24 Amazing Places and Experiences in 1 year and How I rank them.

        Beaches, Volcanos, slot canyons, deserts, water falls, rivers, rain forrests, cenotes we did it all in the past year from January 2015 to Janauary 2016.  Trying to compare such vastly different places and experiences was pretty tough. It's hard not to give bias to the most recent journeys or the ones that turned out better in photographs. The only way I could systematically do this was to put together a brief judging system based on four different categories with a rank of 1-5. I also gave a 2 point bonus to places if they were the absolute best in a certain category. For example: Manuel Antonio is a incredibly Picturesque place being one of the most beautiful beaches in the world full of wild life, but Upper Antelope Canyon is one of the most phtographic places in the world and deserves a bonus. I don't necessarilly agree with the exact order of the list because not all experiences can be judged with numbers, but its pretty close.



 Uniqueness - How different and rare is the place or activity. Can you get the same or similar experience somewhere else.



Fun Factor - How fun and interactive was the experience.

Photo worthy - How photogenic is the place? Our memories fade with time, but the easier we can visualize the experience through the eyes of a camera or video lens the better we will be able to capture the true memory.

Replay - How much was it worth the time, money, and effort and how likely are you to do it again based on the quality of the experience.

#24 Dunn's River Falls

Ocho Rios, Jamaica

Dunn's River Falls is the perfect example of a tourist trap. Of all 24 places, this was the only place that was disappointing. The Waterfall itself is pretty cool and quite unique, but the way it is managed completely ruins the experience. Videographers herd you together like cattle and get you to do stupid orchestrated photo opps (that of course they want a tip for) and then they try to make you walk up the water fall holding hands like elementary school kids instead of exploring by yourself. Completely unauthentic and aggressive, which unfortunately is a pretty good representation of Jamaica as a whole.

Uniqueness -  4   
Fun Factor - 2  
photo worthy - 2 
Re-Play/Value - 1           

Score - 9

#23  Tabacon Hot Springs

Arenal, Costa Rica

Tabacon has been described as a modern day Garden of Eden. A natural hot river fed from the Arenal Volcano that looms over this luxurious resort runs throughout the entire property creating an incredible relaxing paradise.  This 5 star accommodation is ranked among the highest in the world. We did not stay at the resort, but instead bought an evening pass to enjoy the hot springs. The numerous hidden pools and water falls seem like they go for miles. I was surprised we did not encounter any well known celebrities. This kind of place is a little too posh for my taste, but it was pretty neat to see and spend a few hours relaxing and exploring. I would like to go back and see it during the day.

Uniqueness - 4

Fun Factor - 3

Picturesque - 3

Replay Value - 3

Score - 13

# 22 Secret Canyon Hummer Tour

Page, Arizona

If you want to get a feel of the famous Arizona slot canyons without the huge crowds then this is the tour for you. This tour takes you off-road in a hummer to a slot canyon that is similar to the famous Antelope Canyons that are flooded with tourists. Group size is usually 10 people or less so you do not feel rushed and get a more intimate experience. The company that runs this tour  has an exclusive right to the canyon because the owner of the company found this area on Navajo property when he was riding his dirt bike as a kid!  It's probably not something I would do more than once and it's not quite as incredible as the Antelope Canyons, but it is still worth doing if you have the time.

Uniqueness - 3
Photo Worthy - 4

Fun Factor - 4      
Replay Value - 2

 Score - 13

# 21 Mystic Mountain

Ocho Rios, Jamaica

This was a very touristy place, but that didn't take away from its fun and scenic overlooks. Mystic Mountain was a very cool jungle ride up a ski lift with a incredible view and a fun bobsled ride down the mountain. I could have spent a lot longer at this place than we did. They had a very nice infinity pool with a water slide and a humming bird sanctuary.

                                                     

Uniqueness - 4

Fun Factor - 4

Photo Worthy - 3

Replay Value - 3

Score - 14

#20 La Paz Waterfall Garden

Vara Blanca, Costa Rica

Surrounded by picturesque waterfalls the La Paz Garden is more of an animal sanctuary than it is an exhibit. It located at a very high elevation in a cloud forrest that is surrounded by volcanoes. It makes for a great day or half day trip  if you are traveling from San Jose to one of the many great destinations in Costa Rica.


