Ever since I got back from visiting Petra last year, people keep asking me "cuales son las 7 maravillas del mundo?" It's one of those travel questions everyone seems curious about but few can fully answer. Truth is, there's some confusion around which list we're even talking about - is it the ancient wonders or modern ones? And what makes these places so special anyway?
After seeing four of them myself and researching the rest extensively, I'll break down everything about these iconic sites. Whether you're planning a trip or just satisfying curiosity, you'll find practical details like ticket prices, best visiting times, and transportation tips that most overviews skip.
The Modern Seven Wonders Explained
First things first - when people ask "cuales son las 7 maravillas del mundo" today, they usually mean the New7Wonders list from 2007. About 100 million people voted worldwide to choose these replacements for the original ancient wonders (only the Pyramids of Giza remain from that list). The selection process was messy though - some countries campaigned aggressively while others complained about commercial motives.
What makes them wonders? In my experience, it's the combination of human achievement and jaw-dropping settings. Like when I arrived at Machu Picchu at sunrise after that grueling hike - mist swirling around stone terraces clinging to mountains. No photo prepares you for that.
| Wonder | Location | Year Built | Construction Time | Key Feature |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Great Wall of China | Northern China | 7th century BC | 2,000+ years | Longest man-made structure (13,171 miles) |
| Petra | Ma'an, Jordan | 312 BC | 500+ years | City carved from red sandstone cliffs |
| Christ the Redeemer | Rio de Janeiro, Brazil | 1931 | 9 years | Largest Art Deco statue (98ft tall) |
| Machu Picchu | Cusco Region, Peru | 1450 | 90 years | Inca city at 7,970 ft elevation |
| Chichen Itza | Yucatán, Mexico | 600 AD | 400+ years | Pyramid with astronomical alignments |
| Roman Colosseum | Rome, Italy | 80 AD | 8 years | Largest amphitheater ever built |
| Taj Mahal | Agra, India | 1643 | 22 years | Pure white marble mausoleum |
Why These Seven?
The selection criteria included historical significance, architectural achievement, and cultural meaning. Personally, I think crowd appeal played a role too - places like India's Taj Mahal or Mexico's Chichen Itza attract millions. Whereas equally impressive sites like Cambodia's Angkor Wat didn't make the cut.
Detailed Breakdown of Each Wonder
Great Wall of China
Where to find it: Mutianyu Section (most accessible), 70km northeast of Beijing
Opening hours: 7:30 AM - 5:30 PM (summer), 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM (winter)
Admission: ¥45 (about $7 USD) adults, free under 1.2m height
Getting there: Bus 867 from Dongzhimen Station (2 hours) or private car hire
The first time I saw the Wall snaking over mountains, I actually gasped. Pictures don't capture how steep those steps are! Morning visits are magical - you'll beat both crowds and Beijing's notorious smog. Just wear proper shoes; those ancient stones get slippery.
✔️ Multiple restored sections near Beijing
✔️ Cable car options available
✔️ Incredible photo opportunities
✖️ Crowded during holidays
✖️ Remote sections poorly maintained
✖️ Touts selling souvenirs aggressively
Petra, Jordan
Where to find it: Wadi Musa, Jordan
Opening hours: 6:00 AM - 6:00 PM summer, 6:00 AM - 4:00 PM winter
Admission: JOD 50 ($70) for 1-day pass
Getting there: 3-hour drive from Amman, JETT buses run daily
Walking through the Siq canyon at dawn, with rose-colored cliffs towering 80m above you, feels like entering another world. The Treasury building emerging at the end is pure Indiana Jones magic. But be warned - those donkey rides to the Monastery viewpoint are expensive and the animals seem poorly treated.
Money-saving tip: Stay in Wadi Musa town instead of Petra's overpriced resorts. Eat at local falafel stands where a meal costs $3 instead of $30 inside the site.
Christ the Redeemer, Brazil
Where to find it: Corcovado Mountain, Rio de Janeiro
Opening hours: 8:00 AM - 7:00 PM daily
Admission: R$82 ($16) adults, tickets include cog train
Getting there: Cog train from Cosme Velho station (20 mins)
Rainforest surrounds you as the train climbs Corcovado. Emerging at the summit to see that 635-ton statue arms outstretched over Rio? Breathtaking. But go early - afternoon clouds often obscure views. My photos from 11AM were hazy while my 8AM shots were perfect.
Machu Picchu, Peru
Where to find it: Andes Mountains, Peru
Opening hours: 6:00 AM - 5:30 PM (entry in timed slots)
Admission: $45-$60 depending on circuits
Getting there: Train from Cusco to Aguas Calientes + bus
Worth every step of the hike. Seeing dawn light hit those terraces made my freezing 4AM start worthwhile. Altitude sickness is real though - spend 2 days in Cusco acclimatizing. Book tickets months ahead; they limit daily entries strictly.
Local insight: Don't skip lesser-known Huayna Picchu peak behind the main site. The vertigo-inducing climb rewards you with panoramic views few tourists see. Just know it's not for the faint-hearted!
