Some people want to connect with history and learn about civilizations which in many cases are not around any more. You'll find more than lost treasure when you take a tour about any of the below sites:
- Great Wall of China
- Stretching some 13000 miles, this man-made structure is quite something to behold. Conceived back in 3rd century BC, it did little to prevent invaders, but stands as a national symbol of pride.
- It is an UNESCO heritage site where you can view vast grasslands, desert, and mountains.
- As of now for any mobility-impaired guest, it is recommended to visit the Badaling section which has handicap ramps and elevators.
- Machu Picchu
- One of the most popular places to visit in South America, it is all that remains of the Incan Empire. To this day, many of Machu Picchu’s mysteries remain unresolved, including the exact role it may have played in the Incas’ sophisticated understanding of astronomy and domestication of wild plant species.
- This is also an UNESCO heritage site situated high in the Andes mountain range at over 8000 ft above sea level. There are abundant flora (over 90 species of orchids) and wildlife native to the region.
- Also, depending on when you arrive, the site may be quite crowded or nearly deserted with the busiest periods are in the dry season (June-August). Note: you do need to have a ticket to visit this controlled sanctuary.
- Petra, Jordan
- Known as "the Red Rose city", it was an ancient kingdom even before it was absorbed by the Roman Empire. After a catastrophic earthquake shattered the water management system, it was abandoned and only discovered by European explorers in the 1800s.
- This is also an UNESCO heritage site and latest to be added to the New 7 Wonders of the World.
- When visiting, there are many options for getting entry tickets: 1) day pass, 2) night pass, and multi-day Jordan stay pass. Note: be wary of the "free" horse ride to the entrance as the tip they require is NOT free. Most people will opt to walk the 5 minutes to the entrance.
- Giza Pyramids
- The Pyramids is one of the premier attractions of the world. Constructed over 4500 years ago, there are still mysteries surrounding how they performed the feat without modern technology. These elaborately decorated tombs preserve the Egyptian language and way of life.
- Interesting to note that it is the ancient Egyptian capital of Memphis which is recognized as an UNESCO heritage site and the Giza pyramids as well as the Great Sphinx are part of that city. Dahshur is the royal necropolis and includes additional pyramids like the Bent Pyramid.
- Most tours will start in Cairo, with varying itineraries from full day private tours to part day camel tours. Note: there is a limit on the number of people to enter any particular Pyramid and usually one out of the three is usually in restoration.
- Palenque Maya Ruins
- Palenque stands as one of the best representatives of Mayan architecture in Mexico. It served as a regional capital, conquering many nearby kingdoms. Eventually it was itself sacked, abandoned and absorbed by the jungle. It is estimated that only 10% of the site has been discovered and made accessible.
- This also is an UNESCO heritage site set in lush jungle and is surprisingly less visited than Tikal Temple in nearby Guatemala. Take time to go down the architectural trail into the jungle and see what other visitors miss still uncovered. Also don't miss your photo-op chance from the top of The Temple of the Cross (el Templo de la Cruz), take the quintessential photo of the Temple of the Sun, which is one of Palenque's most aesthetically stunning structures.
- For visiting, note that you'll have to pay a national park entrance fee and the additional fee to see the ruins. There are a lot of nicer hotels to stay at closer to the ruins than staying in the city of Palenque. It is better to fly to the other tourist destinations of Oaxaca or Cancun versus trying to fly to Villahermosa.
- Angkor Wat
- Angkor Wat is the largest religious monument in the world covering over 500 acres. It is both an artistic and technological marvel: painted bas reliefs, intricate carvings, a foundation made stable by the creation of a moat, bricks bonded with a vegetable compound, and more. Mysteriously the original name of this complex has faded into time and no record exists of what the original inhabitants called it back in the day.
- Is it a surprise that the last item on the list is also an UNESCO heritage site? No doubt to its cultural and historical importance to the region of Cambodia. It is on the top of most bucket lists, including Jackie O who did risk a visit. Beyond the temple, there is a rich and complex patchwork of tropical dense forests, wetlands, rice fields, water channels and ponds surrounding the world-famed temples.
- The best time of year to visit is from November to March where it is dry and not humid. If you have the time, buy a three day pass so you can visit as many ruins as possible. A one day pass does cover all 72 temples on property.
