52 Weirdest Places in the World That Look Too Alien to Be on Earth

You can’t even imagine how weird are the most bizarre corners of our planet. After exploring 65 countries and still dreaming of venturing into the world’s most remote spots, I’ve seen blood waterfalls red from high iron content and jumped into mud volcanoes. I’ve also been to places where hordes of fireflies gather around Christmas trees and others where people live underground in ancient cave cities.

But there’s always more places in the world that have yet to be discovered and extremely difficult to get to. Here are some of the weirdest places in the world that you probably didn’t know about.

Danakil Depression, Ethiopia

The Danakil Depression is one of the hottest and most inhospitable places on Earth, yet it boasts an otherworldly beauty that will leave you speechless.

Located in northeastern Ethiopia, this surreal landscape is filled with neon-colored hot springs, bubbling lava lakes, and salt flats that stretch endlessly.

It’s a place where tectonic activity and extreme conditions combine to create a landscape so alien, it almost feels like another planet.

Cano Cristales, Colombia

Nicknamed the “River of Five Colors,” Cano Cristales is a psychedelic-looking river located in central Colombia.

For most of the year, this river looks like any other, but during a short window from September to November, it transforms into an explosion of rainbow colors. This phenomenon is caused by a unique plant species that change color depending on the water’s temperature and sunlight levels.

Fly Geyser, Nevada

Located on private land in Nevada, this otherworldly geyser was created accidentally when a geothermal energy company drilled into a geothermal reservoir in 1964.

Since then, minerals have continuously been deposited from the geyser’s water, creating its unique rainbow-colored structure.

It is not open to public, but occasionally there are access tours.

Lençóis Maranhenses, Brazil

Lençóis Maranhenses National Park in Brazil may look like a desert, but it’s actually a collection of giant sand dunes that stretch for miles. What’s special about this place is that lagoons appear after each rainy season in the divets of the dunes.

Shimmering pools of fresh water dot white dunes, creating a surreal pattern that feels entirely out of place.

The Cold Geysers of Madagascar

Located in the northern part of Madagascar, this unique geyser field is unlike any other in the world. Rather than spewing hot water and steam like traditional geysers, these “cold” geysers shoot out a mixture of water and carbon dioxide gas.

This rare phenomenon is caused by underground volcanic activity and adds to the already eerie landscape of Madagascar’s Tsingy de Bemaraha National Park.

Socotra Island, Yemen

Home to the Dragon Blood Trees, Socotra Island is often called the “most alien-looking place on Earth.” Located off the coast of Yemen, this isolated island is home to bizarre landscapes and unique species found nowhere else.

The most famous of these is the Dragon’s Blood Tree, with its umbrella-like shape and red sap. This weirdness is combined with white sand beaches and towering limestone cliffs.

Living Root Bridges, India

Deep within the forests of Meghalaya, India, the living root bridges are an extraordinary example of human ingenuity and nature working together.

These bridges are handmade by weaving the aerial roots of rubber trees, a process that can take years but results in incredibly strong and enduring structures. Some of these “living” bridges are thought to be hundreds of years old and are still in use today.

Mauritius Underwater Waterfall

At the southwestern tip of Mauritius, there’s an illusion that leaves visitors utterly amazed—the underwater waterfall.

While it’s not an actual waterfall, the effect is caused by sand and silt being pulled into deep ocean currents, creating the illusion of cascading water below the sea’s surface.

This optical phenomenon is best viewed from above.

Ruby River, Peru

Hidden in the Andes Mountains, the Ruby River in Peru is named for its brilliant, red coloration, the river appears most vivid after heavy rainfall. Rich iron oxide deposits in the surrounding soil and rocks are carried downstream by rainwater.

Located in the Palcoyo Rainbow Mountain region of the Peruvian Andes, an area already famous for its colorful landscapes.

The Wave, USA

The Wave is a sandstone rock formation located in Arizona near the border with Utah. Known for its surreal, wave-like patterns and vivid orange hues, this natural wonder feels like walking into an abstract painting.

Access to The Wave is strictly limited by an online lottery system, making it a bucket-list destination for lovers of unique landscapes. I’ve already attempted three times to no avail.

Tsingy de Bemaraha, Madagascar

The Tsingy de Bemaraha National Park in Madagascar is a maze of sharp limestone pinnacles that seem like a forest of stone. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is not only visually stunning but also ecologically significant, supporting a variety of unique plant and animal species.

Exploring its jagged terrain takes you through rope bridges and narrow paths. If you’re lucky, you may even spot a lemur chilling on the jagged rocks.