Top 10 Most beautiful canyons in the world (2022 Tourist guide) 

Top 10 Most beautiful canyons in the world (2022 Tourist guide) 

Many travellers go on vacation to appreciate the natural beauty of their dream destination. Mountains and rivers have been in existence since the dawn of time, and when the two meet, the result is an impressive canyon that attracts tourists from all over the world. Some of the most beautiful canyons in the world are centuries old and have been in existence since the dawn of mankind.  

While you are taking pictures of these impressive formations, don’t forget to share them on social media using a tourist SIM card.  

The Grand Canyon

The Grand Canyon, USA 

Most people travel to the USA to visit New York, San Francisco and even Las Vegas. Yet even most tourists flock to the USA to visit the Grand Canyon.  

The Grand Canyon is an impressive sight to behold. The canyon is 446 km long, up to 29 km wide and has an average depth of about 1 857 meters. Over two billion years of the earth’s geological history has been laid bare as the Colorado River and its tributaries cut a path towards the ocean while the Colorado Plateau was uplifted. Native Americans tribes have been living within the canyon and its caves for thousands of years. It is considered a holy site to many tribes who frequently make pilgrimages to it.  

Have you visited one of the most beautiful islands in the world before?  

Further reading: Top 10 Most beautiful islands in the world (2022 Tourist guide)

The Cotahuasi Canyon

The Cotahuasi Canyon, Peru 

Moving towards South America, you will come across the Cotahuasi Canyon in Peru which is one of the deepest canyons in the world.  

Found near Arequipa, the Cotahuasi Canyon is an impressive chasm that the Cotahuasi River has eroded between two mountain massifs. The Cotahuasi landscape reserve is a preserved area which has a large biodiversity. Tourists can access a number of Inca and pre-Inca works. This includes several agricultural terraces that are still in use. The region is also rich with culture and traditions which have been preserved by Andean tribes. This includes weaving, colonial churches, Inca tracks, and numerous festivals. 

It is easy to see why the Cotahausi Canyon is among one of the most beautiful canyons in the world 

If you are in a mood for a change of scenery, why not plan a trip to one of the most beautiful beaches in the world? 

Further reading: Top 10 Most beautiful beaches in the world (2022 Tourist guide)

The Blyde River Canyon

The Blyde River Canyon, South Africa 

Moving to South Africa, you will find the Blyde River Canyon in the Mpumalanga Province. 

A significant tourist attraction in South Africa, the Blyde River Canyon has officially been named as the greenest canyon in the world. It is 26 km in length and is, on average, around 2 500 feet 762 m deep. The Blyde River Canyon is part of the Panorama route which starts in the town Graskop and includes God’s Window, the Pinnacle, and Bourke’s Luck Potholes which are all significant tourist attractions in the region. 

Nature lovers should also plan a trip to one of the world’s most beautiful national parks.  

Further reading: Top 10 Most beautiful national parks in the world (2022 Tourist guide)

The Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon

The Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon, Iceland 

In the frozen north, you will come across the Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon.  

The Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon is up to 100 m deep and about 2 kilometres long, with the Fjaðrá river flowing through it.  The canyon was created by erosion which was caused by flowing water from glaciers through the rocks. In 2018, rock band Twenty One Pilots filmed the music video for Jumpsuit at the canyon. Like most of Iceland, the Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon has a lush green landscape and is a protected area.  

Do you want to visit one of the most beautiful waterfalls in the world? 

Further reading: Top 10 most beautiful waterfalls in the world (2022 Tourist guide)

The Handi Khoh Canyon

The Handi Khoh Canyon, India 

India has long been a country that appears on many travel bucket lists. Why not include a trip to the Handi Khoh Canyon as part of your Indian adventure? 

Handi Khoh is situated near the hill station of Pachmarhi in Central India. The region is blessed with some of the most beautiful scenery in India. The Handi Khoh Canyon is tucked away off the beaten path and known to be so peaceful that gushing water from the river below is audible at the top of the canyon. Legend says that Handi Khoh was originally a lake that was guarded by an evil snake. Lord Shiva eventually killed this snake in a battle the fury of which dried up the lake which assumed the shape of a Handi (pot). 

It is easy to see why the Handi Khoh is one of the most beautiful canyons in the world 

Planning a summer vacation? 

Further reading: Top 10 Best places to visit in Summer (2022 Tourist attraction guides)

Kings Canyon

Kings Canyon, Australia 

The majority of Australia is made up of the Outback. This rugged terrain is best seen in the Baz Luhrmann epic Australia.  

