Laguna
Colorada,
Bolivia
About a three-hour drive north from Chile’s San Pedro de Atacama, this salt
lake in the
shadow
of the Andes is known for its blood-red waters—the result of algae that
thrive in extreme
heat.
Flamingos (and the lake) look their best from December to April: the lake is
full of water,
making it more reflective for photos, and the birds are breeding. Be sure to
try and catch
the
lake at sunset, when it’s at its reddest.
Salar
de Uyuni,
Bolivia
Southwest Bolivia's Salar de Uyuni is the largest salt flat in the world,
and
is about as
surreal as landscapes come. When dry, the flat is a sheet of blindingly
white salt tiles.
And
during the wet season, the shallow lake mirrors the sky, creating a dreamy
illusion of
infinity.
Fernando
de
Noronha, Brazil
This archipelago off the northeast coast of Brazil consists of 21 islands,
featuring some of
the
best beaches and most beautiful landscapes in the country. Think waterfalls,
towering
cliffs,
stretches of white sand, and—perhaps best of all—limited tourists.
Atacama
Desert,
Chile
Have you ever dreamed of exploring the moon? A trip to Valle de la Luna in
Chile’s Atacama
Desert is a much shorter flight. Years of erosion have left behind jagged
peaks, dry
riverbeds,
and a landscape startlingly similar to that of our favorite celestial
body's.
Torres
del Paine
National Park, Chile
With its granite pillars, azure lakes, and steppes spotted with grazing
guanacos, Torres del
Paine is one of the most impressive sites in the entire Southern Hemisphere.
It also happens
to
be an extremely popular destination for hikers: The ultra-ambitious can
travel the Full
Circuit—crossing the entire park—in nine days.
Galápagos
Islands, Ecuador
Do we really have to explain the allure of the Galápagos? If you can, make
your next travel
goal
to visit this of-another-time stretch of Ecuador, with dinosaur-like giant
tortoises
lumbering
through the tall grass and real-life blue-footed boobies. Pro tip: A cruise
is definitely
the
preferred way to explore the islands. Celebrity Cruise’s Xpedition only
ferries 100
passengers
and holds nightly lectures by naturalists from Galápagos National Park.
Cabo
San
Lucas,
Mexico
Home to 67 national parks, more than 5,000 miles of coastline, and
landscapes
ranging from
deserts to snow-capped volcanoes, Mexico is so much more than the stuff of
spring break
clichés.
Case in point: Cabo San Lucas. Venture outside of your all-inclusive resort
to experience
the
region's turquoise waters, marine life, and iconic Arch of Cabo San Lucas,
standing where
the
Gulf of California meets the Pacific Ocean.
Machu
Picchu, Peru
While the intricate stone ruins of Machu Picchu are the work of 15th-century
Inca rulers, not
Mother Nature, it's the site's natural setting that makes it so alluring.
Perched atop the
flattened peak of a mountain, the ancient Wonder of the World benefits from
the famous
backdrop
of Huayna Picchu, lush green surfaces, and a barrier of Andean peaks that,
despite the
landmark's fame, makes you feel like you've stumbled upon a secret.
The
Pitons, St.
Lucia
The scenery of St. Lucia can be summed up in one jaw-dropping site: a duo of
striking spires
known as the Pitons. The two volcanic peaks—Gros Piton and Petit Piton—are
the most iconic
landmarks on the island, and visitors can enjoy them in a variety of ways. A
singular
experience
has to be actually hiking the mountains, an activity which takes the better
part of a day;
or if
you prefer to keep your feet at sea level, plop a towel down at Sugar Beach,
set
dramatically
(and conveniently) between the two Pitons.
Angel
Falls,
Venezuela
Venezuela overflows with natural wonders, including the world's highest
waterfall—the
3,212-foot
cascades of Angel Falls, located in the UNESCO-protected Canaima National
Park. Canaima is
by
far the country's most popular attraction, and the falls stretch an
astounding 19 times
higher
than Niagara Falls. Bonus: Pixar animators used the location as inspiration
for Paradise
Falls
in Up—so you know it's good.
