Natural wonders of the world to put on your bucket list

A remote fiord within Fiordland National Park that was formed by glaciers from the Ice Age, this remarkable jewel is surrounded by lush New Zealand rainforests, steep cliffs, and cascading waterfalls. It’s the only fiord accessible by road in New Zealand, but the best way to experience it is by boat. Take a scenic flight from Queenstown for breathtaking aerial views of the snow-capped mountains, then take a cruise to observe the black coral and sea life. The best time to visit is after heavy rain, typically in December or January, when the waterfalls are more intense. Need another reason to visit? Check out these breathtaking photos of New Zealand.

While most travellers head south of the border for the beautiful luxury resorts and sparkling blue waters, you’ll also want to venture out for a day trip to see this stunning natural wonder near Cancún. Located about 15 minutes from the colonial city of Valladolid, Yucatán, the underground cave has a stone walkway where a natural light beam shines through a small hole – and creates the perfect photo op. There are bathrooms and changing facilities at the park, and the site has a small entrance fee of about $6.

Jabal AlFil Elephant Rock is one of AlUla’s most recognizable natural sites: Wind and water erosion over millions of years created this massive elephant-shaped rock in the middle of the desert. It’s best to view this amazing rock formation during sunset, but dress warmly for cold desert evenings. And, in general, both men and women are encouraged to dress modestly and avoid tight-fitting clothes.

There are many places to view the northern lights (also known as the aurora borealis), and Reykjavík is certainly one of them. Colourful streaks of light create striking rainbows in the dark sky, creating a photographer’s dream shot. The months of September and April are prime time for catching the dancing light show, but unfortunately, there isn’t one location that offers optimal sightings. It also depends on the weather conditions, so it’s best to leave it up to the local tour guides to show you the best locations.

Wyoming is home to many iconic natural wonders of the world, including Grand Teton National Park and Devils Tower National Monument, but it also has the world’s third-largest hot spring. The remarkable Grand Prismatic in Yellowstone National Park is the single largest hot spring in the park – it’s larger than a football field, so it’s hard to miss! A feast for the eyes, the rainbow-coloured hot spring has a deep blue centre and orange spider legs radiating outward. Avoid the crowds by climbing up the new trail to an overlook on the nearby hillside; the 965m hike is worth the view.

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Source: RD.com