Uniqueness - 4
Photo worthy -4
Fun Factor -3
Replay value - 3

Score - 14 

#19 Arenal Mundo Zipline

Arenal, Costa Rica

I have been ziplining before, but the height, speed, length and scenery that the Arenal Mndo Zipline offers is not comparable to the ones that I have done before. Ziplining is offered everywhere all across Costa Rica; it is probably the most most common physical activity in the country. We chose this Arenal Mundo because of the extreme height and the scenery of flying over the La Fortuna Waterfall.The height of the zipline makes the 244 foot waterfall look small.  This might be our last zipline adventure because I really can't imagine it could get much better than flying over the rain forest.



Uniqueness - 3
Photo worthy - 3
Fun Factor - 5
Replay Value - 3

Score - 14

#18 Poas Volcano

National Park Costa Rica

Not everyday that you get to look over the edge of an active volcano. We were lucky to be able to see the Poas Volcano on a clear day. The short trails to the lookout points were easier than the winding drive up the Volcano.



Uniqueness - 4
Fun - 3
Photo worthy - 5
Replay Value - 2


Score - 14

#17 Rio Celeste

Tenorio Volcano National Park - Alajuella, Costa Rica

Rio Celeste is home to the bluest non glacial fresh water in the world. A very  remote and interesting hike through the wild jungles of Costa Rica. It is far away from any kind of city or town so a lot of people dont venture out that far. It's probably not a place I would go again since you can't get in the water, but its a must do if you have never been.

Uniqueness - 5
Fun - 3
Picturesque - 5
Replay Value - 2

Score - 15

#16 Petit Jean State Park

Central Arkansas 

I would really be doing my home state a disservice if I didn't include Arkansas's greatest park on this list. We spent a couple of days at what has to be the most perfect time of the year, a week before memorial day during the week. The weather was perfect, the trails were empty, everything was in bloom and all the waterfalls and rivers were flowing due to heavy spring rains. I don't go to this place enough.

Uniqueness - 3
Fun - 4
Picturesque - 4
Replay Value - 4

Score - 15

#15 La Fortuna Waterfall

La Fortuna, Costa Rica

When you think of towering rain forrest waterfalls surrounded by lush green jungle this is the perfect stereotype. A very cool place to go and swim and hangout in the fresh clear water. Even though this was a top tourist spot there were also a lot of locals. 244 feet of pure power and awesomeness.



Uniqueness - 3
Fun - 4
Picturesque - 4
Replay Value - 4

Score - 15

#14 Valley of Fire State Park

Overton, Nevada

We were unable to spend as much time here as I wanted so we missed out on hiking to the "Fire wave" or the "White domes" but we were there long enough to realize how unique this place is. Many car commercials are filmed here for a reason; spectacular scenery. Some people have described it as a chunk of Utah thrown into the middle of Nevada. It's only about an hour from Vegas, so it's worth renting a car and checking it out if you are in the area. Just dont go when its 114 degrees like we did or you will not be able to stay long. 

Uniqueness - 4
Fun - 3
Picturesque - 4
Replay Value - 4

Score - 15

#13 Rio Tarcoles

Jaco, Costa Rica

The Tarcoles River is home to the most dense population of crocodiles in the world. They are everywhere. A lot the big ones hang out under the bridge in Jaco. Reminds me a lot of that scene from Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom. Our tour of the river was not that great because we signed up with the wrong boat, but the other tours have the guides hand feed the crocodiles from the bank....im sure that would have been intense....next time we will get on that tour. 

Uniqueness - 4
Fun - 3
Picturesque - 4
Replay Value - 4

 Score - 15

#12 Chaak Tun Cenotes

Playa Del Carmen, Mexico

The underground cenotes found in and around the Yucatan peninsula are very incredible places. These crystal clear waters have underwater caves that go further than they can be measured. I don't have any other cenotes experience to compare this one to, but I know that I would like to explore more of them. 

Uniqueness - 4
Fun - 4
Picturesque - 4
Replay Value - 3

 Score - 15

#11 Waterfall Canyoneering in the Lost Canyon

La Fortuna, Costa Rica

In the Caribbean you snorkel in Costa Rica you water fall rappel...it's just what you do. This was one of the funnest excursions i've done. Trekking through knee high water and rappelling off several waterfalls including one that is 150 feet high is a must do while in Costa Rica. The only reason this doesn't get a higher replay value is because I would most likely want to try another one instead of doing the same one over again. 

