New Seven Wonders of the World

Seven New Wonders of the World

Chichen Itza
Yucatan Peninsula, Mexico
The genius and adaptability of Mayan culture can be seen in the splendid ruins of Chichen Itza. This powerful city, a trading center for cloth, slaves, honey and salt, flourished from approximately 800 to 1200, and acted as the political and economic hub of the Mayan civilization. The most familiar ruin at the site is El Caracol, a sophisticated astronomical observatory.

Christ the Redeemer Statue
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
The Art Deco-style Christ the Redeemer statue has been looming over the Brazilians from upon Corcovado mountain in an awe-inspiring state of eternal blessing since 1931. The 130-foot reinforced concrete-and-soapstone statue was designed by Heitor da Silva Costa and cost approximately $250,000 to build - much of the money was raised through donations. The statue has become an easily recognized icon for Rio and Brazil.

The Roman Colosseum
Rome, Italy
Rome's, if not Italy's, most enduring icon is undoubtedly its Colosseum. Built between A.D. 70 and 80 A.D., it was in use for some 500 years. The elliptical structure sat nearly 50,000 spectators, who gathered to watch the gladiatorial events as well as other public spectacles, including battle reenactments, animal hunts and executions. Earthquakes and stone-robbers have left the Colosseum in a state of ruin, but portions of the structure remain open to tourists, and its design still influences the construction of modern-day amphitheaters, some 2,000 years later.

Great Wall of China
China
Built between the 5th century B.C. and the 16th century, the Great Wall of China is a stone-and-earth fortification created to protect the borders of the Chinese Empire from invading Mongols. The Great Wall is actually a succession of multiple walls spanning approximately 4,000 miles, making it the world's longest manmade structure.

Machu Picchu
Peru
Machu Picchu, an Incan city of sparkling granite precariously perched between 2 towering Andean peaks, is thought by scholars to have been a sacred archaeological center for the nearby Incan capital of Cusco. Built at the peak of the Incan Empire in the mid-1400s, this mountain citadel was later abandoned by the Incas. The site remained unknown except to locals until 1911, when it was rediscovered by archaeologist Hiram Bingham. The site can only be reached by foot, train or helicopter; most visitors visit by train from nearby Cusco.

Petra
Jordan
Declared a World Heritage Site in 1985, Petra was the capital of the Nabataean empire of King Aretas IV, and likely existed in its prime from 9 B.C. to A.D. 40. The members of this civilization proved to be early experts in manipulating water technology, constructing intricate tunnels and water chambers, which helped create an pseudo-oasis. A number of incredible structures carved into stone, a 4,000-seat amphitheater and the El-Deir monastery have also helped the site earn its fame.

Taj Majal
Agra, India
A mausoleum commissioned for the wife of Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan, the Taj Majal was built between 1632 and 1648. Considered the most perfect specimen of Muslim art in India, the white-marble Taj Majal actually represents a number of architectural styles, including Persian, Islamic, Turkish and Indian. The Taj Majal also encompasses formal gardens of raised pathways, sunken flower beds and a linear reflecting pool.

The Seven Natural Wonders of the World

Seven Natural Wonders of the World

The Seven Natural Wonders of the World are located in stunning places around the globe from the United States to Africa, to South America and Australia. These seven astounding examples of geography, ecology and geology are packed with history and are always a fantastic vacation destination

The Grand Canyon

The Grand Canyon in Arizona is 277 miles long and over a mile deep. With more than 5 million visitors each year, the Grand Canyon is one of the most-visited Wonders. Two exciting ways to see the canyon are by helicopter and by taking a mule ride.

The Great Barrier Reef

The Great Barrier Reef is the largest coral reef system on Earth and is made up of over 2,900 separate reefs. The Reef is spread over 900 islands and 133,000 square miles and is visible from space. Boating tours and snorkeling are available off the coast of Queensland, Australia, and there are resorts all along the reef.

The Harbor at Rio de Janeiro

The Harbor of Rio de Janeiro is the largest bay in the world, and the surrounding slopes form unusual mountains and rock formations. Molded over the centuries by erosion from the Atlantic Ocean, the harbor is enclosed by granite mountains. Good ways to enjoy the harbor views include visiting the sandy beach, hiking to the mountain tops, hang-gliding or skiing.

Mount Everest

Mount Everest is the highest point on the planet, reaching over 29,000 feet above the Himalayan Mountains in Nepal and Tibet. If you want to climb the mountain, you need to be in top physical condition and purchase a climbing permit for $25,000, as of 2010. But if you are on vacation and just want to see the mountain, you can take a guided hike to the base or a flight around the mountain.

Aurora Borealis(Northern Lights)

Commonly referred to as the Northern Lights, the Aurora Borealis is a chemical reaction in the solar system that creates dancing sheets of lights that emanate from the North Pole. The Northern Lights are best seen from locations in the northern hemisphere. Remote places in Canada have some of the best views. The light show typically occurs during March and April and again in September and October.

Paricutin Volcano

Paricutin is the youngest volcano in the world, the birth of which was actually witnessed by humans. The last eruption here was in 1952 and Paricutin, about 10,000 feet high, is still classified as active. Situated outside the village of Angahuan about 200 miles west of Mexico City, this volcano is best experienced by hiking, camping or horseback riding along the six-mile journey to the top.

Victoria Falls

Victoria Falls is the largest waterfall on the planet, standing at 306 feet high and about one mile wide. Located in two National Parks in Zambia and Zimbabwe, Victoria Falls was named by the Scottish explorer who discovered it, David Livingstone. Helicopter tours and tours by microlite--a small, motorized aircraft-- are available for breathtaking aerial views of this African wonder.