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Impact craters on earth are difficult to preserve due to the continuous remodeling of the earth’s crust by orogenesis, plate tectonics and atmospheric agents.

List of the biggest impact craters on earth:

1. Vredefort Dome, South Africa: 160 km diameter, 2.02 billion years old.
2. Chicxulub crater, Mexico: 150 km diameter, 65 million years old.
3. Sudbury crater, Canada: 130 km diameter, 1.85 billion years old.
4. Popigai crater, Russia: 100 km diameter, 35 million years old.
5. Manicouagan crater, Canada: 100 km diameter, 214 million years old.
6. Acraman crater, Australia: 90 km diameter, 580 million years old.
7. Chesapeake Bay crater, USA: 85 km diameter, 35 million years old.
8. Morokweng crater, South Africa: 70 km diameter, 145 million years old.
9. Kara crater, Russia: 65 km diameter, 70 million years old.
10. Beaverhead crater, USA: 60 km diameter, 600 million years old.

Wikimedia map link

Well preserved impact craters on earth:

Aouelloul crater, Mauritania
3,1 million years old, 390 m diameter, 53 m depth.

Tenoumer crater, Mauritania
30.000 years old, 1,9 km diameter, 100 m depth.

The Roter Kamm crater, Namibia
5 million years old, 2,5 km diameter, 130 m depth.

Lonar crater lake, India
50.000 years old, 1,2 km diameter, 137 m depth.

Monturaqui crater, Chile
One million years old, 460 m diameter, 34 m depth.

Gosses Bluff crater, Australia
142 million years old, 6 km diameter, 180 m depth.

Pingualuit crater, Canada
1,4 million years old, 3,44 km diameter, 270 m depth

Amguid crater, Algeria
100.000 years old, 450 m diameter, 30 m depth

Wolfe Creek crater, Australia
300.000 years old, 875 m diameter, 25 m depth

Barringer crater, USA
40.000 years old, 1,2 km diameter, 170 m depth.

 

Also known as Stone of Peñol (since this rock formation is claimed by both the bordering towns of Peñol and Guatapé) the Rock of Guatapé is a granitic monolith located in the Peñol – Guatapé reservoir, about 40 km East of Medellìn, Colombia.

The rock is 200 meters high and it is surrounded by a magnificent lagoon, which is formed by the hydro-electric dam, built in the 1960-70s.

Visitors can reach the top of the rock climbing up the 650 steps on the stairway, enjoy the stunning view and visit two Benedictine monasteries.

Also known as the Floating Lake, the Loktak Lake, located in Bishnupur district of Manipur, about 50 km south of the city of Imphal, is the largest freshwater lake in North-Eastern India.

With a surface of 290 square kilometres, it is famous and unique for its floating islands named phumdis: masses of soil, organic matter and vegetation that hosts several species of animals and aquatic plants including the Sangai, a brow-antlered deer, state animal of Manipur.

These phumdis are not just an aesthetic wonder but a functional ecosystem, supporting a variety of flora and fauna. The largest of these is the Keibul Lamjao National Park, the only floating national park in the world.

As a fragile ecosystem, Loktak Lake faces challenges from pollution, unsustainable fishing practices, and encroachments. Visitors are encouraged to practice responsible tourism—avoiding plastic waste, respecting the local culture, and supporting eco-friendly initiatives. By doing so, travellers can contribute to the preservation of this unique natural treasure for generations to come.

Loktak Lake is located approximately 50 kilometres from Imphal, the capital city of Manipur. The nearest airport is in Imphal, which is well-connected to major cities in India. From Imphal, you can hire a taxi or take a local bus to reach the lake. The journey itself is an experience, offering stunning views of Manipur’s lush hills and valleys.

The best time to visit Loktak Lake is between October and March when the weather is pleasant, and the migratory birds are in full attendance. During this period, the lake comes alive with vibrant activity, making it a perfect time for photography, sightseeing, and cultural exploration.

Located in the Paracas National Reserve, in the region of Ica, Peru, between Punta Santa Maria and Playa Lagunillas, the Playa Roja is a stunning beach where the pink granodiorite rocks form a unique landscape with red sandy beach and cliffs.

To reach Playa Roja, follow the trail leading to the entrance of the Paracas Reserve. After passing by the museum, also known as the “Centro de Interpretación,” proceed in the direction of Lagunillas. Upon reaching the Lagunillas checkpoint, continue until you arrive at Playa Roja.

Since Playa Roja is part of a protected reserve, amenities are minimal. It’s advisable to bring water, snacks, sunscreen, and a hat to protect against the strong sun. Comfortable walking shoes are also recommended if you plan to explore the surrounding cliffs.

The best time to visit Playa Roja is during the dry season, from April to November, when the weather is pleasant, and the skies are clear. Early mornings or late afternoons are particularly magical, with soft light enhancing the beach’s vibrant colors.

As part of a protected area, Playa Roja relies on visitors to maintain its pristine condition. Make sure to follow the “leave no trace” principle: take all your trash with you, avoid disturbing wildlife, and stick to designated paths to protect the fragile ecosystem.

Located in the southeast of Spain, between the city of Murcia and the Sierra Espuña Regional Park, the Barrancos de Gebas is one of the most fascinating landscapes in Spain.

The semi-desert area, reminiscent of the American badlands, has a lunar landscape characterized by spectacular gullies, canyons and the turquoise waters of the Embalse de la Rambla of Algeciras.

Owing to the dry atmosphere, elevation and stable climate, Mauna Kea is one of the best sites in the world for astronomical observation.
On its summit, there are observatories useful for scientific research, despite not well considered by Native Hawaiians, for whom the summits of the Hawaiian mountains are sacred places.

The MKVIS Maunakea Visitor Station is accessible for tourists.

The Croagh Patrick (also known as “The Reek”), whose names means (St.) Patrick’s stack, is considered the holiest mountain in Ireland.

It is located in County Mayo on the Wild Atlantic Way, overlooking the Clew Bay; 764 meters high, it is the 4th highest mountains of the region.

Since the Stone Age the mountain carries on a tradition of pilgrimage; still nowadays every year (the last Friday and Sunday of July and the 15th of August) thousands of pilgrims ascend to the summit, where is believed Saint Patrick fasted for forty days in 441 AD. According to the tradition, the pilgrims should climb the mountain barefoot.

The view of the Clew Bay and the charming town of Westport from the top is absolutely outstanding. The 7km round trip walk trail starts from the Murrisk car park.