While searching just a few fashionable world lists, we realized one thing wild: we’ve been to each one of many New Seven Wonders, and a lot of the pure and historical ones too. As full-time vacationers, we’ve made it a mission to expertise locations with deep cultural significance and historical roots.
In this submit, we’ll take you thru private tales from the world’s most extraordinary locations, historical cities, engineering feats, and pure wonders that belong on each journey bucket record.
Our Journey Through the World’s Wonders
These seven icons have been chosen by way of a world vote in 2007 organized by the New7Wonders Foundation in Zurich, Switzerland, aiming to have a good time engineering feats and cultural significance, highlighting humanity’s most awe-inspiring achievements.
What Are the 7 Wonders of the World?
The time period “Wonders of the World” refers to lists of essentially the most outstanding artifical and pure landmarks on Earth. While the unique Seven Wonders of the Ancient World have been chronicled by Greek historians, most of them now not exist, aside from the Great Pyramid of Giza.
To replace the idea for the fashionable world, the New7Wonders Foundation held a world vote in 2007, deciding on seven new wonders primarily based on cultural significance, architectural achievement, and common attraction. These embrace iconic locations like Petra, Machu Picchu, and the Great Wall of China. Today, there are additionally acknowledged lists of Natural Wonders and Modern Engineering Wonders—every celebrating humanity’s most important accomplishments and nature’s most breathtaking creations.
New Seven Wonders of The World
The Treasury of Petra, Jordan
Petra, Jordan
Petra’s Treasury is without doubt one of the most cinematic sights we’ve ever seen, and sure, it made us really feel like Indiana Jones in The Last Crusade. Carved from rose-red cliffs over 2,000 years in the past, the traditional Nabatean capital was misplaced for hundreds of years till a Swiss explorer arrived in 1812.
This archaeological web site tucked into the mountains of Jordan is like strolling into historical past. The historical metropolis of Petra, with its carved facades like Al Khazneh, has earned its place on the New Seven Wonders record. When we stood earlier than the Treasury, we felt like we have been on a Hollywood set, besides it was actual.
Believed to have been based in historical occasions, Petra is assumed to have been a thriving commerce hub as early as 400 B.C. The advanced contains temples, tombs, and hidden pathways by way of semiprecious stone canyons.
Want to discover Petra in depth? Start right here:
Great Wall of China
Spanning over 13,000 miles, the Great Wall of China is an historical fortification that winds its means throughout northern China and thru historical past. We visited each the Badaling and Mutianyu sections and may confidently say: the aerial view from a drone or cable automotive is unforgettable. Originally constructed throughout the seventh century and expanded within the Ming Dynasty, it’s an engineering feat price mountain climbing.
The Great Wall of China is without doubt one of the most unimaginable feats of human power in human historical past. We explored each the Badaling and Mutianyu sections of the Great Wall and took in breathtaking aerial views.
Construction of the Great Wall started within the seventh century BCE and continued by way of the Ming Dynasty, reinforcing the concept that world wonders can span centuries of effort. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is a prime vacation spot in China and deserves its place all journey bucket lists.
Get impressed to hike the Great Wall:
Christ the Redeemer, Brazil
Rising above Rio de Janeiro, the Redeemer statue seems to be out over one of the crucial gorgeous coastlines on Earth. Construction started in 1926 and took 9 years to finish. The white soapstone statue shouldn’t be solely an architectural achievement but in addition a logo of hope and unity.
We noticed it from each the mountaintop and the sky. Over 2 million individuals go to Christ the Redeemer yearly, regardless of which one you select, you’ll be in awe.
Roman Colosseum, Italy
Few constructions from the traditional world draw crowds like this one. The Colosseum is essentially the most visited monument in Italy. Over six million individuals go to every year! Built with bolstered concrete and travertine, it was a hub for gladiatorial fight, public spectacles, and imperial leisure.
Standing inside this advanced, you possibly can nearly hear the roar of the gang. It’s a reminder of Rome’s energy and its long-standing cultural legacy. It is assumed that half 1,000,000 individuals and practically a million animals died inside its partitions.
Machu Picchu, Peru
High above the clouds within the Andes, Machu Picchu is an historical metropolis shrouded in mist and thriller. Built by the Inca Empire, it showcases agricultural terraces and completely minimize stone partitions that defy fashionable engineering logic. Machu Picchu actually is without doubt one of the most lovely locations on the planet.
Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983, it’s also one of the crucial iconic New Seven Wonders of the World. The sense of serenity and connection to the earth is unparalleled.
Start planning your Peru journey:
Chichen Itza, Mexico
Set within the Yucatán Peninsula, Chichén Itzá’s El Castillo stands as a mix of science, spirituality, and spectacle. This historical Mayan metropolis aligns with astronomical occasions and showcases sensible city planning.
It’s one among Mexico’s most visited archaeological websites and a New World Wonder steeped in historical past, astronomy, and artistry.
Discover extra concerning the Yucatán and Chichén Itzá:
Taj Mahal, India
Agra’s crown jewel, the Taj Mahal, is famed for its white marble symmetry and romantic origin. Built as a royal retreat and tomb by Shah Jahan for his beloved spouse within the 1600s it’s each a spot of mourning and marvel.
Standing on the reflecting pool because the solar hits the marble, it turns into clear why the Taj Mahal is among the many most treasured UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
But be warned, the Taj Mahal is without doubt one of the hottest locations to go to in India. More than 8 million individuals go to the Taj Mahal every year, so arrive early and ensure to be one of many first within the advanced at daybreak.
The Natural Wonders That Took Our Breath Away
The Seven Natural Wonders of the World are sometimes neglected in favor of human-made icons, however their grandeur rivals something constructed by man.
Mount Everest, Nepal
At 8,848 meters above sea stage, Everest’s summit touches the sting of outer area. Our trek to Base Camp handed by way of villages steeped in Himalayan tradition. The cultural and non secular depth of this area, mixed with its altitude, makes it one among Earth’s most humbling experiences.
Prepare to your trek in Nepal:
Great Barrier Reef, Australia
Floating above coral gardens and swimming with vibrant marine life was surreal. The Great Barrier Reef is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and essentially the most in depth coral reef system on the planet. Its life, colour, and scale are unmatched.
From helicopter excursions to diving platforms, this marine ecosystem in Queensland stretches over 344,000 km². Composed of practically 3,000 particular person reefs, it’s teeming with colour, life, and fragility.
Plan your reef journey:
Victoria Falls, Zambia
Compared to Niagara Falls, Victoria Falls is sheer thunder. Known as Mosi-oa-Tunya, The Smoke That Thunders) It’s the most important waterfall by quantity on the planet. The mist, roar, and scale are unattainable to seize in photographs. Millions of individuals go to every year for the entire sensory expertise.
Explore More of Victoria Falls
Rio De Janeiro’s Harbor
Framed by Sugarloaf and Corcovado, this coastal view blends city vibrance with pure drama. It’s uncommon to discover a place the place nature and metropolis collide so superbly.
Aurora Borealis
The Northern Lights in Canada, Iceland, and Greenland by no means fail to mesmerize. We’ve seen them dance in Alberta and Michigan, portray the sky in electrical waves. Best considered in darkish sky preserves removed from metropolis lights.
Watching the Aurora Borealis ripple throughout a transparent evening sky in Canada is unforgettable. Popular perception could say Iceland is greatest, however don’t skip Jasper, Alberta, particularly throughout the Dark Sky Festival.
Read extra concerning the Aurora Borealis
Grand Canyon
The first time we stood on the South Rim, we have been silent. The Grand Canyon stretches over 440 kilometers, with rock layers that document two billion years of Earth’s historical past. It’s one of the crucial accessible pure wonders within the U.S., and a testomony to nature’s energy.
Standing on the fringe of this huge Arizona chasm seems like gazing into outer area. It’s 1.8 km deep and 446 km lengthy—carved by time and the Colorado River.
Plan your Grand Canyon go to:
Paricutin Volcano
Formed in 1943 and rising over 19 years, this volcano is without doubt one of the solely ones whose start was witnessed and recorded by people. Located in Michoacán, it’s a uncommon alternative to hike into geological historical past.
New Seven Natural Wonders
Puerto Princesa Underground River, Philippines – A surreal subterranean waterway surrounded by jungle.
Table Mountain, South Africa – Towering over Cape Town, it’s a flat-topped marvel seen from all angles, together with Robben Island.
Iguazu Falls, Brazil/Argentina – A thunderous assortment of 275 waterfalls. We explored it at dawn and sundown with no crowds.
Ha Long Bay, Vietnam – A seascape of limestone karsts and emerald water, greatest seen on an in a single day junk boat.
