We all love things that show us parts of the world we’ve never seen. And, we love seeing them in a way we might never get to. That’s why Russian non-profit AirPano sets out on massive photo expeditions to take aerial and panoramic photos of some of the planet’s most amazing wonders. You can see all their photos on AirPano.com, but here is a collection of a few of our very favorites.
The Great Wall of China
The famed 13,170.7 mile wall took over almost 500 years to build and is considered one of the Ancient Wonders of the world. Even if you saw it in person, you’d only see the stone or wood composition of the section you were looking at. To see it like this really gets across the magnitude of such a creation. The wall that stands today isn’t near as long, since over 1/3 of it has vanished.
Easter Island, Chile
The figures seen in this picture, the Moai, were built by the Rapa Nui. The Rapa Nui are the original Easter Island inhabitants, the first of the Polynesian settlers to come to the Chilean island. the Moai were carved between 1250 and 1500 AD. While it looks like the monolithic statues only have heads, many of them have torsos buried under the earth.
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Toronto is the largest city in Canada, is the capital of Ontario, and is rated the world’s fourth most livable city. It’s also quite stunning from a bird’s eye view.
Lake Bogaria,Kenya
Once a freshwater lake, Bogaria is now a saline lake that is home to at least 18 natural geysers – the most of any lake in Africa. It’s also, at times, a flamingo favorite.
Great Barrier Reef, Australia
The thing that is so cool about the Great Barrier Reef is that it was created by living creatures. It’s also huge. It can be seen from space. It’s located in the Coral Sea, just outside Queensland, Australia.
Iguazu Falls, Argentina/Brazil Border
These falls, which flow through Argentina’s border with Brazil, are certainly breathtaking. The J-shaped jump that separates the countries is called the “Devil’s Throat.”
Dubai City, United Arab Emirates
Dubai City, full of skyscrapers, fantastical architecture and loads of theme parks, resorts, shopping and restaurants looks like it’s a city from the future. Especially from above.
Santorini, Greece
In 16th century, BC, a huge volcano erupted on Santorini, forming the rocky terrain that inspired the hillside houses that are there today. Set in the Aegean Sea, Santorini has old world charm.
Lake Powell, Utah, United States
Over 2 million tourists per year take the trek to the Arizona/Utah border to hang out at the large reservoir known as Lake Powell. It’s great for swimming, fishing, or just taking in the natural, breathtaking beauty of the place.
Westerdok, Amsterdam, Netherlands
It’s one thing to see Amsterdam in person, but to see a view from above like this is amazing.
St. Basil’s Cathedral, Moscow, Russia
Commanded by Ivan the Terrible, they broke ground on St. Basil’s in 1555 and it was consecrated in 1561. It is no longer Russia’s largest cathedral, but it is still one of the most beautiful.
The North Pole
Did you know the North Pole isn’t actual land? It’s a spot in the middle of the Arctic Ocean that’s totally frozen. Makes Santa that more magical, eh?
Rio De Janeiro, Brazil
This breathtaking photo shows Christ the Redeemer, the art deco statue conceived by Paul Landowski and created by Heitor da Silva Costa, looking out over a fog-misted Rio De Janeiro.
The Arc de Triomphe, Paris, France
Quite a different view of one of the most famous landmarks in all of France.
Churun-meru Falls, Venezuela
Also called Dragon Falls, this place is amazing.
Central Park, New York City, New York, United States
It’s delightful to sit in Central Park and enjoy all the life around you. What would it be like to sit this far above it?