Harbor of Rio de Janeiro

The Harbor of Rio de Janeiro is located in Brazil and was created by erosion from the Atlantic Ocean and is also known as Guanabara Bay. The Harbour is surrounded by gorgeous granite monolith mountains that include the famous Sugar Loaf Mountain at 1,296 feet (395 m), Corcovado Peak at 2,310 feet (704 m), and the hills of Tijuca at 3,350 feet (1021 m). Visitors will also experience numerous islands including Governor’s island, Fundao and Snakes Island.

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Best Ways to See the Harbor of Rio de Janeiro

The best ways to see the Harbor of Rio de Janeiro are to get above it. Some visitors will seek to discover and view the harbor and surrounding area by taking to the skies. This can be done either through helicopter or for the more adventurous through the use of a hang glider.

The most common means of seeing tthis wonder are to travel to the tops of the surrounding granite peaks that overlook the harbor. Sugar Loaf Mountain and Corcovado both offer panoramic views of the harbor and surrounding landscape. Sugar Loaf Mountain is actually in the harbor and provides views back over the city and into mountains. Additionally, visitors will have great views of the beautiful beaches that line the harbor.

Corcovado peak is much higher and looks east over the harbor and back towards Sugar Loaf Mountain. Corcovado peak also offers visitors with an opportunity to see the famous monument – Christ the Redeemer.

Best Ways to Experience the Harbor of Rio de Janeiro

The best way to experience the Harbor of Rio de Janeiro depends on the interest of those visiting this natural wonder. Enjoying the soft white sandy beaches is expected whether participating in one of the many exercise or stretching programs, playing volleyball or other sporting venues, or just lounging around and taking in the sun.

If you are not interested in taking in the beach or you have checked that activity off, visitors are encouraged to explore the harbor from the recommended lookouts of Sugar Loaf Mountain and Corcovado. Both peaks offer different and distinctive views of the harbor and surrounding area.

Another way to explore the harbor is through a boat tour that exposes visitors to the islands, the beaches and various views of Sugar Loaf Mountain and the other granite monoliths that surround the harbor.

Best Times to Explore the Harbor of Rio de Janeiro

The best times to explore the Harbor of Rio de Janeiro are during the months of September and October. The weather is nice and the humidity has not set in.

Sugar Loaf Mountain can be done in under two hours and should be done during the morning when the sun is coming in from the east. The sun will be rising behind you as you take in the views of the mountains, beaches and surrounding area without causing you to squint. The cable cars open up at 8:00 and that is the best time to start the exploration.

Exploration from Corcovado should be done in the afternoon because the sun is shining back towards Sugar Loaf Mountain and the harbor. A morning visit is less crowded but you will be staring into the rising sun.

Harbor of Rio de Janeiro Photography Tips

Taking pictures from Sugar Loaf mountain should be done in the earliest part of the morning. The cable cars only open up at 8:00am, so that is as early as you can get there. Once you reach the top of the mountain, the sun will be behind you providing the best lighting for taking pictures of the beaches, Corcovado, and the landscapes surrounding the harbor.

Corcovado pictures will be best done in the later afternoon when the sun gets behind you and provides the best lighting for images of Sugar Loaf Mountain and back towards the harbor. Now, if you are interested in taking the best pictures of Christ the Redeemer atop Corcovado, then you may need to make two trips or spend the day there. Christ the Redeemer faces the rising sun, so early morning shots will have the best lighting.

As you come past the Christ statue, make your way to the left side. A good view/shot of the harbor and Sugar Loaf can be captured just left of the steps before descending down to the lookout. This allows you to bring foliage into the foreground for adding depth of field or additional framing elements. The lookout also provides good views over the harbor and Sugar Loaf as well.

Harbor of Rio de Janeiro Travel Tips

Getting to Rio de Janeiro is easy. The city is one of the largest and most popular cities in Brazil. Many major airlines fly directly into the city providing plenty of options for travel. The city does have public transportation but taxis and even private drivers are reasonably priced.

Check with your hotel about a personal car/driver. You may find the convenience and expertise is worth the small difference from just taking a taxi or renting your own car. As you witness the routes either taxi or personal drivers take, you will be glad you are not trying to navigate the roads yourself.

Endangered Species

There are 100s of critically endangered species on every continent around the world. The wildlife, fauna and flora are much of what makes the wonders of nature special. Endangered Species is one of Seven Natural Wonder’s greatest concerns. Take a moment and glance at some of the critically endangered wildlife.

