Stranger Things

We don't need to wait until Elon Musk can send us to Mars to snap some out-of-this-world Instagram locations

BOLIVIA’S SALT LAKE

A prehistoric lake dried up and left behind cacti-covered islands, sparkling rock formations and another excuse for visitors to take the perfect Instagram shots. Head to Salar De Uyuni to break the internet.

ARIZONA’S ANTELOPE CANYON

Monsoon rains have turned this canyon in Navajo country into a must-visit for photographers. It’s tricky to get that perfect pic due to the amount of light that bounces off the walls, but the results are worth it.

TIANZI MOUNTAINS IN CHINA

When James Cameron was looking for inspiration for his movie Avatar, he turned to the Tianzi Mountains in Zhangjiajie. These towering monoliths measure up to 1,262 metres above sea level.

RAINBOW MOUNTAINS OF PERU

A combination of minerals and weathering have created this geological confection 100km southeast of Cusco. Locals treat the Ausangate Mountains of Peru as a holy place and use it for daily worship.

PAMUKKALE IN TURKEY

The mineral rich waters from hot springs drip down the terraces to create this otherworldly landscape in Turkey. The site is also home to a Greek- Roman city, which is why this is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

GATES OF HELL IN TURKMENISTAN

Geologists searching for gas in the Karakum Desert got more than they bargained for when they drilled into the Earth in 1971. To curb the release of methane, they set the cavern on fire. It’s still burning almost 50 years later.

ETHIOPIA’S SALT SPRINGS

In the Afar region of Ethiopia, you’ll find the Danakil Depression and an array of alien-like hot springs. The springs are created by the Dallol volcano as its hot magma moves below the surface.

MARBLE CAVES IN PATAGONIA

This marble sculpture has been created thanks to General Carerra Lake constantly lapping against the rock face and moulding the cave. The blue colour is due to the reflection from the cerulean-hued water.