Baños de Agua Santa is a small city in Ecuador's Tungurahua Province, set in a narrow valley on the eastern slopes of the Andes. The city sits beneath the active Tungurahua volcano and is surrounded by steep, green mountains, waterfalls, and forested hills. Its full name refers to the thermal springs that have long been associated with the town. Baños also marks a transition between the high Andes and the warmer Amazon basin, giving the surrounding landscape a mixture of mountain and subtropical
Monkey Mia, located within the Shark Bay World Heritage Area on the western coast of Australia, is a serene paradise known for its world-famous wild dolphin encounters. This remote coastal gem, surrounded by the turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean, invites visitors to experience up-close interactions with bottlenose dolphins in their natural habitat. For over 50 years, these dolphins have made daily visits to Monkey Mia’s shores, creating a unique tradition that brings awe to travelers.
Black Hills National Forest covers a mountainous island of forests in western South Dakota, surrounded by the open plains of the Great Plains. The landscape includes granite peaks, narrow canyons, ponderosa pine forests, lakes, streams, and rolling grasslands. The forest stretches across a large portion of the Black Hills and contains some of the highest elevations in the region.
Tarpon Springs has beautiful residential areas that are a mixture of new subdivisions and old mansions that are clustered around saltwater bayous and other waterways. There is plenty to see and do from deep sea fishing, championship golf to antiquing and enjoying spectacular sunsets on the Gulf of Mexico.
Photo Credit: Photo by Alexander Shenkin on Unsplash
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park protects a remarkable volcanic landscape on Hawaii Island shaped by Kilauea and Mauna Loa, two of the world's most active volcanoes. Visitors can explore lava fields, volcanic craters, native rainforest and dramatic terrain created by generations of eruptions. The park also preserves places of deep importance to Native Hawaiian culture and provides an exceptional view into the geological processes that continue to build the Hawaiian Islands. Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, its landscape continues to evolve as volcanic activity reshapes the island.
Other Popular Destinations in Hawaii
Honolulu, Oahu
Honolulu, the capital of Hawaiʻi and the largest city in the Pacific, blends the energy of a major urban center with the deep roots of Native Hawaiian culture. Set on the island of Oʻahu, it’s home to iconic beaches, royal history, and a rhythm all its own. This sunny capital city is the main portal to the larger Hawaiian archipelago, and the perfect base for exploring Oahu.
Kona, Hawaii
Kona started as King Kamehameha I's government seat, and is now a popular tourist destination with key landmarks like Hulihee Palace, as well as coffee farms, shopping and dining.