Nature is as diverse and quirky as it is wonderful, and we’re always on the hunt for unusual sights. These seven once-in-a-lifetime, stranger-than-fiction spots have enthralled, delighted and amused travellers all over the world.
1. Marble Caves, Patagonia, Chile
Marble Caves, Chile. Picture: Wikimedia Commons / Dan Lundberg
On the southern end of South America lies Patagonia. Here, the magical marble caves are located on Chile’s largest glacial lake and are a remote marble structure that is bold and bright. Harbouring incredible hues of sapphire and turquoise, this remarkable natural wonder is only accessible by boat, ferry or kayak.
Once you’ve had the chance to take in what is above you, you will begin to notice the protruding rock formations beneath, too. The crystal clear water provides perfect visibility for this.
The curved shaped walls were formed after years of erosion from the sea crashing into the calcium carbonate. The water often changes colour depending on the time of the year and the water level.
Although the caves are hard to reach, it is worth every mile travelled to get there. To find out about different tours that will take you there, look here.
2. Salar De Uyuni, Bolivia
Salar Der Uyuni, Bolivia. Picture: Flickr Commons / Sandee Pachetan
Salar Der Uyuni is located in Bolivia in South America and is the world’s largest salt flat, stretching 10,582 kilometres. It can even be seen from space. It is estimated that there are 10 billion tonnes of salt there and it is where 70% of the world’s lithium is found. Lithium is a light metal that is used for batteries in laptops, smartphones and even electric cars.
Not only is it rich in minerals but it is also a popular tourist and photographic destination. The surrounding landscape has vibrant lakes, geysers and crazy rock formations.
An incredible section of this area is covered in a thin layer of water that reflects the sky and anyone who ventures into it. For that reason, it is also called the ‘world’s largest mirror’. If you’re lucky enough to experience this natural wonder you’ll find yourself guessing where the land ends and the sky begins.
3. Lençóis Maranhenses National Park, Maranhão, Brazil
Lençóis Maranhenses National Park. Picture: Wikimedia Commons / Julius Dadalti Brazil
What looks like an abstract painting is an incredible natural formation that you can visit in Brazil. Lençóis Maranhenses National Park is located in the Maranhão state in the northeast of Brazil. The national park includes 70 km of coastline and its interior is filled with rolling dunes.
Beneath the dunes is a layer of rock that water can not penetrate, so the valleys between the dunes flood and create pools of water during the rainy season. These freshwater lagoons have become a popular destination for eco-tourists.
There are different ways for visitors to tour and learn about this natural attraction. A popular choice is a walking tour which takes you over the dunes and through the inviting freshwater pools.
4. Hamilton Pool, Texas, USA
Picture: Unsplash / Thomas Brushel
This unusual lake is just 37 km west of Austin, Texas and is in Travis County Park. It was formed as a result of a calciferous dome over an underground river breaking off, exposing the water beneath. There is also a waterfall that adds to the wonder of this incredible spot.
Visitors are allowed to swim in the lake but it is dependent on the water quality and safety which is regularly monitored. People can go hiking and sightseeing in the area. There is also a cave-like grotto where visitors can escape the sun for a few minutes and view the waterfall from a different perspective. The hike from the car park to the lake is relatively relaxed and is about one kilometre long.
5. The wave, Arizona, USA
The Wave, Arizona. Picture: Flickr Commons / Nathan Rupert
The Wave is a natural rock formation made of eroded sandstone found on the borders of Arizona and Utah in the USA in the Paria Canyon-Vermillion Cliffs Wilderness.
It is no surprise that this is a photographer’s heaven. Only 20 permits are given out per day and those who get to go are decided in a lottery, to protect the extremely fragile surfaces. It is important to have a professional guide take you through the interconnected valleys and chambers as it’s easy to get lost.
6. Danakil Depression, Ethiopia
Danakil Depression. Picture: Unsplash / Jorge Tung
The Danakil Depression is said to be one of the hottest places on Earth with temperatures reaching 50°C. The geological depression was caused by the continental drift of three tectonic plates on the border of Eritrea and Djibouti which are a part of the African Rift, in northeastern Ethiopia in a region called Afar.
It is also one of the world’s lowest spots sitting at 100 metres below sea level. Bubbling volcanoes, hot springs and hydrothermal pools that release sulphur and make the air smell of rotten eggs will make you feel like you’ve stepped onto a different planet.
The area once used to be covered by an ancient sea which left behind a massive salt plain, and as a result of this, salt is mined in the area.
The area is rife with separatist violence and it is strongly advised that you pick a good guiding company to show you around.
7. Jökulsárlón, Iceland
Picture: Swen Nolte/Flickr Commons
Not a fan of the heat? Take a trip to Jökulsárlón beach in Iceland. The floating icebergs and massive colonies of seals have made this area one of the most visited places in the whole country. It is also Iceland’s largest glacial lake.
Although it is beautiful, the beach is relatively new and didn’t even exist less than 100 years ago. It is, in fact, a product of climate change. The massive Breiðamerkurjökull Glacier retreated as a result of the rising temperatures of the planet and created this huge lake in its place.
A fantastic part of Jökulsárlón to visit is a beach dubbed ‘Diamond Beach’ where icebergs that float down the Jökulsá River toward the sea get stuck on the black sand, and stand out like glittering diamonds that tourists can walk among.
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