When it comes to breathtaking travel destinations, there are a lot of them that can inspire awe, wonder, and waves of inspiration. Whether you’re looking for a tropical paradise or a natural wonderland, here are the world’s most breathtaking places that deserve a place on your bucket list.
From an ancient citadel of stones to a floating village, these incredible locales are sure to take your breath away.
Machu PicchuÂ
The 15th-century ruins of Machu Picchu are one of the most breathtaking travel destinations in the world. Located high above the Urubamba River in the Andes mountains in Peru, this mysterious UNESCO World Heritage Site was built as the secret estate of the Inca emperor Pachacuti Inka Yupanqui.
The ancient Inca citadel is an architectural masterpiece that combines stonework, art, and architecture and is a testament to the Inka Empire’s advanced civilization. Its design reflects its natural surroundings, as the agricultural terraces mimic the shapes of the surrounding mountain peaks, and its structures are aligned with astronomical events, such as solstices and equinoxes.
It is also a testament to the Incas’ deep connection with nature, which they believed was sacred. Their ancestors nurtured and domesticated a variety of wild plant species, and they used natural resources to build their towns and cities. Today, a visit to Machu Picchu is a chance to explore the landscape and learn about its rich history. Check out the Thomas Cook Discount Code for potential discounts and savings when planning your visit to Machu Picchu and immersing yourself in its historical and natural wonders.
Atacama Desert
The dazzling terrain of the Atacama Desert is so otherworldly, that it has been used as the set for Mars scenes in movies. The area also has some of the clearest skies on Earth, making it a top choice for stargazers.
The Atacama Desert is home to several volcanoes, salt flats, and a host of other natural wonders. Taking in the vistas here is awe-inspiring, especially at dawn when the colors of the landscape are most striking.
There are several oases to visit, including the awe-inspiring Rainbow Valley (Valley of the Colors), where sedimentary, volcanic, and plutonic rocks combine in technicolor chaos. The salt flats of the Uyuni are a highlight, as are the incredible El Tatio geysers where more than 70 geysers explode in steamy eruptions.
The Atacama Desert is also home to welcoming ancestral cultures who keep their customs alive amid extreme scenery. For a deeper look at the region, head to San Pedro de Atacama where you can explore salt flats, lagoons, and astronomical observatories. You can also visit the Atacama Train Cemetery, a collection of historic trains abandoned in the high-altitude desert. This is an area that has a story to tell, having been the site of fierce battles between Chile and Bolivia in 1879. The indigenous people of the Atacama Desert call the region Pata Hoiri (Mother Earth) and acknowledge the volcanoes, mountains, and desert as their protectors.
Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve
The pristine and biodiverse Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve is one of the most breathtaking travel destinations in Central America. This heavenly destination is home to over 400 bird species, 120 mammal species, and more than 3,000 different types of plants. This stunning forest also offers visitors a wide range of activities, such as bird-watching expeditions, zip-line tours, and hanging bridge walks.
During your time in this verdant jungle, you’ll have an opportunity to spot some of Costa Rica’s most famous wildlife species. For example, you’ll find the renowned Resplendent Quetzal—one of the most beautiful birds in the world. You’ll also have the chance to see various mammals, such as agoutis and two-toed sloths. You can also catch sight of nocturnal animals like Spectacled Owls and basilisks during night tours.
For the best experience, you should book a guided tour through the reserve’s visitor center. This will allow you to customize your tour based on your interests. The guide will be able to point out wildlife that you might otherwise miss and provide you with the most up-to-date information about the reserve’s ecosystem. You can also find educational exhibits at the visitor center, which will give you a greater understanding of this unique rainforest. Consider checking out the Travel Promo Code for potential discounts and savings when planning your guided tour of the reserve and enhancing your exploration of its diverse ecosystem.
Timbavati Game Reserve
A well-known safari destination for local and global wildlife enthusiasts, Timbavati Game Reserve is home to the famous Big Five (lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhinoceros), as well as other African fauna and over 360 bird species. Several safari lodges offer accommodation options on the reserve, ranging from luxurious to simple bush camps.
