Top 10 Natural Wonders You Absolutely Must Visit

Once we can all travel freely again, the world will be our oyster! This list compiles some of the most unusual, challenging, and awe-inspiring natural wonders that any travel enthusiast should consider visiting.

Smoking Mountain

Monte Fitz Roy, towering 3375 meters above sea level in the Southern Patagonian Ice Field, was named in honor of Captain Robert Fitz Roy of the HMS Beagle. Known locally as Cerro Chaltén, or ‘smoking mountain,’ because its peak is often shrouded in clouds, many once believed it was a volcano. At sunrise, Fitz Roy blazes with the color of pink roses.

Yvon Chouinard, after summiting Fitz Roy in 1968, was so inspired that he used its shape for the Patagonia clothing brand’s logo. While challenging, climbing Fitz Roy offers an unforgettable adventure. Be warned, it’s one of the most difficult climbs in the world! ^[1]

Luminous Lagoon

Jamaica offers fantastic beaches, a vibrant culture, and exquisite cuisine. Add to that the Luminous Lagoon, a magical experience awaiting travelers at night. When the water is stirred, the lagoon glows with luminescent blue light, thanks to microscopic dinoflagellates.

Boat tours from Glistening Waters Marina let you witness this phenomenon. You can even swim in the glowing water, surrounded by the ethereal luminescence! ^[2]

The Troll of North-West Iceland

Sea stacks, dramatic geological formations sculpted by wave erosion, include iconic sights like Australia’s Ball’s Pyramid and Scotland’s Old Man of Hoy. Iceland’s Troll of North-West Iceland is another must-see.

This imposing sea stack, known formally as Hvítserkur, stands 50 meters offshore on the Vatnsnes peninsula. Some see it as a massive animal drinking, while others imagine a dinosaur. Legend says Hvítserkur was a troll from Strandir who tried to destroy the bells of a nearby convent but was turned to stone by the sunrise. ^[3]

The Needles

The Needles, three dramatic chalk stacks that cross the center of the Isle of Wight, offer a stunning view. Although access to the rocks is prohibited due to dangerous tides, they can be viewed from the headland.

Once four in number, the stacks were named for a fourth needle-shaped rock called ‘Lot’s Wife,’ which collapsed in 1764. The name remains, although the remaining rocks don’t resemble needles. The gap left by Lot’s Wife is still visible, like a missing tooth. ^[4]

Psychedelic Mine

Deep beneath Yekaterinburg, Russia, lies an abandoned salt mine adorned with psychedelic natural formations. Carnallite layers create yellow, white, red, and blue patterns along the walls, floors, and ceilings. Millions of years ago, a very salty sea dried up, leaving behind the carnallite.

Photographer Mikahil Mishainik captured the stripey formations 650 feet below the surface, describing the experience as disorienting and thirst-inducing. Access requires a special government permit, but the visual spectacle is worth the effort for those who aren’t claustrophobic. ^[5]

Highest Island Peak in the World

The Carstensz Pyramid, rising 16,024 feet above the Indonesian jungle, is the highest and most exotic island peak. Located in Western Papua, it is the most remote of the Seven Summits. John Carstensz, a Dutch explorer, first reported ice and snow near the top in 1623, which was doubted due to its proximity to the equator.

Climbing the Pyramid is a challenge savored by adventurers, requiring a trek through the tropical jungle. The best time to climb is between April and November. Austrian mountaineer Heinrich Harrer, author of Seven Years in Tibet, first conquered it in 1962. Access requires a government permit and must be arranged through adventure tourism agencies. ^[6]

Yellow Dragon Gully

In China, the Yellow Dragon Gully (Huanglong National Park) is a must-visit. This exquisite travertine landscape winds through forests and glaciers like a golden dragon. Starting at the Buddhist temple at the valley’s top and ending at the Guest Welcome Pond, the natural pools change color throughout the year, from yellow to green, blue, and brown. The valley became a World Heritage Site in 1992.

While exploring, you might see Sichuan golden snub-nosed monkeys or even giant pandas. A cable car operates during peak tourist seasons, and a wooden boardwalk provides access along the travertine. Remember to pack a thick jacket, as the average temperature is 7 degrees Celsius. ^[7]

Alien Landscape on Earth

Ethiopia’s Danakil Depression draws many visitors with its sulphurous hot springs, salt mountains, and acid pools. Salt miners still use camel caravans to extract salt slabs from the area around Lake Afar. The region is one of the hottest and lowest places on Earth, lying 400 feet below sea level.

The landscape resulted from the divergence of three tectonic plates, featuring volcanic activity, erosion, and inundation by the ocean. Its ‘alien’ environment has even been used in studies to determine if microbes could survive in such harsh conditions, leading to speculation about life on Mars. The sulphur springs of Dallol, discharging neon green and yellow liquid, are a major attraction. Sturdy footwear is highly recommended. ^[8]

Alofaaga Blowholes

At high tide, visit the Taga village in Samoa to see the Alofaaga Blowholes. Lava flows created underwater caves, which grew into tunnels connecting the ocean to the rock face above. When seawater breaks at the end of these tunnels, it rushes through at high speed, erupting through holes in the rock, creating waterspouts that reach 20 meters and more.

Locals often add to the spectacle by throwing a coconut into the hole, watching as the water propels it 100 feet into the air. ^[9]

Where the Cliffs Meet the Ocean

Hawaii, with its emerald green hues, sparkling seas, and beautiful culture, is a top destination for beach vacations. On the island of Kauai, you can visit the Na Pali Coast which offers breathtaking beaches, hiking trails, dramatic cliff faces, and archaeological sites.

Hike the Kalalau Trail, drive to Polihale Beach or Kee Beach for stunning coastal views, or explore the coast by kayak or boat, snorkeling along the way. A helicopter tour offers an aerial perspective of the major valleys along the Na Pali Coast. ^[10]

From luminous lagoons to towering mountains, these natural wonders promise unforgettable adventures. Each destination offers a unique experience, catering to different interests and levels of adventure. Start planning your next trip and witness the Earth’s most spectacular sights!