Secret Marvels of the World: From Rainbow Eucalyptus Forests to Pink Lakes
Think you've explored every iconic landmark on Earth? It's time to reconsider.
Beyond the Grand Canyon, Eiffel Tower, and Angkor Wat lies a hidden realm of extraordinary wonders. These include stunning natural phenomena and remarkable human creations, all flying under the radar. In this excerpt from Lonely Planet's Secret Marvels of the World, discover some of the planet's most mysterious, mesmerizing, and bizarre destinations.
Rainbow Eucalyptus Trees, Hawaii, USA
The Road to Hana on Maui offers one of the world's most breathtaking drives, winding through lush rainforests alive with vibrant sights, sounds, and colors.
Among its highlights is the 'painted forest' of rainbow eucalyptus trees, where bark peels in sections throughout the year, revealing vivid reds, purples, blues, and greens. This natural quirk creates living rainbows that evolve continuously, forming a grove of dynamic, multicolored spectacles.
The rainbow eucalyptus grove is at mile marker 7 on Maui’s Hana Highway, Hawaii. Nearby Keʻanae Arboretum also features these trees.
Zhangye Danxia National Geopark, China
This 500 sq km site in Gansu Province showcases layered sandstone in hues from vermilion to pale green, formed over 20 million years of geological activity. Erosion has sculpted towering pillars, creeks, and cliffs hundreds of meters high.
Known as 'danxia' landforms, similar landscapes exist elsewhere in China, like Binggou Danxia Park. However, Zhangye's colors—blazing yellows and reds—are unmatched. Walking trails and sightseeing vehicles provide access to viewpoints, including the striking 'Seven-Colour Mountain' from the fourth platform. Visit May to September for optimal colors, enhanced by sunrise, sunset, or rain.
Moray, Cusco, Peru
In Peru's Sacred Valley, an Inca-engineered amphitheater of terraced rings puzzled archaeologists for years. Despite their apparent simplicity compared to other Inca stonework, these terraces are ingeniously designed.
Their varying depths, sizes, and orientations create microclimates mimicking conditions across the vast Inca Empire. With temperature differences up to 15°C and imported soils, the Incas likely tested crop adaptations like potatoes, maize, quinoa, and more through selective breeding.
Reach Moray by taxi from Maras village (5km away) or guided tour from Cusco.
Vale da Lua, Alto Paraíso de Goiás, Brazil
Millions of years of water erosion on the São Miguel River have carved Vale da Lua (Moon Valley) into surreal rock formations, caves, waterfalls, and pools just outside Parque Nacional da Chapada dos Veadeiros.
Fluvial abrasion by sand-laden water continues to shape the smooth curves and bowls. The lunar landscape invites walking, bathing in pools, and wading (avoid heavy rain due to flash flood risks). Embedded quartz crystals lend a sense of mystical energy to some visitors.
On private property 4km southeast of São Jorge village; final access is on foot.
Quinta da Regaleira Wells, Sintra, Portugal
At this UNESCO-protected estate blending Gothic, Moorish, and Renaissance styles, two subterranean wells symbolize a journey from death to rebirth, tied to Masonic rituals commissioned by coffee magnate António Carvalho Monteiro.
One well descends 27m through nine levels evoking Dante's circles; the other features Templar crosses and numbered steps following Masonic traditions.
Open daily, 700m west of central Sintra.
Italian Chapel, Orkney, Scotland
On wind-swept Lamb Holm, Italian POWs transformed a WWII Nissen hut into an ornate chapel symbolizing reconciliation.
After Italy's 1943 capitulation, they crafted frescoes, a concrete font, and a vaulted interior with Virgin Mary motifs using limited wartime materials.
Short drive from Kirkwall; open daily (hours vary; call +44 (0)1856 781580).
Hang Nga Guesthouse, Dalat, Vietnam
Dubbed 'Crazy House,' this Salvador Dalí-inspired guesthouse features melting forms, warped walls, jungle vines, spiderweb windows, and organic chambers designed by architect Dang Viet Nga to evoke freedom.
In Vietnam’s Central Highlands; book at crazyhouse.vn.
Lake Hillier, Western Australia
Middle Island's Lake Hillier glows bubblegum pink against the Southern Ocean, its color—caused by algae and salt—not a reflection or seasonal effect, persisting even in samples.
View via 2-hour helicopter from Esperance; island is restricted.
Valley of Geysers, Kamchatka Peninsula, Russia
In remote Kronotsky Nature Reserve, over 100 geysers and hot springs steam from 250°C volcanic heat along a 6km valley.
Explored fully in the 1970s, it includes the deadly Valley of Death due to toxic gas buildup.
Helicopter tours via travelkamchatka.com; fly to Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky.