The reserve was founded in the early 1950s when a group of like-minded landowners realized that inappropriate land use could lead to habitat degradation and loss of wildlife for future generations. They formed the Timbavati Association in 1956, a non-profit body with a common constitution dedicated to preserving the area’s natural integrity.
Over the years, the Timbavati’s success has been attributed to its community outreach programs and sustainable populations of endangered species such as black rhinoceros and southern ground hornbills. It also supports a thriving tourism economy in the region, promoting employment within and around Timbavati Game Reserve.
The most popular time to visit is during the dry May to September winter months when animals congregate at water sources and the scenery is less harsh. The rainy season begins in October and typically lasts until March when the reserve turns into a lush green paradise.
Sahara Desert
The Sahara is the third-largest desert in the world, and it covers a swath of Northern Africa. It features shallow, seasonally inundated basins (chotts and dayas); large oasis depressions; rock-strewn plateaus (hammadas); sand sheets, dunes, and sand seas (ergs); and abrupt mountains.
Despite the arid environment, the Sahara is home to a variety of animals and plants. Its mountain ranges support Barbary sheep, leopards, and addax antelope, while the sand gazelles have splayed hooves for traveling across its dunes. Animals that inhabit the desert floor include hyenas, jackals, and the fennec fox, which has ears to dissipate heat and hairy soles to minimize moisture loss.
The Sahara is also home to 20 lakes, though none are potable, according to the BBC. These lakes rest in underground basins and are fed by aquifers, or groundwater systems that discharge water onto the desert floor in depressions called oases. Plants here have adapted to the arid conditions by having roots that reach deep underground for buried water and leaves shaped to minimize moisture loss, and the dunes of the Tenere Desert can sometimes be covered with olive trees. The Sahara also contains many archaeological treasures, including prehistoric rock carvings and fossilized tree trunks.
Old Bagan
In the ancient city of Bagan, it feels like time stopped. Today, a vast landscape of spires — 2,200 temples and pagodas — rises from the plain near the shores of the Irrawaddy River in central Burma (formerly known as Myanmar). The 12th and 13th-century religious monuments were built by kings of the Pagan Empire at the height of its glory. They have outlasted pillaging armies and natural disasters, including a massive earthquake in 1975 that damaged many structures.
Among the most notable are Shwesandaw Pagoda, built by King Anawrahta in the 11th century and considered to hold hairs of Buddha; and the much-restored Kuthodaw Paya, which features stunning murals of Buddha in different positions.
The best time to visit Bagan is during the dry season from November to April when the weather is cooler and there are fewer visitors. The city can get crowded during peak periods, so it’s recommended to stay in a hotel outside of the historic city center and explore on foot or by bike. Bring a longyi, a traditional wrap skirt that covers the shoulders and knees, and keep your shoes off inside the temples. Also, consider buying a small pack of postcards to send to family and friends so that they can share the experience of visiting this magical place.
Grand Canyon
The Grand Canyon, a vast, snaking chasm that is the most iconic feature of this national park, is one of the Earth’s greatest ongoing geological spectacles. Its dramatic snaking walls reveal a history of horizontally layered rock that tells a story of how the Colorado Plateau formed, and it’s an amazing example of erosion, which cuts through rock layers and shapes them into canyons.
The canyon is also home to unique ecosystems, ranging from desert oases to cold mountain streams. These diverse habitats create niches for an array of wildlife species, including the elusive mountain lion and active squirrels. The canyon is also home to a variety of big game, such as mule deer and elk.
Thousands of visitors come to the park to see its breathtaking landscapes, and it’s easy to see why. It’s a mecca for outdoor recreation, with hiking and other activities that cater to a wide range of fitness levels. There are also many hotels and lodges in the area, so you can stay a while to enjoy all that Grand Canyon has to offer. But the national park isn’t just a playground for adventurers and nature lovers; it also serves as an important cultural site, a place where Native Americans have long celebrated their heritage.
Conclusion
There are countless breathtaking places to visit around the world. From the majestic mountains of Patagonia to the stunning beaches of Bali, there is something for every type of traveler. Whether you prefer adventure, relaxation, or cultural immersion, exploring new destinations can be an incredibly rewarding experience. So, pack your bags and set out on an unforgettable journey of a lifetime!
