Summertime's almost here and that mean's we'll be strapping on the swim trunks in no time. This year, why not ditch the beach for head for one of these breathtaking lakes instead. We've gone through the tips and photos from the minube travel community to find these 21 drops of pure, unadulterated freshwater goodness. From the islands of the Philippines to the mountains of Canada, the 21 Most Spectacular Lakes on Earth!
1.) Kanyangan Lake, Philippines - Kanyangan Lake is one of those places that travelers dream of finding. First you boat through the Philippines' paradisiacal Calamian Islands before climbing a steep jungle cliff and laying eyes on a gorgeous hidden lake, said to among the cleanest in all of Asia. (Photo by Rafael Soto)
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2.) Jökulsárlón Lake, Iceland - Jökulsárlón is an epic glacial lagoon in southern Iceland and an early morning boat trip navigating the white and blue icebergs while snapping photos of playful seals is simply one of the most unique and magical experiences to be had anywhere. (Photo by Nick Jackson)
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3.) Laguna Verde, Bolivia - High in the Bolivian altiplano, travelers can find one of the most unusual lakes on Earth: Laguna Verde. Not only is this surreal lake surrounded by volcanoes and hot springs, but the chemical composition of Laguna Verde's intensely green and flamingo-filled waters lets it reach temperatures well below zero without freezing. (Photo by Guiseppe Civica)
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4.) Lençóis Maranhenses, Brazil - Brazil's stunning Lençóis Maranhenses is not one lake, but dozens of small, refreshing lagoons that dot a sprawling plain of sterling white sand dunes. All you need is a four-wheeler, a cooler, and some buddies to start discovering this amazing natural park that combines the best of the desert and the tropics.(Photo by Pablo Nunes)
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5.) Lake Louise, Canada - Lake Louise in Alberta, Canada is a stunning glacial lake set amid the thick forests and snowy peaks of Banff National Park. The lake is famous for the iconic Fairmont Chateau hotel, an abundance of wildflowers, and some seriously postcard-perfect views of the Canadian Rockies. (Photo by Manuel Vizoso)
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6.) Lake Nakuru, Kenya - When approaching Kenya's Lake Nakuru, many travelers report thinking the lake is pink at first sight. No, it's not some algal phenomenon, but rather the over 1 million pink flamingoes that call the lake home. The rhinos, giraffes, and leopards are the just the icing on this lake cake. (Photo by Samanta Puig)
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7.) Lake Tekapo, New Zealand - Lake Tekapo is a stunning lake high in the rugged mountains of New Zealand's South Island. The vibrantly blue water needs to be seen to be believed and, for avid hikers, the best vantage point is from the observatory at the peak of nearby Mt. John. (Photo by Escarcanco)
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8.) Lagunas Altiplánicas, Chile - A route through Chile's stunning Lagunas Altiplánicas is one of the most exhilarating and otherworldly trips you can do through South America. These crystalline highland lakes are nestled between the desert and the mountains and range in colors from green to red to pink. (Photo by Alberto N. Rojas)
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9.) Fusine Lakes, Italy - The twin glacial lakes that make up northern Italy's Fusine Lakes are a must for those in search of pristine, untouched nature. The surrounding pine forest are covered in snow for much of the year and the area makes for the perfect escape from Italy's more chaotic big cities. (Photo by Beatrice Achille)
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10.)Shadow Lake, Canada - Shadow Lake is a remote lake at the foot of the towering Mt. Ball in Banff National Park, Alberta. The best part of Brewster's Shadow is its isolation: the lake is only accessible via a lengthy hike which assures the crowds, noise, and contamination are at a minimum. (Photo by Naxos)
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11.)Bacalar Lagoon, Mexico - Not far from the tourist frenzy of Playa del Carmen, travelers can find a tranquil turquoise lagoon surrounded by reefs, wetlands, and plenty of migratory birds. The Bacalar Lagoon in Quintana Roo is famous for its 7 shades of blue and peaceful small-town atmosphere. This is one to discover before it's too late. (Photo by Rodrimm)
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12.)Obersee, Germany - While less famous than neighboring Königssee, the Obersee Lake in Bavaria's Berchtesgaden National Park is one of the most beautiful lakes in central Europe. What it lacks in size, it makes up for in pure, untouched beauty accented by rugged cliffs, fairytale cottages, and scenic mountain waterfalls. (Photo by Naxos)
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13.)Lake Wakatipu, New Zealand - Lake Wakatipu is a sparkling jewel on New Zealand's South Island. The lake, which reaches over 1,000ft. deep in parts, is a haven for hikers seeking crystal-clear water and a stunning landscape of snowcapped peaks. If you're looking for a real-life Lord of the Rings experience, this is the place! (Photo by Santiago de Vega)
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14.)Moraine Lake, Canada - Banff's Moraine Lake is perhaps the most famous and beautiful lake in the Canadian Rockies, and that's no small feat! Rock particles in the glacial waters cause the lake to take on an amazing powder blue color and the shoreline is filled with bear, deer, and tons of unforgettable trails. (Photo by Francisco Hernandez)
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15.)Lake Iseo, Italy - While many of these lakes are famous for their untouched beauty, Lake Iseo in Lombardy, Italy is best known for its history and culture (which isn't to say that it's not gorgeous!). Between pine forest and hidden fishing holes, travelers can find dozens of medieval villages whose scenic steeples make the perfect addition to this stunning lake. (Photo by Claudio Rivellini)
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16.) Lake Matheson, New Zealand - As one traveler put it, "Lake Matheson looks like a work of art." It's true, this mirror-like lake on New Zealand's South Island is the perfect canvas for reflecting the surrounding pines and the stunning peak of Mt. Tasman in the background.(Photo by Terry Bamforth)
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17.)Lake Bled, Slovenia - Slovenia's stunning Lake Bled has become a top destination for travelers looking to get off the typical European tourist trail, and we can't blame them! Surrounded by the snowy Julian Alps and topped off with the picture-perfect church on Bled Island, Lake Bled seems like something plucked straight from the pages of a fairy-tale. (Photo by Luis Manuel)
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18.)Yamdrock Lake, China - Yamdrock Lake is one of Tibet's three sacred lakes and a place of pilgrimage among Tibetan Buddhists and adventurous travelers. As hundreds of travelers can attest, the feeling of being amidst so much lake, mountain, and sky is as inspirational and moving as it gets. (Photo by Alfonso N. Tappero)
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19.)Laguna Cejar, Chile - Laguna Cejar is an amazing salt lake in the high Atacama salt flats. It has long been a popular stopping point for desert trekkers for two simple facts: it's warm throughout the year and its high salt content means you can float! Oh, and the jaw-dropping landscapes don't hurt either!(Photo by Jordi Vendrell)
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20.)Bachalpsee, Switzerland - This small lake in the high Swiss Alps is the definition of idyllic: green meadows, wildflowers, a clear blue sky and the occasional grazing cow. The fact that it's located at the end of a stunning hike along valleys and glaciers only makes it that much more rewarding. (Photo by Alberto de Diego)
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21.)Crater Lake, USA - Few views quite as breathtaking as that when you reach the pine-covered ridge of the Crater Lake caldera and lay eyes on the stunning lake for the first time. There's nothing but you, the lake, and the clear Oregon sky. (Monia Pawlec)
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