How to Visit All Seven Wonders of the World

And always keep digital copies of important documents in cloud storage and email backups to yourself. Include copies of your passport, visas, hotel reservations, and insurance information. Some of these high profile tourist sites, are high traffic and a breeding ground for pickpockets and scammers. So, having a backup ensures that even if you are without your phone you will be able to retrieve vital information to continue your journey or even return home.

Note that certain locations, like Machu Picchu, require special permits booked months in advance. And some even require you to carry your passport upon entry.

Just make sure to detail and research everything you need on the official websites (which I will link for you below) so you can ensure you have the proper documentation for each site can save you from last-minute stress.

Essentials to Pack

Packing right makes your journey to the Seven Wonders much smoother. You need items that work across different climates and terrains while keeping your bags light. Here’s some examples of key things you may need.

1. • Sturdy hiking shoes – Essential for the rugged paths at Petra and Machu Picchu.

• • Lightweight, quick-dry clothing – Ideal for layering and managing humidity and temperature changes at various sites.

• • Small daypack – Useful for carrying water, snacks, and camera equipment at expansive sites like Chichén Itzá.

• • Universal power adapter – Essential due to varying electrical outlets across countries.

• • Portable charger – Crucial for long days without access to power, especially at remote sites.

• • Photogenic outfit – Pack at least one stylish outfit for memorable photos at landmarks like the Taj Mahal or Colosseum.

• • Reusable water bottle – Keeps you hydrated while minimizing plastic waste.

• • Sun protection gear – Hats, sunglasses, and sunscreen protect against intense sun exposure.

• • Rain poncho – Weather changes rapidly at mountain destinations like Machu Picchu.

• • Basic first aid kit – Bandages, pain relievers, and stomach medicines handle minor issues effectively.

• • Cash in local currency – Small vendors near landmarks often do not accept cards.

Selecting the Optimal Travel Season

Choosing the right time to visit each wonder significantly enhances your experience. Each landmark has an optimal season. Here’s a quick guide:

• • Great Wall of China: Consider visiting in autumn to enjoy the vibrant foliage and experience fewer tourists.

• • Christ the Redeemer: For the best lighting and to avoid crowds, plan your visit during sunrise or sunset.

• • Taj Mahal: Early mornings provide breathtaking views as the marble reflects a pink hue at sunrise (note that the site is closed on Fridays).

• • Machu Picchu: The dry season from May to September is ideal for hiking, with clearer skies and cooler temperatures.

• • Chichen Itza: Visit during the spring or fall equinox to witness the impressive shadow play on the pyramid.

• • Roman Colosseum: Early mornings or late afternoons are best for avoiding crowds and experiencing the site in a softer light.

• • Petra: Visit in the cooler months from October to April to fully enjoy the archaeological wonders without the intense heat.

Weather patterns affect your experience greatly. Machu Picchu experiences heavy rainfall from November to April, while summer temperatures at Petra can soar above 100°F. Additionally, consider avoiding local holidays and festivals to dodge large crowds.

Guide to Visiting Each of the 7 Wonders

Let’s now break down my best tips to help make your visit to each of the Seven Wonders seamless and memorable.

The Great Wall of China: Top Sections and Access Routes

The Great Wall of China will take your breath away at first site as it stretches across mountain ridges like a stone dragon. This extensive fortification spans approximately 13,171 miles, including all its branches, and was built over a period of roughly 2,500 years.

Getting There: From Beijing, you can reach most popular sections by public bus, private car, or organized tour. For Mutianyu, Bus 916 gets you most of the way, followed by a minibus to the entrance. For more remote sections like Jinshanling, hiring a driver is your best option.

Best Sections by Experience:

• • For photographers: iankou is one of the most rugged and unrestored sections, offering dramatic mountain views, but it’s recommended only for experienced hikers due to its steep and sometimes dangerous conditions.

• • For families: Badaling is most accessible with gentle slopes and renovated walkways, making it perfect for children and older visitors.

• • For avoiding crowds: Mutianyu gives you spectacular views with significantly fewer tourists than Badaling, plus a fun toboggan ride down!

