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In addition to the Grand Canyon in the United States and the Lauterbrunnen Valley in Switzerland, other top destinations offer a variety of natural beauty, such as Iceland’s volcanic landscapes, New Zealand’s extensive protected areas and responsible tourism, Canada’s Banff National Park with its breathtaking mountain scenery, and the Galapagos Islands with its unique wildlife.
Particularly after the epidemic, when social separation and lengthy excursions in the countryside became commonplace, nature vacations are growing in popularity. And it’s hardly surprise that an increasing number of us are searching for a way to escape the crowds, given that the world’s population has now surpassed an astounding EIGHT BILLION!
Thankfully, given the size of the planet, there are still many holiday spots where you may escape from other people and reconnect with nature. Actually, there are so many options for nature vacations that it might be a little difficult to decide where to go.
Read on for the top nature vacations in 2026, whether you’re searching for stunning lakes to explore or breathtaking countryside to take in by train.
1. Antarctica and South Georgia
There’s a reason why the fabled seventh continent is right at the top of most people’s nature holiday bucket lists. With magical icy landscapes, brilliant blue glaciers the size of cathedrals, snowy hillsides teeming with thousands of Antarctic animals including 8 different species of penguins, dramatic seascapes full of whales and seals, endless wildlife photography opportunities, and the chance to try out adventure activities like sea kayaking or the legendary polar plunge, Antarctica is a nature-lover’s dream destination.
Yes it may be expensive to get there, but it’s worth every penny. You’ll need to book an expedition cruise and cross the dramatic Drake Passage, fabled to be the roughest stretch of sea in the world. But once you’re there, you’ll be able to set foot on the seventh continent – an opportunity few people get.
But if you’re going all that way, don’t stop at just Antarctica. Some expeditions take the long way round and go via the magical island of South Georgia. Lost in the vast Antarctic Ocean, 1000 miles from the nearest land, this incredible island is uninhabited by humans, allowing wildlife to flourish. There’s so much overwhelming biodiversity here that’s it’s known as the Galapagos of the south, and it will absolutely blow you away.
2. Iceland
Whether summer or winter, Iceland will have you hooked. With towering glaciers, erupting volcanos, majestic waterfalls, steaming hot springs, black sand beaches, and miles upon miles of dramatic coastline, Iceland truly is the place for the nature holiday of a lifetime.
Rent a car and drive the circumference of the ring road, stopping every 5 minutes to marvel at yet another jawdropping vista. Stop to say hello to the Icelandic horses or to photograph yet another sweeping vista, and if you visit in winter there’s a good chance you’ll get to see the Northern Lights too. Meanwhile in summer there are almost endless hours of daylight and dramatic hiking trails to enjoy.
If you’re a nature lover and you haven’t been to Iceland yet, what are you waiting for?!
3. Tanzania
No list of nature destinations would be complete without at least one African safari (and actually there are three in here). If you love animals, conservation, and wildlife watching, then a visit to one of Africa’s many safari destinations is a must. After all, what better experience can there be than the chance to witness nature, red in tooth and claw: lions stalking impala across the savanna, hippos wallowing in watering holes, or elephants and giraffes grazing among the trees?
One of the best places to go on safari is Tanzania. It’s home to the world-famous Serengeti national park, where you’ll find lions, leopards, cheetahs, zebras, giraffes, antelopes and more, as well as the famous Ngorongoro crater, home to one of the greatest concentrations of African animals anywhere on the continent. But on top of that, Tanzania is also home to world-class hiking opportunities, with the legendary Mount Kilimanjaro, highest peak in Africa, at the top of that list.
But if that’s not enough, there’s also the volcano Ol Doinyo Lengai, and the flamingo-packed Lake Natron to tempt you. That’s why, when people ask if they should go to Tanzania or Kenya, for many people, Tanzania is the clear winner.
4. Uganda
Less celebrated than Tanzania, but no less great for a wildlife vacation, is Uganda. With lush rolling green landscapes and ten national parks, you won’t be short of options for hiking or wildlife-spotting in Uganda. Most famous of all is Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, where you can go trekking to see critically-endangered mountain gorillas. But no less exciting is the chance to visit habituated chimpanzee families in Kibale National Park.
Other opportunities to spend time in nature include walking with rhinos at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, feeding the animals behind the scenes at Uganda Wildlife Education Centre, spotting tree-climbing lions in Queen Elizabeth National Park, or visiting the dramatic Murchison Falls.
