The most beautiful rivers in the world

1. Yangtze River

China's largest and most important river, as well as the country's most popular tourist attraction, the Yangtze is famous not only for its stunning scenery but also for its giant hydroelectric dam, which generates an incredible amount of electricity every year.

2. Cahabón River, Guatemala

Turquoise waters, foaming water and waterfalls are the highlights of the Cahabón River in eastern Guatemala. It is also a great place for rafting, with steep drops and swirling currents that challenge even the most experienced rafters.

3. Loire River, France

The Loire River is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, lined with vineyards, blooming gardens and stunning castles. It is also France's longest river, flowing past pretty villages and sparkling cities like Angers and Blois, tall bridges and rolling fields.

4. Kenai River, Alaska

The pristine Kenai River in southern Alaska is a haven for fishermen who love to hunt for big fish like Chinook salmon or rainbow trout. September is the peak season for silver salmon, while sockeye salmon are typically caught in the summer months, and pink salmon are plentiful year-round.

5. Zambezi River, Africa

Flowing down 108m, Victoria Falls is part of Africa’s fourth largest river. In addition to providing fish for the region’s 32 million people, the river is also home to a wealth of wildlife including hippos, crocodiles, giraffes and elephants.

6. Mississippi, United States

The Mississippi has long been an important waterway for commerce. From the 1820s to the 1950s, it was filled with wooden barges carrying cotton, food, and tobacco. Those old boats have now been replaced by more modern vessels, but the river continues to be a major commercial hub, serving as the main port for New Orleans.

7. Nile River, Egypt

The Nile River is associated with the desert, the pyramids, and the pharaohs of Egypt. Indeed, the ancient Egyptians and their incredible civilization owe their success to this mighty and fertile river. However, only 22% of the Nile flows through this country. The rest flows through 10 other countries, including Tanzania and Kenya.

8. River Thames, UK

England's second longest river, the Thames, flows through the capital London and the smaller towns of Oxford, Henley and Windsor. It supplies much of southern England and is a major recreational destination for sailors, anglers and rowers. The Thames is also the site of the annual Oxford-Cambridge boat race.

9. Amazon River, South America

The Amazon River covers a large part of South America, stretching across Brazil, Colombia and Peru. Often called the “sea river”, it is up to 30 miles (48 km) wide during the rainy season, and up to 150 miles (240 km) wide at its mouth in the Atlantic Ocean. The most famous fish here is the piranha – a fish that has been known to attack humans.

10. Congo River, Africa

The Congo is the deepest river in the world, made famous in Joseph Conrad's dark novel "Heart of Darkness". Cutting through dense jungle, the river is home to an abundance of wildlife such as crocodiles and turtles.

11. Cano Cristales River, Colombia

Also known as the river of five colors, Caño Cristales is the most beautiful river in the world. Once a year, from September to October, the macarenia clavígera trees bloom bright red on both banks, blending with the yellow sand, black, green, and blue of the rocks, water, and sky.

12. Danube River, Europe

Famous for its waltzes called the “Blue Danube,” the Danube has long been Europe’s main waterway, connecting west to east, from Germany through Austria and Hungary to Romania and Ukraine. It is popular with cruise ships, passing chocolate-making villages, grand cities like Budapest and lush countryside.

13. Mekong River, Southeast Asia

Famous for its lush vegetation and mountains, the Mekong River flows through China, Myanmar, Laos, Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam. Cruising down the river is a great way to experience local culture and stunning scenery.

14. Volga River, Russia

The Volga River flows through the heart of Russia and is considered a national symbol. Surrounded by giant reservoirs, bridges, and home to pelicans and flamingos, the Volga flows north of Russia's magnificent capital, Moscow.

15. Ganges River, India

India's most famous river with the largest flow of people in the world, the Ganges is a sacred symbol in the Hindu religion, dedicated to the goddess Ganga. Hindus honor their ancestors by bathing in the river and offering rose petals and oil. Bathing in the Ganges brings serenity to the religious life of Hindus.