With many corners of the world already discovered, curious travellers are seeking out emerging and obscure destinations. These unknown or forgotten places provide a deeper sense of adventure, offering new and authentic experiences. The allure of strange lands is like no other, a never-ending desire to explore the unexplored. Here are 8 of our most memorable experiences in the ultimate obscure places we’ve explored.
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1. LALIBELA
Ethiopia
Ethiopia has a total of nine UNESCO World Heritage Sites, with the rock hewn churches of Lalibela one of the more well-known. Created in the 12th century, the eleven structures took twenty-four years to complete. It’s not until you are standing at the base of one of the churches that you comprehend the magnitude of the place. Carved out of the rock, rather than into it, they were all made by hand, using simple tools such as hammers and chisels. Connected by tunnels and passageways, with windows and doors, the site is an architectural wonder of craftsmanship. Many are still in use today, with priests and men still gathering to pray and read, as they have been doing for thousands of years.
Exploring the site is possible, including the most recognizable Church of Saint George. Guides gather around the main entrance, offering their services. They know all there is to know about the site, and Ethiopian history. No matter what your beliefs, there’s no doubt it’s an impressive architectural site, where past meets present. The historical and vibrant atmosphere adds to the experience.
Found in the North, the best way to reach Lalibela is by plane. A direct flight leaves Addis Ababa daily, taking around an hour. Once you arrive in Lalibela, you will find a town full of charm, a pleasant place to spend a few days.
Ethiopia is home to many special places, Lalibela being one of them. Travelling in this historical land, and taking the time to appreciate it, and its wonderful people, is both satisfying and fulfilling. Ethiopia really is a rewarding destination that you’ll want to return to. It is an ultimate obscure destination for the adventurous traveller.
2. KAIETEUR FALLS
Guyana
Kaieteur Falls is the most powerful single drop waterfall on the planet. Located in remote Southern Guyana, in the Kaieteur National Park, access is by small plane, the flight from Georgetown taking an hour. Flights can be booked through one of the many tour companies in the capital, Georgetown, or you can head out to Ogle Airport and secure a seat yourself. Flights depend on the weather, so have a few days up your sleeve.
Once you land at the special airstrip near the falls, you will be met by a park guide, who will accompany you during your two-hour visit. During the tour you may be fortunate to get a sighting of the rare cock-of-the-rock, a bright orange bird, or one of the other creatures that live in the National Park. The knowledgeable guide points out endemic plants, insects and frogs, while leading you to viewing platforms, each offering a different perspective of the mighty falls.
The power of the falls becomes evident as you get closer, and it’s easy to understand why the falls are so significant in local indigenous beliefs. The amount and power of the water, along with the drop, noise and location, will leave you in awe. It’s like nowhere else on the planet. The memory of it will consume you as you make your way back to the plane.
Seeing the monstrous Kaieteur Falls from the plane, surrounded by rainforest as far as the eye can see, is nature at its best, and something I will never forget. An unforgettable sight and the ultimate day trip.
3. VALLEY OF DESOLATION
Dominica
A volcanic area in the Caribbean, on the island of Dominica, the Valley of Desolation, with its hot springs and volcanic vents, is an awesome hiking experience. The challenging 13km trail through the UNESCO Morne Trois Pitons National Park constantly changes, and needs to be navigated with a guide. Guides can be found every morning along the road leading to the park headquarters, which are just past the village of Laudat. Minivans make the trip from Roseau each morning, or you can try your luck catching a ride with a local.
From the headquarters, it’s a steep climb up the ridge, through forests, the terrain gradually becoming volcanic. The trail ends at the world’s second largest boiling lake, which as the name suggests, is a lake of boiling water. Looking down at the lake from the ridge above is an amazing one-of-a-kind experience. Sulphur and steam fill the air, while hissing cracks and holes spit out vapours and gas. There are no handrails or barriers to be seen, the action surrounds you. It’s an unforgettable picnic spot for lunch. On the return hike, there’ll be time to enjoy the spectacular views in every direction, with the rainforest offering some respite from the heat.
Back at the park headquarters, you can cool off at beautiful Titou Gorge. Swimming through the narrow gorge to the waterfall and pool is epic, the perfect way to finish the day.
Allow a full day to hike to the Boiling Lake, and take a swim at Titou Gorge. The earlier you leave, the better. Bring plenty of water, and some lunch. There’s a couple of spots during the hike where you’ll have the chance to refill your water bottle from a fresh stream.
