Only one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World is still standing (the Great Pyramid of Giza), but in 2001 the Seven Wonders of the Modern World were defined.
Born from a 2001 initiative by filmmaker, author and adventurer Bernard Weber, the New7Wonders honour seven still-standing, man-made landmarks that were to become “the rightful heirs of the ancient seven wonders,” Weber says. With over 100 million global votes cast and 21 finalists (including the UK’s Stonehenge, Cambodia’s Angkor Wat, and Turkey’s Hagia Sofia, all of which were pipped to the final post), the final seven were selected and feature Peru’s Machu Picchu, India’s Taj Mahal and China’s The Great Wall.
Here, seven CF contributors (who have visited the seven sites) share their insights into how to visit them all.
Machu Picchu, The Andes Mountains, Peru By Laurel Munshower
High in Peru’s Andean cloud forest, mysterious Machu Picchu rises from a cradle of emerald peaks – a 15th-century Inca masterpiece that feels mythical. But make no mistake: although pieces of its history may be as opaque as the dense afternoon mist that can roll in, it is very real as locals tell its tale (if visiting with Intrepid like I did, your knowledgeable Peruvian guide will make this a day of learning – and you may even be joined by some Quechua mamas). Well-worn stone foundations of a once-bustling hub, steep terraces, jaw-dropping views and, of course, grazing llamas offer much to take in, so give yourself plenty of time to explore. Getting there can be as easy or as active as you like. A comfortable scenic train along the Urubamba River runs from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes and takes just 90 minutes; from here a 30-minute bus ride up the steep mountainside finally delivers explorers to the site. If adventurous, embark on the multi-day Inca Trail trek from Ollantaytambo to Machu Picchu’s breathtaking Sun Gate. No matter your approach, be mindful of the high elevation and spend a day or so acclimatising in either Cusco or the Sacred Valley before your visit. A popular base for both travellers and trekkers, Ollantaytambo has a wide selection of hotels, but for the most indulgent Machu Picchu experience, Belmond’s plush Sanctuary Lodge situated at the entrance of the citadel can’t be beaten.
Petra, Jordan By Lucy Halfhead
A 3-hour drive south from Amman in Jordan lies the spectacular UNESCO World Heritage site of Petra. Best visited in the morning, the site is sprawling and the best way to navigate it is with a tour guide: Tours By Locals arrange authentic experiences using knowledgeable and friendly guides. They’ll meet you at the gates of the Siq – a 1.2-kilometre winding road – and accompany you in the early morning light through the dusty red desert which soon turns into sheer cliff faces and winding gorges that have been shaped by centuries of wind, rain and rivers. Suddenly, the famous Treasury appears through a gap – and this breath-taking 2,000-year-old mausoleum, carved directly into the sandstone cliff, will stop you in your tracks. But there are plenty more ruins to explore; from towering tombs to the amphitheatre and the monastery. Stay at the Mövenpick Resort Petra which is in the ideal location, right opposite the entrance to the ancient archaeological site – and its large pool and rooftop terrace are a welcome balm for weary limbs after a long day of walking.
The Taj Mahal, Agra, India By Jess Miles
The Taj Mahal is not only one of the Modern Wonders of the World, but also widely considered the world’s greatest monument to love. Located in Agra and built in the 1600s by Emperor Shah Jahan as a monument to his wife, Mumtaz Mahal, who died in childbirth, if you’re coming here, you might as well do it in style. Enter, The Oberoi Amarvilas. The hotel team makes the whole experience – from booking your tickets to the visit itself – entirely seamless. If you manage to go for sunrise (and we recommend you do) the hotel’s bar is armed and ready with coffee and pastries from 5am to soften the blow of the early morning wake-up call. You’ll then be whisked away by golf carts right up to the Taj Mahal entrance gate, and they’ll also be there waiting to take you back whenever you’re ready. Taking one of the hotel-recommended guides is a no-brainer. They’re a select pool of only 25 guides that are government-approved and personally vetted by the hotel’s general manager, before being handpicked for guests dependent on requirements and preferred approach.
