By Fathima Rukaiya,

Step into the past; these eight ancient wonders still stand today, offering a breathtaking look into human history and timeless architecture. Here’s a detailed look at each.

1. Great Pyramid of Giza, Egypt

Location: Giza Plateau, on the outskirts of Cairo.
Things to See:

• The Great Pyramid of Khufu – the only surviving Wonder of the Ancient World.
• The smaller pyramids of Khafre and Menkaure.
• The Great Sphinx.
• The Solar Boat Museum and panoramic desert viewpoints.

Rates:

• Giza Plateau entry: about 700 EGP for a foreign adult.
• Additional fees for inside access to the pyramids, such as the Great Pyramid chamber.

Avoid the heat and big tour groups by going in the morning or late afternoon. Make reservations in advance for the Great Pyramid’s interior and be ready for tight passageways.

2. Machu Picchu, Peru

Location: Andes Mountains, near Aguas Calientes (accessible via Cusco).
Things to See:

• The Main Plaza and agricultural terraces.
  • The Temple of the Sun
  • The Intihuatana Stone (an ancient sundial).
  • For panoramic views, hike to Machu Picchu Mountain or Huayna Picchu.

Rates:

• Standard entry: approximately USD $40 for a foreign adult
  • Separate authorizations are needed for Machu Picchu Mountain and Huayna Picchu.

Because of the altitude (2,430 m), you should adapt in Cusco for at least one day. Because the weather can change quickly, bring clothes, water, and a rain jacket.

3. Angkor Archaeological Park, Cambodia

Location: Siem Reap, northwest Cambodia.
Things to See:

• Sunrise over Angkor Wat’s reflection pools.
• The smiling stone faces of Bayon.
• The tree covered ruins of Ta Prohm (“Tomb Raider” temple).
• The Royal Enclosure, Angkor Thom, and Preah Khan.

Rates:

• 1 – day pass: USD 37
• 3 – day pass: USD 62
• 7 – day pass: USD 72

To see more than just Angkor Wat, purchase a 3 – day pass. For information on history and temple routes, hire a qualified guide. When entering places of worship, wear modest clothing.

4. The Colosseum, Roman Forum & Palatine Hill, Italy

Location: Central Rome, near the Piazza Venezia.
Things to See:

• The Colosseum’s grand arena and underground tunnels.
• Ruins of the Roman Forum – once the heart of ancient public life.
• Palatine Hill with panoramic views of the ancient city.

Rates:

• Standard combined ticket: around €18
• “Full Experience” ticket with underground/arena access: higher rates depending on section.

Purchase the official timed entrance tickets in advance. For less crowds and cooler weather, visit in the morning. Take a stroll through the neighboring Piazza Venezia while you’re there.

5. Petra, Jordan

Location: Wadi Musa, southern Jordan.
Things to See:

• The Royal Tombs and Street of Facades
• The Siq, a tiny valley that leads to the Treasury (Al-Khazneh)
• The Monastery (Ad Deir), which is 800 steps up but well worth the view.
• The candlelit Treasury’s optional nighttime performance, “Petra by Night.”

Rates:

• One-day ticket: 50 JOD is approximately USD $70 – 71 (foreign adult).
• Two or three-day passes are also available.

If possible, plan two days. The views are unmatched, but the hike to the Monastery is time-consuming. The evenings are ideal for exploring the Siq because they are cooler.

6. The Acropolis, Greece

Location: Athens city center, Greece.
Things to See:

• The Parthenon, Erechtheion, and Temple of Athena.
• The Propylaea entrance gate.
• The Acropolis Museum, which has marble relics and the Caryatids.

Rates:

• Adult ticket: around €30 (timed-entry system).
• Discounts are available for EU students and off-season visitors.

For pleasant lighting and less crowds, visit early in the morning or close to sunset. Because the climb is exposed to the sun, pack water and a hat.

7. The Great Wall of China, China

Location: Around 80 km from Beijing.
Things to See:

• Reconstructed watchtowers and long stretches of the restored wall.
• Panoramic mountain scenery.
• Optional cable car or toboggan ride for convenience and fun.

Rates:

• Entrance fee: around CNY ¥40 about USD $5.50 during peak season.
• Cable car or slide fees: CNY ¥100 – 140 about USD $14 – 19, depending on the option chosen.

Badaling is easiest from Beijing, but Mutianyu offers fewer crowds. Spring and autumn are the best seasons for photography.

8. Tikal National Park, Guatemala

Location: Peten region, northern Guatemala.
Things to See:

• Towering Mayan pyramids: Temple I (Great Jaguar) and Temple IV.
• The Great Plaza and Lost World complex.
• Jungle wildlife – toucans, coatis, and howler monkeys.

Rates:

• Park entry: around Q150 approximately USD $20.
• Additional cost for sunrise or early-entry tours.

If you want to see sunrises over the rainforest canopy, stay close to the park. Water and bug repellant should be brought because the humidity is strong all year round.

Tips for Visiting Ancient Sites

• Book early: Sites like Machu Picchu and the Colosseum require advance reservations.
• Respect preservation rules: Avoid touching carvings or climbing restricted areas.
• Plan for climate: Desert sites like Petra and Giza are scorching at midday; mountain sites like Machu Picchu can be cool or rainy.
• Local guides: Hiring local guides supports communities and deepens your understanding of history.
• Cash & cards: Some remote sites (like Tikal or Petra) prefer local currency for entry or on-site purchases