Do you love to travel and explore new places? Are you looking for some inspiration for your next adventure? If so, you’re in luck! We’ve compiled a list of 10 epic destinations that will blow your mind with their beauty, uniqueness and surrealness. These are places that you won’t believe really exist on Earth, but they do! Read on and get ready to pack your bags!
Imagine walking on a giant mirror that reflects the sky and the clouds. That’s what you’ll experience at Salar de Uyuni, the world’s largest salt flat. This stunning landscape was created by a prehistoric lake that dried up, leaving behind a vast expanse of salt crystals. During the rainy season (September-May), the salt flat becomes covered with a thin layer of water, creating a surreal optical illusion. You’ll feel like you’re floating in the air!
If you love rock formations and colors, you’ll be amazed by Antelope Canyon, a slot canyon carved by rainwater in the sandstone. The canyon is divided into two sections: Upper and Lower. Both are accessible by guided tours only, as they are located on Navajo land. The best time to visit is around midday, when the sun rays create a magical play of light and shadow inside the canyon. You’ll see why this place is one of the most photographed spots in the world!
Laos is a country rich in natural beauty and culture, and one of its gems is Kuang Si Falls, a three-tiered waterfall with turquoise pools. You can hike around the area, swim in the refreshing water, or just admire the scenery. The falls are located about 29 km (18 miles) south of Luang Prabang, a charming city that was once the royal capital of Laos. You can easily get there by tuk-tuk, bike or bus.
If you’re looking for a challenge and a reward, head to Torres del Paine National Park, one of the most spectacular places in South America. This park is home to the famous Torres del Paine (Towers of Paine), three granite peaks that rise above the Patagonian landscape. You can hike to the base of the towers or take a longer trek around the park, admiring glaciers, lakes, forests and wildlife along the way.
You might think you’re looking at a painting or a rainbow, but this is actually a natural pool of hot water. Grand Prismatic Spring is the third largest hot spring in the world and the largest in Yellowstone National Park. It gets its vibrant colors from bacteria that thrive in different temperatures and minerals. The spring is surrounded by a boardwalk that allows visitors to view it from different angles.
Have you ever dreamed of visiting an oasis in the desert? Well, you can make it happen at Huacachina, a small village built around a natural lagoon in Peru. This place looks like something out of a fairy tale, with palm trees, sand dunes and a tranquil atmosphere. You can relax by the water or try some adventure activities like sandboarding or dune buggy riding.
This might not be your idea of a paradise, but it’s definitely an epic destination. The Door to Hell is a giant crater of fire that has been burning since 1971. It was created by accident when Soviet geologists were drilling for gas and hit an underground cavern that collapsed and released methane gas. They decided to set it on fire to prevent further gas leakage, thinking it would burn out soon. But it didn’t! The crater is about 69 meters (226 feet) wide and 30 meters (98 feet) deep and attracts curious visitors from all over the world.
If you’ve seen the movie Avatar, you might recognize this place as the inspiration for the floating mountains of Pandora. Zhangjiajie National Forest Park is part of the Wulingyuan Scenic Area, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that covers over 26,000 hectares (64,000 acres) of land. The park is famous for its thousands of sandstone pillars that rise above the forest, creating a stunning contrast. You can explore the park by cable car, elevator, bridge or foot.
Mount Rinjani is the second highest volcano in Indonesia and one of the most active ones. It’s also one of the most beautiful ones, thanks to its crater lake, Segara Anak, which means “Child of the Sea”. The lake is a sacred place for the local people, who believe it’s the home of the gods. You can hike to the rim of the crater or to the summit of the volcano, but be prepared for a challenging and rewarding journey.
Last but not least, we have the Marble Caves, a network of caves and tunnels carved by the water of Lake General Carrera in Patagonia. The caves are made of marble that reflects the blue and green colors of the lake, creating a mesmerizing effect. You can visit the caves by boat or kayak and marvel at this natural wonder.
There you have it! 10 epic destinations that you won’t believe exist! Which one is your favorite? Let us know in the comments below!
Adrenaline junkie with a passion for exploring off-the-beaten-path destinations and finding unique ways to stay active. Expect stunning scenery, challenging workouts, awesome travel tips and a whole lot of fun. Let’s get sweaty and explore the world together!