Frozen in the middle of winter, the largest salt flat in the world transforms into a giant mirror that reflects the sky during the rainy season (September-May). The pools left over from this monumental prehistoric lake create a bright, illusory horizon, making it one of the best places to visit in the world if you like a good trick or a selfie.
2. North of Lake Baikal, Russia
Another incredible lake, this one is located in southern Siberia and is the largest blue patch of freshwater in the world. The water surrounding this area freezes, forming sheets of turquoise ice in winter that could look more like Superman’s Fortress of Solitude. Temperatures can drop to -19°C from December to February, so don’t forget to bring a thermal suit.
3. Kuang Si Falls, Luang Prabang, Laos
Already a major backpacker holiday destination, the Laotian city of Luang Prabang is tantalizingly close to Kuang Si Falls, a spectacular three-tiered splash pad with waters so clear and blue that you’ll be hard-pressed to resist jumping straight in. Hike the trails surrounding the area to escape the tour groups and find your own secret piece of paradise.
4. Torres del Paine National Park Patagonia, Chile
Admire the incredible Andes and visit one of the most beautiful national parks in South America. Put on your llama legs and walk through mountains loaded with white stuff and cross glorious glaciers.
5. Great Prismatic Fountain, Wyoming, USA
More wet stuff to blow your mind, this time in North America. This natural pool, with its rainbow-colored waters, is located in Yellowstone National Park and is the third largest hot spring in the world.
6. Huacachina, Peru
Take a look at this stunning desert oasis, built in the 1930s around an existing waterhole. In true otherworldly style, keep your eyes peeled for the lake’s legendary resident… a mermaid.
Peru is 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, it’s actually a geyser, but ‘Door to Hell’ sounds a lot catchier, doesn’t it? Plus, this pool of burning lava in Turkmenistan’s Karakum Desert looks like you’d expect a gateway to the underworld: red, hot, and smoking.
8. Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, Hunan Province, China
No, this is not the setting of a futuristic science fiction movie, this place really exists. Ascend through towering rock formations on a cable car and admire the otherworldly views from above. You’d be forgiven for thinking Zhanghjiajie Park looks familiar, as the ancient landscape inspired the Hollywood blockbuster Avatar .
9. Mount Rinjani, Lombok, Indonesia
A couple of days of hard climbing are rewarded at the top of Mount Rinjani, the second highest active volcano in Indonesia, with this spectacular view. A crater lake, affectionately known as “Sea Child” by locals, lies at the top of this epic climb.
And don’t miss the chance to see dragons while you’re in Indonesia, in Komodo National Park.
10. Marble Caves, Patagonia
Patagonia is known by many as the beginning of the end of the world, so it is no surprise that it is here that you will find landscapes like no other. One of the most surreal places in Patagonia is located in the center of Lake General Carrera, also known as Lake Buenos Aires. Here you will find the Marble Caves, the Marble Cathedral and the Marble Chapel, named for their vaulted ceilings and reverential atmosphere. This must-see destination is only accessible by boat and is closed to most of the world.
