10 Stunning National Parks to Visit Outside the U.S., According to Top Travel Advisors

"As one of the most protected national parks in the world, the Galápagos Islands are full of incredible wildlife that are not afraid of humans and will come in closer contact with you than is possible in most other natural places in the world. You can experience a variety of landscapes in a small space, from lush highlands full of tortoises to moon-like volcanic rock covered in piles of iguanas."

"A UNESCO World Heritage site, Mana Pools National Park in northern Zimbabwe is one of the most remote and least developed safari parks in Southern Africa. Given its location along the magnificent Zambezi River, the park is home to an amazing array of animal and bird species and, as a result, offers a plethora of exciting adventure activities, including open-vehicle game drives, exceptional guided walking safaris, and exciting canoeing excursions among huge numbers of hippos and crocodiles."

Top international protected lands span lush Croatian lakes, biodiverse South American islands, and wildlife-rich African reserves. The Galápagos Islands feature approachable wildlife, varied terrain from tortoise-filled highlands to volcanic rock, and marine snorkeling with penguins, sharks, and sea lions while blue-footed boobies dive. Mana Pools in northern Zimbabwe lies along the Zambezi River, hosts abundant animals and birds, and enables open-vehicle game drives, guided walking safaris, and canoeing among hippos and crocodiles. These destinations prioritize conservation and offer immersive, photo-worthy experiences that combine dramatic scenery with close wildlife encounters and active outdoor pursuits.

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