5 most underrated national parks (that aren’t in the US)

When someone says “national park,” chances are your brain zooms straight to Yellowstone, Yosemite, or the Grand Canyon. All amazing, no doubt — but what about the underrated parks? So, it’s time to give the spotlight to the parks that aren’t hogging Instagram feeds but totally deserve to. Pack a snack, zip your hiking boots, and let’s go global.

Hidden in Sichuan Province, Jiuzhaigou is basically Narnia in China. Think turquoise lakes so clear they look Photoshopped, waterfalls that leap from cliffs like dramatic soap opera stars, and forests that change color more often than mood rings. And yes, there are pandas nearby, but they prefer their privacy — just like the park, apparently.

Straddling the border between Poland and Slovakia like a majestic mountain diplomat, this park offers rugged peaks, glacial lakes, and hiking trails that demand both stamina and snacks. The Tatras are like the Swiss Alps’ cooler, less expensive cousin who doesn’t care about brand names but still looks amazing in photos.

A desert... with lagoons. Wait, what? Yep. Every rainy season, the sand dunes of Lençóis Maranhenses transform into a surreal landscape of shimmering freshwater pools nestled in golden sand. It’s like someone spilled water on a Salvador Dalí painting and called it a park. No camels, just swimming.

Want to hike around an active volcano, dodge boiling mud pots, and shower in natural waterfalls — all before lunch? This geothermal park in northern Costa Rica has it all. Bonus points for spotting sloths and howler monkeys while you are testing your trekking stamina.

Established in 1879, this is the second oldest national park in the world. But somehow, it’s still flying under the radar. Just an hour from Sydney, Royal National Park boasts ocean cliffs, eucalyptus forests, hidden beaches, and more bird songs than you can imagine. Perfect for a day trip or a full-on coastal escape.