With its untouched natural wonders, rich cultural traditions, and welcoming people, Guinea-Bissau offers an off-the-beaten-path experience for those seeking something truly unique.
Uxmal, located about 80 kilometers south of Mérida in the Puuc region of Yucatán, is one of the most architecturally refined ancient Maya cities. Unlike other major Maya sites built with steep pyramids and narrow passageways, Uxmal is known for its smooth limestone structures, wide plazas, and intricate stone mosaics. One unique experience available to visitors is the nightly light and sound show, which uses colored projections to highlight carvings and narrate local legends and Maya cosmology.
Djúpavík is a tiny settlement on the shore of Reykjarfjörður in the remote Strandir region of Iceland’s Westfjords. The village is surrounded by steep mountains, a narrow fjord, and largely undeveloped coastal landscapes, with only a handful of buildings clustered beside the water. Its identity is closely tied to the abandoned herring-processing complex that dominates the settlement.
A relatively recent addition to Costa Rica's list of national parks is Tenorio Volcano National Park, home to its namesake Tenorio Volcano as well as its taller sister, Miravalles Volcano, also the highest mountain in the Guanacaste Mountains.
Mikulov, located in the heart of South Moravia in the Czech Republic, is a picturesque town known for its rich history, stunning architecture, and exceptional wine culture. Dominating the skyline is Mikulov Castle, an elegant Baroque structure that has been a cultural landmark since the 13th century. Visitors can explore the castle’s historical exhibitions, including a fascinating display on the region’s winemaking traditions.
Sunlight enters through an opening above the weathered limestone formations inside the Sawa-i-Lau Caves in Fiji’s Yasawa Islands.
Photo Credit: Wendy Harman
Rising from Fiji’s northern Yasawa Islands, Sawa-i-Lau is a striking limestone island surrounded by an otherwise volcanic island chain. Its rugged shoreline conceals a series of partially flooded caverns, including a spacious chamber where sunlight filters through an opening above and illuminates a clear saltwater pool. Adventurous swimmers can also enter a darker inner cave through a short underwater passage. Rich in local legend, Sawa-i-Lau offers a memorable blend of natural beauty, cultural significance, and island adventure.