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16 Most Instagramable Countries of 2016

December 18, 201610 min read23 comments

Not gunna lie, it was a little obvious that some countries were more Instagramable than others in 2016. All it takes is a quick swipe through Instagram for your eyes to fixate, and your finger to double tap, on one of these breathtaking locations that’s likely photographed by your favorite Instagramers.

16-most-instagramable-countries

But in an effort not to be biased with my personal favorite countries I visited in 2016, I asked some of my own favorite Instagramers, who also happen to be some of the top travel bloggers in the world, what they thought were the most Instagramable countries of 2016! From brilliant blue bodies of water to epic architecture, you’ll immediate recognize all of these places, and why travelers flocked from all over the world to capture a photo of them this past year!

Iceland

“This island destination isn’t one for palm trees and tropical cocktails. Iceland’s incredible landscapes are diverse and almost mystical. With expanse fjords, massive glaciers and blue lagoon, Iceland is one of the most naturally beautiful places on earth.” – Kiersten Rich, TheBlondeAbroad

It seems like everyone and their mother, brother, best friend, third cousin, random person they met online, etc., has gone to, and posted photos on Instagram of Iceland this year, and it’s obvious why. It’s basically like a natural amusement park, with every possible phenomenon of nature all on one island. Driving for a few miles is like this: Waterfall! Glacier! Volcano! Waterfall! Black sand beach?

“Iceland is primal. It is what you want everywhere you travel to be. It’s a photographer’s dream because you don’t have to do anything fancy, it just is.” – Lee Abbamonte, LeeAbbamonte.com

India

UPDATED: For everyone wondering how I got a pic with no people in it, watch my Snapchat!! (I got there at like 7am on a weekday during monsoon season) . Since the last photo was of the back of the Taj Mahal (and me, per usual), I decided it was appropriate to turn around for a photo of the front! This place is 1000% a MUST SEE in your life!!! And if you're super eager, you can see it live right now on my Snapchat lol 😻🕌👸🏼📽🌎💖 . #tajmahal #worldwonder #agra #india #incredibleindia #travel #bucketlist #travelblog #travelblogger #mylifesamovie #mylifesatravelmovie #gopro #goprogirl #gopropics #gopropicoftheday #instagood #beautifuldestinations #natgeotravel #cntraveler #adventure #wanderlust #wearetravelgirls #timeoutsociety #travelstoke #travelawesome #huffpostgram #indiafashion #goproindia #followmeto

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India is absolutely captivating. No matter where you go, from the slums to the palaces, you’ll see the vibrant colors of elegantly draped sarees, and at least one temple, mosque, or shrine you’ll be dying to take a photo in front of. Oh, and let’s not forget everyone’s favorite, camel selfies!

Cuba

“Cuba is a photographer’s dream destination. The decaying architecture, classic cars and diverse landscapes offer an endless variety of colors an opportunities to capture. It’s a beautiful place to visit and photograph.” – Clint Johnston, TripHackr

“Cuba is stuck in time which makes it very charming and unique.” Matt Karsten, ExpertVagabond

Peru

“Learning about Peru’s indigenous culture and history of the Incan people will blow your mind. Take the 4 day trek to Machu Picchu and it’ll be one of the most memorable experiences of your life.” – Drew Binsky, DrewBinsky

I seriously think that people are starting to push themselves to do the four day Inca Trail hike to Machu Picchu because they see the awesome photos of it on Instagram, and know they can only see these places if they do the hike! That being said, I’d highly suggest doing the Inca Trail, otherwise you can’t see THIS!

Machu Picchu, I Machu Beatchu! Yes, I cried when I got to the top, not only because it's that special time of the month #TMI 😭, but because there are just some places in life where the beauty and magnificence are too overwhelming for the naked eye. This smile represents the feeling of pure ecstasy, jumping out of bed at 4AM to begin hiking my way to the Heavens, dying and reincarnating myself twice in the process. Am I here?! Am I really here right now?! I kept asking myself. Almost 8,000 feet in the sky, walking through the clouds, slaying humanity at altitudes Beyoncé has yet to reach? 😭💁🏾 This is what dreams are made of. To those who wish to come here one day, yes this place is every bit as incredible as people make it sound. To those who've already been, whether you hiked the multi-day Inca Trail (which uhhm, hi, hello, what's it like to sit at the right hand of Jesus you bionic beings) or took a bus, getting here is NOT easy. I commend you all. And finally, thanks for an incredible month of collaborations, adventure, and dream-chasing, @derioi! Please go follow and like his page for more of his incredible photography. The photos you've seen on my gallery recently are a product of his amazing artistry and vision. I will cherish them forever. Now I'm curious, who would you take to Machu Picchu? Family? BFF? Significant other? Tag them below!

