Suriname’s forests cover more than nine‑tenths of the country and house an astounding array of wildlife. The Central Suriname Nature Reserve, one of the largest rainforest sanctuaries on Earth, shelters jaguars, giant river otters, and hundreds of bird species. Nearer the capital, Brownsberg Nature Park offers forest trails and waterfalls amid 1,450 plant and 350 bird species, just a short drive from Paramaribo.
Alliance is a city in western Nebraska, located within the High Plains near the Pine Ridge and Sandhills regions. Its position along major rail routes helped establish it as a transportation and agricultural center, and rail activity remains an important part of its local identity.
Kunturiri is a high-altitude mountain area in Bolivia’s Cordillera Real, north of La Paz. The name comes from the Aymara word for condor, reflecting the region’s close connection with Andean landscapes and wildlife. Kunturiri is characterized by rugged peaks, glacial terrain, mountain lakes, and broad views across the high Andes. The area lies within a remote section of the Cordillera Real, where steep mountains rise above the surrounding Altiplano.
Nestled on the sun-drenched southern coast of Madeira, Funchal, the island's capital, offers an enchanting mix of old-world charm, vibrant culture, and natural beauty. This picturesque city, set against a backdrop of rugged mountains and the deep blue Atlantic Ocean, is known for its lush botanical gardens, stunning vistas, and year-round mild climate.
The Blue Mountains form Jamaica’s highest mountain range, rising across the eastern part of the island between Kingston, Saint Andrew, Saint Thomas, and Portland. The range is known for steep ridges, deep valleys, cloud forest, waterfalls, and cool mountain conditions that contrast with Jamaica’s coastal plains. Blue Mountain Peak is the highest point on the island, while numerous smaller communities and farms occupy the slopes.
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.