20 Most Beautiful Places in the World to Visit
From soaring mountain peaks to glistening waterfalls, these 20 Most Beautiful Places in the World to Visit offer one-of-a-kind experiences. Whether you crave nature, history or culture, these destinations have something for everyone.
Troll’s Tongue, a massive rock formation in Norway, draws crowds for its breathtaking views. But the country’s fjords, fishing villages and hiking trails are equally impressive.
Ik-Kil Cenote
Located near the Mayan ruins of Chichen Itza, Ik-Kil is one of the most beautiful cenotes in Yucatan. The crystalline waters are cold but refreshingly cool. The carved staircase in the limestone cenote allows for easy entry and exit into the water.
The Mayans believed that cenotes were portals between the world of mortals and gods. Human sacrifices were once conducted at this particular cenote and bones and pieces of jewelry have been discovered in the water.
If you’re looking for a more quiet experience, it’s recommended to visit this place early in the morning. Once the tour buses start arriving, it can become crowded.
The lush vegetation in Ik-Kil makes for a wonderful natural setting and it’s home to a variety of wild birds. The birds make chirping sounds that add to the magic of this gorgeous place. The black catfish that swim in the waters are an added bonus and are a great photo opportunity.
Rainbow Mountain
If awe-inspiring landscapes are what you seek, look no further. From sky-blue lakes to sandstone beaches, these 20 most beautiful places in the world showcase nature’s beauty at every turn.
Rainbow Mountain in Peru looks like something plucked from the surface of Mars, a striped peak that rises a cloud-smashing 17,060 feet (5,200 meters) into the Andes Mountains. Until 2015, the mountain was hidden by permafrost and snow, but rising temperatures have revealed its stratified sandstone layers—dissolving into hues of daffodil yellow, coppery green, scarlet, and orange.
Tours of the mountain—locally known as Vinicunca or Palccoyo—started in 2016; it’s already attracting a large number of hikers. To avoid overcrowding, visit in the shoulder months of May through October or take an adventure that also includes hiking Ausangate.
Cappadocia
Cappadocia, located in Central Anatolia, is a dream-like landscape of sculpted rock formations and cave churches. In 2019 alone, the region drew 3.8 million visitors from all over the world.
The strange rock formations in Cappadocia are the result of volcanic eruptions millions of years ago. The resulting soft tuff allowed natural forces to shape the oddly beautiful shapes that are found all over this area, including the famous “fairy chimneys” clustered in Monks Valley and Goreme, as well as valleys filled with houses and churches carved from rocks such as Cavusin and Ihlara.
Underground cities are another highlight of this unique region. In fact, there are more than 50 of them scattered throughout the region, some of which extend up to eight different levels down into the earth. Examples include Ozkonak, Mazikoy, Kaymakli, Derinkuyu, and many others.
Another must-do while in Cappadocia is taking a hot air balloon ride at sunrise. It’s the best way to admire the spectacular desert scenery of this unique land and experience the serenity of a magical morning in Cappadocia.
Machu Picchu
The citadel of Machu Picchu is one of the most-sought destinations in South America. It’s famous for its sophisticated dry-stone walls that fuse huge blocks without the use of mortar, intriguing buildings that play on astronomical alignments and panoramic views. But it’s also a place of mystery.
The Temple of the Sun was sacred to the Incas, who believed it held their creator within. Its iconic, soaring shape is a symbol of hope and rebirth. You can visit the temple along with a tour of the citadel, or you can climb to its summit via the Huayna Picchu trail which is an extra expense and requires a separate permit.
The Temple of the Sun is located just off the Sacred Plaza which is one of the best spots to see the Principal temple in its entirety. Its carved stone structure is thought to have been used for religious and astronomical ceremonies, but its exact purpose remains a mystery.