For those who prefer adventure, Uganda also offers an excellent choice of outdoor activities, from white-water rafting or kayaking at Jinja, the source of the River Nile, to hiking or rock climbing in the Sipi Falls region.
With so much to see and do, and at prices that are much more affordable than other parts of East Africa, I think Uganda really does offer the best nature getaways for safari or wildlife lovers.
5. Guatemala
Guatemala is most well-known for its vibrant and photogenic culture, with pretty colonial architecture, buzzing markets, and kind and friendly people – but alongside all of that, this Central American country also offers plenty of opportunities for an off-the-beaten-track nature vacation.
Read Also: The Best Vacation Spots for Beach Lovers
The Petén region, in the north of the country, is a vast expanse of tropical jungle, where ancient Maya temples emerge from the dense rainforest, and you’re almost guaranteed to spot wildlife including toucans, monkeys, coatis, and, if you’re lucky, the resplendent quetzal, national bird of Guatemala. There are jaguars here too, but they’re much harder to spot.
Head west, and you’ll come to Lake Atitlan, famed for its dramatic landscape of vivid blue waters surrounded by three volcanos. There are almost endless outdoors adventures to be found around the lake, and even more around the nearby cities of Antigua Guatemala and Xela, both of which offer easy access to a huge range of hiking trails including the chance to climb an erupting volcano.
6. Costa Rica
Costa Rica is probably the most celebrated place to experience nature and wildlife in the whole of Central and South America – and for good reason. Wildlife tourism is a hugely important part of the economy here, and they take conservation extremely seriously. The Costa Rican people really understand the value of protecting their natural resources, not just for financial reasons but also for the good of the planet.
With two coastlines and endless swathes of cloud forest and tropical jungle, Costa Rica is a wildlife lover’s dream. Take a hike in one of the many national parks and you’ll have no trouble spotting spider and howler monkeys, macaws, toucans, parrots, hummingbirds and of course the loveable and iconic sloth. At the right time of year, you may also get the chance to see endangered turtles nesting and breeding.
But animals aren’t the only reason why Costa Rica is brilliant for a nature holiday. The country has miles and miles of beautiful, palm fringed sandy beaches, perfect for strolling, swimming, or just relaxing with a book. They’ve also invested millions in turning the country into a mecca for adrenaline and outdoors adventure lovers, with ziplines, jungle canopy bridges, whitewater rafting, volcano hiking and more.
So whether you’re after wildlife, landscapes, or outdoors thrills, Costa Rica has you covered.
7. New Zealand
There’s a reason why the country of New Zealand has served as a backdrop for many fantasy films in the last few decades: the country’s breathtaking landscapes all look like they belong in a fairytale.
From golden beaches to glaciers that snake down through rainforests, New Zealand is truly an outdoor-lover’s dream. Hiking, camping, and simply being out in nature is a way of life for many New Zealanders, so it’s no surprise that it’s also a popular spot for tourists who enjoy the same.
While you can’t see everything with 2 weeks in New Zealand, you certainly can tick off some major highlights.
Starting on the North Island, you can go dolphin-spotting in the Bay of Islands, dig your own hot tub at Hot Water Beach on the Coromandel Peninsula, hike between volcanoes in Tongariro National Park, walk in a forest of redwood trees in Rotorua, and visit bird sanctuaries to see rare flightless birds like kiwis.
On the even more dramatic South Island, you can go kayaking in Abel Tasman National Park, try heli-hiking on a glacier on the West Coast, spot whales in Kaikoura, brave tandem skydiving or bungee jumping into stunning canyons in Queenstown, and go on a cruise through Milford Sound. There’s no shortage of active vacation ideas in New Zealand!
8. Namibia
Namibia is one of the best nature travel destinations for two main reasons.
Firstly, it has a stunning natural landscape, formed by the elements over billions of years. In two weeks in Namibia, you could explore the graceful dunes of the Namib Desert, thought to be the oldest desert in the world. Here you can climb giant sand dunes, wander the eerie white clay pans of Sossusvlei and drive along the legendary Skeleton Coast. You can also see dramatic canyons, including Fish River Canyon, the largest in Africa, craters, stunning mountains and plains. In the east of Namibia, there are lush wetlands where you might spot hippos and water buffalo.