Dominica is an island loaded with hikes, waterfalls, and wild places. It’s a place for nature, outdoor and adventure lovers. The Valley of Desolation is one of the most memorable hikes I have done, while Dominica is still one of my favourite obscure destinations for the adventurous traveller.
The location on the banks of the Copan River, with trees full of monkeys and macaws, is like something from an Indiana Jones movie.
4. COPAN RUINAS
Honduras
The ancient Maya city of Copan Ruinas is believed to have been constructed in the 5th century, and was occupied for more than 2000 years. Sprawled over 60km2, the ruins are home to an amazing number of historical artifacts, with the site one of the most important in Maya history. A UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1980, it lies only a short walk from the modern town of the same name, Copan Ruinas. Close to the Guatemalan border, the ruins are one of Honduras’s most accessible attractions.
Spending a day discovering the site, with its many temples and monuments is an amazing experience. The location on the banks of the Copan River, with trees full of monkeys and macaws, is like something from an Indiana Jones movie. Wandering around the site, you can’t help but feel a sense of history. Guides are available in town, or at the site, and are the best way to understand the various meanings and overall history of the ruins.
Nearby Macaw Mountain is a fantastic place to visit. Parrots are rescued from the pet trade, and small cages, and gradually released back into the wild. The setting, amongst trees, on the banks of a river, is beautiful.
The modern town of Copan Ruinas is a lovely place to base yourself, and adds to the overall experience.
Copan Ruinas, and Honduras itself, are obscure destinations for those with an open mind, and a sense of wonder. An ultimate obscure place for the adventurous traveller to visit.
5. CITADELLE LAFERRIERE
Haiti
Citadelle Laferriere is without doubt one of the coolest places we’ve been. Located near the town of Milot, in Northern Haiti, the colossal fortress sits high on top of a mountain. Over two hundred years old, it’s withstood earthquakes and hurricanes, but never actually served its purpose, which was to protect the island from invading forces. Fitted with 365 cannons, and stockpiles of cannon balls, it certainly was prepared for any attempted attack. Most of the fortress can be explored, including dungeons and the many different chambers. On a clear day the views from the roof are amazing, with the Atlantic Ocean visible to the North.
Haiti has been experiencing some issues of late, Port-au-Prince having a terrible time. However, visiting the North of the country is still possible. The city of Cap-Haitien is accessible by bus from Santiago, in the neighbouring Dominican Republic, the journey taking a few hours. Once you get to Cap-Haitien, regular minibuses make the short trip to Milot, where you’ll find waiting moto’s (local motorbike taxis), who will take you as far as they can. You must walk the last three kms up to the fortress.
Popular on weekends with locals, who make the climb up to the fortress playing music, creating a party type atmosphere. Arrive early, or visit during the week to avoid the crowd.
Near the base of the fortress, there’s another ruin to check out, Sans-Souci Palace, home of the former King of Haiti, Henry 1st. The impressive palace is an essential stop, and a worthy UNESCO World Heritage monument.
Haiti offers a lot for those willing to take the time and effort that’s required to reach such places. Citadelle Laferriere is an unforgettable destination, the ultimate obscure fortress for the adventurous.
6. VOLTZBERG
Suriname
Located deep in the Central Suriname Nature Reserve, the Voltzberg is a giant rock, surrounded by tropical rainforest. Climbing to the top of the 240m rock is fairly easy, and well worth the effort. From the top, you will be rewarded with uninterrupted views in every direction. The sense of isolation is unique, with nothing but nature to be seen. The breathtaking view will leave you in awe. Colourful birds and monkeys are all that can be heard. It’s an ultimate destination for adventure enthusiasts and nature lovers.
As is the case with many wild places, getting to the Voltzberg is part of the adventure. The best way is to join a sustainable tour from the capital, Paramaribo. Stage one involves a long and bumpy drive to the village of Witagron, where you will meet your village boatman, to continue the journey via traditional motorised canoe up the Copperman River
The four-hour trip is spectacular, edging deeper into the rainforest. Macaws, monkeys and giant river otters insure you are always on the lookout, with many more exotic creatures calling the forest home.
Your destination is the Raleighvallen Ecolodge, a community run project on the banks of the river. The lodge is actually situated on an island in the river, and run by members of a local village, who’s people have lived in the area for centuries. Completely off-grid, it’s largely untouched by modern conveniences. A swimming hole in front of the lodge is an ideal place to cool off, and importantly, it’s electric eel and piranha free!
