The Most Unusual Places in the World

Our planet is covered with the most unique places and sights you can possibly dream of. It is when you actually get to experience such a phenomenon that you stand in absolute awe of our creation. No matter what your religious orientation is, you know you are truly blessed with such an amazing planet with so many beautiful and unique destinations.

Let us know if you’ve been to any of our featured unique places in the world! What went through your mind when you saw such a wondrous sight?

1. Seven Colored Earths, Mauritius

The dunes are the result of volcanic activity. You can buy a combined ticket for the Chamarel Waterfall and the Seven Colored Earths, which is worth it. Although maybe not the highest waterfall you’ve ever seen, but it is the highest waterfall in Mauritius. Adventure-seekers can abseil down the falls!

Although the sand dunes are protected from us humans with a fence, you have a lovely walkway around the edge of the 1-hectare dune area.

While you’re here you may as well continue to the Black River Gorges Viewpoint for some of the most scenic routes ever.

2. Tunnel of Love, Rivne, Ukraine

This picturesque Tunnel of Love is popular amongst couples. You’d never say it is part of an industrial railway located near Klevan, Ukraine, that links it with Orzhiv. A beautiful spot to take a 3 to 5-kilometer walk.

Getting to this dreamy lush spot is not the easiest of things. You’ve got to put some work into it. From the city of Rivne drive to Klevan, about 30 km (18 miles) further. Alternatively, you can take a bus to Klevan. Another option is to catch a train to Lutsk. Via Rivne-Lutsk road, you’ll reach the crossroads at Zoria, a small village with signposts that will guide you further. Collect another precious memory – it’s worth it!

3. Danakil Depression, Ethiopia

Also known as “the gateway to hell” the Danakil Depression is generally referred to as the hottest place on the planet! This alien-like landscape is the result of the continental drift of three tectonic plates. Salt lakes, lava lakes, volcanoes, and colorful acidic springs bake in temperatures of 34.5°C (94°F) to around 55°C (131°F), and even more! Thanks to geothermal heat caused by volcanic activity, the climate is challenging for salt miners, scientists, and travelers alike. You may very well feel you’re at the end of the Earth.

4. Vinicunca Mountain, Peru

Yes, it does look like a painting, right? But, it’s not. Otherwise called Winikunka, Montaña de Siete Colores, or Montaña de Colores, it lies 5,200 meters above sea level. It is famous for the peaks and slopes’ colorful rainbow patterns. Thus also appropriately known as the “Rainbow Mountain”.

It is believed that the unique colors are a result of sedimentary deposits over time. With the weather on your side, this is one amazing 4 km (2.5 miles) hike and worth exploring.

5. Canyonlands National Park, Moab, USA

Canyonlands is known for its dramatic desert landscape carved by the Colorado River. Tourists tend to overlook Canyonlands National Park for Arches National Park on its doorstep. However, Canyonlands features no less than 80 impressive arches and is well worth discovering.

Our photo is of Canyonlands’ most famous arch, namely Mesa Arch in Willow Flat in the Island in the Sky District. Whatever you do, don’t miss a sunset at this spectacular viewpoint.

Travel Tip: It’s an ideal RV holiday!

6. Caño Cristales, Columbia

Also known as the River Of Colors, Caño Cristales lies in the Serrania de la Macarena province of Meta. Other names include the “River of 5 Colors” and “Liquid Rainbow”. All of which are evident in summer when the river turns red thanks to a unique endemic plant species (Macarenia clavígera) on the Columbian river bed.

Besides this unique phenomenon, you will be surrounded by “jaguars, cougars, anteaters, eight different kinds of monkeys, 550 species of birds, 1,200 species of insects, 100 species of reptiles, 50 different species of the orchid flower, as well as an amazing array of plant life”. Yes, all of this in the Serranía de la Macarena National Park. Pack your bags!

7. Mendenhall Ice Caves, Alaska

What you see is another natural phenomenon that has left scientists baffled for years. The different shades of blue in the ice crystals inside these caves in the Mendenhall Glacier are jaw-dropping scenes. The absolute best value for your buck is to join a tour group to experience the beauty of these natural ice formations. However, you can go by car to Glacier Spur Road. From here you’d have to walk the rest of the way, which is around 2.4 km (1.5 miles).

8. The Crooked Forest, Poland

There are so many different theories about the Crooked Forest (Polish: Krzywy Las) near Gryfino. Yet, the general take is that the trees were deliberately manipulated in the 1930s for shipbuilding. That said, nobody knows for sure. There is no record of why only these 400 pine trees grow as if they are part of a fairytale.

9. The Wave, Arizona, USA

I don’t blame you for thinking you may be looking at Jurassic Park! In the Coyote Buttes ravine, some 1.6 km (5,225 feet) above sea level, stands Arizona’s The Wave. The incredible sandstone rock formation lies on the slopes of the Coyote Buttes in the Paria Canyon-Vermilion Cliffs Wilderness of the Colorado Plateau. Because of the not-so-well-marked trails, I highly recommend teaming up with a guide. The 4.8 km (3 miles) hike is moderate in difficulty. At 190 million years old, this is one of the greatest geological wonders on our planet.

Travel Tip: The only way to hike The Wave is with a permit. Don’t forget to take plenty of water.

10. Dead Vlei, Namibia

You will find this white clay pan inside the Namib-Naukluft Park, near Sossusvlei in Namibia. Dead Vlei, or Deadvlei, means “dead marsh”. You’re looking at trees that are around 1,000 years old, scorched by the sun.

The area was not always this dry. On the contrary, it was brimming with life around 900 years ago. Then the climate changed, the landscape dried up and so Dead Vlei was eventually blocked off from water access by towering dunes.

If your goal is to die with memories, and not dreams, then a trip to Sossusvlei will be one of your most outstanding memories.