Uniqueness - 4
Fun - 5
Picturesque - 3
Replay Value - 3

Score - 15

#10 Horse Shoe Bend

Page, Arizona

It's hard to believe that there is a vista that is just a couple of hours from the world famous Grand Canyon that is far better, but there is and it is not so much a secret anymore. Thanks to social media Horse Shoe Bend is visited by hundreds of people a day and no matter how large the crowd it still doesn't take away from how spectacular it is. I visited the location twice in two days and would have to say that it probably ranks as one the best and most unique sunset places in the world. There is no fee to hike it, it's well maintained, and appears unregulated and its only about a 20 minute hike or less to get there. 

Uniqueness - 5
Fun - 3
Picturesque - 5
Replay Value - 4

 Score - 17

#9 Sting Ray City

Caymen Islands 

Don't be confused Sting Ray City is a main tourist attraction close to a popular island, but that doesnt take away from its fun or uniqueness. I could have stayed a lot longer playing with the string rays and the large crowds of people didn't really bother me...My mom probably would not agree with my review of the activity because the waves were unusually high during our experience, but to me it added to the excitement. This was a cruise excursion and it only cost about $45 a person, can'y really do anything cooler than that for that amount of money. 

Uniqueness - 5
Fun - 5
Picturesque - 3
Replay Value - 4

Score - 17

#8 Bryce Canyon National Park

Utah

When you see a picture of Bryce Canyon you know immediately where the picture was taken. We only spent a day here, but I could have easily spent a week exploring. We did manage to do the most popular hike that brings you from the top to the bottom and back to the top of the Canyon. Its been called "the greatest 3 mile hike in the world" Being at the bottom of the Canyon really makes you feel like you are on another planet, Everything about it is strange. We were oddly on the trail at the end of the day after all the tourists had left and found ourselves alone at the bottom for a good stretch of the hike. It felt like a twilight zone episode. Peak time for great photos is at sunrise and it is considered one of the greatest sunrise locations in the world.

Uniqueness - 5
Fun - 3
Picturesque -5
Replay Value - 4

 Score - 17

#7 Lower Antelope Canyon

Page, Arizona

Lower Antelope Canyon is a very incredible place. It requires a Navajo guide, but tours leave every 15 minutes and the amazement makes you forget that you are sharing the canyon with so many other tourists.  I could definitely do again because the sights change depending on where the sun is. Even though Upper Antelope Canyon is more visually stunning, I would Lower Antelope again before Upper Antelope because it is easier to get to, cheaper, and more fun to walk through.  

Uniqueness - 5
Fun - 4
Picturesque - 4
Replay Value - 4

Score - 17

#6 The Nauyaca Waterfall

Dominical, Costa Rica

The Nauyaca Waterfall is like a place straight outta Jungle Book. It is very wild and remote. It requires a truck or 4wd vehicle and a strenuous, but short hike through the jungle to get to it. It is a favorite with the locals and it offers the perfect swimming hole and rocks to climb and jump off of. The scenery is incredible and it was my favorite waterfall location out of the several that we visited in Costa Rica. It's unfortunate that its so inconvenient to get to, but that's also what makes it so great. I give it it a low replay because its a full day activity and knowing that vacation days are valuable it's hard to say that I would plan a whole day to go back......but if I lived close....that would be a different story. 

Uniqueness - 4
Fun - 5
Picturesque - 5
Replay Value - 3

Score - 17

#5 Angel's Landing

Zion National Park, Utah

There are not many things that make me nervous, but Angel's Landing is one of them. Thousand foot drops offs on both sides haunted my mind on the weeks and months leading up to my trip and even up until the morning that we went on the hike I wasn't 100% confident that I would make it to the top. At 1,488 feet high Angel's Landing can be a very intimidating hike. To put that number into perspective it is twice the height of pinnacle mountain in Arkansas. This is no guided rafting tour or excursion, you are on your own and people die doing this hike almost every year. It is an adrenaline rush that is pretty rare in a hiking trip, the kind that leave your knees shaking when its over with. In the end it was probably more strenuous than scary and the view was more amazing than dangerous. I could have spent all day at the top of the mighty monolith. No view that I have experienced is comparable to the top of the Zion Canyon and Angel's Landing gives you an incredible 360 viewpoint. I would love to do this hike again WHEN I return to Zion.  




