StartUpsThe United States has many awe-inspiring natural wonders, from the Grand Canyon to Yosemite’s redwood forests and countless mountain vistas. But it also offers awe-inspiring man-made marvels, like the Statue of Liberty and Mount Rushmore.
It’s hard to top Amsterdam, with its quaint canals lined with 18th-century gabled buildings. But this residential bay near Sydney also makes the cut thanks to a ship that’s now an aquarium.
Machu Picchu
Known as the Lost City of the Incas, Machu Picchu is the best-known of Peru’s ancient ruins. Located northwest of Cuzco, the citadel is believed to have been a royal estate or sacred religious site for Inca leaders whose civilization was virtually destroyed by Spanish invaders in the 16th century.
The ruins are a striking example of how the Incas used rock as a living material and shaped their architecture to complement its natural setting. For example, the Sacred Rock’s profile mimics one of the nearby mountain peaks, and structures were designed with window and door openings that framed the surrounding landscape.
The sanctuary also contains lush, exotic biodiversity. Depending on the season, visitors might spot wild animals like Andean foxes, pumas, vizcachas, or spectacled bears.
The Great Barrier Reef
The Great Barrier Reef, located near Australia’s eastern coast in the Coral Sea, is a natural wonder that’s so large it can even be seen from outer space. The largest living structure made entirely of coral, the reef is home to exotic marine life and an array of secluded beaches that offer breathtaking views over this spectacular underwater world.
UNESCO designated the Great Barrier Reef a World Heritage Site in 1981, and it offers visitors an incredible opportunity to experience this extraordinary natural wonder. Guests can spend their days snorkelling and diving among the reef’s stunning coral formations, visiting secluded tropical islands, and exploring its lush rainforest interior.
The Whitsundays is the perfect place to stay if you’re seeking luxury on your Great Barrier Reef getaway. The secluded resort of qualia is pure barefoot luxury, while Hamilton Island offers a range of hotel options including the beachfront Heron Island where you can sleep in a stand-alone Beach House with no television or mobile phone reception.
The Galapagos Islands
A veritable living laboratory for scientists, this archipelago off the coast of Ecuador is a treasure trove of unique plants and animals that cannot be found anywhere else. It was here that Charles Darwin developed his theory of evolution and the Islands remain a priceless living museum of natural beauty today.
A natural wonder in the truest sense of the word, this breathtaking valley of glacial origin is a UNESCO World Heritage Site ringed with craggy mountain walls and adorned with waterfalls, fjords, and rainforest. The three-tiered Gavarnie Falls drop down a staggeringly picture-perfect gorge.
A gastronomic adventure awaits in this ancient city of stone, whose temples, colonnades, tombs, and baths are masterfully carved into the cliffsides. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is a must-see for history buffs and foodies alike.
The Amalfi Coast
The Amalfi Coast is a swath of spectacular scenery along southern Italy’s Sorrentine Peninsula that has captured the hearts and minds of millions of visitors each year. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is known for its otherworldly panoramas and picturesque towns.
Among the most famous are Positano, Ravello, and Amalfi Town, where whitewashed houses cling to cliffsides and seaside villas overlook crystalline waters. The coast’s significance dates back to the medieval era, when it served as one of Italy’s most powerful maritime republics.
The best time to visit the Amalfi Coast is spring and fall, when crowds are fewer and temperatures are mild. Summer is a bit more hectic, as domestic and international travelers descend on the tiny towns, often packing them so tightly that the narrow streets are impossible to navigate. Beaches also feature pebbles rather than sand, which can be difficult to walk on.