• • For unique experiences: Simatai offers night tours where the illuminated wall creates a magical atmosphere against the dark mountains.

• • For serious hikers: Jinshanling provides a more authentic experience with both restored and wild sections along breathtaking mountain ridges.

Costs: Entrance fees range from 35-65 Yuan ($5-10), while cable cars or other transportation options typically cost between 60-100 Yuan, depending on the section of the Wall visited.

Insider Tips: Arrive before 10 AM to beat both crowds and heat. September and October offer the perfect combination of comfortable temperatures and clear skies, often with beautiful autumn foliage adding color to your photos. During my visit, I found carrying plenty of water and wearing layers essential—the weather can change quickly on the mountains.

VISIT THE OFFICIAL WEBSITE HERE

FIND THE BEST TOURS HERE

Chichén Itzá, Mexico: Group Tours vs. Solo Visits

Standing before El Castillo pyramid at Chichén Itzá, I was amazed by how the ancient Mayans aligned this structure so perfectly with celestial events. This UNESCO World Heritage site contains 26 Mayan ruins spread across an expansive archaeological zone.

Getting There: Most visitors arrive from Cancún (2 hours away), Playa del Carmen (2.5 hours), or Mérida (1.5 hours). Consider staying in the colonial town of Valladolid (45 minutes away) for a more authentic experience and easier early morning access.

Best Time to Visit: Arrive at opening time (8 AM) to experience the tranquility of the ruins before tour buses arrive around 10:30 AM. The morning light also creates perfect conditions for photography. If possible, visit during the spring or fall equinox to witness the famous shadow serpent that appears to slither down El Castillo’s steps. Seasonally, they also do a night show with lights that tell the ancient story across the ruins!

Costs: The entrance fee to Chichén Itzá is approximately 614 MXN (about $35), which includes both the federal and state tax. Bring cash for the artisan market, where you’ll find unique handcrafted souvenirs.

Tour Options:

• • Group tours: Provide transportation from major hotels, expert guides who explain the astronomical and cultural significance of each structure, and often include stops at cenotes (natural sinkholes) for swimming. Perfect if you want a stress-free experience with historical context.

• • Solo visits: Allow you to explore at your own pace, linger at structures that fascinate you, and avoid the mid-day crowds. Hire a local guide at the entrance (around 800-1000 MXN) to gain deeper insights without adhering to a group schedule.

Insider Tips: Bring plenty of water, sun protection, and a hat—there’s little shade among the ruins. Don’t miss the impressive acoustics—a clap near the base of El Castillo produces an echo that sounds remarkably like the quetzal bird, sacred to the Maya. The Great Ball Court also has fascinating acoustic properties where you can hear a whisper from one end to the other, 545 feet away.

Chichén Itzá whispers ancient secrets through its stones—listen closely whether you come with a group or on your own path.

VISIT THE OFFICIAL WEBSITE HERE

FIND THE BEST TOURS HERE

Petra, Jordan: Attractions and Visitor Requirements

The first time I glimpsed the Treasury was not the way many do as I took the 12.6km hike from Little Petra. But the iconic view that reveals this awe-inspiring structure through the narrow Siq canyon at Petra, with the rose-colored façade glowing in the morning light, instantly lets you know why ancient city is considered one of the world’s most breathtaking archaeological sites.

Getting There: Queen Alia International Airport in Amman serves as your gateway to Petra, though you’ll need to arrange transportation for the 3-4 hour journey south. Many visitors stay in the nearby town of Wadi Musa, which offers accommodations ranging from budget hostels to luxury resorts.

Must-See Attractions:

• • The Treasury (Al-Khazneh): The iconic façade carved into rose-colored sandstone that appears dramatically at the end of the Siq.

• • The Monastery (Ad-Deir): Less visited but equally impressive, reached via a challenging 45-minute uphill climb with 800+ steps.

• • Royal Tombs: A series of elaborate façades carved into the mountainside, beautiful in late afternoon light.

• • High Place of Sacrifice: Offers panoramic views after a moderate hike.