Uniqueness - 4
Fun - 4
Picturesque - 5
Replay Value - 4

 Score - 17

#4 Upper Antelope Canyon

Page, Arizona

Upper Antelope Canyon might be the most picturesque place in the world. You can't help but feel like Indiana Jones stumbling across some kind of archaeological mystery. The light rays that steal the show can only be seen in the summer months for about an hour each day and if you want to reserve a tour you better do it 9 months to a year in advance. There are dozens of tours per day, but only 1 that gets to see the light rays, plan accordingly. It makes a huge difference. The slot canyons themselves are amazing, but its the light rays that makes Upper Antelope Canyon one of the coolest attractions in the world. It also helps to pay extra for the photography tour. The Navajo guides clear out the canyon of all visitors just for the photographers that are on the tour. 

Uniqueness - 5
Fun - 3
Picturesque - 5 +2
Replay Value - 3

 Score - 18

#3 Rio Pacuare Rafting

Siquirres, Costa Rica

It really doesn't get more fun than white water rafting with your friends through the jungle. What makes it even better is when the river your rafting is ranked as the 3rd greatest rafting experience in the world by National Geographic. Waterfalls pouring off the side of mountain walls into emerald green water is a fantastic sight to behold but your moving much too fast to stop and soak it all in. 20 miles of class 3 and 4 rapids only makes you wonder "I wonder what 5 would be like."  The Pacuare River is located in a very remote part of Costa Rica, It was further off the beaten path than any place we visited. The excursion included hotel pick up in San Jose, Costa Rica (3 hours away) and included breakfast, lunch, a personal guide for our group and a bus ride back to our hotel all for $99 a person. I highly doubt that there is an experience comparable to this trip, river rafting on a world class river for 20 miles on class 3 and 4 rapids with meals and transportation included for anywhere near that price. I have dubbed it the highest valued excursion in the world. 

Uniqueness - 4
Fun - 5 +2
Picturesque - 3
Replay Value - 5

 Score - 19

#2 Manuel Antonio National Park

Costa Rica

You wont see beaches lined with hotels and condos in Manuel Antonio. You also wont see 5 star resorts claiming to be paradise while crime stricken poverty is only a few blocks away. Manuel Antonio is the most popular national park in Costa Rica, but it still feels authentic, because it is. Costa Rica tourism was not built overnight by cruise ports flooding the area with thousands of people and trying to provide the most modern conveniences while putting on a fake show of authenticity. Costa Rica toursim was built by Costa Rica people and they have slowly cultivated the industry over several decades and it has created a working class. Just as protected as the wildlife surrounding the beaches so is the culture of outside interference. It is amazing to go on a beach that is just a few yards away from rain forrest that is home to monkeys and sloths. You never know what you will see. This location also provides great fishing, hiking, water sports, and great restaurants. Would I go back? I could easily live there. 

Uniqueness - 4
Fun - 4
Picturesque - 5
Replay Value - 5 + 2

Score - 20

#1 Hiking the Narrows

Zion National Park, Utah

People over use the word "epic" all the time, but I can say without reservation that the Narrows hike is epic. The Narrows trek in Zion National Park has got to be the most iconic hike in the US National Park system and one of the top in the world. This self guided adventure makes you feel like you are in a scene from Lord of the Rings. We spent 7 hours exploring the massive canyon and went almost as far as you are permitted to go without a permit. Much like Angel's Landing this place has been very deadly in the past, but this can be avoided with proper preparation. We went during the hottest and driest time of the year to prevent any worry of a possible flood. We also rented neoprene socks to prevent hypothermia, walking sticks, and special underwater shoes the day before. The Narrows is the most popular hike in Zion and it is an absolute necessity to start the hike as early as possible. It makes all the difference in the world. There were several times where we could see 200 yards ahead of us without seeing a single person. I think we were dropped off by the park bus at around 6:30 am. By the time we returned, just after noon the beginning of the trail looked like Disney World full of people and families of all ages. The rising sun hitting the canyon walls also set the stage for incredibly perfect lit scenery compared to a more washed out look that we seen on the way back.



Uniqueness - 5 +2
Fun - 4
Picturesque - 5
Replay Value - 4

 Score - 20