This natural rock formation features seemingly unnatural vertical ridges that have been blamed on elves.

One woman's lifelong collection is on display in this unassuming house on an Icelandic fjord.

An isolated, rusty phone booth commemorates Iceland's first international telegraph cable.

The only structure in a remote mountain pass, these colorful cubes are visible from miles away.

The bright red stripes streaking across the rocks are the star feature at this Icelandic waterfall.

The most powerful waterfall in all of Europe.

This tumultuous Icelandic lava field looks so alien European researchers want to use it as a stand-in for Mars.

A sulfuric martian landscape that looks far better than it smells.

In Northeastern Iceland lies something of an oxymoron: a steaming desert.

These ominous lava formations were said to be an entrance to the netherworld so of course they inspired a famous metal band.

Colorful and chaotic stacked hotel in North Holland.

The intricate stonework of Machu Picchu serves as a testament to Incan engineers.

Preserved Inca city and site of the last Inca stronghold against the Spanish conquistadors.

Did Inca children also slide down these smooth rocky slopes above Cusco?

The stones of this Incan wall complex fit together so well you couldn't fit a piece of paper between some of them.

This geometric feat is a testament to the Incas' mesmerizing architectural abilities.

Situated on a sacred Inca site, this 16th-century cathedral took nearly 100 years to build.

Built on the remains of one the Incas’ most important gathering spots, this square keeps the spirit of a fallen empire alive.

A remote desert lookout offers unparalleled views of the California badlands for those who brave the trek.

One of the largest trees of its kind in California.

Swarms of butterflies cannot compare to the awe inspired by the publicly-funded nakedness once displayed in this sunken garden.

North America's largest accredited model railroad museum.

Built for an exposition in 1915, these horticultural displays have stood the test of time.

An extraordinarily ornate museum in San Diego holds wondrous anthropological treasures.