Natural
wonders arrest us. Few experiences rival standing toe-to-toe with majestic
canyons, vast ice flows, or banded deserts that remind us just how remarkable
this planet is. Natural wonders predate humanity and resist human efforts to
tame them, leaving their mark on every generation.
The
most interesting places in the world are not just pretty pictures. They are
homelands, inspirations, and launchpads of adventure. We haven’t completed our
circuit around the world yet (still working on it), but we’ve covered five
continents and thought it was worth the effort to share ten outstanding
destinations that challenged us, moved us, and left lasting impressions. Seek
them out. We have suggested distinct, engaging and helpful ways to experience
each wonder actively and meaningfully.
Of
course, no list can capture every worthy corner of Earth. We’ve had to omit
several, like Peru’s Paracas Reserve, Spain’s cliff-hugging Ronda, and
Wyoming’s Devil’s Tower—each unforgettable in its own
right. You can learn and see more about those elsewhere, by reading our stories
and journals. Our selection reflects only a small
portion of what we’ve seen over 700 days of adventuring across five continents.
Enjoy.
This is part one of the Interesting Places series. Read the complete series then check in on the entire Destinations collection.
Ride Horseback Through Monument Valley
Picture Frame Tree in Monument
Valley
Standing
in front of a location that seems almost otherworldly has a certain magic. The
sandstone buttes of Monument Valley is one of those places. But if you really
want to see the valley at its most spectacular, find a local Navajo guide to
take you through its massive spires on horseback. There’s no better way,
especially since Monument Valley became famous in the 1930s as the location for
some of the most iconic cowboy movies ever made. Get on a horse and canter with
a Navajo shaman in the same way the Navajo themselves have for hundreds of
years. Take your time. You’ll feel a part of something timeless, and you’ll
never forget the experience. If you want to know more, you can read Chip’s
description of Chip and Cyndy’s exploration and ride through Monument Valley,
with Jameson, the Navajo shaman who showed them the way. It’s quite a story.
Mail a Letter from Cape Horn
Sunrise at Cape Horn
It’s
not every day that you find yourself sitting at the precipice of South America.
But it’s beyond exhilarating. You not only feel like you are standing at
the edge of the world, at Cape Horn you are at its edge, and it is wild
and beautiful beyond imagining. Three oceans converge at these wild waters –
the Atlantic, the Pacific and the Southern. Beyond that land there is nothing
but wind-whipped seas and Antarctica itself, 300 miles south. Should you be
lucky enough to find yourself in this place, you’ll notice a small mailbox.
From there you can pen a letter and drop it into the box near the tiny chapel
at land’s end. Eventually, some good friend will get the word that you made it
to the very bottom of the world.
Before
you leave, make sure to salute to the Albatross
Monument that sits amidst the wild wind at the top of plateau. It was
constructed as a remembrance to the uncounted sailors who didn’t make it
through those waters into calmer Pacific seas. Should you make it to Cape Horn
and climb its 200 foot precipice at dawn, you’ll be among a small group of
humans who have seen the sun rise upon one of the planet’s most spectacular
locations.
Our cruise through Tierra del Fuego brought us to Cape
Horn on the fourth day of our journey.
Recommendation:
If
you’re looking to make the most of a Patagonian adventure, here are 10 Great Things to Do in Patagonia.
Go Dog Sledding in Finland’s Lapland
Winter wonderland in
Pallas-Yllästunturi National Park
In
the far north of Finland, not too distant from the rumored location of Santa’s
workshop, is the arctic expanse of Pallas-Yllästunturi National Park. This
snowy landscape is home to a large taiga woodland that, at the right time of
year, becomes a winter wonderland, empty of humans, and as untouched as the
Antarctic mountains on the opposite end of the world. Except here reindeer,
elk, and bear, roam rather than penguins, leopard seals and penguins.
Before
the polar night steals away the sun for a few weeks, the region is ideal for
winter hiking, skiing, ice fishing, and other popular snow sports. But we were
interested in a something more exotic, a dog sledding camp in nearby Kittilä.
Huskies
are winter dogs, born to run. The snow-covered, wide open spaces in Lapland are
perfect for them and kennels abound. It took us some time, with misadventures
along the way, but we eventually found our camp (with some help from new friends)
and met the pups. These are happy animals, and well treated. When harnessed,
they are anxious to move. Our only regret is we could not spare the two hours
needed to ride with them. Important: Budget enough time to ride when you
visit.
