Final Information to the Wonders of the World: Historical, Pure, and New

Whereas looking a number of well-liked world lists, we realized one thing wild: we’ve been to each one of many New Seven Wonders, and many 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.

On 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 checklist.

Our Journey By way of the World’s Wonders

We’ve spent the previous 20 years touring throughout continents and chasing not simply magnificence, however that means. A few of these wonders have moved us to tears, whereas others have sparked our curiosity to dig deeper into the civilizations that constructed them.

Whether or not it’s strolling by 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 checklist, open your map, and prepare so as to add a number of extra pins.

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. Whereas the unique Seven Wonders of the Historical World had been chronicled by Greek historians, most of them now not exist, aside from the Nice Pyramid of Giza.

To replace the idea for the fashionable world, the New7Wonders Basis in Switzerland, held a world vote in 2007, deciding on seven new wonders primarily based on cultural significance, architectural achievement, and common enchantment. These embrace iconic locations like Petra, Machu Picchu, and the Nice Wall of China. At present, there are additionally acknowledged lists of Pure Wonders and Trendy Engineering Wonders—every celebrating humanity’s most important accomplishments and nature’s most breathtaking creations.

New Seven Wonders of The World

Petra, Jordan

Petra’s Treasury is likely one of the most cinematic sights we’ve ever seen, and sure, it made us really feel like Indiana Jones in The Final Campaign. 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 Hiram Bingham arrived in 1812.

This archaeological web site tucked into the mountains of southern Jordan is like strolling into historical past. The traditional metropolis of Petra, with its carved facades like Al Khazneh, has earned its place on the New Seven Wonders checklist. After we stood earlier than the Treasury, we felt like we had been on a Hollywood set, besides it was actual.

Believed to have been based in historical instances, 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 semiprecious stone canyons.

Nice Wall of China

Spanning over 13,000 miles, the Nice Wall of China is an historical fortification that winds its method 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 automobile is unforgettable. Initially constructed through the seventh century and expanded within the Ming Dynasty, it’s an engineering feat price climbing.

The Nice Wall of China is likely one of the most unimaginable feats of human energy in human historical past. We explored each the Badaling and Mutianyu sections of the Nice Wall and took in breathtaking aerial views.

Development of the Nice Wall started within the seventh century BCE and continued by the Ming Dynasty, reinforcing the concept that world wonders can span centuries of effort. This UNESCO World Heritage Website is a prime vacation spot in China and deserves its place all journey bucket lists.

Christ the Redeemer, Brazil

Rising above Rio de Janeiro, the Redeemer statue appears to be like out over one of the gorgeous coastlines on Earth. Development started in 1926 and took 9 years to finish. The white soapstone statue will not be solely an architectural achievement but in addition an emblem of hope and unity.

We noticed it from each the highest of the mountaintop and the sky overlooking Mount Corcovado. Over 2 million folks go to Christ the Redeemer yearly. irrespective of which one you select, you’ll be in awe of one of many world’s best vacationer points of interest.

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 folks go to every year! Constructed with bolstered concrete and travertine, it was a hub for gladiators, fight, public spectacles, and imperial leisure.

Standing inside this advanced, you’ll be able to nearly hear the roar of the gang. It’s a reminder of Rome’s energy and its long-standing cultural legacy. It’s thought that half one million folks and practically a million animals died inside its partitions through the gladiator fights.

Machu Picchu, Peru

Excessive above the clouds within the Andes, Machu Picchu is an historical metropolis of the Incas shrouded in mist and thriller. Constructed by the Inca Empire it was used as a retreat within the fifteenth century It showcases agricultural terraces and completely lower stone partitions that defy fashionable engineering logic. Machu Picchu actually is likely one of the most stunning locations on this planet.

Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Website in 1983, it is usually one of the iconic New Seven Wonders of the World. The sense of serenity and connection to the earth is unparalleled.

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 good city planning.

It’s one among Mexico’s most visited archaeological websites and a New World Surprise steeped in historical past, astronomy, and artistry.

Taj Mahal, India

Agra’s crown jewel, the Taj Mahal, is famed for its white marble symmetry and romantic origin. Constructed as a royal retreat and tomb by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan for his beloved spouse, who died giving childbirth 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 Websites.

