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America’s national parks are having their moment. Forty-four National Park Service (NPS) sites broke all-time visitation records in 2021, and attendance rose by sixty million over 2020. But dozens of international destinations also host enormous tracts of stunning, preserved parklands that deserve some time in the spotlight—many ripe with flora and fauna you’d never spot closer to home.
We’ve hand-picked some of our favorite international parks, with an eye for accessibility (think airport access, fun gateway towns, and world-class tour operators) and show-stealing scenery. From tortoise-laden beaches in the Galapagos to Taiwain’s marbled Toroko Gorge, these destinations are as diverse and awe-inspiring as the countries home to them.
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Wadi Rum Protected Area, Jordan
In a country steeped with ancient Bedouin culture, Wadi Rum stands out for its undulating sand dunes, rust-tinted folds of sedimentary sandstone, and the vermillion cliffs of Khazali Canyon. The terrain is so remote and alien, it’s often referred to as “Valley of the Moon.” From the 2,000-year-old Alameleh Inscriptions to locally-run multi day camel tours, a trip to Wadi Rum feels like being transported far back in time. Fly into Aqaba on the Red Sea, book a private driver to the reserve, and stay at the Bubble Luxotel for unforgettable stargazing when the sun goes down.
Annapurna Conservation Area, Nepal
With the rise of tea house trekking as a massive tourism industry in Nepal, a lot of attention has been paid to the Annapurna Conservation Area, a protected, high-altitude expanse of serrated peaks and glaciated ridges set in the north-central region of the country. It’s a park celebrated for its jaw-dropping nature as much as its ancient ties to Tibetan Buddhist culture, popular with well-heeled mountain lovers and budget travelers alike. Though self-guiding through routes like the famed Annapurna Circuit is possible, you’ll certainly learn more (and encounter fewer logistical headaches) with an accredited guiding service like Amarok Adventures.
Galápagos National Park, Ecuador
Hailed for having the best diving and snorkeling on the planet, among its other feats, Galápagos National Park is one that pops up over and over on “best of” lists. That’s because this protected archipelago is huge, covering an expanse of 21 islands and 3,040 square miles, all a mere two-hour flight from Quito. Within those boundaries, you’ll find marine iguanas, whale sharks, manta rays, blue-footed boobies, and, of course, the islands’ namesake giant tortoise. Luxe, small boat tours like those from Ecoventura ensure you’ll not only lay claim bespoke experiences, but also explore responsibly.
Triglav National Park, Slovenia
As the only national park in Slovenia, Triglav has big shoes to fill. Thankfully, it does so with ease, courtesy of sweeping glacial valleys, idyllic villages, and second-to-none multi-day treks through the Julian Alps. Mountaineers shouldn't miss the opportunity to summit 2,864-meter Mount Triglav, the country’s highest, while avid cyclists will adore the park’s many dedicated biking routes. Rent a car and road trip from Ljubljana, skipping the crowds at Lake Bled for a more serene, postcard-worthy moment at Lake Bohinj.
112.940 SRY