Are you an experienced traveler who has been to all the popular destinations like Paris, London, and Los Angeles? Do you think there is nothing out there that can surprise you? Or perhaps you are just bored at home and hear the voice of adventures calling to you? Then I have a unique travel idea to satisfy your needs. What do you think about visiting the new seven wonders of the world? Have you ever heard of them? Just in case, let me give you a short intro.
What Are the New Seven Wonders of the World?
First of all, let me remind you that out of the ancient seven wonders of the world only the Great Pyramid of Giza in Egypt survived. Therefore, the new seven wonders of the world were determined in 2001. The list included:
- The Great Wall of China
The Great Wall of China is an ancient line of walls and fortifications located in northern China near Beijing. It was built about 500 years ago, so technically it is not that old. According to historians, the main purpose of the building was protection.
There are different parts of the wall that you can come and see, but be careful, there are a lot of tourists here. Badaling is the most famous, most visited, and most restored section of the Great Wall of China. But I would recommend you to visit Mutianyu or Jinshanling. These locations are less busy and equally amazing.
- Petra
The Lost City of Petra is hidden in the southwestern desert of Jordan. The sheer size of this place will blow your mind. I remember walking down the narrow gorge that opens up to the famous sandstone-carved hill and feeling like I was in one of the Indiana Jones movies. It was so enchanting that I spent hours walking around.
Let me give you a little piece of advice. Come early in the morning so you can see the treasury lit up in the morning sun, and if you can, stay till the sunset. It’s definitely something worth seeing at least once in a lifetime!
- Christ the Redeemer
The widespread arms of Christ the Redeemer stood at the top of Mount Corcovado. A trip to Rio de Janeiro will be incomplete if you don’t see this iconic statue. Designed by French sculptor Paul Landowski and built by Brazilian engineer Heitor da Silva Costa, it was completed in 1922. To get to the top, you must take a train, van or taxi to the top and then take the escalator upstairs. Then don’t forget to take a photo of yourself with your arms outstretched.
One little piece of advice is to check the weather in advance. The day must be sunny with no clouds on the horizon. Otherwise, you will not be able to see the statue when you get to the top. There is no point in spending half a day getting there if you can’t see through the clouds.
- Machu Picchu
Machu Picchu is often referred to as the last lost city of the Incas. Explorer Hiram Bingham III discovered Machu Picchu in 1911. But, in fact, he was looking for the city of Vilcabamba. So Machu Picchu may not be the last city of the Incas, and it was not lost. It just waited to be opened. Smallpox is believed to be the reason for death of most of the population.
There are several options to get to Machu Picchu, either by train or trekking. If you choose a trek, make sure you get to Cusco a few days before. This will provide you with necessary time for acclimatization to high altitudes.
- Chichen Itza
Chichen Itza is a Mayan archaeological site located on the Yucatan peninsula near the famous resort city Cancun. As for the Mayan ruins, this is by far the best example of their architecture. You can find clusters of pyramids and temples there, the most famous of which is El Castillo. This pyramid is dedicated to Kukulcan, the Feathered Serpent. Another attraction is the 166-meter Great Ballcourt with excellent acoustics. Go and try it out when you are there.
When most travel guides suggest you come early in the morning, I recommend visiting at the end of the day. There are public buses and day tours from Cancun coming here, but if you want to arrive early, feel free to rent a car.
- The Colosseum
The list would be incomplete without the Colosseum. Built in 80 AD, the Colosseum is the best monument in the eternal city of Rome. Standing in the middle of the Colosseum, it is easy to imagine why the Romans were considered one of the greatest engineers of all time. The Colosseum housed up to 50,000 spectators, who entered through 50 entrance gates. I would like to visit a concert held here!
If you don’t have all the time in the world, do not line up at the main entrance for a ticket. Go up to the Roman Forum near the Colosseum and buy a ticket there instead. This will save you many hours of pointless waiting…
- Taj Mahal
Taj Mahal is a huge mausoleum of white marble, built in Agra in the 17th century. Many travelers from all around the world dream about coming here. The Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan ordered the construction in memory of his beloved wife. The process took about 20,000 workers and 16 years.
The best time to visit Taj Mahal is from November to February; otherwise, it can be unbearably hot or rainy. And I also recommend arriving here not early in the morning, but shortly before sunset.