Harbor of Rio de Janeiro Places to Stay

People traveling to see the Seven Natural Wonders of the World will have more of a challenge finding the “eco” experience in Rio, a city more known for culture, carnivals, and character than in other “natural wonder” locations. However, the Sheraton Rio Hotel and Resort is an excellent option for a stay in Rio with an intent to explore this natural wonder of the world. The Sheraton is the only hotel that has direct access to the beach. Although, not a significant barrier, all other hotels must cross the street to reach a beach. Additionally, the Sheraton provides fairly easy access to Sugar Loaf, Corcovado and the surrounding harbor area.

The Sheraton Rio Resort & Hotel is Seven Natural Wonders: Recommended

Learn more about the Sheraton Rio through the SNW Blog

Mount Everest

Mount Everest is the highest mountain in the world with the summit reaching a peak of 29,029 feet (8,848 m). It is located in the Himalayan mountain range on the border between Nepal and Tibet, China.

Mount Everest represent the highest spot on earth, but it is not the tallest mountain in the world. Mount McKinley in Alaska is the tallest mountain based on measurements taken from the base of the mountain, which is above sea level, to the peak. However, Mauna Kea in Hawaii is the actual tallest mountain in the world measured from its base, of which most of it is under water. Collectively, it rises 6.3 miles (10,200 m) from the base beneath the sea to the peak at 13,796 feet (4,205 m).

The Challenger Deep, off the Mariana islands, is the deepest spot in the ocean. If Mount Everest were placed inside the cavern there would be more than 1.3 miles (2 km) of water still covering it.

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Best Ways to See Mount Everest

The best way to see Mount Everest probably depends on who you are and the perspective you are seeking. For the more adventurous individuals the best way to see Mount Everest is to make the trek and hike to the base of the mountain. For the common visitor, the best way to see Mount Everest is probably to take a guided flight around the mountain.

Best Ways to Experience Mount Everest

The best way to experience Mount Everest is by making the trek to the base of the mountain. For more experienced individual climbers, a climb to the upper base camp. But this experience is costly; the Nepal government now requires potential climbers to purchase a $25,000USD climbing permit.

Best Times to Explore Mount Everest

The simple but unpredictable answer is when it is not snowing. The best season to explore Mount Everest is during the months of October and November which are the start of the dry season. The next best season to visit Everest is during the months of February through April; this is the end of the dry season.

Mount Everest Photography Tips

Extreme temperatures can interfere with cameras and freeze mechanisms. It is important to carry protective gear for any photographic equipment. The easiest and maybe best way to capture captivating images of Mount Everest is to take one of the guided flights around the mountain which provides many different perspectives.

Mount Everest Travel Tips

Getting to Mount Everest is a challenge. Probably the best tip is to plan on traveling to one of the nearby larger cities that offer flights around the mountain.

Endangered Species

There are 100s of critically endangered species on every continent around the world. The wildlife, fauna and flora are much of what makes the wonders of nature special. Endangered Species is one of Seven Natural Wonder’s greatest concerns. Take a moment and glance at some of the critically endangered wildlife.

Great Barrier Reef

The great barrier reef is the world’s largest individual formation created by living organisms. As the largest coral reef in the world, the Great Barrier Reef includes over 900 islands, over 2,900 separate reefs, and supports one of the most diverse ecosystems in the world.

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Best Ways to See Great Barrier Reef

Probably the best way to see the Great Barrier Reef is through the lens of an underwater mask. Snorkeling or scuba diving provides an up close view of some of the most vibrant fish, coral and marine life.

Best Ways to Experience Natural Wonder

The best way to experience the Great Barrier Reef is the same as the best way to see it. A guaranteed spectacular experience is to have an up close and personal encounter through either a snorkeling or scuba diving expedition. In most cases, a pontoon boat will be used to make the reef most accessible. “Live aboards” which are floating guest facilities also provide an opportunity for visitors to experience the reef up close for extended periods.

Visitors can select from a variety of boat or cruise tours that include single day trips, extended stays and varying boat sizes. No matter what type of craft or what length of stay, it is imperative to make sure that you take time to snorkel or scuba dive in order to ensure the best experience possible.

A helicopter tour is an excellent way to get above the Great Barrier Reef and witness the size and expanse of this spectacular marine natural wonder.

Best Times to Explore the Great Barrier Reef

The weather is tropical fairly consistent with it rarely being extremely hot and rarely extremely cold. The summer temperatures range from 73 to 91 degrees and the winter months range from the upper 50s to the mid 70s. The rainy season occurs from November through May which accounts for over 75% of the annual rainfall during this period. The main thing to know about the weather is that it is sunny and tropical, so the primary planning involves sun protection and comfort.