• • Little Petra (Siq al-Barid): A smaller site just a few miles from the main entrance, with far fewer crowds.

Costs: Admission is 50 Jordanian Dinar (about $70) for a one-day pass, but multi-day passes are available for those who want to explore further. The Jordan Pass (starting at 70 JD) includes entry to Petra and other attractions plus your tourist visa fee, making it an excellent value if you’re spending multiple days in Jordan.

Visitor Requirements:

• • Wear sturdy hiking shoes for the uneven terrain and approximately 850 stairs. Also, let’s of donkey poo to avoid on the trails as well!

• • Bring plenty of water, sun protection, and light layers for temperature changes.

• • Dress modestly with shoulders covered and pants/skirts below the knee.

• • Allow at least 4-6 hours to see the main sites, though history enthusiasts should plan a full day or even two.

Insider Tips: Consider the magical “Petra by Night” experience (offered Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday evenings) when the Siq and Treasury are illuminated by thousands of candles. For the best photos, arrive at the Treasury at opening time (6 AM) or visit the Monastery in late afternoon when the light is softer and most tour groups have departed. Extend your Jordan adventure with a night in nearby Wadi Rum’s desert camps for an unforgettable complement to your Petra experience.

VISIT THE OFFICIAL WEBSITE HERE

FIND THE BEST TOURS HERE

Machu Picchu, Peru: Trail Permits and Transportation Options

Peru’s Andes Mountains are no joke. So there is a whole process to get acclimated. Adventure lovers will wrap the trip to also hike either the Lares Trek or the more popular Inca Trail to get the the destination of Machu Picchu. But once there, watching the mist come and go over Machu Picchu’s terraces and stone buildings, revealing the emerald peaks of Huayna Picchu behind, remains one of my most treasured travel memories. This 15th-century Inca citadel requires thoughtful planning to make the most of your visit.

Getting There:

• • Fly into Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport (CUZ) in Cusco.

• • Spend 2-3 days in Cusco (11,152 ft elevation) to acclimate to the altitude.

• • Take a train from either Cusco or Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes (the gateway town below Machu Picchu).

• • From Aguas Calientes, catch a 20-minute shuttle bus to the Machu Picchu entrance.

Trail Options:

• • Classic Inca Trail: The legendary 4-day, 26-mile trek requires permits that sell out months in advance. Book at least 6 months ahead through an authorized operator.

• • Salkantay Trek: A challenging 5-day alternative with stunning mountain scenery that doesn’t require permits.

• • Lares Trek: A cultural route passing through traditional villages with fewer crowds than other options.

• • One-Day Inca Trail: A shorter option for those with limited time, still requiring advance permits.

Train Options:

• • PeruRail: Offers Expedition (budget), Vistadome (panoramic windows), and Hiram Bingham (luxury) services.

• • IncaRail: Provides The Voyager (budget) and The 360° (panoramic) options.

Costs:

• • The standard entrance fee to Machu Picchu is 152 Peruvian soles (about $38), with additional permits required for Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain hikes.

• • Additional permits for Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain: 80 soles

• • Train tickets: $70-$500 round-trip depending on service level

• • Shuttle bus: $24 round-trip

Best Time to Visit: The dry season (April to October) offers clearer views but larger crowds. May and September provide a good balance between weather and visitor numbers. Arrive at the site at 6 AM for magical morning light and fewer crowds.

Insider Tips: Entry tickets are time-specific and limited to 4 hours, though few visitors are actually timed out. Photography is allowed, but tripods, selfie sticks, and drones are prohibited. Machu Picchu is situated at 7,970 feet above sea level, but Cusco, where many travelers acclimate, is significantly higher at 11,152 feet, making proper acclimatization crucial. Pack light for your visit as large backpacks must be stored at the entrance. Consider staying overnight in Aguas Calientes to reach the site early before day-trippers arrive from Cusco.

