Some of the most breathtaking places around the world come from the mystical creation of otherworldly landscapes. Some of these places are so far-fetched that it’s hard to believe they actually exist.

You don’t have to take a rocket ship to experience what the moon may look like and you don’t have to travel to Mars to view similar landscapes. There are unique sites right here on Earth that give us potential clues about other planets. 

If you’re looking to escape reality and have been longing to experience some of Earth’s most spectacular illusions, these otherworldly landscapes will blow you away.

-Nicole Dossantos

Antelope Canyon is a unique slot canyon located in Arizona. Year ago, herds of pronghorn antelopes would roam freely through it. But now you can choose to explore the upper or lower Antelope Canyon. Schedule a tour to view the area where water runs through the rocks, located at the upper canyon. Then visit the lower canyon and admire the incredible rock arches.

Individuals from all over the world travel to the Ashikaga Fuji Gardens to view the spectacular display of fuji flowers. Bring your camera and take pictures of the white, blue, and pink fuji so you can always look back at this gorgeous display. Tip: Visit the gardens in the winter season to view their incredible water illumination display.

Also known as Cave of the Crystals, Crystal Caves is a working mine that contains some of the largest natural crystals in the world. The crystals were formed from underground magma. Professional supervision is required to enter the cave and it is strongly advised to wear appropriate equipment. More than 10 minutes of exposure in this environment can be extremely dangerous.

The Great Geysir is one of Iceland’s most famous attractions. People gather around to watch steaming water shoot up from the underground hot spring. The Geysir has been active for approximately 10,000 years and at times, it has erupted so aggressively it caused the ground to shake. Tip: Take the Golden Circle sightseeing tour for the best way to view the Great Geysir.

Located in the Zhangye Danxia National Geological Park, the colorful rocks and rainbow ridges of the Zhangye Sanxia Landscape are a must-see. This landscape has been voted one of the most beautiful landforms in China and for good reason. The rocks and cliffs come in a variety of formations — smooth, sharp, vibrant and extremely tall. View the landform from one of the many access roads and boardwalks in China.

The Namib Desert is located in southern Africa. It covers approximately 31,274 sq. miles, extends along the coast of Namibia and merges along with the Kaokoveld Desert. The landscape offers opportunity to view stunning red sand dunes and a number of plants and animals.

Lake Retba is named after its pink waters which were caused by Dunaliella salina algae, which are attracted to the lake’s salt content. The distinctive color of the lake and golden sand dunes have been capturing the eyes of its visitors for years. Tip: Visit the lake from November to June for the best visibility.

Mount Roraima is located in Venezuela and is said to be the highest of the Pakaraima mountain chain in South Africa. It is so high, individuals know it as the mountain poking through clouds with its highest point at Maverick Rock (approx. 9,219 feet high). It also contains some of the oldest and unique geographical formations on the planet.

Red Seabeach is one of China’s most impressive landscapes. It is the biggest wetland in the world featuring the red plant, Suaeda salsa. There are specific bridges where tourists are allowed to visit and look out over this incredible view. Tip: Visit Red Seabeach in autumn, when the weeds are flourishing, for the best view of the bright red landscape.

Formed by changes in prehistoric lakes, Salar de Uyuni are the largest and most famous bodies of water in the world. The far-flung site is cast off from major cities, but still attracts many tourists. Some hotels on the ednge of the flat are made almost entirely of salt. 

Flowing from Taylor Glacier is the spectacular Blood Falls, named for the red water that pours out of a glacier, creating a spectacular site. Scientists have said it has a similar landscape to that of Mars, and have begun to wonder if Blood Falls could explain more about life on the red planet.

Also known as a sacred medicine lake, the spotted lake in Canada was thought to have healing properties. Its “spots” on the surface are caused by high salt levels.

The Wave is one of Arizona’s most popular natural wonders. It is a sandstone rock formation and is known for its incredible colors. In order to see the wave you must acquire a permit. 10 permits are given every day and some day’s 150 people could be applying.  Although your chances are slim, give it a shot anyway! The view of The Wave is extraordinary.

Stone Forest was formed by more than 200 million year of water erosion. Many of the limestone formations appear to look like giant trees which form the illusion of a forest. Bring your camera to capture pictures of the unique stone shapes and incredible stone forest landscape.

Always wondered what it would be like to walk on the moon? Visit Valley of the Moon in Brazil and take a walk on one of Earth’s oldest rock formations. The Valley of the Moon was created by ancient lava flows that carved the rocks into moon-like shapes. So, take a trip to Brazil for the opportunity to get a glimpse of what the Moon’s landscape may actually look like in person.