So you're thinking about bucket list travel destinations and wondering about those famous 7 wonders of this world? Honestly, I used to get confused too – turns out there are two official lists floating around. After my own trips to six of these sites (still missing Chichén Itzá!), let me break it down for you without the textbook jargon.
The original Seven Wonders of the Ancient World list came from Greek historians around 250 BC. Sad truth? Only Egypt's Pyramids of Giza are still standing. Fast-forward to 2000, when a Swiss foundation ran a massive global poll to choose a new Seven Wonders of the World. Over 100 million votes poured in. That's the list most travelers actually mean today when discussing the 7 wonders of this world.
The Original Seven Wonders of the Ancient World
Just picture this: ancient travelers compiling Instagram-worthy spots before Instagram existed. Here's what made their legendary list:
| Wonder Name | Location | Current Status | Why It Was Special |
|---|---|---|---|
| Great Pyramid of Giza | Giza, Egypt | Still standing | Largest ancient pyramid (481 ft tall) |
| Hanging Gardens of Babylon | Iraq (alleged) | Destroyed (unknown date) | Mythical terraced gardens |
| Statue of Zeus at Olympia | Olympia, Greece | Destroyed (5th century AD) | 40-ft gold/ivory statue by Phidias |
| Temple of Artemis | Ephesus, Turkey | Destroyed (262 AD) | Marble temple larger than football field |
| Mausoleum at Halicarnassus | Bodrum, Turkey | Destroyed (1400s) | Elaborate tomb for regional governor |
| Colossus of Rhodes | Rhodes, Greece | Destroyed (226 BC earthquake) | 108-ft bronze statue of sun god |
| Lighthouse of Alexandria | Alexandria, Egypt | Destroyed (1303 AD earthquake) | First lighthouse in history (440 ft tall) |
Pyramids of Giza - The Lone Survivor
If you visit only one ancient wonder, make it this. Heading there? Skip the midday desert heat – go at dawn when shadows make killer photos. Entry costs 200 EGP ($6.50), but add 400 EGP ($13) to enter the Great Pyramid. Opens daily 8am-5pm. Local tip: Hire approved guides ONLY at the ticket office to avoid scams. Honestly? The Sphinx feels smaller than expected but still gives you chills.
Hot Take: Seeing the Pyramids feels surreal until you spot Pizza Hut across the road. Still worth it though.
The New 7 Wonders of This World
This is the list that matters for modern travelers. Voted by millions in 2007, these sites represent global heritage. I remember arguing with a Brazilian backpacker in Peru about whether Christ the Redeemer deserved its spot over Angkor Wat. Personal opinions vary, but here's the official lineup.
| Wonder | Country | Best Time to Visit | Entry Fee (USD) | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Great Wall of China | China | Apr-May, Sept-Oct | $5-$10 (section varies) | 7:30am-6pm daily |
| Petra | Jordan | Mar-May, Oct-Nov | $70 (1-day pass) | 6am-6pm summer, 6am-4pm winter |
| Colosseum | Italy | Apr-May, Sept-Oct | $18 (book online!) | 8:30am-7:15pm summer, shorter winter |
| Chichén Itzá | Mexico | Nov-Apr | $25 | 8am-5pm daily |
| Machu Picchu | Peru | May-Sept (dry season) | $45-$60 (circuit dependent) | 6am-5:30pm (timed entry) |
| Taj Mahal | India | Oct-Feb | $15 (foreigners) | Sunrise to sunset (closed Fridays) |
| Christ the Redeemer | Brazil | Apr-May, Sept-Oct | $25 (train included) | 8am-7pm daily |
Petra, Jordan: That Indiana Jones Moment
Walking through the Siq canyon at dawn when nobody's around... wow. You turn a corner and BAM – the Treasury appears. Pro tip: Buy the Jordan Pass ($99) before arrival. It covers visa fee AND Petra entry. Stay overnight in Wadi Musa to beat crowds. Local Bedouins sell "authentic" Roman coins – spoiler, they're not.
Machu Picchu, Peru: Worth the Hype?
Let's be real: It's overcrowded. But that sunrise over terraces? Magical. You've got options: Inca Trail (4-day hike $650+), train from Cusco ($140 roundtrip), or budget bus+hike combo. Book tickets MONTHS ahead at official site. Bring rain gear even in dry season – weather flips fast.
Insider Advice: Huayna Picchu hike (limited tickets!) gives iconic views but isn't for acrophobics. The stairs are brutal after altitude adjustment.
Practical Travel Tips for Visiting Multiple Wonders
Can you hit all 7 wonders of this world in one trip? Technically yes, but you'd need 3+ weeks and $15k minimum. More realistically:
| Route Combo | Estimated Cost | Time Required | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Middle East: Petra + Pyramids | $2,500-$3,500 | 10-12 days | History buffs |
| Latin America: Chichén Itzá + Machu Picchu | $3,000-$4,000 | 14-16 days | Adventure travelers |
| Asia: Taj Mahal + Great Wall | $2,800-$3,800 | 12-15 days | Cultural explorers |
Budget killers? Machu Picchu permits and Jordan's Petra entry. Save by visiting China's Great Wall sections like Mutianyu instead of touristy Badaling. Rome's Colosseum tickets spike in summer – book the "Full Experience" ticket online to skip lines.
What about safety? Felt completely fine at Taj Mahal and Christ the Redeemer. Petra requires basic caution with valuables. Only place requiring vaccinations was Peru (yellow fever recommended).
Controversies and Common Questions
Why isn't the Eiffel Tower or Statue of Liberty on the new 7 wonders of this world list? The foundation required man-made structures built before 2000 with "artistic/cultural significance." Natural wonders like Grand Canyon were in separate categories.
Are there official tickets covering all 7 wonders?
Nope. Each site has separate entry systems. Scam alert: Any site selling "7 wonders pass" is fake.
Which wonder is most accessible for wheelchair users?
Christ the Redeemer wins with elevators and ramps. Colosseum has partial access. Machu Picchu? Forget it – all stairs.
How were the new 7 wonders chosen?
Through global phone/internet voting organized by New7Wonders Foundation. Egypt protested since Pyramids were auto-included as honorary candidate.
Personal Regrets and Lessons Learned
Biggest mistake? Trying to cram Machu Picchu and Chichén Itzá back-to-back. Jet lag murdered me. Also, wearing white pants to Taj Mahal despite warnings about dye stains from restoration work. RIP favorite trousers.
Wish I knew earlier: Many wonders restrict professional cameras without permits. My DSLR got turned away at Petra until I paid $50 "professional fee." Sneaky tactic? Put big lens in bag until after ticket check.
The Experience Beyond Photos
Here's what nobody tells you about the seven wonders of this world: The sounds. Hearing Muslim call to prayer echo off Petra's cliffs at sunset. The smell of marigold offerings at Taj Mahal. The taste of salty air atop Christ the Redeemer. Photos capture 10% of the magic.
Are they overcrowded? Absolutely. Worth it? Depends. If you hate crowds, opt for shoulder seasons or secondary sites like China's Jiankou Great Wall instead of main sections. But sometimes joining the tourist herd creates unexpected connections – shared wonder crosses language barriers.
Final thought? Don't treat these as checklist items. Stay an extra day to wander beyond the main viewpoints. That's how I found Machu Picchu's secret Inca Bridge trail with zero people. Pure travel gold.
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