Visit the most amazing places on Earth: the new 7 Wonders of the World

The Seven Wonders of the World are some of the most beautiful historical landmarks and monuments across the world, showcasing humanity’s imagination, capability, and dedication. The seven wonders aren’t just landmarks, they’re adventures waiting to unfold. Each one pulls you into a different world full of history and awe.

The number seven was believed by the ancient Greeks to represent perfection, which is why the concept of “Seven Wonders” continues to endure. In this blog, you’ll learn more about each new wonder of the world and its history, what airports are best to fly into and the airlines you can fly with to visit the new wonders of the world.

The history of the 7 Wonders of the World

Ancient vs. modern wonders

In the past, there were 7 wonders of the ancient world that left tourists in awe. In 2001, the Swiss corporation New7Wonders Foundation launched a project to carefully select the 7 Modern Wonders of the World from a list of 200 incredible architectural sites.

The Great Pyramid of Giza was the only remaining wonder of the original 7 wonders of the world in the vote but unfortunately, it didn’t make it to the final list of new wonders.

The Seven Wonders of the Ancient World

The Seven Wonders of the Ancient World are:

• The Great Pyramid of Giza
• The Colossus of Rhodes
• The Lighthouse of Alexandria
• The Mausoleum at Halicarnassus
• The Temple of Artemis
• The Statue of Zeus at Olympia
• The Hanging Gardens of Babylon

These structures demonstrate the extraordinary creativity and engineering skills of ancient civilisations. Today, only the Great Pyramid of Giza remains largely intact, while the others have been lost to time due to natural disasters or human activity.

The new Seven Wonders of the World - and how to visit them

1. Great Wall of China 

Location: China 🇨🇳

Fun fact: It would take 18 months to walk the entire wall without stopping

UNESCO World Heritage Site: Since 1987

History and significance

Attracting millions of visitors each year, The Great Wall of China stands as one of the modern seven wonders of the world. The Great Wall of China is the longest man-made structure in the world located on China’s northern border, with a length of over 21,000km.

The Great Wall of China was constructed over centuries by emperors to protect their land and prevent invasions. The 2,300-year-old wall represents the unification of China as it was connected to the Qin Dynasty in 221-206 BC for the first time.

Unique experience to try

Thrill-seekers must paraglide in Simatai when visiting the Great Wall! Paragliders will get a perfect bird's eye view of the Great Wall of China and a jaw-dropping view of the Chinese natural breathtaking landscape at the height of 300 metres from the take-off zone.

Take me to Beijing

Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK) is the closest airport to the Great Wall. From this airport, you can fly directly to over 185 destinations across the world with 45+ airlines including Air China, Hainan Airlines, Air Canada, Emirates and more.

2. Chichén Itzá

Location: Yucatán, Mexico 🇲🇽

Fun fact: Name translates to “at the mouth of the well of Itza”

UNESCO World Heritage Site: Since 1988

History and significance

Chichén Itzá, located in Yucatán, Mexico is an archaeological site built by the Mayan people as a ceremonial centre for the Maya civilisation. In the Mayan language, Chichén Itzá translates to “at the mouth of the well of Itza”. This represents the number of underground rivers that run beneath the region and served as the source of water for the community.

Chichén Itzá is home to El Castilo, also referred to as the Temple of Kukulcan, a step pyramid central to astronomical events. Today, 12 of Chichén Itzá’s buildings remain standing and restored by the Mexican government.

Visit the ruins

The best time to visit the 100-foot stepped pyramid is during spring and autumn equinoxes. When the sun hits in the evening the northwest corner of the temple casts triangular shadows which create an illusion of a feathered serpent slithering down the pyramid.

Take me to Yucatan

Mérida International Airport (MID) is the international airport of the Mexican city of Mérida. From Mérida airport, Chichén Itzá is only a 25-minute car ride. Aeromexico, American Airlines and Viva Aerobus are some of the most popular airlines that operate frequent flights to Mérida Airport.

Want to book flights to Chichén Itzá? Take a look at our guide on booking flights to Chichen Itza for more information!

3. Petra

Location: Jordan 🇯🇴

Fun fact: The name ‘Petra’ means ‘Rocks’

UNESCO World Heritage Site: Since 1985

History and significance

In 2007, the ancient city of Petra became one of the 7 new wonders of the world. The rose-red city has become the most visited tourist attraction in Jordan and one of the most visited archaeological sites across the globe.

Petra is known to be ‘one of the most precious cultural properties of man’s cultural heritage’. The blushing red-rose city has so much to offer and is bound to leave you amazed - from exploring ancient ruins and monuments to cliff-top views and secret gems.

