The 7 natural wonders of the world
How was the list of Natural Wonders of the World drawn up?
It all started with the idea of one person: Swiss Canadian Bernard Weber. Organized by the New7Wonders Foundation, the New7Wonders Of Nature – which in Portuguese means seven natural wonders of the world – in 2007, with the creation of a large global vote to choose the seven wonders of the natural world and had a total of 100 million votes worldwide!
Planet Earth has its own unique places. Some are better known than others, but there is no shortage of options for you to be enchanted in all four corners of the world.
However, in order to create a consensus on the 7 wonders of nature, the foundation opened a popular vote to determine the most beautiful places on the planet. That’s the list you’ll see here on the blog. Come along!
Amazonia, in South America
The first natural wonder on this list is a jewel of South America: the Amazon. The rainforest is home to an enormous diversity of fauna and flora, as well as being responsible for the emission of oxygen worldwide. With an area of approximately 6.7 million square kilometers, the Amazon is the largest forest in the world and is shared by 9 countries, including Brazil, Bolivia, Peru and Venezuela. It is considered the lungs of the world, as it is responsible for producing more than 20% of global oxygen.
Ha-Long Bay, Vietnam
Known as the Bay of the Descending Dragon in Vietnamese, Ha-Long Bay is one of the most spectacular sites in the world and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. With its lush landscape and limestone islands in various shapes and sizes, it is a must-see destination for nature and adventure lovers.
There are around 1,960 to 2,000 islets in the area, mostly limestone, with a total area of around 1,553 km², including the core of the bay, which is 334 km² and has a density of 775 islets. The humid tropical climate and geological conditions that took more than 500 million years to form have created a rich ecosystem, home to around 14 endemic floral species and 60 known faunal species. In addition, the area has a rich history, with records of prehistoric human presence dating back tens of thousands of years.
Jeju Islands, South Korea
Located in the Korean Strait, Jeju Island is a destination known worldwide for its unique volcanic features. With a surface area of 1,846 km², Jeju is the largest island 130 km off the coast of the Korean peninsula and the main island of South Korea’s Jeju province. The island’s highlight is Hallasan Mountain, South Korea’s highest mountain and a dormant volcano rising 1,950 m above sea level.
What many people don’t know is that the island is surrounded by 360 satellite volcanoes around the main volcano. Jeju is a World Heritage Site due to its incredible rock formations, such as the lava tubes, and its unique geological history, which dates back 2 million years, when it was created entirely from volcanic eruptions that resulted in basalt and lava.
In addition, Jeju has a humid subtropical climate, warmer than the rest of Korea, with four distinct seasons, which contributes to its lush landscape. If you’re looking for a unique adventure amidst impressive rock formations and geological history, Jeju is the place to visit.
Komodo, Indonesia
Located in the Republic of Indonesia, Komodo Island is one of the archipelago’s 17,508 islands. It is famous for being home to the world’s largest lizard, the Komodo Dragon, after which the island is named. With a surface area of 390 km², the island has a population of more than 2,000 inhabitants, most of them descendants of ex-convicts who were exiled there.
Komodo is part of the Lesser Sunda island chain and is also a popular diving destination, as well as being part of the Komodo National Park. Administratively, the island belongs to the province of East Nusa Tenggara.
Puerto Princesa Underground River in the Philippines
Puerto Princesa National Park in the Philippines is one of the most fascinating destinations for nature and adventure lovers. Located in the Saint Paul Mountains on the west coast of the island of Palawan, the park protects an incredible underground river system that attracts visitors from all over the world. Entry to the underground river can be made via a hike or boat trip through the town of Sabang.
Discovered in 2010, Puerto Princesa’s underground river revealed a second floor with small waterfalls and other rock formations, as well as sea creatures and much more. In 2011, the underground river was chosen as one of the New 7 Wonders of Nature, officially confirmed the following year.
Iguazu Falls, on the border between Brazil and Argentina
The Iguazu Falls, located on the border between Argentina and Brazil, are considered to be the largest waterfall system in the world. The name “Iguazu” comes from the Guarani or Tupi words “y” (meaning “water”) and “ûasú” (meaning “big”), and according to legend, they were created by a deity who was furious to discover that her beloved Naipí had fled with her lover Tarobá in a canoe. To punish them, the deity cut the river, creating the spectacular waterfalls that exist today.
The first European to record the existence of the falls was the Spanish conquistador Álvar Núñez Cabeza de Vaca, in 1541.
Table Mountain, South Africa
Located in South Africa, Table Mountain is a mountain that stands out for its flat shape at the top, forming an iconic landmark overlooking the city of Cape Town. It is so important that it is featured on the city flag and other local government insignia. Approximately 3 kilometers wide and surrounded by impressive cliffs, the mountain forms a dramatic backdrop to the city, flanked by Devil’s Peak to the east and Lion’s Head to the west.
An interesting curiosity is that the flat top of the mountain is often covered by orographic clouds, creating a phenomenon known as the “tablecloth”, which legend attributes to a smoking competition between the Devil and a local pirate. Table Mountain is part of a sandstone ridge that forms the backbone of the Cape Peninsula, extending south to Cape Point, and south of the main plateau is a lower part of the ridge called the Back Table.
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