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There are some things in this world that are just breathtakingly beautiful and awe-inspiring. These amazing places are commonly known as the 7 Wonders of the World. The Grand Canyon, Mount Everest, and the Great Barrier Reef–they’re all natural wonders that have to be seen to be believed. But there’s more to these places than just their looks. Each one is steeped in history and culture, and each one has a story to tell. That’s why we’ve put together this list of the 7 Wonders of the World. These places are worth exploring not just for their natural beauty but for the lessons they teach us about ourselves and our world.
Here’s a ranking based on their historical and cultural significance:
If you’re looking for an awe-inspiring sight, look no further than Christ the Redeemer. This iconic statue is located in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, and it’s one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world. The statue is made of concrete and soapstone, and it’s 30 meters tall—that’s almost 100 feet! It was built in 1931 and is dedicated to Jesus Christ. There’s no shortage of things to see and do in Rio, but a trip to Christ the Redeemer is a must-do for any traveler. Get your guide and head to the Christ the Redeemer, Sugarloaf, and Selaron with lunch here.
The Great Wall of China is an architectural masterpiece and a true Wonder of the World. It’s the largest man-made structure on Earth, stretching over 5,500 miles. And it was built over a period of centuries by thousands of laborers. So why was it built? The wall was originally constructed to protect the Chinese Empire from invading hordes. But over time, it’s come to symbolize China’s power and strength. It’s a sight to behold and a must-see for anyone visiting China. Get your guide and take a trip out to walk along the Great Wall and experience a bit of history.
So, what makes the Great Wall such a hot spot for adventure seekers and history buffs? Well, for starters, its close proximity to Beijing, one of China’s major cities, makes it a piece of cake to access (and by cake, I mean a few hours’ drive). Forget about those long, tedious journeys to remote locations – this bad boy is practically knocking on Beijing’s door, waving hello like your nosy neighbor who always pops up when you least expect it.
Now, let’s zoom in on Badaling. Considered one of the most visited and easily accessible sections of the Great Wall, Badaling sits approximately 50 miles (or 80 kilometers, if you want to get technical) northwest of Beijing. It’s like the VIP section of the wall, where the crowds descend like stampeding bulls to get their dose of Great Wall glory.
But wait, there’s more! Badaling has undergone extensive renovations to serve the modern-day tourist. They’ve pimped it up with fancy-pants facilities like cable cars and pulley systems for those who prefer to save their energy (or who are deathly afraid of stairs).
Now, if you’re looking for something a bit more off the beaten path (and by that, I mean less crowded), Mutianyu is your go-to section. Not only does it offer stunning natural scenery with dense forests and rolling hills, but it also gives you that picturesque vibe without the masses breathing down your neck.
Oh, and did I mention the cable car and toboggan ride? Mutianyu takes the fun factor up a notch with a cable car ride up to the wall and a thrilling toboggan ride for the descent. Because apparently, just walking on the Great Wall isn’t exciting enough.
One of the most popular wonder is Petra, which is located in modern-day Jordan. Petra was built by the Nabataeans and was once a thriving city. It’s known for its rock-cut architecture, and it’s estimated that more than 800,000 people visit every year. What’s so special about Petra? Well, for starters, it’s one of the most well-preserved cities from the ancient world. And its location is pretty stunning too. The city is carved into the side of a cliff, and if you’re lucky enough to visit, you’ll be blown away by the striking red sandstone that makes up its buildings.
But hey, who says you have to walk on your own two feet like a mere mortal? For those who want to spice things up, horseback rides are available from the entrance to the beginning of the Siq. Giddy up, my fearless adventurers! Riding through the Siq on horseback gives you a different perspective of the ancient surroundings and adds a thrilling touch to your Petra experience.
And now, my friends, the moment you’ve been waiting for. As you emerge from the Siq, brace yourselves for the sight of a lifetime. Behold, Al-Khazneh, famously known as The Treasury. This jaw-dropping, rose-red structure carved into the cliffs will knock your socks off (figuratively, of course). The Treasury is the crown jewel of Petra, leaving visitors in a state of awe and wonder.
Now, it’s time to get those walking shoes on because the majority of exploration in Petra is done on foot. No worries, my fearless walkers, this allows you to take in the ancient city at your own pace, soaking in every intricate detail. Walking tours will guide you through the various archaeological sites, giving you a close-up view of the skillfully carved structures. Get ready to feel like an archaeologist uncovering hidden secrets and uncovering the mysteries of the past.
Get your guide and take a 2-day trip out to Petra with transport and accommodations in a Bedouin camp with breakfast.