Great Barrier Reef Photography Tips

The most important photographic tip is that you buy, borrow, or rent a fairly good underwater camera. The variety of marine life and the spectacular images are something you will not want to miss nor forget. Make sure you learn how to use it before you get the reef so that your time is focused on experiencing the reef and capturing images versus learning how to work the camera.

Great Barrier Reef Travel Tips

Many cities along the coast of Queensland in Australia offer boating tours. Several islands along the reef have been turned into resorts providing a great place to stay as visitors explore the reef from day to day. Approximately 2 million visitors travel to the Great Barrier Reef every year, so it is important to plan early providing the greatest chance of securing the options that foster the best experience.

Endangered Species

There are 100s of critically endangered species on every continent around the world. The wildlife, fauna and flora are much of what makes the wonders of nature special. Endangered Species is one of Seven Natural Wonder’s greatest concerns. Take a moment and glance at some of the critically endangered wildlife.

Victoria Falls

Victoria Falls is a spectacular waterfall located in southern Africa on the borders of Zambia and Zimbabwe. The Zambezi River serves as the fall’s water source. With the collective height and width of the falls, it is attributed as the largest sheet of falling water in the world. The name Victoria Falls was given by the Scottish explorer Dr. David Livingstone.

Victoria falls is accessed through either Livingstone, Zambia or Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe. It is recommended that which ever city serves as the entry point that visitors take advantage of the complete natural wonder experience and cross over to border to see what Victoria Falls has to offer from the differing perspective.

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Best Ways to See and Experience Victoria Falls

There are two unique and distinctive views of the falls. One of the best ways to see the falls is to take a helicopter or microlite tour over the falls, which provides a breathtaking and spectacular aerial view of the falls and surrounding area. Whether you elect to take a helicopter, microlite or both up into the air you will have a fair chance of seeing elephants, hippos or other wildlife while taking in the awe inspiring view of the falls. Although there are no guarantees, witnessing wildlife along the way will enhance your natural wonders experience.

What is a a microlite? A microlite (small two person motorized aircraft) that looks like a hang glider but includes a propeller and seats for both you and the captain. The microlite allows you to circle over the falls and surrounding area with the fresh air escorting you along the way. A microlite tour is much more invigorating trip than a helicopter but both make for an excellent encounter with the falls.

Another and almost equally impressive view of the falls is the foot path and foot bridge trail that follows alongside the falls. This unique trail allows visitors to see the falls at eye level, head on and from only 200 feet (60 meters) away. As you enter the park and turn the corner you are instantly presented with the magnificence and glory of the falls. As you take the path and hear the water pounding and witness the vapor rising, you quickly understand the name, “smoke that thunders.”

The Zimbabwean side of the falls provides visitors with a different spectacular view and perspective of the falls. Sightseers and photographers can see approximately 80% of the falls as compared to about 25 to 30% from the Zambian side.

Best Times to Explore Victoria Falls

There are basically two seasons for the Victoria Falls area. The rainy season runs from late November to early April and the remaining months account for the dry season. One would imagine that the rainy season with more water would make the falls more spectacular, however the additional water makes it impossible to see the base of the falls. The dry season provides an opportunity for the islets and rocky face to become more visible which makes for a more scenic view.

Victoria Falls Photography Tips

Victoria Falls are easy falls to capture with the camera. However, one of the challenges as you navigate the foot path and bridge along the gorge is the constant and heavy falling spray from the falls (for all practical purposes it is rain). You will want to make sure that you have a cover for your camera or an umbrella which allows you to take pictures of the falls from strategic places that are barraged with spray from the falls.

The rainbow can be seen during any part of the day, but it seems to be brightest during the early part of the day.

Victoria Falls Places to Stay

The Zambezi Sun is the epitome of “Location, Location, Location” providing guests with back door and direct access through an exclusive entrance for those staying at the resort. The resort property backs right up to the entrance of Victoria Falls National Park allowing guests to come and go into the falls as desired.

The Zambezi Sun is a resort style property centered around the main area which features a relaxing pool, live African music, and option dining venues. Learn More

The Zambezi Waterfront Lodge is a tremendously economical option for individuals and families looking to explore Victoria Falls but seeking to do so on a limited budget. The Waterfront offers three different accommodation types including the chalets, tents, and campsites. The tents and chalets both include the breakfast buffet during your stay. Learn More

The tents make for a safari type adventure equipped with twin beds, night stand and lamp. The tents are elevated onto cement platforms. If you are staying in a tent or at the campsites you will have access to the public showers which are clean and comfortable.

