Whether formed from a one-off event or over hundreds of years of geologic activity, the world is filled with extraordinary natural wonders that not only astound with their beauty but also depict the fascinating story of Earth’s history. From the deepest canyons and tallest peaks to unique rock formations, these destinations are must-sees for any avid traveler.
Are you filled with wanderlust and have a penchant for exploring the natural marvels of our planet? In this blog post, we’ll take you on a journey to three of the most remarkable geological wonders that certainly deserve a spot on your travel bucket list.
The Marble Caves of Patagonia, Chile
The otherworldly construct of the Marble Caves resembles the set of a sci-fi blockbuster – but this is no work of fiction. The caves are carved out of the Patagonian Andes and you’ll be hard-pressed to find a tourist attraction in a more remote location.
Accessible only by boat or kayak, most tourists set off from the aptly named town of Puerto Tranquilo, separated from the caves by a 20-minute boat ride.
Once you arrive, you’ll be amazed by the caves’ kaleidoscopic majesty, and soon feel like you’re no longer on Earth at all. Over thousands of years, the current of the lake has systematically smoothed the walls of the caves, meaning the vivid colors of the water are reflected and projected throughout the natural construction.
There are also plenty of fascinating rock formations to be seen submerged in the turquoise waters – take your time to truly appreciate every corner of this spectacular site.
Meteora, Greece
In a country that’s perhaps better known for its ancient man-made structures, the site of Meteora stands as one of its most beautiful natural attractions. Granted, the geology doesn’t do all the heavy lifting here – the monastic network of religious buildings does its fair share to complement the breathtaking scenery.
When the world’s brightest minds can’t seem to agree on how it was formed, you know you’re about to see something truly extraordinary. What we do know is that the skybound masses of rocks were formed some 60 million years ago, and have since been shaped and reshaped by the elements.
With some of the structures peaking at around 2,000 feet, you’ll be relieved to hear that health and safety has come a long way over the last hundred years, and ropes, ladders and nets are no longer required to scale the pillars. Instead, you can access the six active monasteries through stairs that have been carved out of the rocks; while climbing the stairs is no walk in the park, it’s probably slightly more convenient than pre-1920s methods.
Cappadocia, Turkey
Straddling the continents of Europe and Asia, Turkey certainly isn’t short of geologic marvels. One of its most spectacular exhibits of Earth’s natural artwork can be found in the popular region of Cappadocia. Situated in central Turkey, this spectacular site has long been on the radar of international tourists, with millions flocking to the stunning spot every year.
There are so many different geologic features and formations here, each telling its own story. From the magical ‘fairy chimneys’ to the caves and underground cities, millions of years of tectonic and volcanic activity have molded this mystical landscape, with something new to be discovered at every turn.
While admiring geology up close is rewarding, the consensus is that it’s best enjoyed from the skies. Take a hot air balloon ride to wonder at the panoramic views of the dream-like landscape below. It’s truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience.