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.

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

“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

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!

“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

Thailand

United States

Mexico

Japan

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

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

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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