Rivers have long fed humanity. For millennia, they’ve played an integral role in human culture, advancements, and livelihoods. It’s no exaggeration to say that rivers are the lifeblood of millions of creatures around the globe and serve as some of the most treasured and beautiful geographical features in the world. From the sprawling green plains of China to the rocky red canyons of Colorado, explore our picks for the 16 most beautiful rivers in the world.
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Table of Contents
- 16 Beautiful Rivers to Visit Around the World
- Caño Cristales, Colombia
- Colorado River, Colorado, USA
- Li River, China
- Amazon River, Brazil
- Tara River, Montenegro
- River Lealt, Scotland
- Río Cahabón, Guatemala
- The Dordogne, France
- Kenai River, Alaska, USA
- Soča River, Slovenia
- Douro River, Portugal
- Mekong River
- Verzasca, Switzerland
- Moraca River, Montenegro
- Danube River, Hungary
- Nile River, Egypt
- Fly with Next Vacay and Cruise the Most Beautiful Rivers in the World
16 Beautiful Rivers to Visit Around the World
These sprawling rivers wind their way across countless miles, bursting with life, beauty, and breathtaking scenery. From karst mountains to terraced hills and more, these beautiful rivers leave a lasting impression.
Caño Cristales, Colombia
The Caño Cristales is said to be the prettiest river in the world. Discovered in the late 60s, it wasn’t long before this river gained global notoriety. Aquatic plants give this river its unique and striking coloring, which ranges from bright yellows to rich reds and vibrant pinks. It’s little wonder how this river earned the moniker “River of Five Colors.”
Colorado River, Colorado, USA
This serpentine river spans 1,450 miles and winds its way from the Rockies down to Mexico. Unsurprisingly, its most popular spot is the Grand Canyon, where rim views offer a bird’s eye view of the rocks and river and rafting adventures promise up-close shots of the emerald waters surrounded by towering red cliffs. Other must-see top spots include the engineering marvel of the Hoover Dam and the natural beauty of Horseshoe Bend.
Li River, China
The Li River is the most beautiful river in all of China and certainly in the Guangxi province. It took roughly 20 million years to create the ethereal scene of today’s Li River—lush, jagged hills and breathtaking karst mountains bordering a winding waterway. The best way to appreciate this beauty, and feel as if you’ve stepped into a landscape painting, is on a cruise of the river or a riverside walk, hiking from Yangdi to Xingping.
Amazon River, Brazil
The Amazon River is a mystery in the form of a river. Millions of years ago, it flowed in the opposite direction, emptying into the Pacific instead of the Atlantic. Today, it’s unknown just how long this river stretches, with its source a hot topic of debate among scientists. But some things don’t require debate, like the fact that the Amazon River is the largest by volume. It’s home to the magical pink dolphin. And you won’t find one single bridge spanning the banks of this behemoth of a river.
Tara River, Montenegro
Known as the “Tear of Europe,” the Tara River gorge is home to the deepest canyon in Europe. It’s also home to some of the clearest waters in Montenegro. The waters are so clear, in fact, and so clean, that the entirety of the beautiful Tara River is drinkable! Bursting with waterfalls, rapids, and cascades, the river cleanly divides the countries of Montenegro and Bosnia and Herzegovina, making it an international river.
River Lealt, Scotland
The Isle of Skye is a place of legendary landscapes and vistas, full of unique rock formations, waterfalls, castles, and even small, overlooked beauties. One such beauty is the River Lealt (Abhainn an Lethuillt in Gaelic). Starting its journey at the heights of the Trotternish Ridge, the river descends down through a narrow gorge to the eastern side of the Scottish Isle. Along the way, the river falls some near 300 feet in two tiers, creating a spectacular cascade. It’s a natural wonder not to be missed among the Isle of Skye’s many treasures.
Río Cahabón, Guatemala
The Cahabón River is a fast-paced river winding through remote jungles and isolated caves. Alongside its white-water rapids, there’s another feature that makes Río Cahabón unique. At one point, this river plunges almost 1,000 feet underground to create the most terrifying waterfall in the world. But you wouldn’t know it from above. While the river rages on underground, it feeds the above-ground paradise known as Semuc Champey, peaceful turquoise pools embedded in limestone that connect together like neverending infinity pools. So whether you’re up for adventure or relaxation, the Río Cahabón will deliver a picture-perfect excursion.