Only a short boat ride away are the Raleigh Falls, another refreshing swimming spot. A little further up river is where the hike starts to the Voltzberg, where you will have the chance to see all sorts of flora and fauna, maybe even a tarantula. The hike to the Voltzberg, through rainforest, under the canopy of giant tress, is awesome. Gradually smaller rocks start to appear, then suddenly, you emerge from the forest, your vision dominated by a mighty rock, The Voltzberg. Ascending to the top poses to challenge, the reward, uninterrupted panoramic views, that will stay with you for the remainder of the day, as you slowly make your way back to the boat.
Suriname has raw untouched beauty, with unlimited options for adventurers and lovers of everything wild. The Voltzberg is just one of the many experiences that this obscure country has to offer. Suriname, another one of my favourite places. An ultimate obscure destination every adventurous traveller will love.
Though off the beaten path, these ultimate obscure places offer experiences richer than any well-worn route.
7. LAMANAI
Belize
Lamanai, an ancient Maya site in Northern Belize, is home to some of the best carved Maya stone faces in the region. It wasn’t until the mid-seventies that excavation work begun on some of the larger temples, while The Temple of the Jaguar Masks still remains largely buried and covered in jungle. Restoration work continues, with plenty still to unearth and discover.
The huge High Temple has impressive views of the Maya city, surrounding jungle, and nearby river. Built on the banks of the River New, it’s easy to picture the city as it once would have been, full of people and activity, a bustling centre of life and trade. Inhabited for 3500 years, many artifacts and buried treasures continue to be unearthed, providing valuable information for archaeologists. The area contains numerous other ancient sites, with many secrets yet to be excavated.
Reaching this obscure site is best achieved by boat, from the closet town, Orange Walk. Your accommodation will usually be able to organise a tour for you, or put you in touch with a local guide. The boat trip up the river is part of the attraction of visiting Lamanai, with the chance to see an array of bird species, monkeys, and crocodiles. The river has plenty of crocodiles, and it’s no surprise to learn that the city was named after them, Lamanai meaning, ‘submerged crocodile.’
Often overlooked in favour of more well-known Maya sites in neighbouring countries, Lamanai is a hidden gem. Untouched by mass tourism, you will most likely have the whole place to yourself, with just the birds, monkeys, and sounds of the rainforest keeping you company.
Lamanai is a lost Maya city, another awesome obscure place for the adventurous traveller to visit.
8. CALANDULA FALLS
Angola
A previously mysterious and unknown country, Angola has begun to emerge, with the curious traveller now able to access and explore this obscure chunk of Southern Africa. Unimaginable landscapes and natural wonders await those with the time to reach them. Poor infrastructure outside of the capital Luanda, make getting around slow, but not impossible. Tour companies offering trips to the interior are growing in number, and are currently the best way to see the natural wonders on offer.
Calandula Falls are one of Angola’s seven wonders, which is easy to understand while standing on top of them. Africa’s second largest waterfall, they surprising remain relatively unheard of outside of the country.
Despite being less than 400km from Luanda, the journey here takes most of the day. Roads in Angola are still to be repaired, the giant potholes taking time to navigate. However, the long drive is scenic and interesting, passing through cities, towns and rural villages. Stops at Botanical Gardens and the amazing Black Rocks will give you a chance to stretch your legs. My favourite part of the drive was chatting to the English-speaking guide, asking questions, and gaining a small understanding of life in Angola.
The volume of water spilling over Calandula Falls is staggering, different viewing areas providing stunning aspects. The immense power of nature on display is impressive, something that you won’t forget anytime soon.
Calandula Falls, along with Angola’s other wonders, make the country an awesome destination for the inquisitive. An ultimate obscure destination for an epic adventure.
Check out our Angola travel guide and discover how to reach Calandula Falls
Final thoughts on obscure places for the adventurous traveller
Obscure destinations are, and will always be, our preferred kind of travel experience. They may take a little more effort to reach, but the sense of satisfaction and achievement when you are in a strange place is unforgettable. We continue to seek out new ultimate obscure corners of the world – to meet the people who call them home and uncover the beauty they quietly hold. Though off the beaten path, these ultimate obscure places offer experiences richer than any well-worn route.
Where would you like to go? Never lose your sense of wonder.