Which leads on to the second reason Namibia is great for a nature holiday: the wildlife. Namibia is home to all of the ‘Big Five’ animals: elephants, rhinos, lions, leopards and buffalo. The best place to do a wildlife safari is Etosha National Park, which is a huge reserve in the north of the country that allows self-drive safaris. However, you will see wild animals and African birds all over Namibia in your two weeks, even along the roads: it is quite common to see Gemsbok and other antelopes, zebras, wildebeest and baboons inland; and seals along the coast.
9. Canada
As such a vast country, Canada is easily one of the best places in the world to enjoy a nature-filled holiday. From the powder-capped wilds of the north where polar bears leave footprints in the snow, to the lush green forests and glossy lakes of the south, there’s enough to keep your memories (and your memory cards!) full for two weeks or more.
One of the best ways to spend your time in Canada as a nature lover is by road-tripping the Canadian Rockies which are bursting with stunning views and fabulous photo spots. Start in the cosmopolitan city of Calgary before winding your way through the peaks, lakes and national parks towards Vancouver. Spend a few days in Jasper to enjoy spectacular hikes and trails, enjoy stunning landscapes, taste delicious Canadian wines at Kelowna and marvel at the waterfalls around Golden.
As you drive, keep your eyes peeled for moose, bears and birds of prey who frequent the area in search of berries and other food.
Once you reach Vancouver, join a whale-watching safari to be in with a chance to spot humpback and grey whales, orcas, sea otters and seals. If you’re yet to see bears, head to Vancouver Island to join a bear tour, where you’re almost guaranteed sightings of black bears searching for crabs on the shore.
Too much of a wildlife fix for you? Head to Canada’a Atlantic coast – where the picturesque provinces of Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, and Prince Edward Island will tempt you with glorious landscapes and incredible food. You really can’t beat it.
10. Ireland
If you love unapologetic wildness and lush green landscapes, Ireland would be a wonderful place for a nature vacation. Ireland is an island, so there is coastline in every direction, complete with sandy beaches, dramatic cliffs, and incredible bird life, including the adorable puffin! Most of the country is very rural, so the best way to explore is to rent a car and drive, first along Ireland’s Ancient East from Dublin to Cork, then along the Wild Atlantic Way from Cork to Donegal.
You can wild camp throughout Ireland: just ask a local farmer if they know of any spots and they’re usually happy to give advice. Wild swimming is very popular in Ireland, and there are plenty of places that are perfect for a secluded dip in the sea or an alpine lake – just beware of riptides and strong currents.
There are two main mountain ranges in Ireland, the Wicklow Mountains and the Mountains of Kerry, both of which have hiking trails (the Wicklow Way and the Kerry Way, respectively). Over the course of two weeks, you could complete sections of both hikes, or simply explore the trails and serene wildness of the national parks. Even if you decide to skip the Wicklow Way, dedicate a day of your trip to hiking the Spinc Trail around Glendalough, a stunning glacial lake near a set of monastic ruins.
11. Alaska
The most popular destination for a holiday in Alaska is Denali National Park. Denali is the largest mountain in North America at 20,310 ft. Explore the park by hiking countless trails among the tundra, animal viewing for bears and caribou, whitewater river rafting down the Nenana River, taking a scenic flight over the mountain with a glacier landing, or even mountaineering up Denali itself.
There are a plethora of mountains at every turn throughout Alaska and a lot of them will have some sort of trail for hiking, whether short day hikes or long multi-day hikes. Hatcher Pass in the Talkeetna Mountains, Crow Pass in the Chugach Mountains, and Harding Icefield (the only land access to Kenai Fjords National Park) are just a fraction of the hiking options.
In Kenai Fjords National Park, nature-watching cruises take off out of Seward to view enchanting blue glaciers calving into the ocean and to watch wildlife like puffins, otters, seals, and whales frolicking in the cold waters.
During the winter, keep your eyes to the skies to spot the Northern Lights dancing amongst the stars.
12. Australia’s Great Barrier Reef
The Great Barrier Reef is often a bucket list item and perfect for a nature holiday. Located off of the east coast of Queensland, Australia, the Great Barrier Reef can be visited from as far south as Bundaberg and as far north as Cape York.
With two weeks to explore the Great Barrier Reef, don’t stay in one spot! Spend some time in the Whitsunday Islands enjoying the sugar sand white beaches and crystal clear water. Airlie Beach is the most popular place to stay by the Whitsunday Islands and there are plenty of hikes, waterfalls, and watersports available to add excitement to your nature vacation.