Victoria Falls Travel Tips

Daily flights are offered from Johannesburg, South Africa to the towns of Livingstone, Zambia or Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe which provides easy access to the falls. Easy access is also provided with flights from Windhoek, Namibia. Less inviting options include flights to Lusaka, Zambia or Harare, Zimbabwe with bus rides to Livingstone or Victoria Falls.

Endangered Species

There are 100s of critically endangered species on every continent around the world. The wildlife, fauna and flora are much of what makes the wonders of nature special. Endangered Species is one of Seven Natural Wonder’s greatest concerns. Take a moment and glance at some of the critically endangered wildlife.

Victoria Insights and Resources

Victoria Falls Travel Packages: Complete travel packages to both Zambia and Zimbabwe sides of the falls.

Paricutin

Paricutin is a cinder cone volcano in Michoacán, Mexico.  Paricutin was named one of the seven natural wonders as an active volcano.  The volcano has been dormant since the last eruption in 1952.  It was established as a natural wonder because mankind witnessed its birth.  The volcano was also fast growing reaching three-fourths of its size within the first year.

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Best Ways to See Paricutin

The best ways to see Paricutin is to take the 12 mile round trip journey to the top of the volcano.  This can be accomplished through a strenuous hike or by horseback.  The journey will let you see Paricutin from a variety of views.

Best Ways to Experience Paricutin

The best way to experiencing Paricutin is by taking hikes through the sandy banks and lava fields that surround the volcano.  To make the most of your Paricutin adventure, plan on staying overnight at least one if not two days.  The 12 mile roundtrip journey can be taken as an adventurous hike or can be made easier by riding horses.  It makes for a long day either way.  On this journey you will traverse past lava fields, buried village homes and a church reaching the top of Paricutin.

Best Times to Explore Paricutin

Paricutin is in a tropical environment with longer summers and milder winters.  The average winter temperatures range from 59 to 68 F with the summer temperatures ranging from 77 to 86 degrees.  The rainy season tends to run from May through September.  Paricutin can be explored at any time of the year.

Paricutin Photography Tips

The best pictures are going to be more of a story board as one captures images along the 12 miles journey to the Paricutin volcano peak.  Images of the lava fields, buried homes and the buried church help tell the story.

Join the forums to discuss and learn about other Paricutin photography tips.

Endangered Species

There are 100s of critically endangered species on every continent around the world. The wildlife, fauna and flora are much of what makes the wonders of nature special. Endangered Species is one of Seven Natural Wonder’s greatest concerns. Take a moment and glance at some of the critically endangered wildlife.

Paricutin Travel Tips

Paricutin is located about 200 miles West of Mexico City.  The recommended way to access the region is to enter through Angahuan.  Angahuan is the town that survived the erupting volcano because it was located on top of mountains avoiding the valley where Paricutin rose.

You can also take a bus from Urupan which will drop you just of the highway leaving only a short hike into the village of Paricutin.

Join the forums to discuss and learn about other Paricutin travel tips.

Grand Canyon

The Grand Canyon is a massive gorge located in the state of Arizona in the United States, and was created by the Colorado River. Although not the steepest nor the longest canyon in the world, the Grand Canyon is recognized as a natural wonder because of the overall scale and size combined with the beautifully colored landscape. The canyon offers a variety of lookouts and experiences that provide visitors with a view that cannot be matched.

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Winner Announcement

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Best Ways to See the Grand Canyon

Many spectacular views of the Grand Canyon can be experienced from the many vistas that are presented throughout the park, particularly along the South Rim. However, probably the most spectacular view of the canyon occurs from the Toroweap Overlook. The only challenge is that this view is only accessible by three different dirt paths:

• St. George, Utah (97 miles)
• Colorado City (62 miles)
• Pipe Spring National Monument (64 miles)

An easier alternative to a still breath taking view can be experienced through Lipan Point on the South Rim. This view exposes visitors to a variety of rock strata and delivers an amazing view of the Unkar Creek area.

A helicopter tour is the best way to truly appreciate the vastness of the canyon.

Best Ways to Experience the Grand Canyon

Visiting the Grand Canyon is an experience in and of itself, however there are more adventurous ways to experience the canyon and take in the grandeur of this natural wonder. The canyon can be explored on foot through traditional hikes, day hikes, or extended backpacking trips. It is important to note that all overnight camping below the rim requires a back country permit.

