7 of Earth's Most Remote Places That Will Blow Your Mind

Ever dreamed of escaping to the ends of the Earth? These seven remote spots lie so far off the beaten path, they might just make your next exotic vacation sound like a trip to the local coffee shop. Buckle up and let’s dive into some of the planet’s most secluded corners!

1. Tristan da Cunha, South Atlantic Ocean

Ever heard of Tristan da Cunha? We’re guessing you haven’t - this island is so remote, it’s practically a legend. Located in the South Atlantic Ocean, this island sits 1,350 miles away from the nearest populated area (the volcanic island of St. Helena) and 1,750 miles from South Africa. Here’s what makes it stand out:

• With no airport, your only option to visit is by boat. Hope you’re a fan of sea travel!
• Around 300 people live here, speaking their own quirky version of English.
• With such a small population, few opportunities exist for introducing new genes into the community - making it common for family members to marry each other. Unfortunately, this can sometimes lead to genetic health issues.

But hey - Tristan da Cunha may be the perfect destination if you’re looking to star in a deserted island TV show!

The island of Tristan da Cunha as seen from space. Photo courtesy of NASA. Public domain.

2. Motuo, China

Motuo is the kind of place you read about in adventure novels but rarely see in real life. Extremely cold and isolated, this county in Tibet remained cut off from the world until recently, when Chona completed a road there in 2013! Check out the scoop:

• The only way to Motuo involves taking the one road, which goes underneath a mountain.
• Backpackers and other adventurous souls have started flocking to Motuo, but be warned: The route is nothing to sneeze at - hike it at your own risk.

If you’re up for a thrilling journey, Motuo might just be your next big adventure.

3. La Rinconada, Peru

Meet La Rinconada, the highest city on Earth, where the air is thin, and the views will likely make you feel a bit dizzy. Here’s why it made our list:

• At 16,730 feet above sea level, you’ll need an all-terrain vehicle to get around - oxygen masks optional.
• Set atop a glacier in the rugged Andes mountains, this city’s main attraction is its gold mines, which have shaped its unique and remote existence.

If you’ve ever wondered what living on top of the world feels like, La Rinconada may be the ideal destination for your next adventure.

4. Devon Island, Canada

Devon Island’s cold, stark, desolate terrain feels so otherworldly, you’ll think you’ve stepped onto a sci-fi movie set. Here’s the scoop on this remote Arctic gem:

• With its otherworldly landscape, Devon Island makes an ideal location for space simulation. In fact, NASA actually uses this barren spot on the globe for testing Mars gear!
• Located in the Artic Circle, Devon Island is so deserted, you might not even see a single critter.

If you’ve ever wanted to experience what it’s like to be on Mars, make Devon Island your Earth-based practice ground.

5. Kerguelen Islands, French Southern and Antarctic Lands

The Kerguelen Islands, often dubbed the Desolation Islands, live up to their name with their extreme remoteness and harsh conditions. Here’s what makes them so isolated:

• The islands host a French research station, but don’t expect to stumble upon a charming French café here - it’s more lost-in-the-wilderness than Parisian chic.
• Getting here requires a ship ride through the southern Indian Ocean, and don’t expect warm weather!

So, if you love the cold and solitude as much as these penguins do, the Kerguelen Islands might be the perfect spot for you.

6. Ittoqqortoormiit, Greenland

Ittoqqortoormiit (pronounced it-ockor-tormit) might twist your tongue in knots, but it’s also one of the most difficult places to reach. Check out the details:

• Located near the Scoresby Sund fjord, you can only get there by helicopter or boat - which unfortunately for visitors, only runs a few months out of the year.
• With just 500 residents, you can’t get much more remote than this tiny village with picturesque, multi-colored cottages.

All that to say, if you’re looking to get cozy with your neighbors, Ittoqqortoormiit could be your ultimate dream spot.

7. Bouvet Island, Norway

Bouvet Island is so incredibly isolated that even Google Earth struggles to keep up! Here’s what to know:

• With no one living on the island, if you happen to drop by, you won’t find any local shops or restaurants - just pristine, untouched landscapes.
• Positioned in the South Atlantic Ocean, this island ranks among the most remote in the world.

Nevertheless, if you crave absolute solitude, you won’t find a more perfect getaway than Bouvet Island.

Glacier on Bouvet Island’s west coast. Photo by François Guerraz under CC BY-SA 3.0.

If you’re craving a true escape from the everyday hustle, these remote places await you, each offering a unique adventure! Where would you go first?

References: 15 of the Most Remote Places on Earth | The World’s Most Remote Places | 20 of the Most Remote Places on Earth | 11 Remote Destinations That Are Definitely Worth the Effort to Visit