From the deepest canyon in Europe and luminous caves to Rainbow River and the chocolate hills – edition Guardian became convinced that humanity is still very far before the creation of masterpieces, such as those created by nature.
Mendenhall Glacier, Alaska, USA
Journey to the caves Mendenhall provide the tourists a unique opportunity to step into the heart of a glacier. Glacier, which stretches for 19 kilometers (with each passing day it becomes shorter due to the impact of global warming) near the city of Juneau in the southeast Alaska, is located in an amazing place where you can feel the beauty of the wilderness, going here in the hiking and met such the inhabitants of the valley, like bears, porcupines and eagles. Tour inside the glacier will allow travelers to visit the ancient caves and crevices, and to know the previous relief areas. The cost of the 8-hour walk – $ 230.
Chocolate Hills, Bohol, Philippines
A unique geological formation, Chocolate Hills, certainly will remind tourists computer game Super Mario Land. Perfect, grassy, like great molehills, hills scattered over a huge forest; there are about 1776 in an area of 50 square kilometers. During a drought the grass on the hills becomes chocolate-colored, for which they get their name. Some have compared the hills with world famous chocolates Hershey Kisses. The unique creation of nature is located on the island of Bohol, and tourists will be able to go on a tour of the small town of Carmen.
Helmcken Falls, British Columbia, Canada
Wells Gray Provincial Park, the stunning beauty of its nature, delightful waterfalls among wild pine forests. Helmcken – the fourth highest waterfall in Canada, and perhaps the most spectacular of all. To preserve its natural beauty, and the park was created. Water breaks down from a height of 141 meters and falls into a huge stone bowl, surrounded by century-old pine trees. In winter, at the base is formed by a cone of ice 50 meters thick. At the waterfall there are many recreation areas such as Clearwater Springs Ranch (mini-hotel type B & B), where you can enjoy a unique natural phenomenon in comfort.
Tara River Canyon, Zabljak, Montenegro
From the deepest canyon in Europe each capture the spirit. Its depth is 1300 meters, this parameter is second only to the Grand Canyon in the United States (1600 meters). Gorge of the river Tara, situated on the territory of the National Park Durmitor, stretches for 82 kilometers.
The best way to explore the Canyon – rafting on the Tara River. Especially like the descent lovers of extreme tourism, especially rafting on the last leg of the river they will have to overcome the 20 threshold.
The cave on the beach Benagil, Portugal
Passing under the stone arches of the cave in the Algarve, tourists certainly will feel the presence of supernatural forces. Many of these caves in the rocks surround the fishing village of Benagil, and from there by boat you can reach these unique creations of nature and other secluded beaches of Lagoa. Benagil Cave is 150 meters from the main beach of the village, but there it is possible only from the sea. If there is a storm, it can be reached by swimming. If you prefer a leisurely enjoy the beauty of nature, get a tour by kayak.
Rainbow River Caño Cristales, Macarena, Colombia
One look at the river Caño Cristales is enough to understand why it is so called – liquid rainbow. Every year for a few weeks – from September to November – the river becomes a bright scarlet under the influence of sunlight that falls on Macarenia clavigera algae. Crimson band mixed with shades of yellow-brown sand and the turquoise waters of the river, creating a unique bright color combination. The river is located in the Sierra de la Macarena in the Meta province, among vast meadows Colombian. Earlier this place was associated with drug production, and only recently has become a safe resting place, where offer a huge number of excursions from Bogota.
Waitomo Caves fireflies, North Island, New Zealand
Shedding light on a set of caves, like stickers on the ceiling in the nursery, fireflies Waitomo’s caves, discovered here about 120 years ago, made a real magic show. In 1887, the local Maori Chief Tane Tinoro and British scientist Fred Mace engaged in exploring these caves, and they opened the entrance to the place in them, which is used by visitors to this day. Since 1889 the caves – attraction, where Tanya Tinoro and his wife paid conducted tours for tourists. Today, their descendants continue to operate guides in the caves.
Tour of the limestone caves include boat trips in natural light produced by fireflies. Entrance for adults – 30 euros per person, for children – 13 Euro; opening hours – from 9:30 to 17:30.
Jellyfish Lake, Palau, South Pacific
Hardly have the lake was so popular, if jellyfish are poisonous. Fortunately, both types of inhabitants of the lake is absolutely harmless to humans (they have a burning stinging hairs, but they have lost their function). The only marine lake in Palau, open to tourists, is located on the island of Eil Malk Rocky Islands archipelago. Millions of jellyfish are sent from one end of the lake to another on a daily basis to eat crustaceans, which are the basis of their diet. Amazing creatures illuminate the water, like a multi-colored lanterns. To get to know them, you can plunge into the water. Prior Lake can be reached by boat in 45 minutes from Koror.
Cenote Ik-Kil on the Yucatan Peninsula in Mexico
“Cenote” at Maya Indian language means “well”, this word is usually called pits or craters formed on the site of the collapsed cave. Cenote Ik Kil, which is considered sacred, is located on the way to the ancient city of Chichen Itza. Karst lakes with turquoise water surrounded by 26-meter-high stone wall, which hang from the vines and roots of plants. The lake is 40 meters deep, ideal for diving, so the rock were cut numerous stages.
In Ikil passed one of the stages of Red Bull cliff diving – the best divers from around the world plunged into the waters of the cenote.
Tidal current Saltstraumen in Norway
Every day, near the town of Bodø, the strongest tidal current in the world Saltstraumen is gaining its strength, forming a white, foaming whirlpools up to 10 meters in diameter. Saltstraumen is particularly dangerous at high tide, when 400 million cubic meters of water pass through the Straits of a width of 150 meters. Tourists ride in a whirl on powerful inflatable boats, and much more at this point it seems that for her is about to overturn. People who suffer from seasickness, it is better not to visit Saltstraumen.