Another common and worthy experience is exploring the canyon on the back of a mule. This provides a unique experience of the canyon while allowing the mule to carry the load. The floor of the canyon can also be explored by taking a white water rafting trip. There are a variety of trips offered depending on the type of experience someone is seeking and their rafting skill level.

Best Times to Explore the Grand Canyon

The best times to explore the Grand Canyon could easily be debated. Winter scenes are arguably some of the most spectacular scenes, however the winter months close the roads to the North Rim which really provide the better views of the vastness of canyon.

With that said, the best time to explore the Grand Canyon is during the summer months which provide visitors with greater access to a variety of opportunities that the Grand Canyon provides to explorers. If you really want to explore the Grand Canyon, don’t plan a day trip. One could easily consume a week discovering and exploring the canyon.

Grand Canyon Weather

The weather of the Grand Canyon varies with seasons. The South Rim usually maintains higher temperatures as compared to the North Rim due to its higher elevations. Although the general conditions of the canyon area are arid, the onset of winter and the late summer months deliver heavy rains for both the North and South Rims. The later summer month rains are often accompanied by dramatic thunderstorms, which presented in the context of the canyon, can be declared a wonder themselves.

South Rim Rainfall 16 inches (35 cm)
North Rim Rainfall 27 inches (59cm)

Snowfall 60 inches ( 132 cm) 144 inches (317 cm)

Inner gorge temperatures during the summer months are easily in the area of 100 F (37.8 C) and falling below 0 F (-17.8 C) during the winter months.

Grand Canyon Photography Tips

Capturing the wonder and beauty of the Grand Canyon truly requires multiple trips during different seasons and varying locations. Sunsets, snow caps, and even thunderstorms take on completely new amazement when captured with the breathtaking background of the Grand Canyon.

We invite you to view the forums to discuss and learn more about photography tips on the Grand Canyon.

Grand Canyon Travel Tips

The first, and maybe most important, tip is to make your reservations early. There are over 5 million visitors to the Grand Canyon every year and making reservations early is one of the best ways to make sure you get access to the adventure and exploration that you desire.

We invite you to view the forums to discuss and learn more about the travel tips of the Grand Canyon.

Endangered Species

There are 100s of critically endangered species on every continent around the world. The wildlife, fauna and flora are much of what makes the wonders of nature special. Endangered Species is one of Seven Natural Wonder’s greatest concerns. Take a moment and glance at some of the critically endangered wildlife.

Aurora: Northern Lights

The auroras, also known as the Northern Lights, are naturally occurring lights that create intriguing and spectacular displays in the sky. The aurora lights frequently appear as diffused glow lighting up the horizon. The most amazing sight is when the northern lights appears as waves across the sky; it is almost as if the lights are dancing.

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Best Ways to See the Aurora: Northern Lights

The best way to see the aurora or northern lights is by traveling to the Northern Hemisphere. The chances of experiencing the northern lights will increase as you approach the magnetic pole. The magnetic pole is presently found in the arctic islands of Canada.

Best Ways to Experience the Aurora: Northern Lights

The best ways to experience the aurora or northern lights is to stand in amazement and watch them dance across the sky. Unfortunately, you cannot predict when the lights will appear, but it is worth the effort when you find yourself underneath them as they dance across the sky.

Best Times to Explore the Aurora: Northern Lights

The best chances of witnessing the dancing aurora or northern lights occur between the months of March to April and September to October.

Aurora: Northern Lights Photography Tips

Capturing the northern lights on film has traditionally been a challenge. The most important photography tip for taking pictures of the northern lights with a desire to capture them as naturally as possible is to make certain that you use a high quality digital camera that possess higher sensitivities.

Aurora: Northern Lights Travel Tips

The aurora, or northern lights, can be experienced or seen at different times throughout the year, however the greatest chances occur during the months of March, April, September and October. For the common visitor these months typically represent times of the year that are too cold. A late summer visit to Alaska or northern Canada also presents a fair chance of experiencing the northern lights.

If you are in the area and hear that someone saw the northern lights the night or early morning before, it is quite possible that you could capture a repeat performance the next day.

Endangered Species

There are 100s of critically endangered species on every continent around the world. The wildlife, fauna and flora are much of what makes the wonders of nature special. Endangered Species is one of Seven Natural Wonder’s greatest concerns. Take a moment and glance at some of the critically endangered wildlife.