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“Not every place you visit lives up to its hype, but Machu Picchu was, is, and always will be one of the most incredible places in the world.” – Gloria Atanmo, TheBlogAbroad

“The hike to the Rainbow Mountain was my best experience in Peru. It definitely beat my experience in Machu Picchu. The hike is tough due to high altitude and snow in certain places, but it’s definitely rewarding.” – Anna Lysakowska, AnnaEverywhere

Norway

“Village of Hamnøy, part of Norway’s magical Lofoten Islands is a photographer’s dream, as it’s all very photogenic with mountains shooting dramatically from the ocean. Also, red houses in the snow look pretty cool.” – Matt Karsten, ExpertVagabond

I specifically went to Norway to see the Northern Lights, and when I got to Tromsø, they told me that it’s always a 50/50 chance of seeing them. Well, not only did I see them, but they were so bright that I thought I was going to get abducted by aliens! Tromsø, the northernmost part of Norway, is the perfect place for capturing incredible Northern Lights photos!

Indonesia

Indonesia is literally the most perfect, diverse place to take photos! You can go from the beaches of Bali, to the rice paddy fields in Ubud, then off to the crystal clear waters of Lombok and Gili, or the Natural World Wonder, Komodo Island! Here is an awesome view you can see of Padar Island on your way to Komodo!

“There are four lakes in the highlands of Bali, and with views like this it’s worth the journey. If you want quintessential Bali, head to Brayan Lake, but expect massive crowds and beautiful photo ops.” – Clint Johnston, TripHackr

There’s also tons of hidden gems in Indonesia, like these three different-colored volcanic craters in Kelimutu National Park on the island of Flores!

Iran

“Every morning, at 8:30am, the sun rushes across a gorgeous courtyard of stunning Islamic architecture and slices through the stained glass windows of Nasir Ol-Mosk Mosque, one of the world’s most gorgeous mosques. Location: Nasir Ol-Mosk Mosque, Shiraz, Iran.” – Will Hatton, TheBrokeBackpacker

“Iranian Kurdistan is a place of mighty mountains, tasty food, endless spices and some of the world’s most hospitable people. Best of all, it’s super easy to hitchhike here and for backpackers on a budget you can get by on under ten dollars a day. Exploring this little known corner of Iran is like stepping a hundred years into the past and following in the footsteps of some of the world’s first explorers.” – Will Hatton, TheBrokeBackpacker

Thailand

 “Thailand is one big Instagram waiting to be captured. The country is full of amazing beaches like this drone shot from Koh Adang, gorgeous temples, peaceful countryside, and plenty of smiling locals along the way.” Hannah Lucaszewicz, GettingStamped

Thailand is another place that you just can’t take a bad picture. From random rock formations jutting out of pristine water like James Bond Island and Railay Beach, to the golden Buddha temples and street markets of Bangkok, Thailand is definitely the place to go to easily capture some awesome IG shots.

United States

 “Imagine a hike so incredible, there’s a $1200 fine for trespassing without a permit. It definitely exists. In an effort to reserve this sandstone playground, only twenty people are allowed into the National Park every day. Take your chances with the lottery, it’s every bit worth the effort.” Steph Be, TravelBreak

#MondayMotivation :: Fear only exists if you do nothing to prove that you can overcome it. This is one of my most popular photos, many ask if I was afraid to sit at the edge, but at that moment, the only thing I was afraid of was not being able to pay rent. (and losing my hat). I did this roadtrip to Horseshoe Bend and all over AZ and UT solo last year, camping most of the way, just so I could AirBnB my apartment in LA out to pay for the rent, and to keep saving to travel. I blogged from coffee shops and cheap motels, and always kept going, regardless of my fear of hitting rock bottom, and look where it led me. I'm not special, nor am I "lucky", I just always remember that Dreams Don't Work Unless You Do. 😜🙌🙋🏼🌎💻✈️💖 . #mylifesamovie #mylifesatravelmovie #motivation #workhard #girlboss #shentrepreneur #entrepreneur #travelblogger #travelblog #wanderlustworkers #horseshoebend #arizona #utah #roadtrip #travel #wanderlust #antelopecanyon #havasufalls #grandcanyon #gopro #goprogirl #goprotravel #usa

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 It never occurred to me how many beautiful natural wonders were in the U.S. until I took a 2 week roadtrip through Arizona and Utah. I’ve been to over 50 countries now, and Horseshoe Bend, Havasu Falls, and Antelope Canyons are still some of the most spectacular, mind-blowing places I’ve ever seen!

