The Earth offers spectacular natural wonders that only a small percentage of people will ever see in their lifetime. A global popularity poll announced seven provisional winners that outrank other splendid sights. These 7 natural wonders of the world include the Northern Lights, the Grand Canyon, Paricutin, Mount Everest, Harbor of Rio de Janeiro, Victoria Falls, and the Great Barrier Reef.
Many of these naturally-formed displays require an aerial view to capture the vastness of each phenomenon. Avid explorers, daredevils, backpackers, expatriates, and tourists place these 7 natural wonders on their bucket lists.
1. The Northern Lights: Aurora Borealis
The Northern Lights have become a sensation for tourists traveling in the Northern Hemisphere. The Northern Lights are auroras, or naturally occurring phenomena that consist of mystifying displays of light in the sky. The northern lights dance across the sky and emanate a diffused glow along the northern horizon.
The intensity of northern lights increases as you head north towards the magnetic pole in the Arctic. Unfortunately, the northern lights appear only randomly, making it a challenge for travelers to see while on a short trip. They are more often experienced by locals who live in these northern regions. Some of the most popular places to see northern lights are in Canada’s far north, Alaska, Iceland, Norway, Sweden, and Finland.
The probability of seeing Northern Lights increases during the winter months. They occur throughout the year but the dark skies in winter make them easier to see.
2. The Grand Canyon
You only need to stand on the rim of the Grand Canyon once to know why it’s one of the 7 natural wonders of the natural world. The Grand Canyon’s massive and colorful landscape provides breathtaking views that can’t be found anywhere else in the world.
Most visitors head to the South Rim of the Grand Canyon and spend a full day admiring the views from the overlooks that stretch along the top of the canyon. If you are in good shape and want to have a more immersive experience, head down into the canyon on one of the numerous hiking trails. For something a little less strenuous, take a helicopter tour of the Grand Canyon for an unforgettable lifetime experience.
If you are interested in the formation and geology of the canyon, stop in at the Geological Museum to learn about what you are seeing. From Lipan Point along Desert View Drive, you can get a great view of the rock layers in the canyon wall.
The Grand Canyon is located in Arizona, USA. The closest major cities are Las Vegas and Phoenix.
3. Paricutin
Even avid travelers may not know about Paricutin, mainly because this natural wonder resides in Michoacán, Mexico. This cinder cone volcano was named one of the 7 natural wonders of the world, even over famous volcanoes, such as Yellowstone.
Paricutin last erupted in 1952. It was coined one of the natural wonders of the world because mankind witnessed its birth and rapidly growing formation. You can venture on a twelve-mile round-trip to the peak of the volcano, either by hiking or horseback. Hikers will walk through sandy banks and lava fields surrounding the volcano.
You can explore Paricutin at any time of the year. Plan on spending a night or two.
4. Victoria Falls
Victoria Falls is located in Africa along the borders of Zambia and Zimbabwe. This spectacular waterfall runs off from the Zambezi River.
Visitors can access the falls from Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe and Livingston in Zambia. Cross the border to gain different perspectives of this magnificent natural wonder. The best views are from Zimbabwe, but you can get a closer experience from Zambia. Helicopter tours and microlight tours are another great way to see the falls.
The rainy season runs from late November through early April. A good time to visit is immediately after this, when the volume of water coming over the falls is still immense, but the weather is pleasant.
5. Mount Everest
Mount Everest has an approximate elevation of 29,029 feet. Mountaineers consider this mountain the highest spot on Earth; however, it is not the tallest mountain in the world, a title that belongs to Mauna Kea in Hawaii. Everest lies within the Himalayan mountain range on the border of Nepal and Tibet, China.
If you don’t want to climb Mt. Everest, you still have options. Visitors can schedule a flight around the mountain for an awe-inspiring aerial view. Adventurous trekkers can hike to base camp to fully experience Mount Everest’s landscape. Alternatively, you can capture a distant view of the peak from the comfort of a lodge at a hill station in Nepal.
6. Great Barrier Reef
As the world’s largest coral reef, the Great Barrier Reef includes over nine hundred islands, roughly three thousand separate reefs, and sustains a diverse ecosystem. Boat trips offer visitors a chance to see the reef up close. Snorkeling or dive trips can be arranged and provide opportunities to see colorful fish, coral, and marine life. Tours can be day trips or multi-day excursions.
7. Harbor of Rio de Janeiro
The Harbor of Rio de Janeiro is surrounded by granite mountains and pinnacles, including Sugar Loaf Mountain, Corcovada Peak, and the Tijuca hills. It was created by erosion caused by the Atlantic Ocean. Tourists can explore the Harbor of Rio de Janeiro on a helicopter flight to capture a breathtaking aerial view.
The traditional way of seeing this natural wonder is to travel to the uppermost region surrounding the granite peaks that overlook the harbor. This will provide spectacular views of the beautiful beaches that lie inside the harbor.