Explore Petra

Whilst visiting Petra we recommend that you stay at least one night in the city's bubble hotels and admire the breathtaking views, especially at sunset. Sleep under the stars in this once-in-a-lifetime experience. Less expensive things to do in Petra include exploring The Siq and The Treasury or taking a camel ride through the picturesque street of the Facades.

Take me to Petra

If you want to book a flight to Petra, we advise that you fly into Queen Alia International Airport. This airport is great if you’re looking to fly into Jordan from an international destination. Major airlines that fly from this airport include Royal Jordanian, Ryanair, Turkish Airlines, United Airlines and Vueling.

4. Machu Picchu

Location: Peru 🇵🇪

Fun fact: Located 7,000 feet above sea level

UNESCO World Heritage Site: Since 1983

History and significance

Machu Picchu is one of the 7 wonders of the world that needs no explanation! The picture-perfect setting is over 7,000 feet above sea level, located between the Machu Picchu and Huayna Picchu mountains.

There are many theories as to why Machu Picchu was built, but people largely believe that it served as a royal estate for Inca emperors and nobles. Machu Picchu is made up of more than 150 buildings, ranging from baths and houses to temples and sanctuaries. Although it was invisible from below the mountains, the Incas abandoned Machu Picchu 100 years after it was built as they feared that the Spanish invaders would find them and destroy the ‘old city’.

The Spaniards never discovered Machu Picchu since the forest trails were burnt purposely when the Ancient Inca people left. The famous landmark was only discovered later on in 1911 by Yale Professor Hiram Bingham.

Hike the Inca Trail

For adventurous travellers, there’s no better way to reach Machu Picchu than by hiking the legendary Inca Trail. The full trek takes around four days, covering roughly 42 kilometres (26 miles) and reaching altitudes of up to 4,200 metres. Along the way, you’ll pass archaeological sites that can only be accessed on foot, making the journey just as memorable as the destination.

Due to the high number of tourists visiting the site each year, the Peruvian government have decided to protect the ruins and prevent erosions of the mountainside. Permits are limited and must be booked well in advance, especially during the dry season (May to September). Hiring a licensed guide is mandatory and will usually include porters, camping equipment, and meals.

Take me to Machu Picchu

To fly to Machu Picchu, you'll have to fly into Jorge Chávez International Airport - Peru’s main international and domestic airport. There are many destinations across the globe that allow you to fly into Jorge Chávez Airport with a range of major airlines including LATAM, KLM, United Airlines, and JetBlue among others. This airport is only 30 minutes away from Machu Picchu’s historical landmark.

5. Christ the Redeemer

Location: Rio de Janeiro, Brazil 🇧🇷

Fun fact: The statue is struck by lightning on average of 3 to 6 times per year due to its location

UNESCO World Heritage Site: Since 2012

History and significance

Christ the Redeemer (Cristo Redentor) is sat at the peak of the 700-metre tall Corcovado mountain in the Tijuca National Park in the centre of Rio de Janeiro. The statue began construction in 1926 after World War I, when representatives of the Brazilian Republic believed that the country needed to restore its faith. It was requested that the art-deco monument dedicated to Christians would be placed on top of the Corcovado mountain so it would be visible from anywhere across the city.

In 2007, Rio de Janeiro's most recognisable landmark was voted as one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. The Christ the Redeemer statue is the newest built out of all of the Seven Wonders of the World and attracts millions of religious and non-religious visitors each year. The landmark is 30 metres tall and its outstretched arms span 28 metres, making it the largest statue of Jesus Christ worldwide.

Reach the summit

Many tourists will hike up the Corcovado mountain to witness the panoramic views of Rio. The hike lasts between 1 and a half to 2 hours. The hill is steep, so if you’re looking for an alternative you can reach Christ the Redeemer by cog train. The train leaves every 30 minutes and the journey to the top of Corcovado Mountain only lasts around 20 minutes.

Take me to Rio de Janeiro

If you're looking to visit Rio de Janeiro to see the Christ the Redeemer Landmark, we advise that you fly into Rio de Janeiro/Galeão International Airport (GIG). Travellers from the UK can fly directly into Rio de Janeiro with British Airways and US visitors can fly with multiple airlines including American Airlines and Delta Air Lines.

6. The Colosseum 

Location: Rome, Italy 🇮🇹

Fun fact: The Colosseum has survived several natural disasters, including fires and earthquakes

UNESCO World Heritage Site: Since 1980

History and significance

The Colosseum, also known as the Flavian Amphitheatre, is the national landmark of Italy and one of the new 7 Wonders of the World. This well-known, incredible stadium structure was constructed from sand and stone between AD 72 and AD 80.

The Colosseum in Rome was built to entertain people with gladiator battles, which often included wild animals. During the middle ages, there were several earthquakes which caused the structure of the Colosseum to be destroyed. Nearly two-thirds of the original building had been shattered by the 20th century.

