There’s no photoshop, no image alteration of any kind, just another proof that nature can create miracles of unimaginable beauty. Of course, from time to time we, humans, try to improve nature’s designs and, in extremely rare cases, we actually make something look better!
Dallol, Ethiopia
There used to be a volcano here but now it’s just a huge depression (geological, not psychological) the locals call Dallol (dissolution). Miocene salt and boiling-hot water from the depths of the Earth push out brine and acidic liquids to the surface, forming these trippy green ponds of acid, sulfur and oxidized iron.
Laguna Colorada, Bolivia
If Mars had water, this is what the lakes would look like: bright red and full of (alien) life. Why is it so red? Quick answer – certain algae and very specific sediments. Long answer – you’re here to look at the pictures, not read a geology report. Those white islands in the center of the lake, BTW, are actually made entirely of borax.
Salar de Uyuni, Bolivia
I feel like we’ve discussed this amazing place in one of our previous journeys. On a hot day it’s just a salty flat but when it rains, this whole 4000+ sq. mile plateau turns into the biggest natural mirror. Perfect for stargazing.
Antelope Canyon, USA
Arizona has many unique places of interest and probably the most exciting one is the Antelope Canyon, just southwest of Havasu Falls. The place looks way out of this world! Fun fact: in Navajo “Antelope” actually means “the place where water runs through rocks”. Very literal those native Americans.
Horseshoe Bend Colorado River, USA
Speaking of water running through rocks, here’s the famous Colorado river doing the U-turn, hence the name “horseshoe bend”. It’s one of the most photographed locations in the US. It just looks really cool, that’s all.
Monument Valley, USA
Navajo people strike again! Monument Valley (“Tsé Biiʼ Ndzisgaii”) literally means “valley of rocks”. When you think “Wild West” this picture will automatically pop up in your mind. At least that’s what most people associate it with. Also, this is probably how our planet looked like billions of years ago.
The Wave Valley, USA
So much about Arizona in one post it’s making me thirsty all of a sudden! Luckily this rock formation reminds me of the ocean, because why wouldn’t it? While it would be hard to ride waves in this valley, they certainly look astonishing for a 200 million year old grandpa. These fascinating strokes and ribbons of various colors (Liesegang Bands), were formed by small particles of oxidized materials, such as iron and manganese, moving through the water in the ground, adding another dimension to the landscape.
Socotra Island
Approximately 300 of 825 species of flora found on Socotra are endemic, meaning they cannot be found anywhere else on Earth, making this island in the Arabian Sea one of the most biodiverse and isolated places on the planet. Not to mention it’s full of alien mushroom trees!
Panjin red beach, China
Most of its life the seaweed in the Liaohe river delta is green as a pea but when Autumn comes, it gets so angry at the wasted Summer opportunities that it turns bloody red! #Truestory
Rainbow Mountains(Zhangye Danxia), China
Back in 2010 this fantastic-looking landscape was declared a World Heritage Site and rightfully so. The “Rainbow Mountains” geopark covers nearly 300 sq. miles and counts a whole lot of “IS THIS REAL? (HOLY SH#T!)” reactions every year. Seriously, how is it even possible for a bunch rocks to have this many colors?
Avenue of the Baobabs, Madagascar
You’ve probably heard of Madagascar before and you think you know what to expect: a zebra, a hippo, a lion, a giraffe and a bunch of lemurs, right? How about giant baobab trees growing on the sides of a really bumpy dirt road? Yeah, there are roads there! Lo and behold, the Baobab Avenue! And this little dude will be your guide.
Kawachi Fuji Garden, Kitakyushu, Japan
This is one of those rare cases when the humans actually made it better instead of messing up as usual. Not much is known about how this garden works, as it’s considered to be an ancient Japanese secret, and the plethora of photos of this place are mostly pictures of the Wisteria Tunnel. If you want to see this mesmerizing garden in all its glory, book your trip for the end of April-May.
Reed Flute Cave, Guilin, China
Around 800 AD this was just a boring 180-million-year old limestone cave. Then humans found it and decided to have some fun with colors and since that time it’s been a money magnet and one of China’s most awe-inspiring tourist attractions.
Keukenhof Park, Lisse, The Netherlands
