7 Wonders of The Natural World

As we collectively celebrate Earth Day it's important to remember how incredible the planet Earth actually is, and why we focus so much on it's preservation. It's easy to get caught up in the human impact on the globe, or even the amazing feats of construction and technology people have accomplished. But today we must remind ourselves of the inexplicable beauty that mother nature has built over millennia. The 7 Wonders of the Natural World include geological features and natural phenomena spread all across the map. If you're making a travel bucket list, this is a great place to start.

Mount Everest (Nepal/China)

The world's highest mountain peak, with its summit reaching 8,848 meters (29,031 feet) above sea level. It straddles the border between Nepal and the Tibet Autonomous Region of China. If you're not planning to climb Everest it can be viewed from various places in Nepal, or from plane tours leaving from Kathmandu. 

Great Barrier Reef (Australia)

The world's largest coral reef system, located in the Coral Sea, off the coast of Queensland, Australia. It is made up of over 2,900 individual reefs and 900 islands stretching over 2,300 kilometers (1,400 miles). Explore it by boat or by air to experience its sheer size and incredible diversity of habitat for millions of species. 

Harbor of Rio de Janeiro (Brazil)

Noted for its breathtaking natural setting, including the dramatically shaped mountains of Sugar Loaf, Corcovado Peak, and the hills of Tijuca. This harbor is also famed for its giant statue of Christ the Redeemer atop Corcovado mountain, which is considered one of the 7 Wonders of The Modern World. 

Aurora Borealis (Arctic Areas)

Also known as the Northern Lights, this natural light display is prominent in high-latitude regions around the Arctic and Antarctic. It is a rare sight caused by disturbances in the magnetosphere caused by solar wind. Today there are numerous apps available that help predict the appearance of the auroras and where they might be. Stay up to date with the predictions, and when it happens, be ready to jump on a plane.

Grand Canyon (USA)

An immense gorge carved by the Colorado River in northern Arizona. It is 277 miles (446 km) long, up to 18 miles (29 km) wide and attains a depth of over a mile (6,093 meters or 20,000 feet). It can be seen from hundreds of vantage points throughout the state. Many travelers choose to camp on it's rim and enjoy the endless views. For the more adventurous set, a hike down to the canyon floor might feed your cravings to explore this pinnacle of the West. 

Parícutin Volcano (Mexico)

A cinder cone volcano in the Mexican state of Michoacán, close to a village of the same name. Unique because its formation was witnessed from start to finish; it erupted in 1943 and ceased activity in 1952. Most visitors to the dormant giant choose to hike or travel by horseback to the summit. But don't miss the Church of San Juan Parangaricutiro, which was buried by the lava flow, now a particularly eerie feature of the hike.

Victoria Falls (Zambia/Zimbabwe)

One of the largest and most famous waterfalls in the world, located on the Zambezi River at the border between Zambia and Zimbabwe. It measures 108 meters (354 ft) high and 1,708 meters (5,604 ft) wide. The best times to visit the falls is during the high water season following the region's summer rains, typically between February and May.

These natural wonders are celebrated for their unique and impressive landscapes, ecological significance, and the sheer scale of natural beauty, which are often a draw for tourists from all over the world. Each site also plays a crucial role in the ecological balance and biodiversity of their respective regions. Traveling to most of these locations requires a good amount of planning, but to witness one or multiple of these Natural Wonders is an unforgettable experience... and we hope motivates you to do your part in preserving this place we call home.