Chichén Itzá, The Yucatán Peninsula, Mexico By Gina Jackson
This majestic monument is the world’s most iconic testament to the astronomical genius of the ancient Maya. Built over several centuries as a ceremonial city and hub of religious significance, its centrepiece pyramid – El Castillo – acts as a solar calendar that dazzles during the equinoxes (sunlight strikes the staircase at certain angles, creating the illusion of a snake crawling down the pyramid). Located in Mexico’s steamy Yucatán Peninsula, it’s best visited with private local guides Bushman Photography, who’ll whisk you from your hotel straight to the site in time for sunrise – ideal for beating the busloads of tourists, who typically arrive at 8am. Their expert guides are well trained in touring Yucatan and Quintana Roo’s most fascinating locations, but handily, also double as nifty cameramen, ensuring you’ll come away with plenty of Instagram fodder. After exploring the ruins, your private tour will also include a local breakfast in picturesque Valladolid, followed by a refreshing dip in one of the peninsula’s most enchanting cenotes.
The Great Wall Of China, Northern China By Natalie Berry
One of the most famous structures in the world, The Great Wall of China is more than 21,000 kilometres long, and was built across 14 centuries, from the 3rd century BC through until the 17th century Ming Dynasty. Its aim? To act as a defence against invasions. Only a (roughly) two-hour drive north from Beijing, it’s easier than you might expect to reach, and there are two main sites to choose from when travelling from the Chinese capital: Badaling to the north west, and Mutianyu to the north east. From the drop-off point at either, you can take the cable car towards the wall (with views across the nearby hilltops), or walk the uphill climb, which takes about 30-40 minutes. The main attraction is, of course, the wall itself – but you’ll also take in sweeping mountain scenery, dense forests, valleys and lakes. If you opt to visit the Mutianayu section, there’s a series of watch towers along the route, 20 of which are open to the public, and some of which are open at night on special occasions. Here, there’s also a fun way of getting back down: the Mutianyu toboggan – a 1,580-metre-long slide starting at watch tower no.6 (I highly recommend this, although a word of warning that the queues to access it can be long!). There are a few places to stay nearby, including Commune By The Great Wall from The Unbound Collection by Hyatt (near Badaling) and Brickyard Retreat (near Mutianyu) but, for me, the best option is to stay in Beijing and take the day trip to discover China’s ancient history.
The Colosseum, Rome, Italy By Sarah Jackson
If you want to understand Rome, start with the Colosseum. This immense amphitheatre was built in 70–80 AD as a grand entertainment venue for the Roman people – and most famously was home to the gladiator games. Today, it still holds the city’s drama, history and chaos within its ancient stone. No film prepares you for the scale of it; step off the metro at Colosseo and the whole area hums with the energy of the excited crowds who once filled its stands. My top tip? Go twice. Visit in daylight and take a guided tour. Make sure to find one that includes the underground dungeons and the nearby Roman Forum. You can then wander into the nearby Monti area for traditional Roman dishes, such as those served at local’s favourite La Taverna dei Fori Imperiali. Later, return at night to see the Colosseum lit up. For a stay within strolling distance, some rooms at the Palazzo Manfredi offer extraordinary front-row views of the wonder, while Monti boutique hotel is located on a quieter nearby street. Wherever you stay, book a table at Palazzo Manfredi’s The Court for aperitivo hour, and ask for a seat facing the Colosseum for the full effect.
Christ the Redeemer, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil By Frankie Collins
Christ the Redeemer towers above Rio de Janeiro in Brazil as one of the world’s most recognisable Modern Wonders. Completed in 1931, the Art Deco statue of Jesus Christ stands at the mountain’s summit as a global symbol of Christianity. From this lofty vantage point, the city unfolds below in a patchwork of bays, beaches and jagged peaks visible in every direction. The most enchanting way to ascend is aboard the scenic Corcovado Train, which glides through the Atlantic rainforest roughly every 20–30 minutes. Keep an eye out along the route and you might spot marmoset monkeys, toucans and bright flashes of butterfly wings fluttering between the trees. A short walk then brings you to the viewing platform. This route sidesteps the congested minibus traffic and lets you savour the forest’s tranquillity at a more contemplative pace. Adrenaline-seekers can take a tandem paragliding flight from Pedra Bonita, soaring high above Tijuca National Park and tracing the city’s coastline, with Christ the Redeemer in view. Most hotel concierges can easily arrange this for you. There’s plenty of guided tours too, but I’d give them a miss – they’re often pricey for what’s essentially a straightforward visit (and tend to operate at peak times). Anchor yourself in the bohemian hillside enclave of Santa Teresa, a characterful neighbourhood just a short drive or taxi ride from the train’s departure point in Cosme Velho. My top pick of hotels in the district is Chez Georges, a modern brutalist villa designed by architect Wladimir Alves de Souza in the seventies, boasting seven design-forward suites. Set out at dawn or just before sunset for the softest light and the clearest, most cinematic panoramas of Rio’s natural splendour.
Lead image: Christ the Redeemer in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
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