However be warned, the Taj Mahal is likely one of the hottest locations to go to in India. Greater than 8 million folks go to the Taj Mahal every year, so arrive early and ensure to be one of many first within the advanced at daybreak.

The Pure Wonders That Took Our Breath Away

The Seven Pure Wonders of the World are sometimes ignored 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 house. Our trek to Base Camp handed by 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.

Nice Barrier Reef, Australia

Floating above coral gardens and swimming with vibrant marine life was surreal. The Nice Barrier Reef is a UNESCO World Heritage Website and essentially the most intensive coral reef system on the planet. Its life, shade, 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 shade, life, and fragility.

Victoria Falls, Zambia

In comparison with Niagara Falls, Victoria Falls is sheer thunder. Referred to as Mosi-oa-Tunya, The Smoke That Thunders) It’s the biggest waterfall by quantity on this planet. The mist, roar, and scale are inconceivable to seize in images. Hundreds of thousands of individuals go to every year for the entire sensory expertise.

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 fantastically.

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. Finest seen in darkish sky preserves removed from metropolis lights.

Watching the Aurora Borealis ripple throughout a transparent night time sky in Canada is unforgettable. Fashionable perception might say Iceland is finest, however don’t skip Jasper, Alberta, particularly through the Darkish Sky Competition.

Grand Canyon

The primary time we stood on the South Rim, we had been silent. The Grand Canyon stretches over 440 kilometers, with rock layers that report two billion years of Earth’s historical past. It’s one of the accessible pure wonders within the U.S., and a testomony to nature’s energy.

Standing on the fringe of this large Arizona chasm seems like gazing into outer house. It’s 1.8 km deep and 446 km lengthy—carved by time and the Colorado River.

Paricutin Volcano

Fashioned in 1943 and rising over 19 years, this volcano is likely one of the solely ones whose beginning was witnessed and recorded by people. Positioned in Michoacán, it’s a uncommon alternative to hike into geological historical past.

New Seven Pure Wonders

• Puerto Princesa Underground River, Philippines – A surreal subterranean waterway surrounded by jungle.
• Desk Mountain, South Africa – Towering over Cape City, 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 Lengthy Bay, Vietnam – A seascape of limestone karsts and emerald water, finest 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 – House to the legendary Komodo dragon. We remorse lacking this whereas in Bali.

Seven Wonders of the Historical World

Nice Pyramid of Giza

Out of the three pyramids that make up the Pyramids of Giza, the Nice Pyramid is the one one of many Historical Wonders nonetheless standing. These Historical Wonders of the World had been chronicled within the Center 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 large tomb close to Cairo is a permanent thriller.

Different misplaced wonders embrace:

• Statue of Zeus at Olympia, Greece – A 12-meter sculpture of gold and ivory.
• Temple of Artemis at Ephesus, Turkey – As soon as the biggest temple of the traditional world.
• Mausoleum at Halicarnassus, Turkey – A royal retreat topped with chariots and horses.
• Hanging Gardens of Babylon, Iraq – Probably 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 Trendy World of Civil Engineering

Nevertheless, there’s one other checklist of wonders of the world, much less well-known however equally outstanding: the Seven Wonders of the Trendy World of Civil Engineering, compiled by the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE). These symbolize groundbreaking initiatives that pushed the boundaries of what people might construct within the twentieth century. Listed 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) – As soon as the world’s tallest free-standing construction, this telecommunications tower dominates Toronto’s skyline.
• Empire State Constructing (USA) – A defining image of New York Metropolis and one of many earliest skyscrapers to achieve over 100 tales.
• Golden Gate Bridge (USA) – A shocking suspension bridge in San Francisco identified for its Artwork Deco design and iconic shade.
• Itaipú Dam (Brazil/Paraguay) – One of many world’s largest hydroelectric dams, producing energy for tens of millions.
• Delta Works (Netherlands) – An modern system of dams and boundaries designed to forestall flooding from the North Sea.
• Panama Canal (Panama) – A 77-kilometer waterway that revolutionized international transport by connecting the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans.

Whereas these engineering wonders aren’t historical or carved into cliff faces, their influence on the fashionable world is plain. Each is a testomony to human innovation, engineering genius, and the need to beat nature’s challenges for the betterment of world society.