Trippy Users’ 20 Most Beautiful Places in the World
Many destinations will make it to lists of most beautiful places in the world, but to curate one that breaks through the clutter, we collected input from 85 Trippy users. These questions and answers initiated by a Trippy user, Chris took us to the most beautiful waterfalls, national parks, historical monuments, places you haven’t heard of yet and more:
What is the most dramatically beautiful place you have seen? What have you seen that took your breath away?
1. Iguazu Falls, Brazil, and Argentina
Located on the border of the Brazilian state of Parana and Argentina’s province of Misiones is the magnificent Iguazu Falls. It’s a system of 275 falls, and the tallest is the Devil’s Throat, at 262 feet (80 meters).
Trippy user Katy named the two most beautiful places in the world. One of them was Iguazu Falls. She shared:
Iguazú Falls, on the border between Brazil and Argentina. This is not just one waterfall. It is a series of falls that cascade over cliffs dividing the Iguazu into the upper and lower sections of the river. Besides the sound and smell of the rushing water, take note of the tropical vegetation and birds that thrive in that area. The falls offer many views as you walk down a wooden path, wearing your rain poncho because there is a constant spray from the waterfalls. It is best to see the falls from both sides of the border - Argentina's side and Brazil's side. Most people think the views from Argentina are more spectacular. The entire experience was unforgettable for me.
Romy from Tel Aviv agreed and said:
Iguazu Falls are stunning, and with all the rainbows and the enormous amounts of water, it is pretty dramatic.
2. Torres del Paine National Park, Chile
The sprawling 44,284 acres Torres del Paine National Park located in the southernmost region of Chile consists of forests, lakes, glaciers, mountain range, and unique wild animals. It’s a hiker’s paradise and nature lover’s heaven.
Hikers can choose the W Trek or the O Circuit in Torres del Paine. The W is 31 miles long, and the more extreme O circuit is 68 miles that take hikers on the W Trek and on to more remote areas of the park. The best-known sights of the park include Grey Lake, The French Valley, and The Three Towers.
Terry from Hawaii and Romy from Tel Aviv loved Torres del Paine. Romy wrote:
But the real highlight for me was Torres del Paine - the most beautiful park I've ever seen. I wish I could go back there someday.
3. Cerro Torre, Argentina
Pau from Madrid loved Cerro Torre in Parque National Los Glaciares, located in the Patagonia region of Argentina. It’s one of the most challenging mountains to climb as seen on Red Bull TV:
I think this really depends on the actual experience that you're living. For me, it was Cerro Torre in Patagonia...I had a chance to spend an hour, completely alone, in front of this steady, almost disturbing lagoon, just below the marvelous peak. It was by far the most astonishing contact with nature that I've ever had.
4. Trolltunga, Norway
Nan from Australia mentioned Trolltunga, Norway’s most spectacular rock formation that juts out 2297 feet (700 meters) above Lake Ringedalsvatnet:
Trolltunga Norway. A ten-hour hike (return). It is beautiful the entire way, and when you get to the top, you get to sit on that edge. It was both scary and amazing.
I'd put the north coast of Kauai up against most places. The lush sheer mountains with waterfalls leaking down them. Hanalei Bay has surfing, sea turtles, and rainbows. Na'Pali Coast State Park for hiking and views.
Rasto from Edmonton also listed Kauai as one of the most beautiful places. He continued:
End of Awa'awapuhi Trail Trail on Kaua'i. If you dare to walk to the total end on a few feet wide ridge, you will end up with a few hundred meters drop on both sides, beautiful walleyes of Na Pali Coast all around and ocean in front of you. Stunning and unforgettable!
6. Machu Picchu
Katy said:
The most breathtaking and dramatically beautiful place I have been to is Machu Picchu in Peru. I think the setting of the ancient Inca city is impressive, hidden among mountain peaks, and with incredible views of the winding Urubamba River below. The city was built on a kind of plateau, using the beautiful formal stonework construction of the Inca, as befitted their royalty. The rocks were smoothed and fitted perfectly next to each other, without the use of mortar or cement. Machu Picchu is believed to have been a refuge and agricultural outpost for the Inca royalty. It was unknown to most of the world until its discovery in 1911 by British explorer Hiram Bingham. The second day we were there, we arrived very early to see the sunrise as we climbed up to the Sun Gate. This is a fair distance from Machu Picchu itself and quite a climb, and I took so many pictures as I ascended the path, as the city grew smaller and smaller. I later realized that I had taken photos of the same view several times because each view was so spectacular, and its majesty never lessened. Machu Picchu, despite all the tourists, is a magical place where you can find tremendous serenity and peace if you take the time to stop and just watch and listen. It is not a place to rush through. Take a guided tour first, to get oriented about the area, then go exploring. Take time to notice your feelings and your senses. We met llamas on the long stairways and saw condors (a rare sight) soaring over the valley below the city.