Mexico

Did you know that one of the New 7 World Wonders is located in Mexico? It’s this ancient sacred temple called Chitzen Itza, just a short drive from Tulum! Not only is it highly photogenic itself, by the cenotes and ruins on the way to it are nothing short of breath taking. Just don’t Google the ancient use for cenotes…

Who's up for a hammock nap? 💤 #Holbox

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Japan

“Fushimi Inari’s red-orange gates wind their way through the hills outside Kyoto, setting the back drop for a flaming maze of color, and a photographer’s paradise.” – Rachel Rudwall, RachelRoams

“Nachi Falls tumble from the Kii Mountains beyond the deep red Nachi Shrine, marking the end of the ancient Kumano Kodo pilgrimage.” – Rachel Rudwall, RachelRoams

Japan‘s architecture is unlike anything I’ve ever seen before, which is probably why it’s so easily recognized elsewhere (think Japanese Gardens, or even sushi restaurants!). I’d describe it as striking perfection, which of course makes for a equally perfect photo.

“For awesome photos in Japan, buy a cheap bathrobe kimono off Ebay, and get a legit obi sash, this part isn’t as easy. I found one for like $10 at the mall in Kyoto and it had the premade bow. I still don’t know how to tie it right but I try. The legit obi sash make the thin cheap kimono look legit!” Anna Kate, TheLegendaryAdventuresofAnna

Bolivia

“Bolivia has some of the best rugged and untouched natural landscapes I’ve ever seen. Driving from La Paz to Uyuni with wild llamas and vicuñas running outside is not to be missed!” – Drew Binsky, DrewBinsky

The Bolivia Salt Flats (AKA Uyuni Salt Flats) was one of my favorite places to take photos. It was just. So. MIND BLOWING! From the optical illusions created by the white salt desert, to the perfect mirror-reflections you can make during wet-season, this  is definitely one of the most Instagramable places I’ve seen!

“Bolivia is one of the most photogenic countries I’ve ever visited. The otherworldly terrain of the salt flats in Uyuni, vibrant scenes around Lake Titicaca and La Paz, and beautiful architecture in the cultural capital of Sucre make it an amazing destination that will take your breathe away.” – Oneika Raymond, OneikaTheTraveller

French Polynesia

“The Tahitian islands are some of the most dream-worthy destinations on earth. Whether you’re honeymooning or looking for the ultimate tropical getaway, these islands will wow you with epic landscapes, stunning ocean hues and vibrant marine life. You literally cannot take a bad picture here.” – Kiersten Rich, TheBlondeAbroad

South Africa

 Here’s another one of the new 7 Wonders of Nature; Table Mountain in South Africa!

“A friend took this photo of me in Golden Gate Highlands park in South Africa. Nobody else was on the trail except for some kudu, plus the zebra and wildebeest my friend and I saw on the drive in. I couldn’t believe my eyes seeing those animals for the first time in my life, and getting a view like this all to ourselves that gorgeous summer day. ” – Kristin Addis, BeMyTravelMuse

Maldives

I mean…it’s the Maldives. You literally can’t take a bad picture there. It’s the definition of Instagramable. But before you go thinking it’s impossibly expensive to go there, just know that this photo was taken on a local island that costed $2 to get to by ferry, and $40 a night to stay at a local Inn.

Canada

Baby, it's cold outside. #Banff #ExploreCanada

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“Kayak in the summer and ice skate in the winter, Lake Louise is the epicenter of Banff National Park. Pines and peaks frame the Lake Louise Ski Resort, amongst shopping, hikes and drive-up view points.” Steph Be, TravelBreak

“Thirty minutes from Banff, the Johnston Creek trail weaves together the Johnston Canyon cascade and the Lower Falls in Johnston Canyon. About a thirty minute walk each way, you can easily reach the lower falls.” Steph Be, TravelBreak

Bonus *Italy*

Italy doesn’t get as much recognition as it deserves, so I decided to add it to the list because I just couldn’t resist some of my favorite Instagram photos from there. From the Italian Riviera city of Cinque Terre, to the jaw-dropping mountains of South Tyrol and let’s not forget the canals of Venice, or the World Wonder, the Colosseum!

“Lago di Braies in South Tyrol, Italy, is one of the most stunning lakes I’ve seen due to that gorgeous green water, the Alpine mountains surrounding it, and the mystical fog that tends to hang on the mountain tops. This unique, partially German-speaking part of Italy keeps a piece of my heart.” – Kristin Addis, BeMyTravelMuse

“The architecture in Italy is so diverse and unique from region to region but quaint homes, pops of color and attractive building facades remain consistent across the country and are what keeps me coming back every year.” – Jacklyn Shields, GetLostWithJackie

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Alyssa Ramos
I’m Alyssa Ramos, a full-time, self-made, solo traveler who’s been to over 85+ Countries, all 7 Continents, 7 World Wonders, 7 Wonders of Nature, plus I recently climbed Mt. Kilimanjaro and dove the Great Barrier Reef! I created this life of full-time traveling completely on my own, and my goal is to give you as much information and inspiration as possible to make travel happen for you too!
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