From amazing natural wonders to hidden marvels, these surreal places to visit will make you question if you’re still on the same planet. Buckle up for an incredible adventure through breathtaking scenery that will leave you in awe of our wondrous world.
10 surreal destinations that you can actually visit right now:
- Salar de Uyuni, Bolivia
- Antelope Canyon, Arizona, USA
- Kuang Si Falls, Luang Prabang, Laos
- Torres del Paine National Park, Patagonia, Chile
- Grand Prismatic Spring, Wyoming, USA
- Huacachina, Peru
- The Door to Hell, Turkmenistan
- Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, Hunan Province, China
- Mount Rinjani, Lombok, Indonesia
- Marble Caves, Patagonia, Chile
Start planning your next adventure:
1. Salar de Uyuni, Bolivia
Frozen in the depths of winter, the world’s largest salt flat is transformed in to a giant sky-reflecting mirror during the rainy season (September–May). The pools left over from this monumental prehistoric lake create a shimmering, illusory horizon, making it one of the most amazing natural wonders to visit in the world if you like a good trick shot or selfie.
2. Antelope Canyon, Arizona, USA
A true masterpiece of nature, this famous Arizona canyon was carved by rainwater streams in the sandstone. The Navajo people named it, ‘The place where water runs through rocks’. While there are millions of photos of Antelope Canyon on the Internet, it’s a must-see with your own eyes as pictures barely capture the magic of one of the most breathtaking places on Earth.
3. Kuang Si Falls, Luang Prabang, Laos
Already a top holiday destination for backpackers, the Laotian city of Luang Prabang is temptingly close to Kuang Si Falls, a three tier splash spectacular with waters so clear and blue it’ll be hard to resist jumping straight in. Hike the trails around the area to escape the tour groups and find your own secret slice of paradise.
4. Torres del Paine National Park, Patagonia, Chile
Admire the amazing Andes and visit one of South America’s most breathtaking National Parks, and one of the most beautiful places in the world. Get your llama legs on and go hiking over mountains loaded with the white stuff and across glorious glaciers.
5. Grand Prismatic Spring, Wyoming, USA
More wet stuff to blow your socks off, this time in North America. This natural pool, with its rainbow coloured waters, is found in Yellowstone National Park and is the third largest hot spring in the world. As well as the spring itself, you’ll find plenty of breathtaking scenery surrounding it.
6. Huacachina, Peru
Catch a glimpse of this impressive desert oasis, built in the 1930s around an existing watering hole. In true otherworldly style, keep your eyes peeled for a glimpse of the lake’s legendary resident… a mermaid. Peru’s also home to one of the Seven Wonders of the World, Machu Picchu and a brilliant holiday destination!
7. The Door to Hell, Turkmenistan
OK, so it’s actually a geyser but the ‘Door to Hell’ sounds much catchier, doesn’t it? Plus, this burning pool of lava in Turkmenistan’s Karakum Desert looks just how you’d expect a gateway to the underworld to look: red and hot and steamy. Whatever the case, it definitely deserves its place on any list of the most surreal places in the world.
8. Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, Hunan Province, China
No, this isn’t the set from a futuristic science fiction film, this place actually exists. Ascend through the towering rock formations on a cable car and admire the otherworldly views from above. You would be forgiven for thinking the Zhanghjiajie Park seems familiar as the ancient landscape inspired the Hollywood blockbuster Avatar.
9. Mount Rinjani, Lombok, Indonesia
A couple of days of tough climbing is well-rewarded at the summit of Mount Rinjani, the second highest active volcano in Indonesia, with a spectacular view of one of the most beautiful places in the world. A crater lake, affectionately known as the ‘Child of the Sea’ by locals, sits pretty at the top of this epic climb.
And while you’re in Indonesia, don’t miss the chance to see the dragons at Komodo National Park.
10. Marble Caves, Patagonia, Chile
Patagonia is known to many as the beginning of the end of the world, so it’s no surprise that here is where you’ll find amazing natural wonders like no other. One of Patagonia’s most surreal places to visit is found at the centre of General Carrera Lake, also known as Lake Buenos Aires. Here, you’ll find the Marble Caves, the Marble Cathedral and Marble Chapel, named so for their domed ceilings and reverential atmosphere. Only accessible by boat, this amazing place to visit is closed off from most of the world.
