Planet Earth is full of surprises, but for years many of us have dreamed of what it would be like in another solar system, surrounded by alien landscapes and natural oddities. While space travel at light speed is still out of our reach, we can still turn to science fiction. With endless movies, books, and video games all of us can travel to another world in seconds, with foreign landscapes and funny-looking trees.

However, a lot of the science fiction we consume is loosely based on the planet we live on today. Obviously, they cant film movies about alien deserts in an alien desert–they made it somewhere in New Mexico, probably. Using our imagination, there are tons of otherworldly destinations right here on Planet Earth that we can all see. Here we have compiled a list of places that seem like they came straight out of a sci-fi movie.

Glowworm Caves–New Zealand

New Zealand is one of the coolest and naturally unique countries on the planet. With it’s lush landscapes and otherworldly destinations, you may have seen New Zealand in movies like the Lord of the Rings franchise. While the country is flushed with coastlines and lush green hills, there are quite a few otherworldly gems in this beautiful country.

The Glowworm Caves are a series of caves on the North Island of New Zealand. As far as science fiction goes, you cant make these caves up. The caves are home to a special species of flies, otherwise known as “glowworms” whose larvae emit the glowing lights lining the ceiling of the caves. This otherworldly destination has everything out of an alien planet, but you can visit it yourself easily if you plan on traveling to New Zealand.

Photo: 2il org via flickr

Teufelsmauer–Germany

Otherwise known as “The Devil’s Wall”, Teufelsmauer is a mysterious rock formation in central Germany. Entirely made of sandstone and stretching for 12 miles, it looks like the remains of a massive ancient wall. While it looks like a wall, nobody knows how it was built or formed, and many locals have equated it with legends and mythical stories, including once being created by the Devil.

Teufelsmauer is a nature preserve, and you can visit the spectacular formations if you are in the area. If you go there, it might seem like you were transported to another world, where giants formed walls of sandstone and crushed them in a fit of rage.

Teufelsmauer--Germany Otherworldly destinations

Teufelsmauer by Tobias Krause via wikimedia commons

Marble Caves–Chile

Much Like New Zealand, Chile is a country that is filled with natural beauty. With beaches, mountains, and incredible geology Chile has been used for computer screensavers for decades. Along with all of those random screensavers, you may have seen a picture or two of the Marble Caves. Due to its striking image, the marble caves look like they came out of another planet.

The Marble Caves are only accessible by boat, and you can take tours through the natural spectacle. With its unique colors and shapes, this cave system will make you think you picture yourself in an otherworldly planet.

Marble Caves by Nicolás Lara via Wikimedia Commons

Cave of the Crystals–Mexico

300 meters below the surface of Mexico lies one of the most otherworldly destinations on this Earth. Massive crystals bigger than anything you would ever see on the surface stick out of the cave walls and create an unbelievable system of caves.

While it looks like it came straight out of a science fiction novel, the cave of crystals is accessible to humans. Unlike the rest of these destinations, the cave of the crystals is very dangerous, has special requirements to enter, and is only open to people with special reasons. However, tourism in the future is not out of the question, and one day yo might be able to see these unreal crystals yourself.

Photo: (Alexander Van Driessche) via wikimedia commons

Mauna Kea–Hawaii

The highest point in all of the Hawaiian Islands, Mauna Kea is a dormant volcano that more resembles the surface of a rocky moon. With a barren landscape, it looks like you should be wearing a spacesuit to explore it. The summit of the volcano is at 14,000 feet, so if you ever decide to make the drive, proper planning is necessary.

The surreal nature of being on a unique mountaintop on a tropical island is what makes this destination otherworldly in nature. Sometimes there is even a little bit of snowfall on Mauna Kea, which makes for a unique surprise for someone on a Hawaiian vacation.

Photo: doctor-a via Pixabay

Zhangye Danxia National Geological Park-China

Nestled in the Qilian Mountains in Gansu Province, China, this set of geological masterpieces looks like something from a Dr. Seuss book. The rainbow colored mountains look like they were painted by hand. You can see these spectacular mountains for yourself. If you ever are in China, this is the perfect hiking trip to escape the hustle and bustle of the cities, and see something truly otherworldly.