VISIT THE OFFICIAL WEBSITE HERE

FIND THE BEST TOURS HERE

Christ the Redeemer, Brazil: Entry Points and Best Times to Visit

Standing beneath the outstretched arms of Christ the Redeemer, with Rio de Janeiro’s spectacular landscape spread out below, you can see why the statue is so revered. But, honestly, this site can be very crowded at times and you should also expect there to be other people in your photo. Truthfully, you’ll want to view the monument from different part of Rio! Seeing it perched on the the highest point of the city allows you to really appreciate what it took to erect the 98-foot Art Deco statue that watches over the city from atop 2,300-foot Corcovado Mountain.

Getting There: Three main options will get you to the top of Corcovado:

• • Cog train: The most scenic route, departing from Cosme Velho station every 30 minutes.

• • Van service: Official vans leave from three locations: Largo do Machado, Copacabana, and Barra da Tijuca.

• • Hiking trail: A challenging 2.5-hour hike starting from Parque Lage (go with a guide for safety).

From either RIOgaleão International Airport or Santos Dumont Airport, take a taxi or rideshare to your accommodation, then use the options above to reach the statue.

Best Times to Visit: Early mornings (before 8:30 AM) offer the clearest views and fewest crowds. Sunset visits provide dramatic lighting for photos, though afternoon clouds often obscure the view. Weekdays are significantly less crowded than weekends.

Costs:

• • Entry fee: 97.50 Brazilian Reals (about $20) as of the latest update.

• • The cog train costs between 88-100 Brazilian Reals for a round trip, depending on the season.

• • Van service: 25-40 Reals round-trip

Weather Considerations: Rio’s tropical climate means visibility can change quickly. If you see clouds covering Corcovado from your hotel, consider postponing your visit. The statue is occasionally closed during thunderstorms for safety reasons.

Insider Tips: The viewing platform gets extremely crowded midday. Be patient and wait for gaps in the crowd for unobstructed photos. The back side of the statue offers equally stunning views toward Guanabara Bay with fewer people. Combine your visit with nearby attractions like the Tijuca Forest or Santa Teresa neighborhood. During my visit, I found that taking the first train up and the last train down gave me completely different lighting and crowd experiences.

VISIT THE OFFICIAL WEBSITE HERE

FIND THE BEST TOURS HERE

The Colosseum, Rome: Purchase Options for Tickets and Adjacent Sites

When you walk through the Colosseum’s ancient arches, you’ll imaging the roar of 50,000 spectators who once filled this magnificent amphitheater. Built nearly 2,000 years ago, this enduring symbol of Rome continues to captivate visitors with its engineering brilliance and dramatic history.

Getting There: From Rome Fiumicino International Airport (FCO), take the Leonardo Express train directly to Termini Station, then switch to Metro Line B to the Colosseo stop. The Colosseum will be right in front of you as you exit the station.

Ticket Options:

• • Standard ticket: 18 euros and includes access to the Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill, valid for 24 hours.

• • S.U.P.E.R. ticket: 16 euros + 8 euros supplement, adds access to special areas of the Palatine Hill and Forum.

• • Full Experience ticket: 22 euros, includes access to the underground chambers and arena floor.

• • Roma Pass: 32 euros (48-hour) or 52 euros (72-hour), includes public transportation and entry to the Colosseum complex plus other museums.

Best Time to Visit: Arrive by 8 AM for the 8:30 AM opening to avoid the longest lines. Alternatively, visit in late afternoon (after 3 PM) when tour groups have typically departed. Winter months (November-February) offer the fewest crowds but shorter opening hours.

Visitor Route: For the most logical and historically chronological experience:

1. • Start at Palatine Hill (the oldest part of Rome)

• • Descend to the Roman Forum

• • End at the Colosseum

This route also typically means shorter lines at the initial entry point.

Avoiding Scams: Beware of unauthorized “guides” offering to help you skip lines. Only purchase tickets from official sources: the official Colosseum website, authorized ticket offices, or reputable tour operators.

Insider Tips: The Colosseum’s south side often has shorter security lines than the main entrance. Bring a water bottle—you can refill it at Rome’s public fountains. For stunning views of the Colosseum illuminated at night, visit the nearby Oppian Hill after dark. During my visit, I found that guided tours were worth the extra cost for the historical context they provided, particularly for the underground sections where gladiators once prepared for battle.