Meet some of Finland’s sledding dogs, the most
affectionate canines you may ever see.
Wander the Desierto Florido, then Stargaze in the Atacama
Elqui Valley in the Atacama
The
Atacama is almost too dry to comprehend, less than one inch of rainfall per
year, thanks to the unique interaction of ocean and air off the coast of Chile.
What little natural moisture Atacama receives comes mostly from the fog.
Despite that, the desert sustains a thriving ecosystem of flora and fauna
mostly residing in the less arid regions.
These
environmental conditions make life a challenge, but it is also one of Earth’s
best places for stargazing. The high altitude, barren cloud cover, and freedom
from light and radio interference make the perfect location for scanning the
night skies. Numerous observatories scatter radio dishes across the landscape
all aimed upward. In Vicuna, we joined a handful of stargazers, humbled as we
gazed through a 14 inch telescope.
From
time to time, Atacama offers visitors one more wonder. From September to
November, coinciding with El Nino years, visitors are treated to the Desert
Bloom, a phenomenon where more than 200 flowering species germinate across the
landscape, bringing vibrant color to the earth. The perfect day in Atacama is a
breathtaking Desert Bloom at dawn and an explosion of starry night after
sunset.
We
had the pleasure of spending a week in Atacama on our way to Patagonia and the
desert did not disappoint. We didn’t catch the Desert Bloom but had a fantastic
time navigating the terrain and stargazing in Elqui Valley.
Our experience meandering the Atacama region begins here
in San Pedro.
Step Ashore as a Viking at L’Anse aux Meadows
The alien landscape where Leif
Eriksson arrived in America.
When
Leif Eriksson led his thirty seafarers ashore in Newfoundland 1000 years ago,
he became another newcomer who “discovered” the New World, following in the
footsteps of migrants that had been arriving for 15,000 years. His unique
twist? Being the first to come the other way, arriving from Europe instead of
Asia.
L’Anse
aux Meadows, site of his landing, is an alien landscape; flat, treeless, layers
of lichen atop ancient granite rock. But there is civilization to be found. The
Meadows’s visitor center and museum celebrates the arrival. Guests can find
exhibits of replica Viking ships and long-houses, documentary films, and
storytelling programs. If you really want to fit in, come in costume and wander
around as a true Norse emissary.
The
weather is unpredictable (as we discovered), particularly in the offseason, but
the grounds are always open if you’re willing to brave the winds. We visited in
the fall and had the site to ourselves. With some advanced planning and
correspondence, we were able to visit the museum and enjoy a private tour. But
that’s not always the case.
Read our story Vikings! to learn what a visit to
L’Anse aux Meadows is like. You might also be interested in the ride along the Viking Trail and the stunning Gros
Morne National Park too.
Camel Your Way to a Sunset in the Moroccan Sahara
Vagabond
adventurers bouncing across the Sahara
It
is hard to believe that the bright orange Sahara was once a lush green paradise
filled with palms, rivers, and giraffes. Today, 100º F is about normal summer
temperature and water is scarce, except when the seasonal rains resupply the
shallow aquifers. This is the vast, stunning land where Lawrence of Arabia and
Antoine Saint-Exupéry created legends.
The
Sahara extends thousands of miles, from Morocco to Egypt, distant bookends we
have been privileged to visit. Its inhabitants are nomadic, Arabs, Berbers,
Tuareg, and others, managing livestock near oases scattered across the
landscape. It does not seem to be an enviable lifestyle, yet it has persisted
for millennia.
When
the sun descends and temperatures drop to double digits, the desert transforms.
Oranges and yellows saturate, the shadows add texture, and the western sky
begins to glow. The scene is mesmerizing as the sun melts like a magnificent
molten ball and disappears one more time into the darkening sands.
We
joined our guides on camelback to take us into these dry lands outside
Merzouga, Morocco, near the Algerian border. The camel, efficiently adapted to
this harsh wilderness, tolerated us as we rocked and rolled our way to the
sunset. Our kufiyyas (light cotton wraps tied around the head) made us feel
like sultans. Our mounts were surely amused.
Make
your way to Morocco, and don’t neglect the desert. We have a great collection of stories from Morocco
that you shouldn’t miss. But our desert journey astride a camel rates high.
Recommendation:
If
you’re looking to make the most of a Moroccan adventure, we think this is how to spend two perfect weeks in Morocco. You
can find more of our Moroccan recommendations here.