Chichen Itza, Mexico
Where to find it: Yucatán Peninsula, Mexico
Opening hours: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Admission: $614 MXN ($35)
Getting there: 2-hour drive from Cancun, ADO buses available
The main pyramid is impressive, but the acoustics fascinated me - clap at its base and echoes return as chirps resembling the quetzal bird. Avoid midday heat; mornings bring cooler temperatures and fewer crowds. Vendors outside sell beautiful handmade hammocks at half the price of hotel shops.
Roman Colosseum, Italy
Where to find it: Piazza del Colosseo, Rome
Opening hours: 8:30 AM - 7:15 PM summer, shorter winter hours
Admission: €24 ($26) combo ticket with Forum
Getting there: Metro line B to Colosseo station
Standing where gladiators battled 50,000 spectators gives chills. Book "underground" tours to access hidden passages. Skip-the-line tickets are essential - I waited 45 minutes with regular tickets while premium holders walked right in. Nearby restaurants price-gouge tourists; walk 10 minutes to Monti district for better meals.
Taj Mahal, India
Where to find it: Agra, Uttar Pradesh
Opening hours: Sunrise to sunset (closed Fridays)
Admission: ₹1,300 ($16) foreigners
Getting there: 3-hour train from Delhi to Agra Cantt station
That first glimpse through the gateway - a shimmering white monument reflected in water channels - is unforgettable. Go at opening time for softer light and thinner crowds. Security is strict: no tripods, food, or large bags. Nearby "government-approved" shops charge triple local prices for souvenirs.
Photography tip: The marble changes color throughout the day - pinkish at dawn, bright white at noon, golden at sunset. For iconic shots, position yourself at the bench where Princess Diana famously sat.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why isn't the Eiffel Tower among the 7 wonders?
A: The New7Wonders campaign focused on sites constructed before 2000 with historical significance. Modern icons like the Eiffel Tower (1889) or Sydney Opera House weren't eligible.
Q: Are the pyramids of Giza still considered a wonder?
A: Yes, but separately! The Great Pyramid is the only surviving wonder from the original ancient list. It received honorary status when the new wonders were announced.
Q: Can you visit all seven wonders in one trip?
A: Technically possible with 4-5 weeks and $15,000+ budget, but exhausting. I'd recommend grouping them: Rome/Petra, India's Taj Mahal, China's Wall, then South America's Christ/Machu Picchu/Chichen Itza.
Q: Which wonder is most wheelchair accessible?
A: Christ the Redeemer has elevators and ramps throughout. The Colosseum offers accessible routes avoiding stairs. Petra and Machu Picchu have extremely limited accessibility due to terrain.
Q: How much would it cost to visit all seven?
A: Based on my experience:
| Expense Type | Budget | Mid-Range | Luxury |
|---|---|---|---|
| Flights | $3,500 | $5,000 | $12,000+ |
| Accommodation | $1,800 | $3,500 | $10,000+ |
| Attraction Fees | $250 | $300 | $500 |
| Total (6 weeks) | $6,000-$7,000 | $10,000-$12,000 | $25,000+ |
Practical Visiting Tips From Experience
After multiple trips, here's what guidebooks won't tell you:
Timing Matters More Than You Think
Arriving exactly at opening time isn't just about photos - it's about survival. At Chichen Itza, midday temperatures hit 100°F (38°C) with no shade. At the Taj Mahal, afternoon crowds triple. For Petra and Machu Picchu, mornings mean soft golden light on stone.
Beat the Tourist Traps
At every site, you'll encounter:
- "Official" photographers charging $20 for basic shots
- Guides offering "special access" for triple standard rates
- Souvenir stalls claiming items are "handmade" (most aren't)
Solution? Book guides through your hotel, research fair prices beforehand, and negotiate firmly.
Hidden Costs Add Up
Beyond admission fees, budget for:
| Site | Common Extra Costs | Smart Alternatives |
|---|---|---|
| Petra | Donkey rides ($50+), mandatory guides | Hike independently, carry water |
| Machu Picchu | Bus from Aguas Calientes ($24 round trip) | Walk the steep trail (free but strenuous) |
| Great Wall | Cable car ($8-$15 each way) | Hike up restored paths (30-40 mins) |
| Taj Mahal | Shoe covers ($1), storage lockers | Wear slip-on shoes, carry small bag |
What Disappointed Me (Honest Opinions)
Not everything met expectations. Christ the Redeemer feels smaller in person than photos suggest. The Colosseum's interior is largely reconstructed - only about 30% is original stone. And Petra's famous Treasury? You can't actually enter it despite what movies show.
Would I still recommend visiting? Absolutely. But knowing these realities prevents letdown.
Planning Your Own Wonder Trip
If I had to pick just three wonders for first-timers:
1. Machu Picchu for adventure - Combine with Amazon rainforest treks
2. Taj Mahal for romance - Pair with Rajasthan's palace hotels
3. Colosseum for history - Add Pompeii and Florence art galleries
For families with kids: Stick to Chichen Itza (easy access from Cancun resorts) and the Great Wall's Mutianyu section (cable car available).
Final thought - people asking "cuales son las 7 maravillas del mundo" often want bucket list inspiration. My advice? Don't rush through them. Each deserves at least three days to appreciate properly. I made the mistake of squeezing Petra into one exhausting day and regretted it. Save up, take your time, and let these marvels truly sink in.
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