Humans have always been focused on identifying the 7 world wonders. The 7 Wonders of the Ancient World were figured out as early as the Renaissance, but unfortunately, only one of these original 7 remain (we’re talking about the Great Pyramid of Giza, of course).
Here’s our list of the seven most spectaculars wonder in the world in 2017- both man-made and natural!
Sagrada Familia
Gaudi’s masterpiece might seem rather strange at first sight. It towers over Barcelona, with its twisted columns and abstract architecture. However, the more you look at this masterpiece, the more you realize why it deserves a spot on the list of 7 wonders of the world. It is inspired by nature itself, and it has taken decades to build and perfect. It is a feat of true mastery over architecture, and earns a well-deserved spot on this list.
Aurora Borealis
The Aurora Borealis frequently features in multiple bucket lists. And it is not a surprise. It is probably the most otherworldly sight on the planet. It’s the closest us humans can come to observing the majesty of space- and all it takes is a trip up north, e.g. to Iceland. The moment you look up and you see the luminous curtains of green, blue, and violet draped across the sky, you will feel like you’re glancing at the doors of heaven itself. Almost no man-made sight can come close to the beauty of this one- so it is no surprise that it earns a place in the list! Be aware though that Aurora Borealis is a seasonal thing. Thus, please make sure that you know when to visit Iceland.
Petra, Jordan
Petra is an ancient site like no other. The capital of the Nabataean Empire was probably constructed anywhere between 9BC – 40AD. It provides us with humbling proof about how much our ancestors knew, and how they knew how to build cities that could last millennia of weather damage, war, and conflict. In Petra, you can see magnificent columns, sophisticated urban and water planning systems, and an unprecedented glimpse of the lives of Ancient Jordanians, who probably enjoyed their 4000 seat amphitheater as much as we love our TVs today.
Machu Picchu, Peru
No list of World Wonders can ever be complete without Machu Picchu. This is mainly because of one reason: it’s probably the only entry in this list that can get a spot for its man-made beauty and its natural beauty! Perched right in the center of two towering Andean peaks, this Incan citadel is incomparably beautiful. It is also an engineering marvel. Once you hike up the steep slopes to get to the citadel, you will be so wound up, you will realize what a miracle it is that somebody managed to build a towering fort complex atop a mountain, over 700 years ago!
Great Wildebeest Migration
In the past couple of decades, humans have come to realize the importance of nature and conservation. If you need to convince the most unbelieving person about the majesty of nature, and why it must be preserved at all costs, you just have to show them the Great Wildebeest Migration in Tanzania and Kenya. The migration at Maasai Mara sees over 1.5 million animals traversing the 1000-mile plain every single year. It’s an indication of the majesty of nature, the fragility of the ecosystem, and how all of nature’s beings are interconnected in this Circle of Life
Amazon Rainforest
Forests are living organisms, and they are probably the reason why humans have managed to survive this far. If for no other reason, the Amazon Rainforest deserves a spot on this list for the amount it contributes to the preservation of human life on the planet. However, that is not all. 10% of all known species call this stretch of the world their home. The forest produces 20% of the world’s oxygen, and is home to 1/5th of all the fresh water available on this little blue planet. It’s up to us to recognize the mind-boggling beauty, and the grave importance of the Amazon, so we can turn all our efforts towards preserving one of the most bio-diverse spots on the earth.
Great Pyramids of Giza
It would be impossible to create any list about the 7 Great Wonders of the World without providing a spot for the only wonder that has stood the ravages of time and war and memory. Even in 2017, the Great Pyramids of Giza stand strong, and tall, over 4000 years after they were built. That massive size and near perfect geometry has caused a lot of debate among scholars, but has also contributed towards our rich human experience. Now, it is standing proof that we, as humans, can definitely build out legacy to withstand the strongest elements!
See any new travel inspirations you’d want to check out in the year 2017? Like, comment or share and get traveling!