10 Jaw-Droppingly Beautiful Landscapes Every Traveller Should See
Join us on a journey to some of the planet’s most beautiful and awe-inspiring landscapes. From ice-scarred islands at the edge of Antarctica to turquoise alpine lakes and thunderous waterfalls, these are the places that stop you in your tracks and remind you just how extraordinary our world really is. Some are world-famous icons, others are quieter wonders — all unforgettable.
1. Elephant Island, Antarctica
Rising from the Southern Ocean, Elephant Island is a remote, ice-covered outpost in the South Shetland Islands, forever etched into history as the refuge of Ernest Shackleton and his crew in 1916. After months trapped on drifting ice, the men reached this island and waited for rescue in one of history’s greatest survival stories.
Accessible only between late October and March, visitors can witness colossal icebergs, spot whales and seabirds, and experience Antarctica’s raw, otherworldly beauty.
See it for yourself on:
Spirit of Shackleton
https://www.intrepidtravel.com
2. Scottish Highlands & Isles, Scotland
Wild, rugged and steeped in history, Scotland’s Highlands and Isles blend dramatic mountains, misty glens and windswept coastlines with medieval castles and ancient stone circles. Wildlife sightings include puffins, seals, sea eagles, Highland cows and even basking sharks offshore.
Spring and autumn offer fewer crowds and magical light, while expedition cruises operate year-round.
Explore it on:
Expedition Through the Scottish Isles
Highlights of Scotland
https://www.intrepidtravel.com
3. Dettifoss, Iceland
Often described as Europe’s most powerful waterfall, Dettifoss roars through a volcanic canyon fed by meltwater from Vatnajökull glacier. The sheer volume and surrounding black rock landscape make it one of Iceland’s most dramatic natural sights.
Best visited from June to September, when access roads are open.
See it on:
Best of Iceland
https://www.intrepidtravel.com
4. Grand Canyon, USA
Carved by the Colorado River over nearly two billion years, the Grand Canyon is one of Earth’s most spectacular geological wonders. Stretching hundreds of kilometres and plunging over a mile deep, no two viewpoints are the same.
Visit in spring or autumn for cooler temperatures, epic sunsets and unforgettable stargazing.
Experience it on:
Best of the West Road Trip: California, Utah & Vegas
https://www.intrepidtravel.com
5. Machu Picchu, Peru
High above the Urubamba Valley, Machu Picchu stands as the most iconic legacy of the Inca civilisation. Surrounded by mist-covered peaks, this UNESCO World Heritage Site perfectly blends history, architecture and dramatic Andean scenery.
Open year-round, with peak crowds in July and August.
Discover it on:
Inca Discovery Plus
https://www.intrepidtravel.com
6. Torres del Paine National Park, Chile
A UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, Torres del Paine showcases Patagonia at its most spectacular: granite towers, turquoise lakes, glaciers and vast valleys. It’s also one of the best places on Earth to spot pumas in the wild.
Best visited from October to April.
See it on:
Torres del Paine – Full Circuit Trek
https://www.intrepidtravel.com
7. Peyto Lake, Canada
Set along the legendary Icefields Parkway, Peyto Lake’s vivid turquoise colour comes from glacier-fed rock flour suspended in the water. Viewed from Bow Summit at 2,088m, it’s one of the Canadian Rockies’ most photographed sights.
Visit between June and September for the best colour and hiking conditions.
Visit it on:
Journeys: Discover the Canadian Rockies – Westbound
https://www.intrepidtravel.com
8. Seljalandsfoss, Iceland
One of Iceland’s most iconic waterfalls, Seljalandsfoss allows visitors to walk behind the cascade for a truly immersive experience. The surrounding cliffs once formed part of Iceland’s ancient coastline.
Accessible year-round, with the best conditions from June to September.
Stand behind the falls on:
Best of Iceland: Golden Circle & Snæfellsnes Peninsula
https://www.intrepidtravel.com
9. Northern Lights, Various Locations
The aurora borealis is one of nature’s most mesmerising phenomena, painting Arctic skies with waves of green, pink and violet. Best viewed near the Arctic Circle, sightings depend on solar activity, darkness and clear skies.
Prime season: late September to early April.
Chase the lights on:
Winter in Finland: Lapland & Northern Lights
Across the North Atlantic: Iceland, Greenland & Labrador
https://www.intrepidtravel.com
10. Iguassu Falls, Argentina & Brazil
Straddling the Argentina–Brazil border, Iguassu Falls is one of the largest and most powerful waterfall systems on the planet, with 275 cascades crashing through lush rainforest. The Devil’s Throat plunges over 106m into the gorge below.
Peak flow occurs between December and February.
See the falls on:
Iguassu & Beyond
https://www.intrepidtravel.com
Credits:
This article was originally written by Daniel Sendecki on 23 November 2015 and has been updated for current travellers.