While Cairns or Port Douglas are the closest entrances to The Great Barrier Reef, don’t just stop there! While there are plenty of day trips from Cairns, also head north to Daintree and Cape Tribulation to explore the only location on earth where two World Heritage sites (The Great Barrier Reef and Daintree Rainforest) meet.
If diving isn’t for you, there are endless nature trips to be had in other parts of Australia.Why not try finding your fortune in the opal fields of Coober Pedy, or visit a pearl farm in the stunning Dampier Peninsula?
13. Cappadocia, Türkiye
Cappadocia is a region in beautiful Türkiye (formerly known as Turkey). It’s famous for its vast, desert landscape with expansive valleys and impressive rock formations known as fairy chimneys, which were used as homes in the 7th century.
Because of its arid climate, the people here live in cave dwellings. These are not dark, damp caves with stalagmites and stalactites, but warm, cosy homes made from carving out the porous rocky landscape. This means much of the landscape has been free of construction and development. Outside of the towns, you’ll find endless deserts filled with rocky canyons with unique rock formations and glistening white sand.
Cappadocia is famous for hot air balloon rides, which take off at sunset and offer incredible views of the valleys below (and hundreds of hot air balloons above).
It’s is the perfect nature vacation spot for hikers since there are so many valleys and hiking trails to explore. Some popular valleys to explore are Red and Rose Valley, Love Valley, Pigeon Valley, White Valley, Devrent Valley, and Monks Valley. Each valley has something special and unique to explore, from ancient churches to sunset viewpoints.
Perhaps the most fascinating valley of all is Ihlara Valley. Ihlara is a green anomaly to the rest of Cappadocia and is the only place where you’ll find lush green trees, a glistening river, and craggy limestone cliffs. Once you’re there, you won’t believe you’re in a desert.
While you’re in Turkey, don’t miss some of its incredible ancient ruins, like the legendary city of Troy or the UNESCO site of Gordion, the city of King Midas.
14. Galapagos Islands, Ecuador
The Galapagos Islands are unmissable for any wildlife photographer or lover. This unique destination, situated in the Pacific Ocean, is one of the most amazing places to go on vacation, home to some of the most diverse and incredible wildlife on Earth.
The islands were famously a source of inspiration for Darwin’s theory of evolution, and visitors can see this for themselves with the plethora of different species of animals found here. From giant tortoises to playful sea lions, there is an abundance of wildlife to be spotted on any tour of the Galapagos Islands.
One of the best ways to experience the natural underwater world of the Galapagos is by diving or snorkeling. The clear waters offer fantastic visibility, meaning you can get up close and personal with the sharks, turtles, sea lions, fishes, and marine iguanas.
For those who prefer to stay on dry land, there are still plenty of opportunities to see the amazing wildlife. A hike to the top of one of the volcanoes will provide stunning views, as well as the chance to spot some of the rarer birds such as the blue-footed booby.
15. Torres del Paine National Park, Chile
Torres del Paine national park at the southern tip of Chile is one of the most beautiful natural places in the world. A land of epic mountains, sparkling glaciers, and turquoise lakes, it’s the highlight of any trip to Patagonia. With two weeks to work with, start your adventure out in the small town of Puntas Arenas, the gateway to Torres del Paine. From here you’ll take a bus to the park where you’ll be dropped off in a stunning natural landscape.
The “O” Circuit hike takes about 7-10 days and takes you all around the park over the course of 130+ km. It’s much less popular than the 3-day “W” hike, so when you’re beyond the extent of the W hike, the trails will be quiet, and you’ll have the beauty of the Patagonian Andes almost all to yourself.
During the trek, you are required to reserve the campsites ahead of time. There are limited spaces available and they book up about 6 months in advance. So advanced planning is required! If you’re planning the shorter W hike, campsites still need to be booked ahead.
If hiking through the mountains isn’t your thing, there are still plenty of things to do in the park and in Patagonia. Rent a room at Hotel Las Torres Patagonia and just relax while taking in the stunning scenery. Then cross the border into Argentina to check out Fitz Roy and Perito Moreno glacier, with a night or two in El Chalten or El Calafate on the way.
You’re spoiled for choice when it comes to adventure vacation ideas amidst the fabulous natural beauty of Torres del Paine and Patagonia!
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