See fascinating wildlife, long-lost cities, and untouched beaches in these precious places. A dream vacation for nature travelers, South Africa's Kruger National Park boasts nearly 150 mammal species and more than 500 types of birds. Beyond the park, you can witness the wonders of the sea with an excursion on the Atlantic or Indian oceans. South African Airways offers vacation packages with activities including walking safaris, game park tours, and day cruises. (Photo copyright: South Africa Tourism) A dream vacation for nature travelers, South Africa's Kruger National Park boasts nearly 150 mammal species and more than 500 types of birds. Beyond the park, you can witness the wonders of the sea with an excursion on the Atlantic or Indian oceans. South African Airways offers vacation packages with activities including walking safaris, game park tours, and day cruises. (Photo copyright: South Africa Tourism) Peru offers a host of opportunities for eco travel, from the awe-inspiring Colca Canyon to Huascarán National Park. A must-see is the Sacred Valley of the Incas, including Machu Picchu. Associate Editor Molly Feltner recently [% 2339816 | | trekked the Inca Trail %] and offers expert strategies on planning a Peru vacation. (Photo: iStockphoto) Costa Rica has long been considered one of the world's most eco-conscious destinations. The Tabacón Hot Springs are lauded for their healing properties and natural beauty. The Tabacón Grand Spa Thermal Resort offers several value packages for those wanting to combine luxury and outdoor activities during their trip. (Photo: Costa Rica Tourist Board) A Kenyan safari should appeal to any earth-conscious traveler. With more than 50 parks to choose from, it's easy to see elephants, wildebeest, lions, and other wildlife close up. Friendly Planet offers a nine-night trip, including airfare, many meals, in-country transportation, and sightseeing excursions from $2,799. (Photo: Index Open) New Zealand is a nature traveler's paradise, particularly so for those seeking outdoor adventure. Urupukapuka Island offers snorkeling, nature walks, hiking, and plenty of beaches. Tourism New Zealand offers many resources for vacation planning. (Photo: Tourism New Zealand) Alaska offers some of America's finest scenery and wildlife, with 365 million acres to explore. Here, you can hike Mount McKinley in Denali National Park, tour the Tongass and Chugach rainforests, or see bears, birds, wolves, bald eagles, and other wildlife throughout the state. For tips and advice on planning your trip, read [% 1286826 | | Smarter Travel's Denali National Park travel guide %]. (Photo: Index Open) Hawaii offers gorgeous vistas, exotic flora and fauna, and volcanoes galore. Reserve some time to visit the Kilauea Point Wildlife Refuge, home to humpback whales and Hawaiian monk seals and a stopping point for many migratory bird species. The Hawaii Visitors and Convention Bureau is a good starting point for vacation planning. (Photo: Hawaii Visitors & Convention Bureau) Toucans, armadillos, howler monkeys, and storks are just a few of the animals you might spot in Belize. Top destinations include the Crooked Tree Wildlife Sanctuary, Belize Barrier Reef, and the Rio Bravo Conservation and Management Area. TravelBelize.org offers extensive resources to plan your trip. (Photo: iStockphoto) St. John, in the U.S. Virgin Islands, offers great nature vacations not far from the mainland. Two-thirds of the island is preserved as national parklands, where you can hike, snorkel, or just relax on a beautiful beach. CheapCaribbean.com often lists vacation sales, last-minute specials, and discounted packages to the island. (Photo: U.S. Virgin Islands Department of Tourism) Charles Darwin chose to do his research in the Galapagos Islands, and you'll also find much to learn (and delight) from here. The Galapagos National Park and Galapagos Conservancy websites give you a good primer on what to expect while you're there, as well as how to responsibly visit this fragile ecosystem. (Photo: iStockphoto)
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