiplano. Multi-day 4x4 tours continue past flamingo-filled lagoons, geysers and colored mountains toward the Chilean border. Altitude is serious here, so plan time to acclimatize. See Uyuni stays and Plan It South America.
Patagonia: Torres del Paine and the Glaciers
At the southern end of the Andes, Chile’s Torres del Paine National Park is famous for its granite towers, turquoise lakes and the multi-day W and O treks. Across the border in Argentina, El Calafate is the base for the Perito Moreno Glacier. The season runs roughly October to April, and the wind is legendary year-round. See Torres del Paine and El Calafate stays.
Ha Long Bay, Vietnam
Some 1,600 limestone islands and islets rise from the Gulf of Tonkin. The best way to see them is an overnight cruise on a traditional-style junk, kayaking into hidden lagoons and caves. Spring and autumn are the most pleasant seasons. See Ha Long Bay stays and Plan It Asia.
Closer to Home: The Grand Canyon
For North Americans, one of the world’s greatest natural wonders is a road trip away. Watch sunrise from the South Rim, hike below the rim, or raft the Colorado River through the canyon on a multi-day trip that is booked a year or more ahead. See Grand Canyon lodging and USA Tour Specialist.
Natural Wonders FAQ
Should I see Iguazú Falls from Argentina or Brazil?
Both if you can. The Argentine side has more trails and puts you right beside the falls, including the Devil’s Throat; the Brazilian side gives the best panoramic view. Allow two days.
When is Victoria Falls most impressive?
The water peaks after the rains, roughly March to May, when spray can hide the view. Later in the dry season the flow drops, especially on the Zambian side, but views and activities improve.
When does the Salar de Uyuni become a mirror?
After rain in the wet season, roughly January to March or April, a thin layer of water turns the salt flat into a giant mirror. In the dry months it becomes a bright white expanse of hexagonal salt tiles.
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