The earth offers breathtakingly beautiful landscapes. And some of them look like they came straight out of a science-fiction film. Soils, rocks, mountains, volcanoes, sometimes combined with the ocean, can form unexpected panoramas that you'd never know existed. These landscapes can be found in the four corners of the globe, in Asia, Africa, Australia and South America, and arouse the curiosity of many travelers. Le Petit Futé has selected 10 natural settings from another world, which you may one day want to visit and photograph.
1- Sol de Mañana geysers, Bolivia
These incredible geysers are found at an altitude of over 4,850 m. They are fed by significant volcanic activity, itself the result of friction between the American plate and the South Pacific plate. A trip to this geyser field reveals bubbling mud craters and large fumaroles rising into the sky. Be careful, though, as the water expelled can reach 200 degrees! It's a magnificent sight, especially on blue-sky days, and it's also possible to come across fauna that has acclimatized to the climatic conditions, including flamingos.
2- Death Valley, USA
You could almost say it's a classic, but Death Valley in the USA is a must-see for anyone looking for almost surreal panoramas. Here, you'll find desert as far as the eye can see, lush forests and steep cliffs. The contrast is striking, and while sand dunes are common, snow-capped peaks can also be seen. In any case, whether you decide to explore it on foot, by bike or on horseback, Death Valley National Park never ceases to amaze and seduce landscape photography enthusiasts the world over.
3- The rice terraces of Yuanyang, China
These rice terraces in China are breathtakingly beautiful, and have even been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2013. Perhaps the most impressive part is when you climb up to a viewpoint. There are several of these, offering views of all three zones: Bada, Duoyishu and Laohuzui. This is where you can best distinguish the shapes of the terraces, and it's also the perfect place to take some superb shots. But for walkers, it's also possible to hike directly through the rice fields. The impression, for a moment, of being in another world.
4- A lava field in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
Head to the Hawaiian archipelago for a sight to behold. Volcanoes have the power to create landscapes that make you feel far, far away. On the Big Island of Hawaii, Volcanoes National Park is home to two of the world's most active volcanoes: Mauna Loa and Kilauea. The volcanic landscapes reveal surprising geological formations, and watching lava flows spill into the Pacific Ocean really does make you feel like you're on another planet. In this chaotic landscape, there are a few endemic species and rare birds.
5- Salar d'Uyuni, Bolivia
In the far south of Bolivia, not far from the Chilean border, lies the province of Sud Lipez. And it's here that we find the unmissable Salar d'Uyuni, one of the world's most fascinating landscapes. Situated at an altitude of 3,658 m, this salt desert, the largest in the world, covers an area of over 10,500 km². Between the crackling white of the desert and the blue of the sky, the atmosphere is spectacular and the contrast of colors striking. From the Salar, you can also see distant peaks and islets of cactus. And on rainy days, the Salar d'Uyuni appears like a giant mirror when covered in water.
6- Cappadocia, Turkey
In the heart of Turkey, the Capadocce region offers breathtaking lunar landscapes. It's here that you'll find perforated cliffs, gorges, pillars, chimney-shaped columns and totally surreal rock formations, formed millions of years ago by erosion and volcanic eruptions. It's also here that real troglodytic villages have been carved out of the white rock by man, with the presence of dwellings, monasteries and churches. To discover the full splendor of Cappadocia, we must mention Göreme, one of the region's most emblematic sites.
7- The Valley of Desolation, Dominica
On the occasion of a stay in the West Indies, and more precisely here on the island of Dominica, one should not miss to visit this valley whose name, certainly, could slow down some of them. Indeed, it offers a striking contrast with the surrounding lush forest. You can see a steaming river, fumaroles, small geysers and hot springs of many colours. There is no doubt that volcanic activity is very real here! An excursion to the Valley of Desolation must necessarily include a visit to another curiosity of nature: Boiling Lake, the second largest boiling lake in the world.
8- Socotra Island, Yemen
Socotra Island lies some 350 km from Yemen in the Arabian Sea. If this island is surprising, it's largely due to the presence of its otherworldly trees. What are they? They are umbrella-shaped, with prickly green leaves. They also have a red sap. Quite simply, they look as if they've been placed there to provide shade for a garden lounge. This will prove difficult, as they are located in the heart of a desert landscape. All in all, a truly incredible panorama.
9-Legzira beach, Morocco
Set between a rocky formation and the sea, Legzira beach is well known in Morocco, but there's no doubting its surreal character. Located in the Souss region, near Sidi-Ifni, it features superb cliffs of ochre-colored rock, contrasting with the blue of the Atlantic Ocean. A stroll along the beach, which stretches as far as the eye can see, even takes you under an impressive arch. The sea and its turmoil, the cliffs, the place is splendid and popular in Morocco. Swimming, however, is not recommended.
10- The Pinnacles Desert, Australia
When you're in search of some stunning scenery in Australia, there's usually plenty to choose from. But the Pinnacles Desert is one of them. Situated in Western Australia, this is a land of endless yellow sand and, above all, a multitude of limestone peaks and rocks in a wide variety of shapes. For the record, these rock formations are 30,000 years old! Some of them are also massive, reaching heights of up to 4 m. To access this lunar landscape, you need to enter Nambung National Park, north of the city of Perth.