5 Understated but Amazing Places to Visit Around the World
If you’ve never been to Machu Picchu, it’s definitely worth a visit. This Incan citadel is one of the 7 Wonders of the World for a reason. What’s so special about Machu Picchu? Well, for starters, it’s located in an incredibly stunning location. It’s set high in the Andes Mountains, and when you see it for the first time, you’ll understand why it was such an important site for the Incans. Machu Picchu is definitely a site worth seeing if you’re ever in Peru. be sure to book well in advance, though, as it gets quite crowded during peak season. Get your guide entry tickets from to Machu Picchu Lost Citadel and the Mountain Hike here.
First up, we have the Inca Trail, the holy grail of hiking routes to Machu Picchu. It’s like the classic choice for adventurous souls who love a good challenge. This trek will push your limits, but oh boy, the views you’ll witness along the way are absolutely worth it. Prepare to be blown away by the awe-inspiring landscapes surrounding you. But hey, if you’re looking for a different kind of adventure, you’ve got options.
Now, let’s talk about the train journey. If hiking is not your thing or you just want to take a break from challenging your quads, hop on that train from Cusco or Ollantaytambo. Sit back, relax, and enjoy the scenic views of the Andean landscapes passing by. It’s like a window to natural beauty, delivering those “wow” moments without breaking a sweat.
Once you arrive at Machu Picchu, it’s time to join the guided tours led by knowledgeable local guides. These guides are like walking encyclopedias, sharing fascinating insights into the history, architecture, and cultural significance of this ancient site. They’ll point out key structures like a true detective, explain the purpose of various areas, and even share juicy stories about the Inca civilization.
Now, take a deep breath, my fierce explorers, because it’s time to unleash your inner Indiana Jones and explore the nooks and crannies of Machu Picchu. You have the freedom to roam the various sections of this mystical place, like agricultural terraces, temples, plazas, and residential areas. This is your chance to channel your inner historian and marvel at the advanced engineering skills of the Incas.
For those craving an extra dose of adventure and panoramic views that will make your jaw drop, you can conquer the challenge of climbing Huayna Picchu. It’s like leveling up your Machu Picchu experience. The ascent may be challenging, but the reward? Oh, it’s a mind-blowing perspective of Machu Picchu from above.
Now, we’re getting to one of my personal favorites: Chichén Itzá. This Maya city is located in the Yucatan Peninsula of Mexico, and it’s one of the most popular tourist destinations in the country. Chichén Itzá was built in the late classical period and it reached its peak in the post-classic period. There’s a lot of speculation about why the city was abandoned, but no one really knows for sure. What we do know is that this place is absolutely stunning. The pyramid of Kukulcán is the most famous structure in Chichén Itzá, and it’s definitely worth checking out. But there are also plenty of other temples and ruins to explore, so you could easily spend a whole day here. Get your guide and take a trip out to Chichen Itza and the sacred cenote for the day.
The Colosseum is another one of the Wonders of the World for a reason. It’s a masterpiece of engineering, and it’s still standing today, nearly two thousand years after it was built. The Colosseum was originally built to host gladiator contests and other public spectacles. It could accommodate up to fifty thousand spectators, which is pretty impressive when you think about it. The inside of the Colosseum was decorated with marble and statues, and the seats were arranged in tiers. The Colosseum was constructed from concrete and stone, and it’s thought that the Romans used a technique called opus caementicium to create the iconic arches. This type of concrete is still in use today, which just goes to show how timeless this structure is.
The Taj Mahal is one of the seven wonders of the world for a reason. It’s an absolutely stunning structure, and it’s been standing since 1632. But as beautiful as it is, there’s more to the story than just its looks. The Taj Mahal was built by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan as a memorial to his late wife, Mumtaz Mahal. When she died in childbirth, he was so heartbroken that he decided to build the most beautiful structure in her honor. And wow, did he succeed. The Taj Mahal is made of white marble and is decorated with intricate carvings and inlaid semiprecious stones. It’s one of the most photographed monuments in the world, and it’s definitely worth a visit if you’re ever in India. Get your guide that takes you for a sunrise Taj Mahal, Agra Fort and Baby Taj Tour from Delhi here.
Conclusion
The Seven Wonders of the World are some of the most magnificent and awe-inspiring structures on the planet. Each wonder represents a different culture and a different time in history, and they continue to inspire travelers and artists to this day.
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Hi, Jill Here
Hi! I’m Jill, a Dallas, Texas girl traveling the world. After a career in the Air Force and touring over 50 countries later, my need to explore keeps going! It’s time to rock & roll and find all those places I never knew I was missing.
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