These are the most Favorited EarthCaches on each continent! An EarthCache leads geocachers to a location where they can learn about a unique geological feature. Visitors to EarthCaches can see how our planet has been shaped by geological processes, how we manage its resources, and how scientists gather evidence.

This is the first in a new series about the most Favorited geocaches on each continent. Stay tuned next month for the most Favorited Multi-Caches on each continent! Ready to go around the world and learn about Mother Earth? Let’s go!

Africa
Egypt
Valley of the Kings, GC1956A
Difficulty (D) 2 / Terrain (T) 2

Located on the west bank of the Nile River near Luxor, the Valley of the Kings is a royal burial ground for many of Egypt’s New Kingdom rulers, with exquisitely decorated tombs. This spectacular destination is one of the most famous archaeological sites in the world.

Antarctica
Deception Island, GC115ZX
D5 / T5

If you are one of the fortunate and adventurous few to journey to Antarctica, one of the high points is a visit to Deception Island. It has a distinctive horseshoe shape with a large flooded caldera and is the rim of a young, active volcano.

Asia
United Arab Emirates
Build Your House on the Rock, GC282V6
D2 / T1.5

The tallest tower in the world, Burj Khalifa is an impressive 2,716 feet (828 meters) tall. This EarthCache isn’t about how high this building soars, but what’s underneath it! Burj Khalifa is supported by a large reinforced concrete and steele foundation and by visiting this EarthCache, you’ll learn about the geology below the building, and why this foundation is so important.

Oceania
New Zealand
Punakaiki Pancakes Earthcache, GCN98H
D2 / T1

These pancake-shaped rock formations are made of limestone and mudstone, but how they were formed millions of years ago may surprise you. This geocache is so spectacular, it earned “Geocache of the Week” in January of 2015!

Europe
Germany
The Cologne Cathedral – A Geological Point of View, GCZ8H7
D1 / T1

The Cologne Cathedral is not only a landmark in Cologne, Germany, but also a renowned example of Gothic architecture. This EarthCache focuses on all of the different types of stone used to build this magnificent cathedral. Plus, this geocache was featured as one of Moun10Bike’s top 10 geocaches!

North America
Canada
Table Rock Earthcache, GCMH1C
D1 / T1

Niagara Falls is made up of three waterfalls: the Horseshoe Falls, the American Falls and the Bridal Veil Falls. It is the second largest waterfall on the globe next to Victoria Falls in southern Africa. One fifth of all the freshwater in the world lies in the four Upper Great Lakes—Michigan, Huron, Superior and Erie. All the outflow empties into the Niagara River and eventually cascades over the falls.

South America
Peru
Machu Picchu Fault Line Earthcache, GC2Q1TG
D2.5 / T3

Built on a narrow ridge in the Peruvian Andes Mountains, Machu Picchu is an architectural wonder. What’s even more awe-inducing is that Machu Picchu is centered on two fault lines. Despite earthquakes and seismic activity, this citadel has lasted for over 600 years.

Do you have a favorite EarthCache you’ve found, or one that is at the top of your list to find? Share it in the comments!