New wonders of nature are thrilling

The massive Amazon River basin, which contains more than half of the world’s remaining rainforest, covers part of Bolivia, Brazil, Columbia, Ecuador, French Guiana, Guyana, Peru, Suriname and Venezuela. Not a single bridge crosses that incredible river, but a number of tour operators can help you experience it.

In Vietnam, scenic Halong Bay features thousands of limestone islands, karst fields and slender fingers of stone that project from the water like small mountain peaks. Some of the islands are virtually hollow, with intriguing caves; others are dotted with lakes.
Straddling the border between Argentina and Brazil, Iguazu Falls is an absolutely stunning set of 275 waterfalls extending nearly two miles in a graceful semi-circle. It’s a remote location, but there is much to see: national parks on either side of the falls are home to hundreds of rare animals and plants. Plus, with nearby airports on both sides, its remote location puts the falls within an easier reach from places such as Rio de Janeiro and Buenos Aires.

Jeju Island is both the largest island and smallest province in Korea, where the dormant volcano Hallasan rises to 6,400 feet, with hundreds of satellite volcanoes around it. There are waterfalls, a lovely crater lake and lava tubes to explore.
In Indonesia, Komodo National Park was founded in 1980, to protect the unique Komodo dragon, the world’s largest lizard. It’s a haven for other species as well, including monitor lizards, Timor deer, water buffalo, macaques and marine life such as whale sharks, blue-ringed octopus and pygmy seahorses.

In the Philippines, the Puerta Princesa Subterranean River is believed to be one of the world’s longest underground rivers. Its five mile long waterway passes through spectacular chambers before emptying into the South China Sea.
South Africa’s majestic Table Mountain still rises 3,562 feet above Cape Town, even after 6 million years of erosion. Visitors ascend via foot or cable car for panoramic views and a look at the mountain’s surprisingly diverse flora, including some plant species found nowhere else on earth.
Clearly, any of those wondrous locations can be the centerpiece of a thrilling vacation. Talk with your travel professional about which of the New 7 Wonders of Nature you would most like to visit.


Moe Rondeau is the owner of Travel Leaders/Travel Advisors International at 204 Front St. in Lincoln. He can be reached by calling (401) 725-1234 or by sending an e-mail to moe@taitrips.com.