We didn’t got down to go to each Surprise of the World, it simply kind of… occurred. One second we had been mountain climbing by means of Petra, the following we had been flying over Christ the Redeemer or catching our breath on the Nice Wall. Someplace alongside the best way, Dave and I noticed we’d checked off the entire New 7 Wonders, many of the Pure Wonders, and even the final surviving Historic Surprise. So naturally, we needed to share the journey.
New Seven Wonders of the World
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 means 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 marvel is throughout us. So seize your bucket record, 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 Historic World had been chronicled by Greek historians, most of them not exist, aside from the Nice Pyramid of Giza.
To replace the idea for the trendy world, the New7Wonders Basis in Switzerland, held a world vote in 2007, choosing seven new wonders based mostly on cultural significance, architectural achievement, and common enchantment. These embrace iconic locations like Petra, Machu Picchu, and the Nice Wall of China. At the moment, there are additionally acknowledged lists of Pure Wonders and Trendy Engineering Wonders—every celebrating humanity’s most vital accomplishments and nature’s most breathtaking creations.
New Seven Wonders of The World
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 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 record. Once 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 believed to have been a thriving commerce hub as early as 400 B.C. The advanced consists of temples, tombs, and hidden pathways by means of semiprecious stone canyons.
Wish to discover Petra in depth? Begin right here:
Nice Wall of China
Spanning over 13,000 miles, the Nice Wall of China is an historical fortification that winds its manner throughout northern China and thru historical past. We visited each the Badaling and Mutianyu sections and might confidently say: the aerial view from a drone or cable automotive is unforgettable. Initially constructed in the course of the seventh century and expanded within the Ming Dynasty, it’s an engineering feat value mountain climbing.
The Nice Wall of China is without doubt one of the most unbelievable 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 means of the Ming Dynasty, reinforcing the concept that world wonders can span centuries of effort. This UNESCO World Heritage Web site is a prime vacation spot in China and deserves its place all journey bucket lists.
Get impressed to hike the Nice Wall:
Christ the Redeemer, Brazil
Rising above Rio de Janeiro, the Redeemer statue appears to be like out over probably the most gorgeous coastlines on Earth. Development started in 1926 and took 9 years to finish. The white soapstone statue isn’t solely an architectural achievement but in addition a logo 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 sights.
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 annually! Constructed with strengthened concrete and travertine, it was a hub for gladiators, fight, public spectacles, and imperial leisure.
Standing inside this advanced, you may 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 1,000,000 folks and almost a million animals died inside its partitions in the course of 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 reduce stone partitions that defy trendy engineering logic. Machu Picchu really is without doubt one of the most stunning locations on the earth.
Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Web site in 1983, additionally it is probably the most iconic New Seven Wonders of the World. The sense of serenity and connection to the earth is unparalleled.
Begin 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 certainly one of Mexico’s most visited archaeological websites and a New World Surprise steeped in historical past, astronomy, and artistry.
Uncover 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. 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 without doubt one of the hottest locations to go to in India. Greater than 8 million folks go to the Taj Mahal annually, 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 missed in favor of human-made icons, however their grandeur rivals something constructed by man.
Mount Everest, Nepal
At 8,848 meters above sea degree, Everest’s summit touches the sting of outer house. Our trek to Base Camp handed by means of villages steeped in Himalayan tradition. The cultural and non secular depth of this area, mixed with its altitude, makes it certainly one of Earth’s most humbling experiences.
Put together on your trek in Nepal:
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 Web site and essentially the most in depth 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 almost 3,000 particular person reefs, it’s teeming with shade, life, and fragility.
Plan your reef journey:
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 most important waterfall by quantity on the earth. The mist, roar, and scale are not possible to seize in photographs. Tens of millions of individuals go to annually for the entire sensory expertise.
Discover Extra 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. 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. Standard perception might say Iceland is greatest, however don’t skip Jasper, Alberta, particularly in the course of the Darkish Sky Competition.
Learn extra concerning the Aurora Borealis
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 probably the most accessible pure wonders within the U.S., and a testomony to nature’s energy.
Standing on the fringe of this huge Arizona chasm appears like gazing into outer house. 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
Shaped in 1943 and rising over 19 years, this volcano is without doubt one of the solely ones whose delivery 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, 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 – House to the legendary Komodo dragon. We remorse lacking this whereas in Bali.
Want Assist Planning Journey to a Pure Surprise?
Seven Wonders of the Historic 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 Historic Wonders nonetheless standing. These Historic Wonders of the World had been chronicled within the Center Ages, and most now dwell on in historical past books.
We’ve visited the remaining marvel of the traditional world, twice, and each time it leaves us speechless. This huge tomb close to Cairo is an everlasting thriller.
Discover extra from historical Egypt:
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 most important temple of the traditional world.
- Mausoleum at Halicarnassus, Turkey – A royal retreat topped with chariots and horses.
- Hanging Gardens of Babylon, Iraq – Presumably legendary, typically debated.
- Lighthouse of Alexandria, Egypt – Guided ships into certainly one of 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 may be one other record 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 tasks that pushed the bounds of what people may 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 succeed in over 100 tales.
- Golden Gate Bridge (USA) – A surprising suspension bridge in San Francisco recognized for its Artwork Deco design and iconic shade.
- Itaipú Dam (Brazil/Paraguay) – One of many world’s largest hydroelectric dams, producing energy for thousands and thousands.
- Delta Works (Netherlands) – An revolutionary system of dams and obstacles 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.
Whereas these engineering wonders aren’t historical or carved into cliff faces, their affect on the trendy world is plain. Every one is a testomony to human innovation, engineering genius, and the need to beat nature’s challenges for the betterment of world society.
These are the world wonders that impressed us, and why they may encourage you too.