VISIT THE OFFICIAL WEBSITE HERE

FIND THE BEST TOURS HERE

The Taj Mahal, India: Operating Times and Cultural Etiquette

As the first rays of sunrise washed over the Taj Mahal, you can watch in awe as the marble transforms from soft pink to brilliant white—a magical moment that justified the pre-dawn wake-up call. This 17th-century mausoleum, built by Emperor Shah Jahan for his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal, remains the ultimate monument to eternal love.

Getting There: Most visitors arrive via Delhi (125 miles away), either by:

• • Train: Multiple daily departures from New Delhi Railway Station to Agra Cantt Station

• • Private car: 3-4 hour drive via the Yamuna Expressway

• • Tour bus: Many operators offer day trips from Delhi

From Agra airport, it’s a 30-minute drive to the Taj Mahal.

Operating Hours:

• • Open daily from sunrise to sunset (roughly 6 AM to 7 PM)

• • Closed on Fridays for prayer

• • Night viewing available on full moon nights and two nights before and after (except during Ramadan)

Costs:

• • Foreign tourists: 1,300 Indian Rupees (approximately $16), which includes a bottle of water, shoe covers, and access to faster security lines.

• • High-value ticket includes shoe covers, bottle of water, and faster security line

Best Time to Visit: Arrive at 5:30 AM to be first in line for the sunrise opening—this offers the most magical light and smallest crowds. October through March provides the clearest weather, while avoiding the intense summer heat (April-June) and monsoon season (July-September).

Cultural Etiquette:

• • Remove shoes before entering the main mausoleum (or use provided shoe covers)

• • Dress modestly with shoulders and knees covered

• • Speak quietly and avoid pointing at tombs

• • Photography is not permitted inside the main mausoleum

• • Show respect when posing for photos—the “Diana bench” photo is popular, but jumping photos or silly poses are considered disrespectful

Insider Tips: For a unique perspective, visit Mehtab Bagh (Moonlight Garden) across the Yamuna River at sunset for stunning photos of the Taj reflected in the water. Consider hiring an authorized guide—they can help navigate the complex, explain the intricate inlay work, and share fascinating historical details. During my visit, I found that spending time in the gardens after viewing the main building offered a peaceful moment to appreciate the symmetry and design of the entire complex.

VISIT THE OFFICIAL WEBSITE HERE

FIND THE BEST TOURS HERE

Tips for Traveling to the 7 Wonders

OK. Now that we have the foundation of what to expect at the 7 Wonders sites, let me give you some strategy to executing your trip like a pro.

Scheduling Flights and Hotels in Advance

By now you know that looking your flights and hotels early saves you money and stress. And this is also true for your Seven Wonders trip. I’ve learned from years as a travel journalist that advance planning really makes all the difference, especially for destinations that you have dreamed of for years.

1. • Book flights 3-6 months ahead for the best prices, especially for international trips to places like the Taj Mahal or Great Wall of China.

• • Set price alerts on flight apps to grab deals quickly – I once saved $400 on flights to Brazil to see Christ the Redeemer this way.

• • Reserve hotels near tourist attractions at least 2 months before your trip – spots close to Machu Picchu fill up fast during peak season.

• • Look into package deals that bundle flights and hotels – tour packages like “A Week in Italy” at $2,459 can save you hundreds versus booking separately.

• • Check cancellation policies before booking – many hotels offer free cancellation up to 24-48 hours before your stay.

• • Use reward points from credit cards to cut costs on flights and hotels near the Colosseum or Chichén Itzá.

• • Book airport transfers ahead of time to avoid high prices and long waits after long flights.

• • Research local holidays and events that might affect prices – rooms near Petra, Jordan can double in cost during peak tourist seasons.

• • Consider staying slightly outside major sites and using public transport to save money – this works great for the Colosseum in Rome.