The Dordogne, France
Step into the past in Dordogne Valley and enjoy the breathtaking Dordogne River. Fed by two streams, the Dore and the Dogne, the mighty Dordogne stretches just over 300 miles. The beauty of the French countryside is on full display along the Dordogne, with stunning villages and picturesque castles bordering the riverbanks. Replicas of traditional 18th-century boats, called gabare, dot the river, offering tours, rides, and an ideal way to experience the many charms the Dordogne has to offer.
Kenai River, Alaska, USA
The Kenai River is well-known for two distinct reasons: its beauty and its fish. Fed by glacier waters, the Kenai River is a jaw-dropping turquoise blue that’s just as vibrant as the pictures. Backed by snowcapped mountains, it’s the perfect location for truly stunning photos. But if you have something more adventurous in mind, then the Kenai River is also considered one of the best places in the world for sport fishing. Between its annual salmon runs and trout fishing, which is some of the best in the world, the Kenai River promises the finest river fishing in Alaska.
Soča River, Slovenia
Slovenia may be a small country, but it packs a punch. Nestled near the charming village of Bovec in the Julian Alps, the Soča is one of Europe’s most beautiful rivers. Glacial meltwater and a limestone bed give this river its stark coloring, a vivid blue that pictures don’t do justice. The most scenic spots can be found at the Great and the Small Soča Gorges, but there’s no shortage of options to explore every inch of the river, from hiking the trail along its path to kayaking and rafting atop the turquoise waters.
Douro River, Portugal
As far as beautiful rivers go, it doesn’t get much more picturesque than the Douro River. Home to the world-famous port wine, the river is surrounded by vineyard after vineyard, stacked in cresting terraces stretching as far as the eye can see to make up some of the prettiest landscapes in Portugal. And while it’s worth traveling the region by car to enjoy the warm and welcoming quintas dotting the hills, there’s no better way to enjoy the stunning views of the river than on a boat floating down the serene waters.
Mekong River
At 2,703 miles, the Mekong River is the twelfth-largest river in the world and the largest river in Southeast Asia. Its meandering path from the “three rivers source area” on the Tibetan Plateau in China’s Qinghai province to the South China Sea takes it through six countries: China, Myanmar, Laos, Thailand, Vietnam, and Cambodia. Each country offers a unique way of experiencing the river, from the picturesque beauty of 4000 Islands (Si Phan Don) in Laos to the buzzing energy of Ho Chi Minh City and the Mekong Delta in Vietnam.
Verzasca, Switzerland
The Verzasca is an alpine river and the definition of a Swiss beauty, with clear, turquoise waters surrounded by vibrant rocks. The river valley’s entrance is marked by an over 700-foot dam wall featured in a jump scene in the Bond movie GoldenEye. It also has a similar, death-defying bungee jump on site. However, there are plenty more leisurely ways to enjoy this river, from refreshing dips in the icy alpine waters to taking in the views from its more picturesque spots, like the Ponte dei Salti, a restored 17th-century bridge that spans the river.
Morača River, Montenegro
The Morača River beat out a fair amount of competition to win the crown of the most beautiful river in Montenegro. But with its sparkling, emerald waters, deep canyons, and remarkable scenery, there’s little question as to how. The perfect blend of nature and architecture, the Morača River stretches over 60 miles, encompassing everything from iconic bridges to the breathtaking wonder that is the Morača Canyon. Whether driving, hiking, or white water rafting, the Morača River is a spoil of natural delights buffeted by man-made attractions that elevate it to a class of its own.
Danube River, Hungary
The Danube River stretches for an impressive 1,770 miles—the second-longest river in Europe. Its length spans the course of 10 different countries, with 1,501 miles navigable by boat. While this means visitors are spoiled for choice in where to best enjoy it, arguably, the prettiest part of this river is the beautiful Danube Bend. Sandwiched between the Hungarian city of Esztergom and the nation’s capital of Budapest, it’s here that the river passes between two scenic mountains, Visegrádi and Börzsöny, and changes its flow from east-west to north-south.
Nile River, Egypt
Long recognized as the longest river on earth, the Nile River stretches across eleven African countries, the most famous of which is Egypt. The Nile and Egypt have long been intertwined, with the river allowing the ancient Egyptians to build a flourishing civilization, the remnants of which can still be viewed today along the scenic bends of the Nile River. From the ever-impressive Karnak Temple on the east bank to the magnificent Valley of the Kings on the west bank, a river cruise is a must to explore the endless wonders of Egypt’s Nile River.
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