Out of this World

The spellbinding scenery of some South American destinations transcends our expectations of the world around us. Nature has the power to build dramatic dreamscapes that most of us would struggle to imagine. Bringing to life intricate natural architecture, kaleidoscopic designs and elaborate structures, these places are nothing short of surreal.

Words: MELISSA HUAN

Sometimes the best adventures are those that take you far from well-trodden trails and oft-photographed landmarks. We’re talking about places that are harder to reach but remarkably rewarding; the sort of landscapes that make you feel like you’ve left earth altogether.

South America is bursting with places like this. From the bone-dry deserts of Bolivia to the underwater ecosystems of the Galápagos, the continent offers intrepid travellers a wide array of otherworldly destinations. Each one has the power to push the limits of our perception and expand our understanding of nature’s potential.

Lençóis Maranhenses’ rippling dunes and lagoons In Portuguese, the word lençóis means ‘sheets’. Although the name of this natural wonder might be better explained by the geological term lençóis freáticos (water tables), the first definition seems equally apt.

Located on the coast of the northeastern state of Maranhão, Brazil, Lençóis Maranhenses National Park is known for its seemingly endless sand dunes – and what happens in the spaces between them. During the wet season (January–June), rain fills the dunes’ valleys to form freshwater lagoons, creating a stark contrast between the white sand and jewel-toned waters.

Each lagoon is entirely unique and temporary, as the wind is constantly shifting the shape of the dunes. Their varying hues form a tapestry of teal, turquoise and emerald (thanks to different depths and microorganisms) that looks more like an abstract painting than an actual place.

When seen from above, the undulating effect does indeed call to mind wrinkled bed sheets, or perhaps dollops of paint left to ebb and flow across a blank white canvas. But you can do more than just admire it from afar; it’s also possible to swim in the lagoons, recline on their shores or even sandboard down the surrounding slopes.

Dozens of species of birds, reptiles, fish and insects inhabit Lençóis Maranhenses, and four different endangered species can be found here: the scarlet ibis, oncilla, neotropical otter and West Indian manatee. One of the primary purposes of the national park is to protect these animals and their habitats.

To reach Lençóis Maranhenses, you’ll likely need to travel through the state capital of São Luís and the nearby town of Barreirinhas. Although most visitors never make it to this part of the country, Brazil’s Nordeste (Northeast) region has plenty of other perks too: distinctive culture, delectable cuisine, tropical weather, dreamy beaches and volcanic islands, to name a few.

The mystical marble caves of Aysén

In Chile’s Aysén region, just north of Torres del Paine and south of the Lake District, you’ll find the marble caves of General Carrera Lake. These labyrinthine caverns were formed over the course of more than six millennia as the lake’s waters slowly carved them out of the shoreline.

The result is a network of natural arches, tunnels and pillars made of perfectly polished marble. The overall effect calls to mind vaulted ceilings and ornate columns, almost like a piece of Gothic architecture constructed by the forces of nature alone.

As if the marble formations themselves weren’t impressive enough, their striated surfaces also reflect the azure water below. The interiors of the caves are bathed in shades of blue, with occasional streaks of bright yellow adding to the ethereal atmosphere.

Over time, the elements have eroded this rock into strangely sculpted shapes. Some of the surfaces facing the sky have taken on a rusty orange colour that’s especially mesmerising at sunset, transforming the terrain into a glowing field of gold.

Gazing out at the Campo de Piedra Pómez might make you feel like you’ve arrived on a faraway planet – and the rest of the Puna doesn’t detract from this sensation. There are plenty of other unearthly sights to see, from conical volcanoes and shimmering salt flats to flamingo-filled lagoons and the deep red Desierto del Diablo (Devil’s Desert).

One of the best ways to experience the Puna is aboard the Tren a las Nubes (Train to the Clouds). It’s among the world’s highest railways – hence the name – and offers unbeatable views of the landscape, plus various stops at scenic spots and small villages along the way.

The striking salt flats of Salar de Uyuni

Picture a vast blue sky filled with fluffy white clouds – and then imagine walking across its mirror image, reflected at your feet in perfect detail. This is the best way to describe Salar de Uyuni’s legendary ‘mirror effect’, which occurs when a thin layer of rainwater collects on its unusually flat and water-resistant surface.

Located in southwestern Bolivia, Salar de Uyuni is the largest salt flat on earth, covering more than 10,000 square kilometres (4,000 square miles). Its surface consists of several layers of crystallised salt, creating a thick crust that covers a deeper layer of lithium-rich briny water.

The best time to see the mirror effect is during the wet season (November–March), ideally on a sunny day right after the rain. But the dry season (April–October) also has its perks; you’ll be able to see the geometric patterns on the crust’s surface, which are so uniform in size and shape that they’ve intrigued scientists for decades.

Visiting during the dry season also means you’ll be able to fully explore the salt flats, whereas flooding in the wet season can limit access to certain areas. On the other hand, the wet season is the best time to see flocks of flamingos, whose breeding season occurs here in November.

way to describe Salar de Uyuni’s legendary ‘mirror effect’, which occurs when a thin layer of rainwater collects on its unusually flat and water-resistant surface.

No matter the time of year, Salar du Uyuni always promises otherworldly views. And there are plenty of other sights to see as well, from Chiquini Cave, filled with the eerie shapes of calcified magma, to Incahuasi Island, known for its abundance of giant cacti.

There are a few fantastic lodges set on the edge of Salar de Uyuni, but for total immersion you can choose to stay in a deluxe Airstream camper right in the middle of the salt flats. There are also several luxurious ‘salt hotels’ – constructed from the same material that dominates the landscape around them.

The underwater wonderland of the Gálapagos

The Galápagos Islands are a wildlife lover’s dream. Set around 1,000 kilometres (600 miles) from mainland Ecuador, this archipelago is home to giant tortoises, blue-footed boobies, sea lions, seals, iguanas and penguins. But beyond the endless wonders of the islands themselves, there’s also a whole world to discover off their shores.

The underwater environment of the Galápagos is teeming with marine life and subaquatic scenery. Here you’ll find coral reefs, cliffs, rock formations and even a submerged volcano. Scuba divers can spot various species of sharks, manta rays and massive marine iguanas, as well as fish, turtles, dolphins and more.

Imagine watching the world’s only aquatic lizard slither toward the surface, seeing a three-metre (10-foot) Galápagos shark glide along the sea floor in search of prey, or witnessing a massive manta ray break the water’s surface and arc through the air. It’s hard to believe animals like these actually exist until you’ve seen them with your own eyes.

The rare species and immense biodiversity of these islands are among the main things that set them apart from other phenomenal dive sites. They also boast some of the world’s healthiest coral reefs, thanks in large part to the conservation efforts of the Galápagos Marine Reserve.

While scuba diving may be the best way to explore the Galápagos’ marine ecosystems up close, it’s certainly not the only way. You can also go snorkelling or board a glass-bottomed boat to observe the underwater marvels from above.

If you want to see as much of the archipelago as possible, a Galápagos cruise is the way to go. You’ll spend your nights in comfortable luxury at sea, and your days cruising between the islands in search of the best spots for diving, snorkelling, hiking and wildlife sightings.

To the ends of the Earth

All it takes is some careful planning, a pinch of courage and an unwavering sense of adventure to experience unearthly beauty on our very own planet. The world – and all its out-of-this-world wonders – awaits.

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