What are the New 7 Wonders of Nature and where in the world can you see them?

Jungmun Daepo Coast Jusangjeolli Cliff in Jeju island, South Kor

Tropical forests, majestic waterfalls, volcanic islands... Let's discover the new wonders of nature, seven of the most spectacular natural sites in the world. Exceptional destinations that show forth the full richness of our planet!

What are the New 7 Wonders of Nature and how were they selected?

Just like the New 7 Wonders of the Modern World, this list was created to celebrate the most exceptional natural sites our planet has to offer. Selected from hundreds of submissions, they were chosen through a global poll organised by the New7Wonders Foundation in 2011. The competing sites, found all around the globe, were judged for their beauty, uniqueness and ecological importance.

All the New 7 Wonders of Nature, according to the New7Wonders Foundation

The Amazon, the wild face of South America

Stretching over 5.5 million km², the Amazon is a world unto itself, crossing nine South American countries along the Amazon River, the largest rainforest on the planet. In the forest, every thicket, every patch of moss, every leaf is teeming with an unbelievable amount of life: in the turbulent waters of the river, you'll come across pink dolphins, caimans and multicoloured macaws; in the jungle, jaguars, tamarinds and leopards dominate this vast ecosystem of unrivalled biodiversity.

Ha Long Bay, Vietnam's karst treasure

In northern Vietnam, Ha Long Bay is a fairytale landscape, bristling with some 1,600 rocky islands and islets emerging from the emerald waters in the Gulf of Tonkin. You can sail between these limestone giants aboard a traditional junk or kayak. The tropical forests carpeting the rocky peaks, the sandy beaches at sea level, the caves shaped by erosion, the floating fishing villages... There's no doubt about it: Ha Long Bay is one of the wonders of the world!

The mighty Iguazu Falls, the largest waterfall system in the world

The Iguazu Falls, on the border between Brazil and Argentina, aren’t exactly a slow, sedate affair: they roar, rumble and thrum down from a height of almost 80 metres! Made up of 275 waterfalls stretching over three kilometres, these are the largest waterfall system in the world, and also the most powerful. If you needed more proof, just follow the path leading to the Devil's Throat, the highest and most powerful waterfall on the site. The surrounding jungle, with its giant butterflies and colourful toucans, completes this already grandiose picture.

Jeju Island, South Korea's volcanic delight

Jeju Island, off the coast of South Korea, seems like something out of an ancient tale. Dominated by Mount Hallasan, an extinct volcano rising to 1,947 metres, the island's landscapes are rough and raw: the lava tunnels of Manjanggul, some of the longest in the world, are a veritable underground labyrinth, while the cliffs of Seongsan Ilchulbong create a spectacular panorama off the southern coastline of the Korean peninsula. Black sandy beaches and the Dol Hareubang statues, man-made stone guardians, add a mysterious touch to the scenery.

Puerto Princesa National Park, the Philippines’ underground river

On the island of Palawan, in the Philippines, Puerto Princesa National Park is home to a geological treasure: an underground river winding its way through eight kilometres of limestone caves before flowing into the sea. Navigating these dark subterranean waters reveals countless natural caves, where the light reflects off the countless rock faces, stalactites and stalagmites. Up above, the tropical forest adds to the magic of the island, with plenty of flora and fauna to see.

Komodo Island, Indonesia's dragon sanctuary

In Indonesia, Komodo island is most famous for its Komodo “dragons”, the largest land lizards in the world, reaching up to three metres in length. Like the last vestiges of a long gone era, these gigantic lizards roam the island's arid landscapes, surrounded by hills of tropical vegetation and pink sandy beaches. All around the island, you can dive in coral reefs where manta rays and multicoloured fish frolic.

Table Mountain, the emblematic peak of Cape Town in South Africa

Rising above Cape Town in South Africa, Table Mountain is a sleeping titan at a towering 1,086 metres above the sea level. You can reach it by cable car, or you can take a walk through the thick forest of protea and fynbos, typical of the local plant-life. Once at the top, you'll see the summit is as flat as a table top, with a fabulous view taking in the city, the southern tip of the African continent and the ocean-beaten cliffs. What an unforgettable sight!