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The Definitive Guide To

The World’s
Hidden Wonders

From ancient relics to roadside oddities, we connect you to the best of what’s out there.

Styx Waterfall

Styx Waterfall

This 200-meter-high waterfall marks the site of Achilles’s immortal baptism at the mouth of the River Styx.

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In Partnership with AppleTV+ Fountain of Youth: New Movie May 23

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Destinations From Across the Atlas

Destinations From Across the Atlas

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Featured Trips

Wild Brazil: Rivers, Dunes & the Amazon

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Caucasus Road Trip: Azerbaijan, Georgia & Armenia

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We Visited the Dino Bodega in (Jurassic) Park Slope

dinosaurs

Unearth prehistoric wares like Trilo-bites, Snarlboros, and The Maul Street Journal at Rex’s Dino Store.

Featured Trips

Wild Brazil: Rivers, Dunes & the Amazon

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Caucasus Road Trip: Azerbaijan, Georgia & Armenia

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More Stories

12 National Park Trees That Are Truly Terrific

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12 Incredible Caves and Caverns Hidden in National Parks

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12 Must-See Rocks You’ll Find in National Parks

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Where to Wander: Atlas Obscura Selects the Best Places to Visit in 2025

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Hidden Wonders

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Xian Shi, China

Huaqing Pools

These mountain hot springs have seen power struggles, doomed romances, and a generalissimo's attempted escape from mutiny.

Added By

Garrett Schneider
Valencia, Spain

Holy Chalice of Valencia

Of the many chalices in the running for the Holy Grail, this one in Valencia Cathedral sure looks the part.

Added By

Piotr Kowalski
Tangier, Morocco

Caves of Hercules

Along the most northwestern point in Africa is an ancient cave surrounded by legends.

Added By

Bastiaan Ter Meulen
Syracuse, Italy

Fountain of Arethusa

According to Greek mythology, this natural spring is the home of a freshwater nymph.

Added By

Katie Ness
Bangkok, Thailand

Wat Arun

This dazzling Buddhist temple was constructed from over one million ceramic tiles salvaged from a British shipwreck.

Added By

Amber Snider
Puebla, Mexico

Biblioteca Palafoxiana

The first public library in the Americas has more than 45,000 books dating back to the 15th century.

Added By

A H
Edinburgh, Scotland

St. Bernard's Well

A beautiful Greco-Roman structure houses a well once believed to have healing powers.

Added By

SEANETTA ALLSASS
São Miguel, Portugal

Lagoa das Sete Cidades (Lagoon of the Seven Cities)

Legend has it the lovelorn tears of a princess and a shepherd boy formed the blue and green twin lakes in the Azores archipelago.

Added By

Angela Ballard

Nyborg, Denmark

Den Hvide Jomfru (The White Maiden)

Legend speaks of a banished noblewoman allegedly walled inside this little tower.

Added By

Johan SWE
Istanbul, Turkey

Şakirin Mosque

A mosque with distinctive modern features.

Added By

Andrew
Ashibetsu, Japan

Terranova Music Box Museum

Hokkaido's largest music box museum, featuring music boxes that are unique in Japan and the world.

Added By

FlockOfWords
Petoskey, Michigan

American Spoon

Stock up on superb sour cherry preserves made by hand in copper kettles.

Added By

Stacey Brugeman
Edmond, Oklahoma

Edmond Bombing Memorial

A memorial to victims of the Oklahoma City bombing.

Added By

danielsmartin2
Amsterdam, Netherlands

Diamond Museum

A museum dedicated to the history of the diamond trade in the Netherlands.

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Dark Nebula Deluxe
Gropparello, Italy

Castello di Gropparello (Gropparello Castle)

This castle has decor from many periods of history, as well as a fairytale park.

Added By

Marco Giuliani
Kathmandu, Nepal

Narayanhiti Palace Museum Massacre Site

The courtyard of this palace was the site of the worst slaughter of sitting royals in recorded history.

Added By

Edward Denny

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Old maps of Lemuria show how science can sometimes go really wrong.

lost wonders

The Frenzy About the Weirdest Continent That Never Existed

Forget Atlantis, the lost land of lemurs had people in a tizzy.

Written By

Frank Jacobs

January 19, 2024

nuclear
The Illicit Spelunker Capturing Underground Scenes at Chernobyl
By Kate Brown
travel
Dear Atlas: How Can I Explore My Hometown Like a Tourist?
By Sarah Durn
infrastructure
The Duo That Documented the Birth of NYC's Subway
By Jessica Leigh Hester
zoos
That Time Portugal’s King Gifted an Elephant to the Pope
By Devon Field
birds
A Field Guide to Exploring Florida’s Best Birding Spots
Sponsored by VISIT FLORIDA
diving
Aquatic Adventures: 7 Spots for Diving, Snorkeling, and Wildlife in Florida
Sponsored by VISIT FLORIDA
paddling
Mangroves, Manatees, and More: Florida’s Stunning Paddle Destinations
Sponsored by VISIT FLORIDA

Cely’s map is not only accurate, but captures the unique characteristics of Congaree’s trees and waterways.

maps

How One Biologist Drew a Hyper-Accurate, Ranger-Approved Map of Congaree National Park

After 60 years of exploring the gulleys and guts of the South Carolina swamp, John Cely drew the landscape he knew by heart.

Written By

Ashley Stimpson

May 12, 2025

national parks
Wolves Have a Bad Reputation. One Yellowstone Naturalist Is Trying to Fix It.
By Lina Zeldovich
nature
Wyoming’s Sacred Landscapes: A Journey Through Native American History
Sponsored by Travel Wyoming
dessert
Salt & Straw Wants You to Create Your Own Ice Cream Flavors
By Diana Hubbell
Rodeos, Star Parties, and Festivals: Your Guide to Colorado’s Magical Summer Events
Sponsored by Visit Colorado
travel
Dear Atlas: How Can I Explore My Hometown Like a Tourist?
By Sarah Durn
tombs
In Ancient Bulgaria, the Tombs of the Elite Were Filled With Golden Treasures
By Nicky Nielsen
magic
Does a Magician Really Never Reveal Their Tricks? AO Wants to Know.
By Andrew Coletti

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Plan Your Adventure

Guides, lists, and itineraries

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Trips and Videos

Puglia Italy - Matera

Europe

Southern Italy: Castles, Caves & Coastal Treasures in Puglia

Discover Our Trips

We travel to incredible, often overlooked places. Our global community of local experts grants you access to unique, small-group experiences.

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Sea Critters of Charlotte Harbor

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Complete Your Bookshelf

Books and Box Sets

The Wild Life book lays on a bright blue surface next to a pair of binoculars and a foldable field guide for small critters.

Our Newest Book: Wild Life

An Explorer’s Guide to the World’s Living Wonders

Two Atlas Obscura books with book sleeve lay on a light wooden table surrounded by spices and dinnerware.

The Explorer’s Library

Combination of Two Bestsellers

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