El Calafate, a small town in southern Patagonia, serves as the main gateway to one of Argentina’s most spectacular natural wonders, the Los Glaciares National Park. Sitting on the shores of Lake Argentino, El Calafate was once a quiet outpost known mainly for sheep farming and the hardy calafate berry. Today, it attracts travelers from around the world who come to witness massive ice formations and the shifting blue walls of nearby glaciers.
As a UNESCO World Heritage site, Stone Town boasts narrow, winding streets lined with towering stone buildings adorned with beautifully carved wooden doors, reflecting its rich history as a major trading hub.
Norfolk Island may be small but it carries a story that spans centuries. Located in the South Pacific between Australia, New Zealand, and New Caledonia, the island is a fascinating blend of Polynesian roots, British convict history, and Pitcairn Island culture. Today, visitors can walk through one of the best-preserved penal settlements in the world at Kingston, where stone ruins and restored Georgian buildings stand against a backdrop of green hills and the open sea.
Mopti, often called the “Venice of Mali,” sits at the point where the Bani and Niger rivers meet. This strategic location has made it an important trading hub for centuries, attracting merchants, fishermen, and travelers from across West Africa.
Iguassu Falls, straddling the border between Brazil and Argentina, is a breathtaking natural wonder that captivates visitors with its sheer scale and beauty. This UNESCO World Heritage Site boasts the largest waterfall system in the world, with nearly 275 individual falls cascading over a rugged landscape. The Brazilian side of the falls offers stunning panoramic views, where visitors can marvel at the thundering torrents and the vibrant rainbows that often form in the mist.
The Iguassu National Park, which encompasses the falls, is a lush haven of biodiversity. Here, travelers can embark on a series of thrilling activities, including boat rides that take you close to the base of the falls, where you’ll feel the raw power of the water as it crashes down. For a more serene experience, the park's extensive network of trails provides opportunities for observing diverse wildlife, including toucans, jaguars, and capuchin monkeys.
A visit to the falls also offers a unique chance to explore the Argentinian side, where the Garganta del Diablo (Devil's Throat) viewpoint provides an unparalleled perspective of the falls' most dramatic and powerful section. The extensive network of walkways on this side allows visitors to get up close to the thundering cascades, enhancing the sensory experience.
A fun fact about Iguassu Falls is that the local name "Iguassu" means "big water" in the Tupi-Guarani language, reflecting the grandeur of this natural wonder. The falls were also featured in the 2016 film The Jungle Book as a backdrop for the cinematic adventures of Mowgli. Whether you’re an adventure seeker or a nature enthusiast, Iguassu Falls offers an awe-inspiring experience that truly embodies the splendor of South America's natural heritage.