While ancient and modern works of architecture fill the lists of the Seven Wonders of the World, there are sites of natural beauty that are worth discovery. The Seven Natural Wonders organization came up with its own list to raise awareness of and protect the beauty of the natural places.
Here’s a look at the Seven Natural Wonders of the World.
Aurora Borealis
These naturally occurring lights put on a display in the skies above the magnetic poles. Also known as the Northern Lights, the Aurora Borealis appear as diffused lights glowing in the horizon and sometimes as waves. The closer you get to the Arctic Circle, the better the view.
Grand Canyon
This massive gorge in Arizona created by the Colorado River spans 277 miles with widths from four to 18 miles and a depth of one mile. Most is contained within Grand Canyon National Park. Perhaps the best way to see it is from the South Rim.
Paricutin
This active volcano in Michoacan, Mexico, is the youngest in North America. The 9,101-foot cinder cone volcano last erupted in 1952 and is the first birth of a volcano witnessed by humans. Within its first year, it reached three-fourths of its current size. A 12-mile trip around the top of volcano can be done by hiking or horseback.
Victoria Falls
This waterfall in southern Africa borders Zambia and Zimbabwe. Victoria Falls is one mile wide and 360 feet high, making it the largest waterfall in the world. The falls are bordered by natural parks in both countries. A view of the falls gives you a chance to see hippos, elephants and other “Big 5” wildlife along the way.
Mount Everest
The highest mountain in the world reaches 29,029 feet in the Himalaya Mountains on the border between Nepal and Tibet. Guided flights of Mount Everest can take you around the mountain, while the more adventuresome will want to hike to the base of the mountain.
Great Barrier Reef
Spanning 133,000 square miles, the Great Barrier Reef is the largest coral reef system in the world and contains more than 2,900 separate reefs, 900 islands and supports one of the most diverse eco-systems in the world. The stretch of 1,600 miles can be seen from outer space. Located in the Coral Sea off the coast of Queensland in northeastern Australia, the best way to see it is by snorkeling or scuba diving for a view of the fish, coral and marine life.
Harbor of Rio de Janeiro
This bay in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, is surrounded by mountains and is the largest bay in the world based on the volume of water. Also known as Guanabara Bay, the harbor features granite monolith mountains such as Sugar Loaf Mountain at 1,296 feet, Corcovado Peak at 2,310 feet and the hills of Tijuca at 3,350 feet. Get up high to take in the entire harbor or visit one of the islands that dot the bay.