Mars may be millions of kilometers away, but you don’t need a rocket ship to explore it. From bone-dry deserts to alien volcanic slopes, our planet is home to incredible places that look like Mars—landscapes that mirror the Red Planet’s terrain, color, and isolation. Whether you’re a science traveler, an adventurous soul, or simply someone chasing otherworldly beauty, these ten destinations prove that some of the most Mars-like experiences can be found right here on Earth.
1. Atacama Desert, Chile
The Atacama is the driest non-polar desert on Earth. With areas that haven’t seen rain in centuries, it’s no surprise that NASA has used parts of the Atacama to test Mars rovers. Its red soil, jagged salt flats, and extreme aridity mimic Martian conditions more closely than almost anywhere else on the planet.
How to Visit: Fly into Calama or Antofagasta, then travel to San Pedro de Atacama, the region’s tourist hub. Visit Valle de la Luna (Valley of the Moon) and explore geysers, salt flats, and surreal rock formations.
Author’s Note: I’ve explored the Atacama Desert and stood near the base of the San José Volcano in the Chilean Andes. The scale, color, and raw geology of this region are truly spectacular—like walking through the ancient forces that shaped a planet.
2. Dallol, Danakil Depression, Ethiopia
Located in one of the hottest and most geologically active regions on Earth, Dallol features neon-green acid pools, salt mounds, and sulfur steam vents. With zero vegetation and highly acidic conditions, it’s a true Martian twin.
How to Visit: Reachable via the city of Mekele in northern Ethiopia through guided tours. Travel with experienced operators due to the remote location and extreme climate.
3. Devon Island, Canada
The largest uninhabited island on Earth, Devon Island is a cold polar desert with rock formations and impact craters that closely resemble Mars. It’s the site of NASA’s Haughton Mars Project.
How to Visit: Access is limited to researchers and occasional expedition-style travel. It’s not tourist-friendly, but it’s the most scientifically accurate Mars analog.
4. Wadi Rum, Jordan
Nicknamed “The Valley of the Moon,” Wadi Rum’s windswept sandstone formations and deep red sands have made it a popular stand-in for Mars in films like The Martian and Rogue One. The sheer scale and solitude of this desert give visitors the uncanny feeling of walking on another planet.
How to Visit: Drive from Aqaba or Petra to Wadi Rum Visitor Center. Stay overnight in a Bedouin-style camp or take a jeep tour across the dunes.
Author’s Note: Though I visited the Petra area near Wadi Musa, the same red rock plateaus and wide-open spaces extend into Wadi Rum. The Martian resemblance is real.
5. Makhtesh Ramon Crater, Israel
Unlike an impact crater, this massive erosion crater has unique geological features that resemble Martian terrain. It’s also home to Israel’s Mars simulation station (D-MARS).
How to Visit: Located in the Negev Desert. Stay in the town of Mitzpe Ramon and explore by jeep or hike.
6. Landmannalaugar, Iceland
With steaming vents, rust-colored rhyolite mountains, and almost no vegetation, Iceland’s highlands come eerily close to resembling Martian terrain. Volcanic soil and isolation make it a favorite for Mars analog missions.
How to Visit: Best accessed by 4×4 during the summer months. Base out of Reykjavik and drive into the Highlands via the F-road network.
Author’s Note: I’ve traveled through Iceland, and the natural beauty of this island nation is unparalleled. From its volcanic terrain to steaming vents and surreal colors, it truly feels like another world.
7. Puna de Atacama, Argentina (Altiplano Region)
This high-altitude plateau in the Andes features salt flats, red rock, volcanic domes, and lunar-style terrain. It’s one of the harshest and most Mars-like environments on the continent.
How to Visit: Fly into Salta or Catamarca and take a guided expedition through the Puna region. The terrain is remote and often over 4,000 meters in elevation.
8. Mauna Kea Lava Fields, Hawaii, USA
Volcanic cinder cones, iron-rich red soil, and a thin, high-altitude atmosphere make Mauna Kea’s summit and lava fields a close Mars match. NASA and HI-SEAS conduct Mars habitat simulations here.
How to Visit: Drive from Hilo or Kona on the Big Island. A 4WD is required to reach the summit.
Author’s Note: I’ve had the privilege of visiting Mauna Kea, and it remains one of the most surreal science travel experiences of my life. Standing above the clouds, surrounded by volcanic terrain and world-class observatories, truly felt like stepping onto another planet.
9. Ouarzazate & Draa Valley, Morocco
This high desert region at the edge of the Sahara is known for its reddish plateaus and wind-sculpted rock formations. The area has served as the backdrop for numerous space-themed films due to its Mars-like appearance.
How to Visit: Fly into Marrakech or Ouarzazate, then drive south through the Draa Valley. Combine desert landscapes with cultural experiences in ancient kasbahs.
Author’s Note: I’ve traveled through Ouarzazate and the Draa Valley, and it was incredible to witness the meeting point of the Atlas Mountains and the Sahara Desert. The contrast in terrain and color made the landscape feel truly otherworldly.
10. Death Valley National Park, California, USA
A place of extremes, Death Valley is not only the hottest place on Earth but also home to vast salt flats, volcanic craters, and canyons carved by water long gone. Its parched terrain and mineral-rich colors resemble Martian geology with startling accuracy.
How to Visit: The park is accessible from Las Vegas or Los Angeles. Don’t miss Zabriskie Point, Artist’s Palette, and Ubehebe Crater.
Author’s Note: Standing in Death Valley’s salt flats, surrounded by nothing but wind and red hills, felt like being on Mars—if Mars had coyotes.
Final Thoughts
Whether it’s the sulfur springs of Ethiopia, the lava flows of Iceland, or the dusty plains of Chile, Earth offers a surprising number of places that look like Mars. These destinations are more than just beautiful—they provide scientific insight, testing grounds for exploration, and a tangible connection to another world.
So before booking a future ride to the Red Planet, consider these incredible places right here on Earth.
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