But, a restoration project of the almost 2,000-year-old large amphitheatre was undertaken in the 1990s. With millions of visitors each year, the Colosseum is Italy’s number one tourist attraction.

Take a guided tour

Learn about its full history with a guided tour of the Colosseum, the Forum and Palatine Hill. This will cost around $30-40 and last 3 hours so you’ll have enough time to explore Rome’s most famous landmark and capture pictures. Rome’s shoulder season is between March and May. To keep away from large crowds avoid visiting Rome during the summer months.

Take me to Rome

To visit the Colosseum the best airport to fly to is Leonardo da Vinci Fiumicino Airport (FCO). Wizz Air, Vueling, Ryanair, Neos, ITA Airways, American Airlines and AeroItalia are some of the most popular airlines that operate flights to multiple destinations across Europe and The Americas.

7. Taj Mahal

Location: Agra, India 🇮🇳

Fun fact: The Taj Mahal is renowned for its perfectly symmetrical design

UNESCO World Heritage Site: Since 1983

History and significance

Covered in the beauty of white-washed marble, the iconic Taj Mahal in Agra is without a doubt one of the seven wonders of the world. The semiprecious stone structure is surrounded by looked-after gardens, fountains and pools.

The Taj Mahal was built between 1632 and 1648 by order of Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his beloved wife, Mumtaz. It’s one of the few places in the world where architecture speaks the language of love.

It’s now also home to the tomb of his wife and Shah Jahan himself. The unique white marble building was designed to appear pink in the morning light and golden at night when hit by the moon. Incredible, right?

See the Taj at Sunrise

Today, the Taj Mahal is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the world, hosting millions of visitors a year. It’s especially visited by couples who want to express their love for each other, as the Taj Mahal celebrates Shan Jahan’s unconditional love for his wife. Arrive early to witness the white marble glow in soft morning light, and avoid the crowds.

Take me to Agra

The Taj Mahal is located in Agra. The best airport to fly into is Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi since this airport serves an extensive network across the world. If you’re situated in the UK and are looking to fly into Delhi, you can fly with Vistara, Virgin Atlantic, or British Airways. If you reside in the United States you can fly to Delhi with many carriers including Air India, American Airlines and United Airlines.

Practical travel advice when visiting the seven wonders

Planning a trip to see more than one of the New Seven Wonders? Here's how to make the most of your travels:

• Group the wonders by region: Combine Petra with the Colosseum or Taj Mahal with the Great Wall, depending on your starting point.
• Book in advance: Some landmarks require timed entry or limited daily tickets (especially Machu Picchu).
• Use multi-city flights: With Alternative Airlines, you can travel to more than one destination with only one search and one purchase. That means you can book your trip to all 7 destinations with just one click.
• Travel light and smart: Comfortable shoes, layers, and a small backpack go a long way when exploring ancient ruins or steep climbs.

Travel safety and insurance

Wherever you're headed, don’t forget to:

• Get travel insurance that covers medical emergencies, cancellations, and lost items, especially important when visiting remote or mountainous sites like Machu Picchu. We offer Cancellation Protection and Baggage Protection which you can easily add on to your flights.
• Check entry requirements and local safety guidelines. Some destinations may require special permits or vaccinations.
• Stay connected by carrying a global SIM or portable WiFi - handy for maps, translations, and emergency info.

Responsible tourism and preservation

These cultural landmarks have stood for centuries. Help keep them that way:

• Respect the rules: Stick to designated paths and don’t touch ancient carvings or monuments.
• Support local communities: Choose local guides, eat at small restaurants, and purchase souvenirs made by local artists.
• Avoid peak-season: If possible, visit during the shoulder season to ease overcrowding and enjoy a more peaceful experience.

Book your flights now and pay later

We get it. Planning a trip to the Seven Wonders can feel out of reach and expensive. That’s why we offer Buy Now, Pay Later options like Afterpay, Affirm, Klarna, and more to help make your dream trip more affordable and flexible. With these payment options, you can spread the cost of your flights over time and make your dream adventure more accessible.

Why use Buy Now, Pay Later with Alternative Airlines for your flights to the Seven Wonders?

• ⭐ It's budget-friendly: Split your payments into manageable monthly instalments
• ⭐ Excellent customer service: Our expert team is here to assist you every step of the way, from booking your flight to arriving at your destination.
• ⭐ Global coverage: We offer flexible payments for over 600 airlines globally
• ⭐ No surprises: Clear terms, transparent fees, and easy booking

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Explore all of our payment methods, including Buy Now, Pay Later, cryptocurrency, and e-wallet options, and choose the most flexible way to secure your trip today. Start planning your adventure to the Seven Wonders with ease!

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