Socotra Island, Yemen
Located off the coast of Yemen, Socotra Island is the largest among a small archipelago that has been separated from the mainland for millions of years. As a result of this isolation, the island is home to a remarkable array of endemic biodiversity that cannot be found anywhere else in the world.
Kawah Ijen Volcano, Indonesia
Perched atop East Java’s Kawah Ijen are two breathtaking features that make it an incredible destination. The blue flames that shoot into the sulfurous air and the deep turquoise lake, while seemingly perfect for swimming, is actually filled with deadly acid. Despite the danger, the view of the surrounding landscape from the volcano’s summit is absolutely stunning.
Chocolate Hills, Philippines
In the heart of the island of Bohol in the Philippines lies a unique landscape of 1,300 strangely regular hills with nearly identical shapes. According to local legends, these hills emerged from a fierce fight between two giants who hurled rocks at each other for days until they were exhausted. Today, the Chocolate Hills are a popular tourist attraction for their unusual appearance and fascinating mythology.
Lake Khiluk, British Columbia
Nicknamed “Spotted Lake,” Lake Khiluk in British Columbia dries up over the summer, leaving behind mineralized pools with distinct mineral content. The variety of minerals present in each pool is what gives the “spots” their peculiar colors. These colorful spots are considered to have medicinal properties by the local indigenous people, who have used the lake for healing purposes for centuries.
Vinicunca Mountain, Peru
Situated deep in the Peruvian Andes, Vinicunca Mountain, also known as “Rainbow Mountain,” is a peak that is striped in vibrant blues, reds, and yellows. The summit of this mountain, at 16,000 feet, is accessible in only a few hours via a winding road. However, anyone planning to scale the mountain should be prepared for the impact of high altitude on their body.
Mendenhall Ice Caves, Alaska
Located only 12 miles from downtown Juneau, Alaska, the Mendenhall Glacier, originally called Sitaantaagu by the Tlingit people, is primarily accessible by kayak. The caves within the glacier can only be reached by ice climbing, which makes it a thrilling adventure for experienced climbers. Visitors to this glacier can witness the extraordinary beauty of the caves while also experiencing the harsh conditions of the surrounding wilderness.
Great Rann of Kutch, India
Covering almost 3,000 square miles, the vast salt flat in India’s Gujarat region, the Great Rann of Kutch, is pure white except for the occasional touch of pink from flocks of flamingos that nest in rare pockets of thorny scrub. The beauty of this unique landscape is most striking during the winter months when the white desert glows in the soft sunlight, making it an ideal destination for photographers and nature lovers alike.