*Hawaii Waimea Canyon on the island of Kaua’i is one of the quintessential natural sites of Hawaii. Nicknamed the Grand Canyon of the Pacific, Waimea is reminiscent of its Arizona cousin, just covered in carpets of lush green foliage. Waimea Canyon is mostly enclosed by Waimea Canyon State Park, which covers a little under a tenth of the island. The area of Waimea Canyon … [Read more...]
TIGER LEAPING GORGE
China Tiger Leaping Gorge is one of the most dramatic and arguably the most beautiful canyon in China. Carved by the Jinsha River, which feeds the Yangtze, it is flanked not merely by canyon walls but also by the nearby mountains, adding to the overall breathtaking vistas. Tiger Leaping Gorge is part of the Three Parallel Rivers of Yunnan Protected Areas World Heritage … [Read more...]
BLYDE RIVER CANYON
South Africa Blyde River Canyon is the second largest canyon in Africa and the largest green canyon in the world. With all but the steepest canyon walls covered in lush green foliage, it is South Africa at its most beautiful and exotic. Incredibly rich in wildlife, the canyon is home to many species of primates. The entire gorge is protected in the Blyde River Canyon Nature … [Read more...]
FISH RIVER CANYON
Namibia The Fish River Canyon is the largest canyon in Africa, and one of the most touristed places in Namibia. The immense ravine, carved over millions of years by the Fish River, is nearly one hundred miles long. The canyon is located in theAi-Ais Richtersveld Transfrontier Park which encompasses the border region of Namibia and South Africa. Human activity in the canyon … [Read more...]
SAMARIA GORGE
Greece Samaria Gorge is considered by many to be the finest natural site on the island of Crete. Approximately ten miles in length, it is among the world’s narrowest and deepest canyons canyons. Thanks to water stops and an alterative way to get in and out of the gorge, it is extremely hikeable from end to end. The Samaria Gorge is located within Samaria Gorge National Park … [Read more...]
VERDON GORGE
France The Verdon Gorge is considered by many to be the most beautiful canyon in Europe. Formed by the Verdon River in the foothills of the Alps, the Verdon Gorge is lush with vegetation (hence its name), and is one of the most magnificent natural features in France. Although the area is developed with dams and bridges, these do little to detract from its beauty, or deter … [Read more...]
COLCA CANYON
Peru Colca Canyon is one of the largest, and considered by many to be the most beautiful, canyon in South America. Carved by the Colca River through the Andes Mountains, it is not only a place of great beauty but of ancient historic sites and exotic wildlife. Located somewhat off the beaten tourist path, it is one of Peru’s lesser known sightseeing gems but growing in … [Read more...]
COPPER CANYON
Mexico Copper Canyon is Mexico’s answer to the Grand Canyon, and in some ways rivals its more famous American cousin. Carved out by six rivers, it is actually longer and in some places deeper. The canyon gets its name from the coppery hue of its walls. The Copper Canyon is famous for its ecosystem, which ranges from temperate cold to subtropical areas, and which boasts a … [Read more...]
BRYCE CANYON
*Utah Bryce Canyon is the less well known but equally specatular sibling of the Grand Canyon, just to the north in Utah. Formed by different forces, Bryce is technically not a canyon, but more of a stunning geological oddity that is canyon-shaped. In particular it is known for its breathtaking natural ‘amphitheaters’, great circular formations of stepped, carved rock. Bryce … [Read more...]
GRAND CANYON
*Arizona The Grand Canyon is the canyon of all canyons, and regulary ranked among the top natural wonders on the planet. Carved over millions of years by the relentless Colorado River, the Grand Canyon is enormous, with a length of 277 miles, width of 4 to 18 miles, and a depth of over half a mile. Home to one of the oldest and most popular national parks, it is one of the … [Read more...]
