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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.

Mont Sainte-Odile

Secret Passages of Mont Sainte-Odile

An ancient monastery, a locked room, and a mysterious book heist.

Added By Annetta Black

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

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Destinations From Across the Atlas

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Wild Brazil: Rivers, Dunes & the Amazon

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Caucasus Road Trip: Azerbaijan, Georgia & Armenia

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The Explorer’s Guide to Joshua Tree National Park

abandoned

Venture into the realm of desert tortoises, “mentalphysics,” and lonesome Muffler Men.

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Wild Brazil: Rivers, Dunes & the Amazon

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Caucasus Road Trip: Azerbaijan, Georgia & Armenia

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

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Wolves Have a Bad Reputation. One Yellowstone Naturalist Is Trying to Fix It.

national parks

12 National Park Trees That Are Truly Terrific

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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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Kleitoria, Greece

Styx Waterfall

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

Added By

Jenna Flogeras
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.

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Katie Ness
Bangkok, Thailand

Wat Arun

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

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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.

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A H
Edinburgh, Scotland

St. Bernard's Well

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

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SEANETTA ALLSASS

Al Jazeera Al Hamra, United Arab Emirates

Al Jazirah Al Hamra Heritage Village

This abandoned fishing village may or may not be haunted.

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Louise
Atuntaqui, Ecuador

Complejo Cultural Fábrica Imbabura

The former epicenter of the Ecuadorian textile industry, turned museum.

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Brea Ingram
Cohoes, New York

Guptill's Arena

The largest roller-skating rink in the world.

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Kelly Gallagher
Bangkok, Thailand

Kor Panich

Visit a century-old sweet shop serving gold-standard mango sticky rice.

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Chris Schalkx
Fernandina Beach, Florida

American Beach Nana Sand Dune

The largest sand dune in Florida sits inside the state's first Black-owned beach.

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Ben
Varzob, Tajikistan

Khoja Obi Garm

A Soviet-era health spa complete with radioactive bathing and shock therapy.

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MarkTimeTravel
Bangkok, Thailand

Rung Rueang

The porky tom yum soup at this Sukhumvit Road institution has a cult following.

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Chris Schalkx
Fezna Ouled Jellal, Morocco

Jorf Khettaras

An ancient irrigation system that turned arid deserts into oases.

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tamuleviciusmantas

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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

food
Tons of Delicious Fruit in Los Angeles Is Going Uneaten
By Dan Nosowitz
nuclear
The Illicit Spelunker Capturing Underground Scenes at Chernobyl
By Kate Brown
infrastructure
The Duo That Documented the Birth of NYC's Subway
By Jessica Leigh Hester
maps
How One Biologist Drew a Hyper-Accurate, Ranger-Approved Map of Congaree National Park
By Ashley Stimpson
dinosaurs
We Visited the Dino Bodega in (Jurassic) Park Slope
By Allegra Rosenberg
travel
Dear Atlas: What International Food Can I Legally Bring Into the U.S.?
By Danielle Hallock
zoos
That Time Portugal’s King Gifted an Elephant to the Pope
By Devon Field

Sponsored by Louisville Tourism

Finding ‘The Great Gatsby’ in Louisville

F. Scott Fitzgerald spent two formative months in the Bluegrass State.

Written By

The Podcast Team

May 14, 2025

travel
Dear Atlas: What International Food Can I Legally Bring Into the U.S.?
By Danielle Hallock
maps
How One Biologist Drew a Hyper-Accurate, Ranger-Approved Map of Congaree National Park
By Ashley Stimpson
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

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Trips and Videos

Puglia Italy - Matera

Europe

Southern Italy: Castles, Caves & Coastal Treasures in Puglia

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

Video

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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