Top seven natural wonders of the world

The most famous natural wonders of the world are jaw-dropping and unmissable. From the Machu Picchu to the Taj Mahal, they have an other-worldly grandeur and allure. However, if you like some solitude with your scenery, seek out these seven lesser-known natural wonders. The best travel destinations for anyone who is bowled over by the beauty of our planet, these unique spots are still under the radar (and not yet bristling with selfie sticks and souvenir sellers.)

Our top seven natural wonders of the world

1. Marble Caves, Chile

Nature has taken a leisurely 6,000 years to sculpt these ethereal formations from solid rock. Located on a marble peninsula that juts into a glacial lake along the Chile, Argentina border, the Chile Chico Marble Caves are a true masterpiece of natural beauty.

Lake General Carrera is fed by several rivers carrying meltwater from nearby glaciers. The constant rise and fall of the water level over time has gradually eroded the marble into fantastical shapes and hollowed-out caves. Massive slabs of marble balance on slender columns, and the walls are adorned with swirling patterns of color, enhanced by the lake’s electric-blue waters. This vivid hue comes from glacial mineral particles in the water, which reflect the blue spectrum of sunlight.

2. Tsingy de Bemaraha, Madagascar

Although difficult to reach, the limestone pinnacles that stretch across a 100-kilometer plateau in central Madagascar form a unique and otherworldly landscape that’s hard to describe. The “Tsingy” are thousands upon thousands of sharp karst formations jutting dramatically into the sky. They were formed over five million years as rainwater slowly eroded what was once a seabed into the jagged stone spires we see today.

There are trails that allow for exploration, but those who are faint of heart may prefer to take in the view from a nearby lookout point. Venturing into the karst involves a mix of caving, via ferrata, rope bridges, and a healthy dose of courage, not to mention navigating razor-sharp rocks! Despite the challenges, Tsingy de Bemaraha is a breathtaking destination like no other.

3. The Sundarbans, India

The world’s largest mangrove forest is home to 400 species of fish, 270 species of birds, 35 species of amphibians, 42 species of mammals, and 333 species of plants. Spanning over 10,000 square kilometers across India and Bangladesh, the Sundarbans is a watery wonderland of swamps, forested islets, and winding natural canals. These dense tidal forests are the last stronghold of the endangered Bengal tiger, the undisputed king of the Sundarbans. This silty, remote region is one of the largest remaining wilderness areas within the tiger’s global range, making it home to the world’s largest surviving population of Bengal tigers.

4. Semuc Champey, Guatemala

Crystal-clear turquoise pools stretch across a natural limestone bridge deep in the Guatemalan jungle, surrounded on all sides by lush, green-covered hills. Fresh, flowing water cascades down a series of limestone steps, forming serene lagoons that are perfect for a relaxing day of swimming.

It’s nature’s version of a water park, minus the plastic slides and screaming crowds, but there’s still plenty of fun to be had with rope swings and small waterfalls around the edges. Getting to Semuc Champey is an adventure in itself, so sturdy footwear is essential. Be sure to hike up to the viewpoint high above the river for a stunning panorama of the entire valley and a bird’s-eye view of the vivid colors below.

5. Musandam fjords, Oman

Cut off from the rest of Oman by a stretch of the UAE, the Musandam Peninsula has always felt like a world of its own. Shades of red and orange color the rugged cliffs that separate the inlets along this winding coastline, while the sea sparkles in vibrant blues and greens. Towering cliffs rise steeply above the crystal-clear, mirror-like waters below, creating a picture-perfect scene.

The “khors” are often compared to the Norwegian fjords, but here, the water is framed by the stark, rocky peaks of Musandam’s mountains, and most of the region’s life is found in the sea rather than on land. The best way to experience this spectacular marine landscape is on a traditional dhow cruise through the inlets, often joined by pods of playful dolphins. This unique region has become a sought-after, though still relatively undiscovered, destination for adventurers from around the globe who come to kayak, hike, and explore this remote gem.

6. Okavango Delta, Botswana

Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2014, the vast Okavango Delta is the world’s largest inland delta and ranks among the top five wildlife-viewing destinations on the planet. This incredibly scenic region, one of Africa’s true natural wonders, features swaying palms along sandy islands in crystal-clear waters, open savannas, swamps, lagoons, rivers, grasslands, and papyrus-lined channels. Located in Botswana, the Okavango Delta is an alluvial fan fed primarily by the Okavango River, which starts in the Angolan highlands and floods the Kalahari Desert, ending in a closed basin with no outlet to the sea.

This mosaic of diverse ecosystems serves as a refuge for more than 1,300 plant species, 33 amphibians, 71 fish, 60 reptiles, 122 mammals, and over 450 bird species. It’s one of the few places where lions, leopards, and the endangered African wild dog roam freely in their natural environment. Keep an eye out for the elusive sitatunga antelope hidden in the reeds and the red lechwe splashing through the water, while African fish eagles circle above and kingfishers dart into the surface below. A true paradise for wildlife lovers and one of the natural wonders that defines Botswana’s rich biodiversity.

7. Great Blue Hole, Belize

The Great Blue Hole is a gigantic marine sinkhole off the coast of Belize. It’s one of the most perfect circles in nature, and looks just like an eye. In the middle is a deep sapphire blue pool surrounded by a thin turquoise band of ocean, framed by a beautiful reef. 

This is one of the most sought-after scuba diving destinations in the world, and is ranked as one of the top 10 dive sites on earth. This natural wonder is home to an incredible array of marine life, including green and loggerhead turtles, parrotfish, snapper, and hammerhead sharks. Beneath the crystal-clear waters lies a maze of vibrant, untouched coral formations, creating the perfect refuge for marine creatures. Surrounding the blue hole is the Lighthouse Reef atoll, a series of islands and beaches also worth exploring. 

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