National parks emerge as a way to preserve the beauty and harmony of nature in a certain space. Thus, through this initiative, man has tried to give a legal status to the protection and conservation of flora and fauna. In an attempt not only to preserve for future generations, but also as a refuge for wildlife and at the same time as a tourist attraction.
That is why many of them exist around the world, making it a difficult task to choose. Although in the following article we present some national parks, which in our opinion are the most beautiful in the world.
1. Yosemite National Park, United States
This park, named a World Heritage Site in 1984, is one of the most famous in this country. And it is not for less, since it has more than three thousand square kilometres. Where we will find impressive mountains, waterfalls, crystal clear lakes, giant redwood forests, as well as incredible fauna and flora.
Other reasons are that it has an elevation between 600 and 4,000 meters. In addition to counting more than 1,300 kilometres of trails, where its recurring landscapes force us to contemplate the Half Dome. An imposing granite ridge that, thanks to its 1440 meters high, is the park’s most recognizable icon.
2. Plitvice Lakes National Park, Croatia
With 30,000 hectares in length, in this park we will find pine, fir and beech trees. In addition to 16 turquoise lakes that are connected through a hundred waterfalls and springs.
Touring it is a visual pleasure that we can enjoy thanks to its wooden bridges. Without forgetting that it is home to an incredible fauna that takes advantage of the abundant green colour of the park to take refuge. Without a doubt, this country can boast of having one of the most beautiful national parks in Europe and the world.
3. Banff National Park, Canada
Located in the Rocky Mountains, it is the oldest national park in Canada, established in 1885. Famous for having one of the most beautiful and photographed natural landscapes in the world, the famous Moraine Lake. Something that is not surprising thanks to its intense turquoise blue colour that is hypnotizing for many.
Although the environment in which it is located is even more spectacular. Numerous glaciers, ice fields, coniferous forests and thermal caves. They occupy a wide extension of 6641 kilometres. With a great variety of specimens of flora and fauna, which deserves to be preserved.
4. Yellowstone National Park, United States. One of the oldest national parks
This park was founded in 1872 and is therefore the oldest national park in the world. Famous for being one of the most beautiful and for its wildlife, as well as the home of the Yogi bear. Considered by many to be a living museum featuring the world’s most impressive collection of geysers and hot springs.
Its main attractions are the Old Faithful Geyser, Lowers Falls and Yellowstone Lake. Although it is worth mentioning that it is also the refuge of a spectacular wild fauna. In which we find bison, lynx, grey wolves, mountain goats and black bears. They graze freely for more than 9,000 kilometres of extension that covers the states of Wyoming, Montana and Idaho, United States.
5. Galapagos National Park, Ecuador
Located in the Galapagos Islands, in the Western Pacific, 1,000 km west of the coast of Ecuador. This park visited by more than 500 thousand people annually is considered for its enormous biodiversity as the authentic Noah’s Ark. And it is not for less, because in 7,995 square kilometres we will find the most exotic animals on the planet. From sea turtles, iguanas, lizards, sea lions to penguins.
In addition, the natural beauty of its islands of volcanic origin seduce those who visit it, including the anthropologist Charles Darwin. Who was inspired by the Galapagos Islands to create his famous theory of the evolution of species.
6. Iguazú National Park, Argentina
Declared World Heritage by UNESCO in 1984. This park located in the Parana jungle of Argentina is home to the famous Iguazú Falls. It is about 275 waterfalls that fall from different heights that extend for more than 2 kilometres. Being the highest known as the Devil’s Throat, it is 80 meters high.
The natural environment is one of the most beautiful in the world. So I don’t miss it being one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. But it is also home to half of the bird species registered in the Argentine territory. As well as several endangered species such as the jaguar.
7. Kruger National Park, South Africa
Kruger National Park is one of the largest and most important national parks in South Africa with an area of 18,989 square kilometres. Declared a Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO, it constitutes the largest natural reserve in South Africa. Well, it is home to 147 species of mammals, among which are the big 5: elephant, rhino, buffalo, leopard and lion.
In addition to having 507 species of birds, 114 species of reptiles and 33 species of amphibians. So it is one of the best places in the world to enjoy a safari. Although we must add to this an immense variety of vegetation with trees such as the baobab, umbrella tree, fever tree, etc.
Furthermore, each station has its own particular appeal. From what we can see for example, in spring-summer how trees and bushes are in bloom, and all rivers and streams are full of life. Or in autumn-winter as the animals concentrate to drink water in lakes, which makes it possible to see a hunt.
8 Guilin National Park and the Lijiang River, China
Located in the northeast of the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region in southern China. It is considered one of the most beautiful national parks in the world, and one of the most famous places in China. It stands out above all for the karst formations, caves and cliffs that create peculiar mountains. Which adopt equally curious forms as the names with which they have been baptized.
The best way to appreciate the landscape of the park is to take a boat ride on the Lijiang River. Traveling from Guilin to the city of Yangshuo. Likewise, the park has a high level of biodiversity and many of the animals are endemic to the area.
Without a doubt, one of the greatest gifts of creation is nature and these national parks are an example of this. Full of bright and unique colours, our eyes fall in love in perfect harmony, offering us a unique spectacle that, together with the species that live there, deserve to be preserved for future generations. And you, what do you think?
ALFA