Cruise the Sognefjord
The king of fjords
Sognefjord,
Norway’s proudest fjord and dubbed the “king of the fjords,” twists and turns
inland over 100 miles, splitting into smaller fjords along the way. These
channels, some deeper than they are wide, are dotted with settlements like
Skerjehamn with its vibrant-hued stucco buildings surrounded by vivid green
pastures.
Activities
abound in the Norwegian fjords. Biking and hiking, by land, kayaking by sea.
And each village has its own offerings: farms, Viking-styled architecture,
nearby glaciers. For those interested in natural landmarks, the Aurlandsfjord
branch splits into Nærøyfjord, a UNESCO site rated as the number one natural
world heritage site by National Geographic Society. It has become a top visitor
destination. Manage your time well to do it all.
Our
own trip through Sognefjord came by ferry. Our destination was Flåm, where we
could enjoy one of the most scenic railways in the world. Just 20 miles in
length, the hourlong ride completes one of the world’s steepest standard gauge
climbs, passing through forest, waterfalls, tunnels and more, up 865 meters on
the way to Mrydal. Read about the ferry ride from Bergen to Flåm.
You might also enjoy this video of the falls at Mrydal,
where we were serenaded by a lady in red.
Recommendation:
If
you’re looking to make the most of a Norwegian adventure, we think this is how to spend two perfect weeks in Norway. You
can find more of our Norwegian recommendations here.
Sing With the Whales and Waddle With the Penguins on Petermann Island
One resident flock of Gentoo
penguins on Petermann Island
It
was 30°F in the middle of summer and we could not be happier. We were
surrounded by an endless spectrum of grays, blues, and whites. The only other
colors were those we brought with us… and the red beaks of the Gentoos.
An
expedition to Antarctica is a special voyage, unlike anything you are likely to
encounter. The white continent is an ancient land and a patient place. The
glaciers are thousands of years old, slowly calving into icebergs that litter
the water around us, immense floating islands of ice. We navigated these
obstacles in our zodiacs to step ashore, standing on land lit by an unworldly,
ghostly, primeval sun.
All
around Gentoos flocked and squawked, sometimes molting and quiet in their
exhaustion. Soon the young would mature and take to the waters. We searched for
other wildlife, notably humpback whales, who were sometimes
kind enough to sound a greeting and put on a show. We found orcas,
sea lions, and the occasional snow petrel hunting above. Antarctica is part
of Planet Earth, yet it feels otherworldly.
Petermann
Island was the first visit after crossing the turbulent Drake Passage aboard
the Ocean Diamond, four days into our 10 day Antarctic excursion. Read what it’s like to visit Antarctica starting with
Petermann Island. Please enjoy the entire Antarctic expedition here.
Recommendation:
If
you’re thinking about your own Antarctic adventure, we recommend you look at Quark Expeditions.
Read Grimm’s Fairy Tales at Triberg Waterfalls
The falls at Tiber. Bring a copy of
Grimm’s Fairy Tales to read.
The
Black Forest is a place of haunting beauty, inspiring stories born from
superstition, folklore, and a healthy dose of (somewhat morbid) imagination
that have become some of the west’s favorite fairy tales. The Grimm brothers
derived their famous stories from local lore, creating something less
child-friendly than the G-rated versions that Walt Disney later adapted.
Throughout
the thick forest are ancient villages, rivers, great trees, and the Triberg
waterfalls, sometimes called “Germany’s most beautiful natural wonder.” These
waterfalls are formed by the Gutach river, plunging 163 meters until giving way
to a small valley and the town of Triberg. Visitors can access the falls by
hiking above the town, admiring the seven major stages as they go. It’s an
easy, beautiful hike. When you visit, be sure to bring your copy of Grimm’s
Fairy Tales, sit by the water and recite your favorite.
On
our visit to Triberg, we stopped in at the Black Forest museum and the world’s
largest cuckoo clock. For those who love clocks and German engineering, The
House of a 1000 Cuckoos is perfect for you. Read about our visit to the Black Forest here.
Visitors should also make time to enjoy the (Baden) Black Forest scenic
railway.
Kayak in Torres del Paine
Kayaking on Gray Lake Torres del
Paine
You
may never see a sight as arresting as Torres del Paine. Three stony claws
extend angrily to the sky, textured by the competing forces of tectonics below
the earth and the glaciers above. These great blue towers are omnipresent. Even
when obscured by the massive clouds formed from the collision of peaks,
glaciers, lakes and rivers, they never fully disappear.
