Looking for out of this world destinations?
From stunning landscapes to surreal natural wonders, these breath taking places on Earth will make you question whether you've stepped onto another planet.
Are you an adventure traveler or a nature lover? These incredible spots are bucket list worthy. Here's our list of 6 otherworldly places you must visit.
1. Salar de Uyuni,
Bolivia – The World's Largest Salt Flat.
When it comes to places that don’t feel real, Salar de Uyuni in Bolivia tops the list. Stretching over 10,000 square kilometers, making it the largest in the world, this vast salt flat creates an optical illusion of an endless mirror when covered in a thin layer of water during the rainy season.
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Salar de Uyuni, Bolivia |
The effect is so perfect that NASA uses it to calibrate satellite equipment. The reflection of the sky on the salt flats makes it feel like you're walking on the clouds—truly like another world.
Salar de Uyuni, Bolivia. amazing reflection |
2. Antelope Canyon, USA – A Photographer’s Dream
Nestled in the American Southwest, Antelope Canyon in
Arizona is known for its narrow, winding corridors and sandstone formations
shaped by years of erosion. The play of light filtering through the canyon’s
narrow openings creates mesmerizing shadows and colors that seem straight out
of a science fiction movie. . The sandstone walls appear to glow in shades of orange,
red, and purple, making it feel like you're walking through a living piece of
abstract art.
Antelope Canyon,USA |
It's no surprise that Antelope Canyon is one of the most photographed places in the world.
worm's eye view of the Antelope Canyon |
Best time to visit:
Midday (March to October) for optimal light beams.
3. Pamukkale,
Turkey – The Cotton Castle
Imagine terraces of pure white limestone, filled with mineral rich turquoise waters....
The Cotton Castle, Turkey |
This is Pamukkale, also known as the "Cotton Castle" in Turkey. These terraces were formed by natural hot springs depositing calcium carbonate. They resemble something more likely to be found on a distant moon than on Earth. It’s not just a stunning sight; the thermal waters are also thought to have healing properties.
The thermal waters have been used as a spa since Roman
times, and they are still popular today.
Pamukkale "spa", Turkey |
Best time to visit:
Spring or autumn to avoid the summer crowds and enjoy the warm waters.
4. Mount Roraima, Venezuela – A RealLife Avatar Landscape
If you’ve ever dreamed of visiting a place like Pandora from
Avatar, Mount Roraima in Venezuela comes close. This massive flat topped
mountain, surrounded by sheer cliffs, rises out of the jungle in the Gran
Sabana. The isolated peak is often covered in mist, giving it an ethereal,
otherworldly quality.
Mount Roraima, Venezuela |
The summit itself has a unique ecosystem, with plant and animal species found nowhere else on Earth, adding to the sense that it’s a place suspended in time and space.
There is more than the views at Mount Roraima, Venezuela |
Amazing sceneries at Mount Roraima, Venezuela |
Best time to visit: November to April (dry season) for the clearest views.
5. The Wave, USA – A Natural Sandstone Marvel
Located in the Coyote Buttes area of the Paria Canyon Vermilion Cliffs Wilderness in Arizona and Utah, The Wave is a sandstone rock formation that looks like a painted wave frozen in time.
It’s so mesmerizing; you’ll feel like you've been transported to Mars.
The Wave, USA |
The formation consists of Ushaped troughs with striations of red, pink, and yellow that ripple across the landscape like waves in the ocean. Walking through it feels like stepping into a painting where the rock seems to flow and move around you.
who would resist posting a photo of The wave... |
Due to its fragile ecosystem, getting a permit to hike The
Wave can be challenging, but it’s worth it for the unforgettable views.
Best time to visit:
During the spring (March to May) and fall (September to November) because of Cooler
temperatures and clear skies.
6. The Door to Hell (Turkmenistan)
Also known as the
Darvaza Gas Crater, this is a burning natural gas field in the Karakum Desert,
created when Soviet geologists accidentally collapsed a cavern in 1971 while
drilling. It has been burning ever since.
The Darvaza Gas Crater, Karakum Desert |
The 230footwide, 66footdeep crater glows with
fiery orange and red flames, creating a scene straight out of a science fiction
movie. The sight of the flames licking at the edge of the pit, combined with
the eerie, sulfurous smell, gives the place an apocalyptic feel. At night, it
looks especially surreal, with the fire illuminating the desert sky.
Night view at The Door to Hell (Turkmenistan) |
Best time to visit: At night, when the flames light up the dark desert.
Final Thoughts
These 6 breathtaking places prove that our planet is full of surprises and magical landscapes that look as though they belong on another planet. Whether you’re a thrill seeking adventurer or a nature lover, visiting these unique destinations should be added to your travel bucket list. See, For more.