Engaging Local Guides for Enhanced Insights

Local guides bring ancient wonders to life with stories you won’t find in travel books. They point out hidden details at sites like Petra’s carved facades or secret chambers in the Colosseum that tourists often miss. Plus, this is the most responsible way to travel. You are practicing ethical travel while also preventing tourism leakage.

I always encourage using a guide to give context and share both traditional and local legendary stories of the sites you are viewing. Sure! You can go on your own – but will you really know what you are looking at? 

There’s also extra perks for hiring guide. They know the back entrances, help you skip long lines and avoid tourist traps near famous sites. They speak the local language, which proves helpful if you need to ask questions or find restrooms at crowded places. They even have the best recommendations on where to shop and where to experience local cuisine!

Ensuring Safety During International Travel

These site will be crowded. But, don’t let that detour you. Being prepared and aware will make you forget about the potential scam traps and help you to focus on the experience! Unless your guide says it is necessary, keep your passport at your accommodation. Wear modest to no valuables – jewelry, clothing, and even handbags. And keep your money close to your chest. Literally! Ladies, I use a small wallet I purchased from an atelier in Paris where I keep my cards and cash in my bra. 

And of course, I mentioned this earlier, travel insurance is a must for covering sudden changes, medical issues, or emergencies that might pop up along your journey.

Also, we know your phone is one of the most valuable assets we have these days for traveling, because it holds so much information – it’s our map, our communication, and holds our treasured photos. When you visit developing country, that phone can be valuable to thieves in a different way – it’s cash! So make sure you never leave it on random countertops or the table while eating. It should always be on your person. My best strategy is I have a case that allows for a wrist strap. Some like to wear the longer straps that cross body over their person. Whatever method you choose, just be conscious to mind your phone! 

Respect local rules at each wonder site for your protection. The steep paths at Machu Picchu and Petra, and China’s Great Wall need proper hiking shoes and careful footing on ancient steps.

Careful on the water you drink. It’s not that water in these places are bad – they just have different microorganisms than your body is acclimated to. So you’ll want to drink bottled water or filtered water. I like using my Larq UV water purifying water bottle. And oh, don’t forget, the water used to clean salads that are not cooked will likely be cleaned with the local tap water – so you’ll want to avoid eating that, too!   

Honoring Local Traditions and Practices

Each Wonder sits within a rich cultural tapestry that deserves your respect. I learned this firsthand while filming at the Taj Mahal, where visitors must remove shoes and women need to cover their heads in certain areas.

Local customs vary widely – at Machu Picchu, never climb or touch the ancient stones. At the Great Wall, avoid stepping on thresholds when entering buildings nearby, as Chinese tradition views this as bad luck.

Your outfit choices matter too! You will see many Westerners dress in mini dresses with their shoulders uncovered, especially in the warmer months. But the proper custom is to dress modestly at Petra and the Taj Mahal out of respect for local values. This creates better photos and prevents awkward situations with site officials. The best strategy is to pack versatile clothes that match local standards while keeping you comfortable in different weather conditions.

Just respect local customs and traditions as you are, indeed, a visitor in someone’s home! The right approach earns you smiles from locals and often better access to amazing spots. During my visit to Chichén Itzá, I noticed how guides shared extra stories with tourists who showed interest in Mayan customs.

You can take it to the next level by learning a few basic phrases in the local language before your trip. Then practicing with your guide will help reinforce what you learned in such a practical and enriching way! Simple greetings open doors to genuine connections and might even help you bargain better at markets near these famous sites. Because, at least they know you tried!

Advocating for Sustainable Tourism

Your travel choices can help protect these amazing places for future visitors. You make a real impact by picking eco-friendly tours and cutting down on plastic waste during your wonder-filled adventures.

Supporting Community Initiatives

Local communities near the Seven Wonders often depend on tourism dollars. You help these places thrive when you buy crafts directly from artisans or eat at family-owned restaurants.

I saw this impact firsthand in Peru, where Machu Picchu visitors who chose homestays provided income for dozens of local families. Many sites now offer community-led tours that create jobs while sharing authentic cultural knowledge.