Parque
Nacional Terres del Paine straddles the Chilean-Argentine border, with access
points via both countries. (Our entrance took us through Chilean territory, via Cerra
Castillo, a town known for its bronco busting festivals.) The most
distinctive feature are the three granite towers that give the park its name.
Torres is a popular hiking destination boasting numerous rivers, lakes, and
glaciers for sightseers to marvel over.
For
a different kind of adventure, explore the park by water the way we did. Armed
with kayaks, we entered Gray Lake, fed by spill from Gray Glacier, and glided
towards the blue Rio Serrano. The only catch … button up tight. You don’t want
to get caught in the wrong end in those frigid waters. Wet suits are necessary,
even if it makes you look like a pregnant bug. Our ride that day was calm, the
waters forgiving, but you can never be sure what you’ll get.
Read what the Kayaking experience in Torres is like.
Adventurers who prefer dry land might want to try Torres del Paine by horseback. Pedestrians
might be curious about the hiking experience in Torres. The ‘O’ and
‘W’ hikes are the most popular circuits. They are rugged and take several days
each to complete.
Recommendation:
Read
our Perfect
Patagonian Itinerary as a guide to planning your own adventure.
You can find more recommendations for visiting Patagonia here.
FAQ
Q1: How should Monument Valley be explored?
A:
The most genuine way to see Monument Valley is on a horseback ride or if
necessary a drive though the park. A guide on horseback can lead you through
famous buttes and mesas, and share you stories about their culture.
Q2: Is it safe to travel to Cape Horn?
A:
Yes, but the weather can change at any time. The majority of visitors to Cape
Horn take a cruise, and landings are contingent on the state of the sea.
Traveling to the "end of the world" is an exciting adventure. We took an Australis ship called the Ventus from
Punta Arenas to Ushuaia.
Q3: When is the best time to see the Northern Lights and go sledding in
Lapland?
A:
The best months for dog sledding and other snow sports are December through
March. The period from late autumn to early spring is when the skies are
clearest and darkest for the Northern Lights. (That’s when we went.)
Q4: How frequently does Chile's Desierto Florido occur?
A:
Only in years with unusual rainfall—usually from September to November—does
this natural wonder come to life. The Atacama landscape is transformed as the
desert blossoms with vibrant wildflowers. On average it rains in this, the most
arid place on earth, less than one inch per year. Visitors beware, the Chilean
government has instituted protection programs to maintain the delicate ecology
during the bloom.
Q5: What is unique about L'Anse aux Meadows?
A:
A UNESCO World Heritage site, it is the only known Viking settlement in North
America and offers living history tours and tours of restored Norse homes.
Q6: Is it possible to ride a camel in the Moroccan Sahara at any time of
year?
A:
Although camel treks are possible all year round, the best times to go are in
the spring and fall when the weather is milder.
Q7: What is the best way to experience the Sognefjord?
A:
It’s hard to choose poorly in the Norwegian fjords. But for variety of
experiences, consider a circuit from Bergen by ferry to Flåm, making the return
trip to Bergen via the Flåm railway to the Bergen Railway at Myrdal station. Or
try it in reverse!
Q8: What wildlife can I see on Petermann Island in Antarctica?
A:
You will see seals, whales, and penguin colonies. Because humpbacks frequently
breach near boats, whale watching near Petermann Island is particularly
rewarding.
Q9: What makes Triberg Waterfalls so well-known in Germany?
A:
The Black Forest is home to Germany's tallest waterfalls, and some of the
world’s most famous fairy tales. Many tourists combine their trip with fairy
tale activities, such as reading “Hansel and Gretal” or “Sleeping Beauty” by
the waterfalls.
Q10: Is hiking the only activity in Torres del Paine?
A:
Not at all! You can kayak, ride horses, or go on scenic drives in addition to
the well-known W Trek. It's among the top locations in Patagonia for a variety
of adventures.
This
is part one of the Most Interesting
Places in the World series, Natural
Wonders, in the Vagabond Adventure’s Destinations collection. Read about
the top destinations from journalist and National
Geographic Explorer Chip Walter and his wife Cyndy’s effort to capture their
experience exploring all seven continents, all seven seas and 100+ countries,
never traveling by jet.
If
you’ve enjoyed this article, please take a look at Chip’s other adventures (and misadventures) … and don’t
forget to check the Vagabond Journal and our
Travel Recommendations to help you plan YOUR
next adventure.
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Resource:
https://vagabond-adventure.com/library/most-interesting-places-in-the-world-part-one-natural-wonders
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