This is how Janet described her Machu Picchu experience:
Machu Picchu and EVERY part of the trek getting there. It is what I think 'Heaven' would be like!!
7. Grand Canyon National Park
For Susan, Grand Canyon tops the list. She also included several other places in the US and Europe:
For me ( so far), I'd have to add to the Grand Canyon fans. Every time I see it, it's like the first time. Monument Valley is amazing, Acadia National Park Pond in Maine is my favorite spot in the Northeast. Prague is the most beautiful city and Ischia and Ravello.
The iconic Grand Canyon National Park stretches 277 miles, and parts of the canyon floor are more than a mile deep. The best way to enjoy Grand Canyon’s breathtaking views and rock formations is to join a hiking tour. Joel went on several and he shared:
I have been to the Canyon many times. I just completed the hike from the S Kaibab Trail to the Colorado River and backed up the Bright Angel Trail in July. It was 14 degrees C at 6:30 AM at the top when we started down, 3-1/2 hours later at the River; it was 41 degrees C. When we arrived back at the top around 6:00 PM, it was 25C. We experienced a thunderstorm as we neared the top and arrived to see a beautiful rainbow. Any time of the year is perfect. In November, the morning can be very brisk, but the desert warms more gently than in summer. Sometimes a light frost covers the Kaibab Plateau, and the Plateau is stunning at sunrise. Do not worry about the weather. Just go! The Canyon is one of the wonders of the world. Remember to dress in layers as the day heats up. Enjoy your trip!
This is a difficult question as there are so many breathtaking places to see in the world. Some can be right outside our homes if we look close enough. A few examples: Río de Janeiro, Lavaux Vineyards, Switzerland, Bernese Alps, and of course, Meteora.
Rio’s Sugarloaf Mountain, Christ the Redeemer statue on Corcovado Mountain, Copacabana, and Ipanema beaches are some of the top attractions that offer jaw-breaking views of the city. And if you like architecture and Bohemian vibe, there’s Santa Teresa neighborhood of Rio.
9. Mount Huangshan, China
Anthony from Vancouver can’t get enough of Mount Huangshan, China. He wrote:
I've always enjoyed the perpetually misty mountains of Mount Huangshan in the great land of China. It is also a UNESCO world heritage site and Five-Star rated by the China Travel Agency. But be warned you will have to have strong legs to tackle the thousands of steep steps going up and down some precarious trails and steps. If you want a list of fantastic places to go for your next holiday, look up the UNESCO web site.
Mount Huangshan was included in the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1990. It played a significant role in China’s art and literature since the Tang Dynasty in the 8th century.
10. Sao Miguel, Azores, Portugal
The Azores consists of nine islands located in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean and is over 900 miles from Lisbon, the capital of Portugal. These islands are divided into three regions - eastern (Santa Maria and Sao Miguel islands), central and western. Santa Maria is known for its white sandy beaches, vineyards, and beautiful villages. Sao Miguel, the largest island known for its geysers, hot thermal baths, and volcanic lakes, is the most beautiful, according to Joana, a Trippy user. She said:
Sao Miguel is the biggest and the popular one. There, you can find one of the seven wonders of Portugal, Lagoa das Sete cidades ( 7 cities lagoon ). All the islands are beautiful. You can find a mix of greens and blues with plenty of colorful flowers. Also, Pico is very known because it is the biggest mountain on the island and the biggest in Portugal, about 2300 m. Like it is a volcanic island, you will easily find hot water spots to relax. Although I live in France, in the Pyrenees, I am Portuguese. I am suspicious to talk, but if you are looking for excellent food and humble, warm people definitely go to Portugal. It is one of the cheapest and safest countries in Europe.
Cozido das Furnas, the slow-cooked meat stew buried underground in volcanic soil, is the most iconic dish in the Azores.
11. Dolomiti, Italy
Alan reminisced on his trip to Dolomiti in1985. He wrote:
In 1985 I drove the narrow two-lane road from Tolmezzo to Cortina d'Ampezzo in the north of Italy. There is now a broader road which does not follow the contour of the land but instead goes through tunnels and over bridges that straighten the route. The old road was dramatic in every way. It hung to a sheer rock face and gave barely enough room to meet another car. It was an area of alpine splendor...albeit with moments of high anxiety. Looking up, you would see massive Dolomite peaks above the timberline. Looking down, you would see lush deep green valleys dotted with charming chalets and ending in whitewater streams racing through the chasms. I would advise anyone with the time to do it, to take off the modern road, and take to the old narrow one for views that are incredible. I have seen many incredible sights since, but none has surpassed the Dolomiti Alps of Italy!
