Guide To The 7 Wonders Of The New World
Photo Credit: Matthew Stockman/Getty ImagesChrist The Redeemer Statue
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
You will find the Christ the Redeemer Statue in Tijuca National Park set on top of the 2,300-foot summit of Corcovado Mountain. This wonder is a must-see for all visitors traveling to Rio de Janeiro. The statue was completed in 1931 to commemorate the 100th anniversary of Brazilian Independence back in 1922. Christ The Redeemer stands at 125 feet and weighs more than 700 tons. It has become the largest Art Deco sculpture found anywhere in the world. Not only is the Christ the Redeemer Statue something you must see, you will also love the view you have of Rio de Janeiro from the top of the summit.
Travelers can reach the summit via a cog train that leaves from the station of Rua Cosme Velho. This train leaves every 30 minutes from the station up to the summit. It is a 20-minute train ride that will take you through a tropical forest and up a steep, winding hillside. Tickets must be purchased online before arriving at the station. Click here to purchase tickets from Trem do Corcovado. Visitors can also reach the summit by passenger van, car or taxi.
Photo Credit: ThinkstockGreat Wall Of China
China
When planning your trip to the Great Wall of China, the hardest part will be deciding which area of the wall to visit. Many make their plans to visit this wonder from the Beijing area, mostly because staying in that area will give you access to the wall and still keep you close to other sites in the country. The Great Wall was built mostly throughout the rule of three dynasties: the Qin Dynasty from 221 B.C. to 206 B.C., the Han Dynasty from 206 B.C. to 220 A.D., and the Ming Dynasty from 1368 to 1644 A.D. Those visiting the wall from Beijing will see the part that was built during the Ming Dynasty.
Though history shows that the wall was not very effective in preventing enemies from attacking or entering, it did play a huge role in the development of the county. The Wall proclaimed a frontier line, employed thousands of citizens, helped prevent defections and displayed the power and might of the emperor. From Beijing, the wall is open to tourists all year long. However, the most ideal months to visit are from late March through June and September through early November.
Photo Credit: ThinkstockMachu Picchu
Peru
Go back in time when the Incas ruled the mountaintop in Peru. Machu Picchu is an ancient Incan city that is surrounded by temples, terraces and water channels that were built using huge blocks of stones and a lot of mortar. As one of the modern wonders, Machu Picchu has been designated as a cultural heritage site of humanity and is recognized for its religious, political and administrative advances. Meaning "Old Mountain," Machu Picchu was built back in the 15th century by the Inca Pachacutec. The citadel of the site is divided into two sections — agriculture and urban.
Tickets are required to visit Machu Picchu and can only be purchased in advance. No entrance tickets will be sold at the access checkpoint or on-site. For more information or to purchase tickets, click here. Train tickets to get to the site can be purchased from various Peru Rail sale points or by visiting the website. Train service is also available through Incarail or bus service is available to the site.
Photo Credit: ThinkstockPetra
Jordan
Right in the heart of an empire, Petra is an exceptional wonder built by the nomadic Nabataeans. The Nabataeans settled in Jordan back in the 6th century B.C. and quickly became the capital of a wealthy trade empire. This area was also a melting pot that was influenced by all forms of both Arab and Roman architecture. While exploring Petra, you will be able to see everything from impenetrable mountains to lost cities and tales of hidden treasure, relics of a lost culture.
Everywhere you go in Petra, you will find yourself in the heart of a unique history as you go back in time among the 2,000-year-old bricks of the unique architecture. Petra is open daily from 6 a.m. until sunset, and tickets are available from the visitor center near the gate. The best time to visit is in the spring and autumn, when temperatures are mild and there is little chance of rain.
Photo Credit: ThinkstockPyramid At Chichen Itza
Yucatan Peninsula, Mexico
One of the best-known and well-restored wonders is the Pyramid at Chichen Itza, which is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Chichen Itza is home to a ball court, temples, thousands of columns and several platforms. When the Mayan civilization was at its peak, this was the main center where outsiders came in to trade goods and services with area inhabitants.
There are two distinct architectural zones at Chichen Itza, one that dates back to the 7th century and the central zone, which was built in the 10th century after the Toltecs arrived. This Yucatan Maya archaeological site includes ruins that cover approximately 6.5 square kilometers. The site is small enough, making it possible to explore and see everything in a single day. Guided tours are available from local companies offering historical commentary when visiting the site.
Photo Credit: ThinkstockRoman Colosseum
Rome, Italy
Anyone who makes their way to Rome for their vacation cannot leave the Colosseum off of their must-see list. This is where gladiators fought against wild animals as a form of entertainment for the emperors and citizens of Rome. The inauguration games were held in 80 A.D., and before the games were stopped more than five thousand animals were killed. This large amphitheater is not only a new wonder of the world, but it is also the symbol of the Eternal City.
There are three main sections to the Colosseum, including access to the Roman Forum and the Palatine Hill. Both of these are situated on the same archaeological site as the Colosseum and all three sites share the same entrance ticket. All tickets are valid for two days after purchase, which means if you are unable to see it all in a single day, you can go back and finish exploring the Colosseum.
Photo Credit: ThinkstockTaj Mahal
Agra, India
You will not want to miss the beauty of the ivory-white marble mausoleum that is set on the south bank of the Yamuna River. Commissioned by Shah Jahan, the Mughal emperor in 1632, the Taj Mahal houses the tomb of his favorite wife, Mumtax Mahal. If the crowds do not bother you, than visiting the Taj Mahal in Agra, India is a must when circling the world in search of the new wonders. Close to 60,000 people visit the Taj Mahal on a daily basis, making it the world's busiest tomb. You will be amazed by the beauty and architecture of this wonder.
The best time to visit the Taj Mahal is from late October through mid-March. During this time, temperatures are moderate and bearable. The Taj Mahal is open daily from sunrise, and last entry is approximately 30 minutes before sunset. Visitors wanting to get to the Taj Mahal can either go on their own or take part in an organized and guided tour. Just keep in mind that many tours will include other stops along the way and around the city. So if you don't want to go to more than one site, or be on a limited time frame at the Taj Mahal, it might be best to go on your own.
