0

Traveloka PH

23 Jul 2018 - 4 min read

7 Wonders of the World: What Travelers Need to Know

1. Great Wall of China

Great Wall of China

The Great Wall is an ancient fortification made of brick, stone, and earth. Most of what we see today was built during the Ming Dynasty to protect the empire from the invading Mongols. The wall is so massive that the rumour of it being the only man-made structure visible from the moon is still widely believed to this day.

Location: Beijing and other locations in China
Year Built:Between 5th century B.C. and 1600s
Size: 21.19618 million miles long
What to see: The most popular and tourist-friendly part of the Great Wall is the Mutianyu section which is the only fully-restored section of the wall. Mutianyu boasts unique watchtowers and fortresses spread out across its length.
The Challenge: If you’re the outdoorsy type, don’t miss out on the once-in-a-lifetime hike. Climb (or scramble) up the wobbly steps, and experience the wall just as the sentries would centuries ago.

2. Machu Picchu

Machu Picchu

This 15th century Inca citadel set high above the Andes Mountains in Peru is said to have been built for the emperor, Pachacuti. Only discovered last 1911, Machu Picchu is composed of over 150 structures ranging from temples, baths, and homes. The near-perfect masonry and unique architecture still baffles researchers until today as Incas would have to had pushed the heavy stones up the mountains without the aid of wheels.

Location: Urubamba Province, Peru
Year Built: mid-1400s
Size: Occupies and area of 325.9 km²
What to see: Watch the sunrise thru the Sun Gate which was formerly used as a control port for people entering and exiting the city.
The Challenge: Climb up the Huayna Picchu mountain for a fantastic bird’s eye view of the Machu Picchu.

3. Christ the Redeemer Statue

Christ the Redeemer

Since its construction, this art-deco style statue has been the one of Brazil’s most recognizable cultural icons for its sheer size and state of eternal blessing. The soapstone Christ stands on the peak of the 700 meter tall Corcovado mountain overlooking the country’s Capital.

Location: Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Year Built: 1931
Size: 38 meters tall, 635 metric tons
The Challenge: Catching the perfect selfie with the looming statue is a work of art even the most experienced instagrammer will find challenging. It’s best to visit the statue early in the morning when the crowds aren’t as crazy and the sun not as blinding.

4. The Roman Colosseum

Colosseum

Built in 72 AD, the Roman Colosseum is considered the largest amphitheatre ever constructed. With an estimated seating capacity of up to 80,000, the historic ruins are renowned for featuring gladiator matches, public executions, battle reenactments and more. Though most of the colosseum was destroyed by earthquakes, it still remains Italy's number one tourist spot.

Location: Rome, Italy
Year Built:72 AD - 80 AD
Size: 186 meters long by 156 meters wide
What to see: Tour the Hypogeum and upper tiers and explore the areas of the colosseum that regular tourists don’t usually get to see. You’ll get to walk through the underground chambers where gladiators used to fight, and see the enclosures where lions used to be kept.

5. Chichen Itza

Chichen Itza

Known as the El Castillo or “The Castle”, the eye-catching ruin is a grand step pyramid set at the center of the Chichen Itza archaeological site in the Yucatan Peninsula. The pyramid was built by the ancient Mayan Civilization as a way to honor their god, Kukulcan. The site was formerly a powerful trading and political hub from 800 to 1200.

Location: Yucatan Peninsula, Mexico
Year Built: Sometime between the 9th and 12th centuries
Size: 30 meters
What to see: Visit during the spring equinox to witness the pyramid cast a series of shadows that resembles a serpent crawling down the El Castillo.

6. Taj Mahal

Taj Mahal

The Taj Mahal was commissioned by former Mughal emperor, Shah Jahan to be the grand resting place of his late wife, Mumtaz Mahal. Aside from the tomb, the 42-acre property houses a mosque, a guesthouse, multiple gardens, and more. The construction of the complex required at least 20,000 artisans led by a team of architects led by the esteemed, Ustad Ahmad Lahauri.

Location: Agra, India
Year Built: 1632-1648
Size: 240 feet
What to see: Though the most famous image of the Taj Mahal would be the white marble tomb, the other two buildings (the Mosque and the Mihman Khana) are sights to behold as well. The red sandstone buildings stand on either side of the Taj; the Mosque on its left, and the guest house on its right.

7. Petra

Petra

Described as “one of the most precious cultural properties of man’s cultural heritage”, Petra is Jordan’s archeological city and former capital of the Nabataean Empire. The historical city is famous for its rose colored stone architecture and fantastic evidence of its highly advanced water technology.

Location: Petra, Jordan
Year Built: Around 9 BC
Size: approx. 60 square kilometers wide
What to see: If you have enough time, follow the siq past the Treasury and tombs, to the Monastery.
The Challenge: Go off-road up the unmarked Petra hiking trails to catch some of the best views of the city.

Ready to explore the 7 wonders of the world? Make sure you book your flights and hotels with Traveloka today!]]>

Always Know the Latest Info
Subscribe to our newsletter for more travel & lifestyle recommendations and exciting promos.
Subscribe