Walking on the Moon: Earth’s most alien landscapes

• Salar de Uyuni, Bolivia

Stretching over 10k square kilometers, the Salar de Uyuni is not just the world’s largest salt flat but also a natural marvel. During the rainy season, a thin layer of water transforms this vast expanse into a perfect mirror, reflecting the sky above. The result is a dreamlike landscape where the sky and ground merge, making you feel as if you’re walking amidst the clouds.

• Valley of the Moon, Chile

Nestled in the Atacama Desert, this valley boasts bizarre rock formations and dunes. Sculpted by eons of erosion, the landscape resembles the surface of Mars, with its reddish hues and peculiar stone shapes. It’s a place where every rock tells a story of time and transformation.

• Waitomo Glowworm Caves, New Zealand

Venture into the dark recesses of these caves, and you’ll be greeted by a luminous spectacle. Thousands of glowworms light up the cave ceiling, resembling a star-studded night sky. The serene glow and the echoing silence make it a mesmerizing experience, akin to stargazing from the depths of the Earth.

• Mount Erebus, Antarctica

This active volcano, with its continuous lava lake, stands tall amidst the icy wilderness of Antarctica. The juxtaposition of fiery molten rock against the frozen backdrop is nothing short of cinematic. It’s a place where fire meets ice, creating visuals that seem straight out of a fantasy realm.

• Socotra Island, Yemen

Dubbed the “Galápagos of the Indian Ocean,” Socotra boasts a unique ecosystem. The island’s Dragon’s Blood Tree, with its umbrella-shaped canopy, is particularly striking. This biodiversity hotspot feels like a living museum of evolution, showcasing flora and fauna that can’t be found anywhere else on Earth.

• Pamukkale, Turkey

his natural wonder is a series of terraced basins formed by the deposition of carbonate minerals from flowing thermal waters. The cascading white terraces resemble frozen waterfalls or snow-covered hillsides, offering a cooling illusion even under the blazing sun.

• The Richat Structure, Mauritania

Visible from space, the “Eye of the Sahara” is a massive circular geologic formation. Spanning 40 kilometers in diameter, its concentric rings and mysterious origin have puzzled scientists for years. This landmark not only offers a visual treat but also invites speculation and wonder about Earth’s geologic history.