Patagonia is a territory shared by the countries of Chile and Argentina. The region of Patagonia encompasses the southern section of the Andes mountain range to the southwest towards the Pacific ocean (Chilean side) and from the east of the Andes to the valleys it follows south through Rio Colorado towards the Atlantic Ocean (Argentinean side). The magnificent region stretches around 260,000 square miles. The whole Patagonia has a population of about 2 million people. The Patagonian city of Ushuaia (Argentina) is the southernmost city in the world, and is a popular departure point for cruises and departures to Antarctica. Torres Del Paine National Park in Chile and Los Glaciares National Park in Argentina are the two most visited parks in Patagonia. The gargantuan Perito Moreno glacier in Los Glaciares National Park contains the third largest reserve of fresh water in the world,

Colorful Patagonia

Las Torres

Tierra del Fuego

Perito Moreno Glaciar

Perito Moreno

Emerald Lake

Andes

Torres del Paine National Park

Torres del Paine National Park

Torres del Paine National Park

Torres del Paine National Park

The colors of Patagonia

River & Bridge

Rock del Paine

Teal River

Lodge inside Torres del Paine

Glacier Perito Moreno

Glacier Perito Moreno

El Calafate

Lago Argentino

Lago Argentino

Flower from Patagonia

A bird

credit: Douglas Scortegagna

Scotland is the most mountainous country in the United Kingdom. The area north and west of the Highland Boundary Fault is known as the Highlands, and contains the country’s main mountain ranges. The Highlands are popularly described as one of the most scenic regions of Europe and are often portrayed as a romantic part of Scotland. This is not at all strange given the stunning unspoilt nature with rugged mountains, deep blue lochs and empty glens where majestic Red Deer rule the hills and Eagles rule the skies.

Loch an Eilean

Tarmachan ridge

Cairngorms with heather

Derry cairn

Rothiemurchus Lochan

Loch Brandy reflection

Bridge over the South Esk

Fence line

Loch Morlich

Loch Morlich

Northern Corries

Glen tilt

Airlie Monument

credit: cathywh

Capitol Reef National Park is an evocative world of spectacular colored cliffs, hidden arches, massive domes, and deep canyons. It is a place that includes the finest elements of Bryce and Zion Canyons in a less crowded park that can offer a more relaxing experience than either of those more-famous Utah attractions. It is named for a particularly colorful section of the fold where rounded Navajo sandstone forms capitol-like domes and sheer cliffs form a barrier to travel, often referred to as a reef. The park stretches from north-northwest to south-southeast for 70 miles (112 km) and generally narrows in width (east-west) from up to 12 miles (19 km) in the north to as little as 1 mile (1.6 km) near the southern end. It lies along the northwestern edge of the Colorado Plateau, where it encompasses about three-fourths of the nearly 100-mile- (160-km-) long Waterpocket Fold.

credit: sharshman

Yosemite’s first residents were Native Americans who may have first inhabited the region as many as 10,000 years ago. Yosemite National Park was created in 1890, largely due to the efforts of writer and naturalist John Muir. On October 1, 1890, the U.S. Congress set aside more than 1,500 square miles of reserved forest lands, soon to be known as Yosemite National Park. Many species of native wildflowers and trees can be found in Yosemite. Trees include the Giant Sequoia, which can live up to 3,000 years and are considered to be the largest living thing on the planet. It is also home to several animal species, some of which have been saved from extinction. Bighorn sheep, golden eagles and peregrine falcons are just some of the creatures that have comfortably increased their numbers. There are between 300 to 500 black bears.

Wildcat Falls Rock

Full Moonrise over Tunnel View

Yosemite Falls Reflection

Moonrise over Bridalveil Fall

Merced River Ice

Cathedral Rocks

Columbia Rock

El Capitan

Three Brothers Morning

Sunset on Half Dome

Moonrise over Tunnel View

Moonrise over Tunnel View

El Capitan Reflection

Moonrise Over Half Dome

Wildcat Falls Reflection

Wildcat Falls

Tunnel View

Gates of the Valley Mist

Three Brothers in Morning Light

Three Brothers Reflections

El Capitan Mist

Cathedral Rocks in Mist

Cascade Creek Falls

credit: ewoerlen

Cappadocia caves are located near the city of Goreme, one of the most beautiful and characteristic locales in the Cappadocia region. The famous fairy chimneys and fantastic colorful shapes of the landscape, make this region a natural wonder of the world. Erosion shaped the incredible landscape of the Göreme valley, but thousands of years ago humans took a cue from Mother Nature and began carving an incredible chamber and tunnel complex into the soft rock. The World Heritage property Göreme National Park and the Rock Sites of Cappadocia is subject to legal protection in accordance with both the Protection of Cultural and Natural Resources and the National Parks.

credit: Moyan_Brenn

Hopi House has been selling authentic American Indian arts and crafts to visitors since the Fred Harvey Company opened its doors in 1905. It is a large, multi-story building of stone masonry, shaped and built like a Hopi pueblo. The main shopping area resides on the first floor, and offers a tempting array of authentic artwork and crafts. The second floor now houses a gallery, which includes works by relatives of Nampeyo, a famous potter who would give demonstrations at Hopi House during its early years.

credit: Grand Canyon NPS

Nowhere else in Britain will you find such variety, in such a compact area, as you will in Snowdonia. There are many places to stay, and things to do in Snowdonia like mountains, beaches, steam railways, lakes, valleys and castles. It is a breathtaking destination for activity holidays with family and friends. Snowdonia National Park was established in 1951 as the third national park in the UK, and the first in Wales. It covers 2,142 km² of the Snowdonia region of north-western Wales.

credit: Charmaine

Tsavo East National Park is one of the oldest and largest parks in Kenya at 11,747 square kilometres. Tsavo National Park is divided into East and West. Tsavo East is larger than tsavo West, lies to the east of the Nairobi – Mombasa road. Its beautiful landscape and proximity to the coast make it a popular safari destination. The Park is home to most of the larger mammals, red elephant, Rhino, buffalo, lion, leopard, cheetah, pods of hippo,crocodile, waterbucks, Lesser Kudu, Gerenuk and Hirola. Tsavo-East is recommended for photographers with its fabulous light and unbelievable views, in particular the Mudanda Rock and the Yatta Plateau the world largest Lava flow. The tsavo east national park is open daily 6:00 am to 7:00 pm.

credit: mckaysavage

Nearly five million people see the 1 mile deep Grand Canyon each year. You can reach Grand Canyon National Park from main entrances on the South Rim and the North Rim. The South Rim is the most accessible part of the park and is open all year. The north rim is much less crowded than the south rim and the scenery and views are equal to if not better than the south rim.

credit: Grand Canyon NPS

The Bungle Bungles National Park also called Purnululu National Park is known for the astounding Bungle Bungle range. It features spectacular rounded rock towers alternately striped in orange and black. It is a popular destination for adventurous hikers and four-wheel-drive enthusiasts. National Park is 45,000 hectares in area and is located east of Highway 1 between Kununurra in the north and Halls Creek in the south. It is in the Kimberley region of Western Australia. From the Park boundary it is a further 25 km drive and a short 2 km hike into Cathedral Gorge, where towering rocks enclose a small pool of calm water. Feel the power of silence, or listen to the almighty echo.

credit: NeilsPhotography

credit: NeilsPhotography

credit: Obliot

credit: Obliot

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credit: huskyte77

credit: stealthtractor

credit: stealthtractor

credit: Obliot

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credit: Phillie Casablanca

credit: ciamabue

credit: ciamabue