Kings Canyon is found in the Northern Territory at the western end of the George Gill Range. The walls of Kings Canyon are over 100 meters high, with Kings Creek at the bottom. It is important to note that part of the gorge is a sacred Aboriginal site. Visitors are therefore discouraged from leaving the walking tracks that surround the gorge. Nature lovers frequent Kings Canyon and birds that can be seen on the Kings Canyon Rim walk include spinifex pigeon, zebra finch, grey-headed honeyeater, dusky grasswren, black-breasted buzzard and peregrine falcon. 

Planning a vacation during fall? 

Further reading: Top 10 Best places to visit in fall (2022 Tourist attraction guides)

The Fish River Canyon

The Fish River Canyon, Namibia 

The Fish River Canyon holds the distinction of being the second largest canyon in the world and the largest on the African continent. It is Namibia’s second most visited tourist attraction.  

The canyon is about 160 km long, up to 27 km wide and in places almost 550 meters deep. The Fish River Canyon has a popular  highking and running trail which attracts thousands of tourists a year. The majority of the trail follows the course of the Fish River which flows stronger early in Spring and by September usually dries up to form a chain of stagnant pools. Water from the river is safe to drink. However, it is recommended that you use water purifying tablets. 

Planning a winter vacation?  

Further reading: Top 10 Best places to visit in Winter (2022 Tourist attraction guides)

The Tsangpo Grand Canyon

The Tsangpo Grand Canyon, China 

The Yarlung Tsangpo Grand Canyon, or Tsangpo Canyon, is regarded as the deepest canyon in the World, and is slightly longer than the Grand Canyon. This makes the canyon one of the biggest canyons in the world.  

The canyon has a length of about 504 kilometres. As the canyon passes between the peaks of the Namcha Barwa and Gyala Peri mountains, it reaches an average depth of about 5 000 m around Namcha Barwa. The canyon’s average depth overall is about 2 268 m. 

Originating in the Himalayan mountains, the Tsangpo Grand Canyon is one of the most famous canyons in the world 

Planning a vacation during spring? 

Further reading: Top 10 Best places to visit in Spring (2022 Tourist attraction guides)

Copper Canyon

Copper Canyon, Mexico 

Copper Canyon is a group of six canyons in the Sierra Madre Occidental in the southwestern part of the state of Chihuahua, Mexico. The canyon complex is 65 000 kilometres2.  

The canyons were formed by six rivers which all merge into the Rio Fuerte and flow into the Gulf of California. The most popular way to explore the Copper Canyon complex is by train as the Ferrocarril Chihuahua al Pacífico (ChePe) runs along the main canyon called Canyon Urique. 

Do you know where the best places are to visit during January? 

Further reading: Top 10 best places to visit in January (2022 Tourist travel guide)

The Tara River Canyon

The Tara River Canyon, Montenegro 

The Tara River Canyon is the largest and deepest canyon in Europe. The main part of the canyon is found in Montenegro which then runs into neighboring  Bosnia and Herzegovina.  

Some of the most impressive parts of the canyon are the high rocks of the mountain range of Ljubišnja, which are located in the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Durmitor National Park. The canyon begins near Bistrica, Montenegro, and ends in Hum, Bosnia and Herzegovina. Relatively short for a canyon, the Tara River Canyon has a length of over 82 kilometers. The last 36 kilometers forms the border between Montenegro and Bosnia and Herzegovina. The canyon is up to 4 300 feet deep.  

Planning a trip to the most beautiful canyons in the world has become easier in the technology age. This will be a once in a lifetime experience and is best enjoyed with a group of friends or family.  

Do you know where the best places are to visit in February? 

Further reading: Top 10 best places to visit in February (2022 Tourist travel guide).  

Beautiful Canyon FAQ’s  

  • What is the most beautiful canyon in the world? 
    The most beautiful canyon in the world is the Grand Canyon.  
     
  • What is the most beautiful canyon in Europe? 
    The most beautiful canyon in Europe is the Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon. 
     
  • What is the most beautiful canyon in Asia? 
    The most beautiful canyon in Asia is the Handi Khoh Canyon. 
     
  • What is the most beautiful canyon in North America? 
    Apart from the Gand Canyon, the Copper Canyon is the most beautiful canyon in North America.  
  • What is the most beautiful canyon in South America? 
    The most beautiful canyon in South America is the Cotahuasi Canyon. 
     
  • What is the most beautiful canyon in Oceania? 
    The most beautiful canyon in Oceania is Kings Canyon. 
     
  • What is the most beautiful canyon in Africa? 
    The most beautiful canyon in Africa is the Blyde River Canyon.