11 destinations that show off Mother Nature’s best work

Apr 22 2019, 11:56 pm

This Earth Day is all about the precious planet we live on.

Each and every destination across the globe has something unique to offer, and it is our responsibility to respect all that Mother Nature has given us.

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One of the most beautiful things about travelling is meeting the proud locals who want to share their country with others. We can learn something from each and every country, and every destination is home to natural wonders that are sure to take our breath away.

As today, April 22, is Earth Day, there is no better time to shine a spotlight on 11 of the most coveted destinations for landscape lovers across the globe.

Peru

 

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One of the most unique things about Peru is as you travel through the country, the landscapes change so drastically that at times you’ll feel like you’re on a different planet. The steep change in altitude as you traverse through the country means that you will go from the coast, to lush jungles, to barren landscapes that allow for very little vegetation or wildlife outside of, you guessed it, the llama family. Road tripping through Peru is certainly a treat for the eyes and the Insta feed. Here are nine bucket list experiences that you can’t miss on your trip.

Barbados

 

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Mother Nature has conjured up some truly stunning sceneries across the globe, but for beach lovers, few places are as aesthetically pleasing as the Caribbean paradise of Barbados. With pristine aqua blue waters and white sand that stretch as far as the eye can see, this small island truly is the ultimate spot for your dream vacation.

Costa Rica

 

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With lush rainforests, serene beaches, volcanic backdrops, and rushing waterfalls, it’s no wonder Costa Rica is one of the top destinations in the world for nature lovers. Travellers are flocking to take in the views, say namaste, and explore the rugged untouched land. It’s also one of the best places to see a sloth in the world, and we all know everyone loves sloths.

South Africa

 

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What is there to do in South Africa, you ask? Safari (Kruger Park is amazing). Road trip along the Garden Route. Shark diving in Gansbaai. Cheetah walks in Plettenberg Bay. Epic hiking up Lion’s Head, scaling one of the New Seven Wonders of Nature at Table Mountain or paragliding off Signal Hill in Cape Town. Partying on Long Street is an adventure in itself. South Africa is teeming with adventure, and any YOLO-minded traveller needs to get there ASAP.

Galápagos Islands

 

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The Galapagos is the wild wild west of wildlife. The UNESCO World Cultural and Natural Heritage site is home to an extensive abundance of species including giant tortoises, blue-footed boobies, fur seals, marine iguanas, and of course, the famous birds known as Darwin’s finches. Visiting this destination is like peering into evolution itself.

The Philippines

 

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You’re going to want to get to the Philippines real quick, because these pristine beaches aren’t going to stay pristine as they are stampeded by tourists (as the island of Boracay is already experiencing). Head to the tropical paradise of Palawan and hit up El Nido and Coron for stunning island tours, beach vibes, rickety scooters for rent, and a rural countryside to explore.

Mongolia

 

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Mongolia feels unexplored and serene, meaning you will really get a chance to live “in the wild” and be at one with nature. If that sounds cheesy, it’s because you’ve never experienced it. Whether you’re exploring on the back of a camel or a horse, the spectacular landscapes of the Gobi desert will take you past sand dunes, colourful cliffs, water springs, herds of wild animals, and nomadic people.

Canada

 

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Let’s not forget our own backyard. We are truly #blessed to live in such a vast, natural, wild, and free country. From snow-capped mountain peaks and turquoise glacier lakes to rugged coastlines and forests for days (literally, you can travel through our forests for days), Canadian landscapes are second to none.

Rwanda

 

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Rwanda is sometimes called the “beginner’s Africa” because not only is it extremely clean and safe, but it is also home to some of the most beautiful landscapes of rolling hills and lush vegetation you will ever see. It seems that every section is farmed with crops of bananas, carrots, cabbage, cucumbers, rice, tea, coffee, avocados, mangos, you name it. Your eyes will be glued to the window as you journey through the Land of a Thousand Hills.

Iceland

 

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Iceland’s dramatic landscapes, waterfalls, glaciers, canyons, and hot springs have made it a world-famous destination. Just don’t count on seeing this canyon, which has been closed to tourists due to fans’ insistence to recreate a Justin Bieber music video. Road trip through the other-worldly landscapes and don’t forget to gaze up into the vast starry skies for a chance at seeing the Northern Lights.

Indonesia

 

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This Southeast Asian country caters to all types of travellers: nature lovers, beach bums, adventurers, yogis, and sunset chasers. From the lush jungles of Bali to the spectacular volcanoes of Java to the island-dotted paradise of Komodo National Park, Indonesia truly has it all. Check out our Bali Travel Guides to start your trip off in one of the country’s most alluring hotspots, and then venture off the beaten path from there.

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Mapped StaffMapped Staff

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