1. Arenal Volcano National Park, Costa Rica
In the middle of the dense Costa Rican rainforest, there’s a rumbling active volcano (yes, you can actually see the lava pouring down the sides), surrounded by hot springs, fauna-filled forests, and plenty of hidden waterfalls. Ask anyone who’s been to Arenal and they’ll tell you: It’s paradise.
2. Iguazu National Park, Argentina/Brazil
The Iguazu National Park on the Argentina/Brazil border is easily the most amazing waterfall park on Earth. Whether you prefer to cool off in the clouds of mist or enjoy the over 2000 species of plants, strolling the walkways around this roaring, watery wonderland is an experience you’ll never forget.
3. Yosemite National Park, USA
There are few sights more breathtaking than pulling up to Yosemite’s Tunnel Overlook in spring when the wildflowers are in bloom and the scenic falls are at their fullest. Whether you opt for crystalline lakes, pine forests, or snowy peaks, Yosemite National Park guarantees postcard-worthy views in all directions.
4. Banff National Park, Canada
Take one hike through Alberta’s Banff National Park and you’ll understand why it’s the crown jewel of the Canadian Rockies: pristine mountain lakes, massive glaciers, towering peaks, moose, bear… it’s like finding the very best of North American wilderness all in one beautiful package.
5. Krka National Park, Croatia
Lush forests, jaw-dropping waterfalls, 15th-century monasteries… yup, that’s Krka National Park. It may not be the biggest or most famous park in Croatia, but there are few things that compare to taking a summer swim in the famous Skradinski Buk falls.
6. Grand Canyon National Park, USA
Arizona’s Grand Canyon National Park is easily the most spectacular park in the U.S. Countless travelers agree: sitting on the rim of the canyon and contemplating the park’s vast expanse is a moving and life-changing experience.
7. Jiuzhaigou Valley National Park, China
To say that Jiuzhaigou Valley National Park is magical is to sell it short. Standing amid the five-colored lakes, clear blue sky, and vibrant evergreen forests is amazing on its own, but try to visit in the autumn to experience an extra explosion of color.
8. Göreme National Park, Turkey
The rock homes and fairy chimneys of Cappadocia’s Göreme National Park are a bucket list staple the world over. Aside from possessing one of the world’s most singular landscapes, Göreme National Park is also home to ancient Byzantine cave frescoes and even underground cities!
9. Cinque Terre, Italy
The Cinque Terre National Park in Liguria, Italy has it all: scenic and colorful villages, boar-filled forests, amazing hiking trails, sandy beaches…and it’s all located on the Italian Riviera! There are truly few places on Earth that blend culture and nature as seamlessly (and beautifully) as Cinque Terre.
10. Snowdonia National Park, Wales, UK
The Snowdonia National Park in Wales is a rugged land of craggy mountains, scenic lakes, and a truly one-of-a-kind local culture. It’s a place to enjoy some of the best mountain biking in Europe (if not the world) before settling down to enjoy the castles, festivals, and charming villages of this unique Welsh-speaking land.
11. Jasper National Park, Canada
While many associate the Canadian Rockies with Banff, Jasper National Park is actually a larger, wilder, and (according to many) richer national park. The solution? See both! After visiting Banff, take the spectacular Icefields Parkway up to see Jasper’s incredible woods, glaciers, and wildlife.
12. Torres del Paine National Park, Chile
Torres del Paine is a breathtaking expanse of wilderness in the Chilean Patagonia topped off by the iconic Cuernos del Paine peaks. While the hiking and views are beautiful in their own right, seeing the immense glaciers of the Southern Patagonia Ice Field extend towards the horizon is an experience that hasn’t its equal.
13. Chitwan National Park, Nepal
Outside of Africa, there are few parks that offer the variety of large, exotic animals as Nepal’s Chitwan National Park: rhinos, cloud leopards, monkeys, and one of the highest concentrations of Bengal tigers in the world. Can you imagine a better place for your first safari?
14. Fiordland National Park, New Zealand
Fiordland National Park on the South Island of New Zealand is one of the most rugged, stunning, and, well, EPIC places in the world! To kayak through the silent fjords amid towering peaks and rushing waterfalls is the definition of a life-changing adventure.
15. Plitvice Lakes National Park, Croatia
Simply put, the Plitvice Lakes are spectacular. 16 emerald and turquoise lakes connected with dozens and dozens of scenic waterfalls ranging from the turbulent to the trickling. The only downside to exploring this park is that you’ll have the fight the continuous urge to dive in!
16. Namib-Naukluft National Park, Namibia
Few things can prepare you for the sunrise over an endless sea of sand, especially when you’re atop a 50 million year-old sand dune the size of a skyscraper! Don’t forget to spend a morning exploring the legendary Dune 45, a surreal place immediately recognizable from dozens of Hollywood films.
17. Tobago Cays Marine Park, St. Vincent & the Grenadines
Tobago Cays is a pristine archipelago of 5 islands that’s a veritable underwater Garden of Eden. From snorkeling with turtles and rays to sprawling on a white sand beach without a soul in sight, it’s no wonder that Tobago Cays is one of the Caribbean’s most popular eco-tourism destinations.
18. Great Barrier Reef Marine Park, Australia
There are two ways to explore the Great Barrier Reef: by sea and by sky. With its unparalleled diversity of marine life, the Great Barrier Reef is obviously a snorkel and scuba heaven, but for the less aquatically-inclined, you can also opt to see the beautiful colors and coral formations from a plane.
19. Jostedalsbreen National Park, Norway
Norway… a land of epic fjords, scenic villages, and, of course, amazing natural parks, the most stunning of which is the Jostedalsbreen National Park, home of the famous Briskdal Glacier. Just imagine climbing by glacial lakes and churning waterfalls to come upon a massive blue glacier cascading down the mountain. Priceless!
20. Los Glaciares National Park, Argentina
Few sights are as imposing or awe-inspiring as laying eyes on the Perito Moreno Glacier, the hulking glacier and centerpiece of Argentina’s Los Glaciares National Park. To cruise on the water and see football field sized chunks of ice come crashing into the water is truly a humbling sight.
21. Kilimanjaro National Park, Tanzania
Mountain Kilimanjaro has the fame of being the highest mountain in Africa and the dream of avid climbers everywhere. The Kilimanjaro National Park is most famous among trekkers looking to challenge themselves on the peak, but the views and wildlife in the surrounding grasslands makes the trip worthwhile for the rest of us!
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