The Seven Natural Wonders of the World

Seven Natural Wonders of the World

The Seven Natural Wonders of the World are located in stunning places around the globe from the United States to Africa, to South America and Australia. These seven astounding examples of geography, ecology and geology are packed with history and are always a fantastic vacation destination

The Grand Canyon

The Grand Canyon in Arizona is 277 miles long and over a mile deep. With more than 5 million visitors each year, the Grand Canyon is one of the most-visited Wonders. Two exciting ways to see the canyon are by helicopter and by taking a mule ride.

The Great Barrier Reef

The Great Barrier Reef is the largest coral reef system on Earth and is made up of over 2,900 separate reefs. The Reef is spread over 900 islands and 133,000 square miles and is visible from space. Boating tours and snorkeling are available off the coast of Queensland, Australia, and there are resorts all along the reef.

The Harbor at Rio de Janeiro

The Harbor of Rio de Janeiro is the largest bay in the world, and the surrounding slopes form unusual mountains and rock formations. Molded over the centuries by erosion from the Atlantic Ocean, the harbor is enclosed by granite mountains. Good ways to enjoy the harbor views include visiting the sandy beach, hiking to the mountain tops, hang-gliding or skiing.

Mount Everest

Mount Everest is the highest point on the planet, reaching over 29,000 feet above the Himalayan Mountains in Nepal and Tibet. If you want to climb the mountain, you need to be in top physical condition and purchase a climbing permit for $25,000, as of 2010. But if you are on vacation and just want to see the mountain, you can take a guided hike to the base or a flight around the mountain.

Aurora Borealis(Northern Lights)

Commonly referred to as the Northern Lights, the Aurora Borealis is a chemical reaction in the solar system that creates dancing sheets of lights that emanate from the North Pole. The Northern Lights are best seen from locations in the northern hemisphere. Remote places in Canada have some of the best views. The light show typically occurs during March and April and again in September and October.

Paricutin Volcano

Paricutin is the youngest volcano in the world, the birth of which was actually witnessed by humans. The last eruption here was in 1952 and Paricutin, about 10,000 feet high, is still classified as active. Situated outside the village of Angahuan about 200 miles west of Mexico City, this volcano is best experienced by hiking, camping or horseback riding along the six-mile journey to the top.

Victoria Falls

Victoria Falls is the largest waterfall on the planet, standing at 306 feet high and about one mile wide. Located in two National Parks in Zambia and Zimbabwe, Victoria Falls was named by the Scottish explorer who discovered it, David Livingstone. Helicopter tours and tours by microlite--a small, motorized aircraft-- are available for breathtaking aerial views of this African wonder.