Destinations That Look Like They Belong on Another Planet

Imagine standing on a vast, barren landscape, with unusual rock formations, eerie skies, and colors that seem too vibrant to be real. These destinations on Earth will make you feel like you’ve stepped onto another planet. From otherworldly desert landscapes to surreal rock formations, these destinations will leave you in awe of our planet's natural beauty, reminding you that sometimes, reality can feel stranger than fiction. Here are some of the most stunning and alien-like destinations on Earth that look like they belong on another planet.

1. Salar de Uyuni, Bolivia – The World’s Largest Salt Flat

Located in southwest Bolivia, Salar de Uyuni is the world’s largest salt flat, stretching over 10,000 square kilometers. When the rains fall, the flats become a giant mirror, reflecting the sky and clouds perfectly, creating the illusion of an endless reflective surface. It feels like you’re walking on the edge of the world, or maybe even floating in space. The surreal landscape, with its bright white salt crust, looks like something straight out of a sci-fi movie. The vastness and emptiness of the salt flats will leave you feeling as if you’ve traveled to a faraway planet.

2. Iceland’s Landmannalaugar – Volcanic Terrain and Rainbow Mountains

Iceland is home to some of the most unique landscapes on Earth, and Landmannalaugar is no exception. This area of the Icelandic Highlands is known for its rainbow-colored rhyolite mountains, volcanic terrain, hot springs, and steaming vents. The combination of contrasting colors—from the vivid reds, greens, and yellows to the gray volcanic ash—creates a dramatic, otherworldly atmosphere. With its rugged beauty and alien-like features, Landmannalaugar looks like it belongs on a distant planet rather than on Earth.

3. Wulingyuan Scenic Area, China – The Avatar Mountains

Fans of the movie *Avatar* will recognize the floating mountains from the film, and the inspiration came from Wulingyuan Scenic Area in China. This UNESCO World Heritage site is home to over 3,000 sandstone pillars, some towering more than 200 meters high. The mist that clings to the towering spires, combined with the lush forest below, creates a stunning landscape that feels more like a scene from another world. The dramatic peaks are so unique that they have become a must-see for those seeking otherworldly beauty.

4. Mount Roraima, Venezuela – A Flat-Topped, Isolated Plateau

Mount Roraima is one of the most iconic and isolated natural formations in the world. Located on the border of Venezuela, Brazil, and Guyana, this flat-topped mountain rises dramatically from the surrounding jungle. The summit is often covered in clouds, adding to its mystical allure. The landscape atop the mountain is like a scene from another planet, with its strange rock formations, rare plant life, and alien-like terrain. Roraima’s unique geography and isolation make it one of the most surreal places to visit on Earth.

5. Antelope Canyon, USA – A Natural, Colorful Wonder

Antelope Canyon, located in Arizona, USA, is a series of narrow sandstone slots formed over centuries by flash flooding and erosion. The result is a surreal, winding passageway with undulating walls that shift between vibrant oranges, reds, and purples. The play of light and shadow creates a magical, otherworldly atmosphere that makes you feel like you’re walking through the tunnels of another planet. The canyon’s stunning natural beauty is otherworldly, and its ethereal colors are simply mesmerizing.

6. The Black Rock Desert, USA – A Vast, Empty Landscape

Located in northern Nevada, the Black Rock Desert is one of the most alien-like landscapes in the United States. This vast, flat expanse of cracked earth, salt flats, and distant mountains feels incredibly remote and untouched. The surreal emptiness of the desert, especially at sunrise or sunset when the light casts dramatic shadows, makes it seem like a place where time stands still. It’s also home to the famous Burning Man festival, which adds an element of cultural surrealism to this already otherworldly destination.

7. Lake Natron, Tanzania – The Red-Hued, Toxic Waters

Lake Natron in Tanzania is one of the most bizarre and visually striking lakes in the world. The water’s high alkalinity, caused by surrounding volcanic activity, creates a striking red hue that can seem almost eerie. The lake’s surface appears to be covered in a salt crust, and it’s often lined with unusual mineral deposits. The harsh conditions make the lake uninhabitable for most wildlife, but flamingos have adapted to this extreme environment. The surreal color and toxic nature of the lake make it seem like a place from another world.

8. The Atacama Desert, Chile – A Martian Landscape

The Atacama Desert, located in northern Chile, is often referred to as the driest desert on Earth, and its terrain is often compared to that of Mars. The salt flats, rocky valleys, and volcanic peaks create a stark, desolate beauty that looks completely alien. The landscape is so unique and barren that NASA has used the desert for testing its Mars rovers. The surreal red, brown, and yellow hues of the desert, combined with the absence of vegetation, make it a landscape that feels like it belongs on a distant planet.

9. Tsingy de Bemaraha, Madagascar – Spiky Limestone Forests

Tsingy de Bemaraha is a UNESCO World Heritage site located in Madagascar, known for its forest of sharp limestone pinnacles. The word "Tsingy" translates to "where one cannot walk barefoot" in Malagasy, and it’s easy to see why. The jagged, needle-like formations create a landscape that feels entirely alien. As you trek through the "forest," you’ll encounter narrow passageways, canyons, and towering spires that make the place look like a natural labyrinth. The otherworldly feel of Tsingy de Bemaraha is intensified by the unusual wildlife and plants that call the area home.

10. The Dead Sea, Jordan/Israel – Float in the Saltiest Water

The Dead Sea, located between Jordan and Israel, is one of the lowest points on Earth, and its salt-rich waters have made it famous for its buoyancy. The high salt content allows you to float effortlessly on the water’s surface, creating an eerie, weightless sensation that feels like you’re drifting through a strange, otherworldly realm. The surrounding desert landscape and the mineral-rich mud that lines the shores add to the Dead Sea’s mystique, making it a destination that feels truly out of this world.

These destinations not only offer breathtaking beauty but also provide a sense of otherworldliness that can make you feel like you're standing on another planet. Whether it’s the striking red hues of a desert or the strange formations of a canyon, these unique locations on Earth remind us that the world is full of hidden gems that seem far beyond the ordinary.