Amazon Rainforest – The lungs of the Earth, teeming with life and very important to our planet’s well being.
Jeju Island, South Korea – A volcanic island with lava tubes and basalt cliffs, incomes it UNESCO World Heritage standing.
Komodo Island, Indonesia – Home to the legendary Komodo dragon. We remorse lacking this whereas in Bali.
Need Help Planning Your Iguazu Falls Adventure?
Seven Wonders of the Ancient World
Great Pyramid of Giza
Out of the three pyramids that make up the Pyramids of Giza, the Great Pyramid is the one one of many Ancient Wonders nonetheless standing. These Ancient Wonders of the World have been chronicled within the Middle Ages, and most now stay on in historical past books.
We’ve visited the remaining surprise of the traditional world, twice, and each time it leaves us speechless. This huge tomb close to Cairo is an everlasting thriller.
Explore extra from historical Egypt:
Other misplaced wonders embrace:
Statue of Zeus at Olympia, Greece – A 12-meter sculpture of gold and ivory.
Temple of Artemis at Ephesus, Turkey – Once the most important temple of the traditional world.
Mausoleum at Halicarnassus, Turkey – A royal retreat topped with chariots and horses.
Hanging Gardens of Babylon, Iraq – Possibly legendary, usually debated.
Lighthouse of Alexandria, Egypt – Guided ships into one among historical past’s busiest harbors.
Colossus of Rhodes, Greece – Towered over the harbor entrance, like a guardian.
Seven Wonders of the Modern World of Civil Engineering
However, there’s one other record of wonders of the world, much less well-known however equally outstanding: the Seven Wonders of the Modern World of Civil Engineering, compiled by the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE). These characterize groundbreaking initiatives that pushed the boundaries of what people might construct within the twentieth century. Here are the engineering wonders:
Channel Tunnel (England/France) – A 50-kilometer rail tunnel beneath the English Channel that connects the UK to mainland Europe.
CN Tower (Canada) – Once the world’s tallest free-standing construction, this telecommunications tower dominates Toronto’s skyline.
Empire State Building (USA) – A defining image of New York City and one of many earliest skyscrapers to succeed in over 100 tales.
Golden Gate Bridge (USA) – A shocking suspension bridge in San Francisco recognized for its Art Deco design and iconic colour.
Itaipú Dam (Brazil/Paraguay) – One of the world’s largest hydroelectric dams, producing energy for thousands and thousands.
Delta Works (Netherlands) – An modern system of dams and limitations designed to stop flooding from the North Sea.
Panama Canal (Panama) – A 77-kilometer waterway that revolutionized international transport by connecting the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans.
While these engineering wonders aren’t historical or carved into cliff faces, their influence on the fashionable world is plain. Each one is a testomony to human innovation, engineering genius, and the need to beat nature’s challenges for the betterment of worldwide society.
What are the 7 Wonders of the World right now?
The most generally accepted wonders of the fashionable world record contains Petra, Christ the Redeemer, Chichén Itzá, the Roman Colosseum, the Taj Mahal, Machu Picchu, and the Great Wall of China.
How many wonders of the world are there in complete?
There are a number of lists, together with the New Seven Wonders, the Seven Wonders of Nature, and the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, making at the very least 21 well known websites.
Is the Great Pyramid nonetheless standing?
Yes, the Great Pyramid of Giza in Egypt is the one authentic standing of the unique Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. The authentic record of the wonders of the world was compiled within the Middle Ages.
What makes a web site a world surprise?
Sites are usually acknowledged for his or her historic, cultural, or pure significance. Many are UNESCO World Heritage Sites because of their excellent worth to humanity.
Which wonders are you able to go to right now?
You can go to the entire New Seven Wonders, and plenty of wonders of nature just like the Grand Canyon.
We’ve spent the previous twenty years touring throughout continents and chasing not simply magnificence, however which means. Some of those wonders have moved us to tears, whereas others have sparked our curiosity to dig deeper into the civilizations that constructed them.
Whether it’s strolling by way of historical temples, standing atop windswept cliffs, or drifting down jungle rivers, these moments outline why we journey.
They’re not nearly seeing one thing spectacular—they’re about understanding humanity’s shared historical past, marveling at our place on Earth, and reminding ourselves that surprise is throughout us. So seize your bucket record, open your map, and prepare so as to add just a few extra pins.
These are the world wonders that impressed us, and why they could encourage you too.