Ancient Wonders of the World
Six places where the past still towers over you — and how to see them without the crowds.
Machu Picchu, Peru
Perched on a ridge above the Urubamba River, the Inca citadel is even more dramatic in person than in photographs. Most travelers spend a few days acclimatizing in Cusco and the Sacred Valley, then ride the train to Aguas Calientes or hike the Inca Trail.
Entry is by timed ticket along fixed circuits, with daily limits. Buy through the official ticket site or a licensed operator. The dry season (about May to September) is busiest. See South America Tour Specialists and Plan It South America.
Petra, Jordan
You walk through the Siq, a narrow canyon over a kilometer long, until the Treasury appears through a slit in the rock. Beyond lie royal tombs, a Roman-style theater and, up some 800 steps, the Monastery. Spring and autumn are the most comfortable seasons. Stay in Petra / Wadi Musa, pair it with Wadi Rum and the Dead Sea, and see Visit Petra and Plan It Middle East.
The Pyramids of Giza and the Nile
The Great Pyramid is the only one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World still standing. The Grand Egyptian Museum next to the plateau now displays the treasures of Tutankhamun. Most bucket-list itineraries add a Nile cruise between Luxor and Aswan to see Karnak, the Valley of the Kings and Abu Simbel. See Cairo hotels, Luxor hotels and Nile River Boat Cruises. October to April is the most comfortable time.
Angkor Wat, Cambodia
Watching the sun rise behind Angkor Wat’s towers is one of travel’s great moments, but the wider Angkor park is the real prize: the faces of the Bayon, the jungle-wrapped Ta Prohm and dozens more temples. Buy a multi-day pass and base yourself in Siem Reap. November to February is the cooler dry season. See Plan It Asia.
The Taj Mahal, India
Shah Jahan’s white-marble tomb for his wife Mumtaz Mahal changes color with the light, from pink at dawn to gold at sunset. It is closed on Fridays. Most visitors see it on India’s Golden Triangle with Delhi and Jaipur; October to March is the best season. Stay in Agra.
The Great Wall of China
Near Beijing, restored sections such as Mutianyu offer cable cars and dramatic watchtowers, while wilder stretches reward hikers. Spring and autumn bring clear skies and comfortable temperatures. Pair the Wall with Xi’an’s Terracotta Army and a Yangtze cruise; see China Tour Specialists.
Ancient Wonders FAQ
Do I need tickets in advance for Machu Picchu?
Yes. Entry is by timed ticket on set circuits with daily limits, and the Inca Trail requires a separate permit booked through a licensed operator, often months ahead for the dry season (roughly May to September). Buy only from the official ticket site or a licensed agency.
Is the Taj Mahal open every day?
The Taj Mahal is closed on Fridays for prayers. Sunrise visits give the softest light and smallest crowds.
How much time do I need in Petra?
At least one full day; two is better to reach the Monastery and the High Place of Sacrifice. The Jordan Pass, which covers the visa fee and Petra entry for many visitors, can save money.
What is new in Egypt?
The Grand Egyptian Museum near the Giza pyramids now houses the Tutankhamun collection, making Giza a full-day or two-day stop. Pair it with a Nile cruise between Luxor and Aswan.
Ready to cross it off? Plan your ancient-wonders tour
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