Dolomiti, the mountain region in northeastern Italy, is still beautiful today. Besides snow-peaked mountains, lush forests, and deep gorges, this area is also dotted with quaint towns and villages.
The color of the small volcanic lakes is just unreal.
Tongariro is New Zealand’s oldest national park and home to three active volcanoes - Mt Ruapehu, Mt Tongariro, and Mt Ngauruhoe. The region that Anna-Fee is referring to is the Crater Lakes - Blue Lake and Emerald Lakes. These lakes can be seen on the 19 km hike known as The Tongariro Alpine Crossing.
13. Cappadocia, Turkey
Trippy user Maria from Merida Spain listed Cappadocia, Turkey, because of the hot air balloons during sunrise. Cappadocia is synonymous with colorful hot air balloons. The valleys, canyons, and unique rock formations “the fairy chimneys” are best seen right before the sun rises.
There are over 250 underground cities, and 500 churches and chapels in Cappadocia.
Cappadocia is totally different from what you'd experience in Istanbul. More peaceful, more countryside landscapes, and I'd say, a MUST for anyone planning a trip to Turkey.
14. Kiev, Ukraine
Steve traveled extensively in Europe and listed Ukraine’s sky, specifically in Kiev as the most beautiful awe-inspiring. He wrote:
I've only really traveled or lived in North America & Europe. But probably the most awe-inspiring thing I had seen in my experiences....... Was the sky in Ukraine. It was so blue and beautiful. I don't know if it is the cold, pollution or what makes it so amazing. But it really caught my attention when I was around the Capitol Kiev one fall a few years back. I've been to about every country in Europe, multiple times. The castles are great; I love the landscape and architecture. But that sky still stays with me. Pictures didn't do it justice.
15. Taj Mahal, India
Sally added the Taj Mahal at the top of her list of beautiful places. She wrote:
Most beautiful "man-made" would be the Taj Mahal, and the most beautiful natural beauty would have many contenders. . . from the rocky coast of Maine to the wooded coast of British Columbia to the beaches of Fiji. Many more that can be mentioned.
Taj Mahal in Agra, India is a mausoleum built by Shah Jahan for his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal who died in 1631. This iconic marble structure is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and India’s most famous monument.
16. Val d’Orcia, Tuscany, Italy
Trippy user Edward from Stockholm named Val d'Orcia, Tuscany, Italy. He wrote:
For me, it stands between Val d'Orcia in Tuscany, Italy (so beautiful that it feels out of this world, photographs can't capture the beauty of it), and Kaua'i in Hawaii, USA.
Val d’Orcia in the Tuscany region of Italy has vineyards, cypress trees grown on rolling hills, picturesque towns, ancient cities, renaissance art, and beautiful castles.
The most awe-struck I have ever been is in Kaokoland in Northwest Namibia near the Angolan border (staying at the Okahirongo Elephant Lodge). The open valley surrounded by towering sand dunes is so vast and so desolate, it's almost maddening, triggering an emotional combo of both wonder and agoraphobia. You get an appreciation for how far our eyes can actually see when not obstructed by anything. When you climb up to the top of the dunes, you feel like the only person left on Earth. Now try that during sunset while sipping a gin and tonic. Magic.
Although we've seen them plenty, I still can't get over the beauty of the Rockies. We are so fortunate to live in this beautiful part of Canada; every time we go for a hike or a day trip, there is something new to see, something new to be in awe of.
Banff National Park, Canada’s first national park, offers scenic drives, rocky mountain peaks, glacier lakes, plenty of wildlife, and of course, breathtaking views of the mountains and quaint town and village.
19. Lauterbrunnen, Switzerland
Ben from London said:
Hard to beat Lauterbrunnen drop-dead gorgeous and dramatically framed by waterfalls and mountains.
Brew suggested the following places including Lauterbrunnen:
If you want to see the alps, the area around Interlaken is incredibly beautiful, with lots of activities in and around the town that are easy to arrange. Near Interlaken, the Schilthorn Cable Car can take you from Stechelberg to Gimmelwald then on to Murren. If you want to see some Alps, this is an amazing way to do it. The Lauterbrunnen valley is stunning, and the cable car goes from the bottom to Gimmelwald, which is a tiny little mountain village that sits on the edge of a massive cliff. From there, it is possible to keep going up and up. Pretty amazing. Another cool option in the area is the Jungfraubahn, which is a historic railway and Swiss heritage site. The historic train can take you up the Jungfrau, which has the highest railway station in Europe (at 11,332 ft). The Jungfraubahn leaves from Kleine Scheidegg but can be reached by train from both Grindelwald and Lauterbrunnen.
Of the few places I have been on this planet Grand Teton National Park has to rank up there. Every time I looked up, I couldn't believe what I was looking at. It's hard to take a bad picture up there. It was definitively a take your breath away type of place.
