I
couldn't decide which one I liked the most, so I've decided to put them
in some arbitrary order. So it's not, actually, a top 11 per se. It's
just the best 11 places I recommend (so far).
This selection in based only on the 35 countries I visited, and I put not only the most amazing landscapes, but also places that have some outstanding features. Basically, something that includes a superlative.
This selection in based only on the 35 countries I visited, and I put not only the most amazing landscapes, but also places that have some outstanding features. Basically, something that includes a superlative.
11. Kilimanjaro National Park - Tanzania
World's
highest free-standing Mountain, Africa's highest peak, Uhuru offers
from its 5895 m an incredible view of Africa from above. The climb is
difficult, but not impossible. And the experience is certainly
unforgettable.
10. Phi Phi Islands - Thailand
White
beaches, clear blue water, perfect diving sites, silence. It's the
paradise we all dream about. It is also one of the most stricken places
by the 2004 tsunami, but...nobody's perfect.
9. Sacred Valley, Peru
Either
if you go by motorcycle (like I did), bike, car, or by foot, Sacred Valley is an
amazing place to be. There are also a lot of ancient sites to visit, but
the scenery is mind-blowing. It crosses some very high passes, like Abra de Malaga (4330 m) and Abra de Lares (4461 m).
8. Baron Gorge National Park and Rain Forrest around Kuranda - Queensland, Australia and Great Barrier Reef, Australia
Since you can access both from Cairns, I've decided to put them together.
It is also one of the world's seven natural wonders.
Great Barrier Reef
What can I say, it's the world's largest coral reef system. Just about 344.400 square km of it. Sure, there is no point in getting there and not do at least some snorkeling. Scuba diving is even better. But it is one of the most amazing things you will ever see. And at the rate the coral is dying, I would say, go now!It is also one of the world's seven natural wonders.
Baron Gorge National Park and Rain Forrest around Kuranda
One of the world's oldest tropical forests, it is the home of lots and lots of butterflies and many other living creatures, like birds. For the bug-collector-child in you, or the bird-watcher in you, it is the perfect place to visit.
7. Spiti Valley, Himalaya, India
Well,
the road is one of the most dangerous in the world. And since I rode a
motorbike across it, alone, being hit by a truck in the process, I can
tell you that is indeed a very dangerous road. But the scenery is
breathtaking, the nature is almost unspoiled and the feeling of freedom
is almost palpable.
It ends with the world's highest pass, Khardung La (5602 m).
It ends with the world's highest pass, Khardung La (5602 m).
6. Danube Delta, Romania/Ukraine
It's
Europe's second largest Delta, but it's Europe's best preserved. There
are a lot of mosquitoes, and it can be very challenging in terms of
infrastructure and accommodation, but the fauna and the sights are
amazing. (I must say that the beautiful pictures are "borrowed" from my good friend Danny Andrei. Thanks, mate!)
5. Pilanesberg Game Reserve, South Africa
Although famous because of the outstanding geological features (the Park includes one of the most ancient volcanoes in the world), the best thing to do here is, in my opinion, safari. There are a lot of animales, and therefore, high chances to see "the big five".4. Grand Canyon, U.S.A.
There is not much I can tell you about one of the most famous places in the world. Just "go see it!".
It is also one of the world's seven natural wonders.
It is also one of the world's seven natural wonders.
3. Victoria Falls, Zambia/Zimbabwe
Named
by the locals "Mosi-oa-Tunya", "the smoke which thunders", it's the
largest sheet of falling water in the world. It is situated on the
Zambezi river, at the border between Zambia and Zimbabwe. The view is
amazing, there are monkeys all over the steep rocky edges and the
bridge that crosses the amazing, steep valley between the two countries
hosts one of the world's highest bungee-jumping site. There is also a
natural infinity pool at the edge of the waterfall.
Victoria Falls is also on the list of world's seven natural wonders.
Victoria Falls is also on the list of world's seven natural wonders.
2. Patagonia, Argentina/Chile
I know, it's half a continent, but I couldn't decide which part of it to put here, so I just put the whole of it. Highlights: Perito Moreno Glacier, Torres del Paine National Park, Ushuaia - World's southernmost point ("Fin del Mundo") and Mount Fitz Roy.
Patagonia is the windiest region in the world. During the summer the wind blows constantly with speeds going from 40 km/h to 120 km/h. If you want to see it from your motorbike, like I did, brace yourselves. It can be really challenging.
Patagonia is the windiest region in the world. During the summer the wind blows constantly with speeds going from 40 km/h to 120 km/h. If you want to see it from your motorbike, like I did, brace yourselves. It can be really challenging.
Rio Pinturas |
Guanacos |
Lenticular clouds |
L'Angostura - Typical Argentinian Farm (Estancia) |
Mount Fitz Roy |
Mount Fitz Roy |
Lago Argentino |
Perito Moreno Glacier |
1. Nazca Desert, Peru
Yeah,
it's a friggin' desert. Well, since I am a little strange myself, I
like strange places. And the Nazca desert is certainly strange enough.
The light seems to be somehow different, and it creates an eery feeling
of "outta this world". The fact that it's almost undisturbed since the
ancient tribes roamed this lands makes it even creepier.
Here you can also find the tallest dune in the world, Cerro Blanco. It rises 1176 meters into the air – and sometimes clouds – and also features a monstrous vertical drop. Famous amongst the sand boarders, it can take four or five hours to climb. It's been called "the Everest of the desert and the mother of all dunes." That pretty much says it all.
Well, that's just about my list.
Got any other ideas?
Write me!
Here you can also find the tallest dune in the world, Cerro Blanco. It rises 1176 meters into the air – and sometimes clouds – and also features a monstrous vertical drop. Famous amongst the sand boarders, it can take four or five hours to climb. It's been called "the Everest of the desert and the mother of all dunes." That pretty much says it all.
Cerro Blanco can be seen from a distance |
Got any other ideas?
Write me!