8 Jaw-Dropping Martian Hotspots to Put on Your Intergalactic Bucket List

As space travel becomes more accessible and colonizing other planets becomes a distant reality, Mars, the Red Planet, is increasingly gaining attention for its potential as a future tourist destination. The possibility of walking on the same planet where NASA's Curiosity Rover discovered evidence of water and ancient lakes is both thrilling and intimidating. With its rocky terrain, towering volcanoes, and sprawling valleys, Mars is a world like no other, waiting to be explored.

Future Martian travelers will have plenty of opportunities to discover fascinating geological formations and take in breathtaking vistas. From impact craters to ancient river beds, Mars is home to some of the solar system's most impressive natural wonders. Let's take a look at 8 exciting tourist spots to explore on Mars in the future.

1. Olympus Mons - The Largest Volcano in the Solar System

Olympus Mons is not just the largest volcano on Mars; it's also the largest in the entire solar system, standing at an incredible 27 km high and measuring 600 km across. This gargantuan volcano will be an awe-inspiring sight for future Martian tourists, with an impressive caldera, vast lava flows, and an astonishing scale that is hard to comprehend.

2. Valles Marineris - One of the Deepest Canyons in the Solar System

Imagine walking along a canyon so vast that it stretches over 4,000 km in length and measures 7 km in depth. Valles Marineris is one of the solar system's most significant geological formations, and it is a testament to the incredible geological forces that shaped the Martian surface. Visitors can take in the stunning views of this massive canyon system and appreciate the scale of the Martian landscape.

3. Tharsis - A Trio of Volcanoes

Located near the Martian equator, Tharsis is home to three incredible volcanoes: Ascraeus Mons, Pavonis Mons, and Arsia Mons. Visitors to this region can witness the remains of ancient volcanic activity and take in the vast plains and channels that crisscross the Martian landscape.

4. Cydonia - The 'Face on Mars'

Who can forget the infamous 'Face on Mars,' the curious feature that sparked a flurry of speculation about intelligent life on the Red Planet in the 1970s? Visitors can take a closer look at this intriguing site and decide for themselves what this enigmatic feature might represent.

5. Jezero Crater - Ancient Lake Bed

In 2020, NASA's Perseverance Rover landed in Jezero crater, an ancient lake bed that provides a glimpse into Mars' watery past. Future tourists can explore this fascinating area and uncover evidence of the planet's watery history, including the remnants of ancient streams, rivers, and lakes.

6. Ares Vallis - A Tantalizing Glimpse into Martian History

Ares Vallis is a Martian channel system that stretches over 1,700 km in length, offering an intriguing glimpse into the Red Planet's past. Visitors can explore this extraordinary geological formation and gain insights into the planet's evolution, including its watery history and changes in the Martian climate.

7. Hellas Basin - Impact of the Gods

One of the most prominent features on the Martian landscape, the Hellas Basin is an impact crater formed when an asteroid or comet collided with the Red Planet. This natural amphitheater is truly stunning, displaying layers of massive destruction and fascinating geological formations.

8. Mauna Loa - Mars' Version of the Hawaiian Volcano

Mauna Loa, Mars' largest shield volcano, holds a great deal of interest for space geologists and future tourists alike. As on Earth, shield volcanoes are fascinating examples of geological activity, which greatly contribute to our understanding of the Martian crust.