A Comprehensive Guide to Exploring the 7 Wonders of the World.

Visiting the 7 Wonders of the World is a dream for many travelers. These iconic sites not only showcase the incredible achievements of human ingenuity but also offer breathtaking views and rich histories. Whether you're a seasoned adventurer or planning your first solo trip, this guide will provide you with essential tips and insights for exploring these magnificent wonders.

One of my favorite pics of the Colosseum.

1. The Great Wall of China: My 5th Seventh Wonder.

The Great Wall of China is an engineering marvel that stretches over 13,000 miles. Built to protect against invasions, this ancient structure stands as a testament to the determination and skill of the Chinese people. My visit was during 2017 and during this time one needed to be invited to the country by the Chinese Embassy. The internship I attended made things a lot more simple. I stayed in Beijing, which would be almost a two hour car ride to the Great Wall, visited Xian for the foodie scene and, of course, for The Terracotta Warriors, Louyang for the Longmen (an amazing hidden gem carved into stone), and the Shaolin Temple (located very near and filled with Shaolin Monks and their activities). I took classes with local students at the Communication University of China and stayed at Crowne Plaza Wangfujing, overall, a very fun experience.

When it comes to the Great Wall, to have a remarkable experience, I recommend starting your journey at the Mutianyu section, known for its fewer crowds and breathtaking views. You have the option to hike along the wall or take a cable car for a more relaxed experience, this is the one that I took. Keep in mind that you won't be able to cover it all in one or two visits. As you walk, keep your camera ready, the landscape is simply stunning!

Me at the Great Wall after a one hour walk.

2. Petra, Jordan: The last Wonder I visited.

Petra, often referred to as the "Rose City," is renowned for its rock-cut architecture and intricate water conduit system. This ancient city was once a thriving trade hub and is now an UNESCO World Heritage site. I went there during the beginning of the recent conflict between Israel and Palestine and I did get to witness severial instances regarding this conflict, some flying missiles during the night, some damage caused by the falling debris, all in unison with some unfortunate stories during my visit to this city. Nevertheless, I was determined to visit my last Wonder. I had the place to myself, I hiked all the cliffs and walked the entire city. If you are not going to stay various days in Petra, keep this in mind, it's a five hour ride from Amman. I stayed three nights in Petra and five nights in Amman. I highly recommend to stay at Carob Hostel, it has a great community, amazing breakfasts, and a very chill vibe to enjoy while admiring the Amman city lights.

To truly appreciate Petra, arrive early in the morning to beat the crowds, if you are lucky, you could truly have the place to yourself. The walk through the Siq, a narrow gorge leading to the iconic Treasury, is a breathtaking experience. Make sure you wear comfortable shoes, as you’ll be walking quite a bit. Did you know that the Treasury’s façade is an impressive 143 feet high? You have three options to see the entire site: one day entrance (which isn't enough), two days pass (Which is the best option), and the night show. Keep in mind this is an abandoned city, it is enormous, so just one day won't cut it. The two day pass is the best offer, although they also offer a light show at night, which could be a little cliché to some, but it is quite surprising for most.

The Treasury in Petra, a stunning example of ancient architecture

3. Christ the Redeemer, Brazil

Home to the delicious feijoada, the mesmerizing bossanova, and the iconic Ipanema beach, Brazil is surely on everybody's list. Rio de Janeiro is one of the most picturesque cities in the country is also home to one of the Wonders. Standing tall over Rio de Janeiro, the Christ the Redeemer statue is an iconic symbol of Brazil. This 98-foot-tall statue overlooks the city and provides panoramic views that take your breath away. Although it is not my favorite of the list, it is very impressive from any point of view, and some visitors hop on a helicopter to admire it during a magical sunset. The sunset from this vantage point is especially magical, with the golden hues reflecting off the city below!

You get the amazing views from el teleférico, the iconic Teleférico do Pão de Açúcar (Sugarloaf Mountain Cable Car) in Rio de Janeiro and the public transport Teleférico do Alemão in Rio. Before you leave, try to see if you can score the best hot chocolate in the world, they sell it in a small restaurant they have on the way up to the Cristo.

Here with Redeemer Christ in Rio de Janeiro

4. Machu Picchu, Peru: The one that almost got away.

Machu Picchu is one of the most famous archaeological sites in the world and is sometimes called the "Lost City of the Incas." Nestled high in the Andes Mountains, this ancient Incan city is surrounded by spectacular landscapes securing its spot as my second favorite of all the Wonders (my personal favorite is Petra, because it is the most difficult to get to). I did, however, get to visit Machu Picchu during a misty rain fog that scared the bejesus out me at first, because you couldn't see anything, then a little sun came through and the experience turned into a magical one.

For an immersive experience, embark on the Inca Trail, which offers a challenging but rewarding hike across stunning scenery. If you're short on time, consider the train ride to Aguas Calientes, the gateway to Machu Picchu (I loved it). Once there, explore the ruins and learn about the fascinating history of the Incas, who built this site in the 15th century. It's a small city tucked in the middle of magestic mountains, and in my opinion, Machu Picchu is a bonus.

Misty view of Machu Picchu.

5. Chichen Itza, Mexico: My family's first wonder.

I have been here twice, and each time was special on its own. With many theories and mystery around it Chichen Itza is a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the most significant archaeological sites, not only in Mexico, but in the world. The centerpiece is El Castillo pyramid, which was used for astronomical observations and religious ceremonies, showcasing the Mayans' advanced understanding of astronomy, making its way to the number one spot on the 7 Wonders of the World's list. Once there, keep in mind that the pyramid is only one of the things to admire in this site. My family really enjoyed The Grand Ball Court, where historians say the Mayans played brutally with a huge rubber ball only using their hips, legs, and head (no hand allowed!). Some may say, it is the origins of soccer, but one thing is for sure, The Grand Ball Court is the largest field in Mesoamerica.

When visiting, try to plan your trip around one of the equinoxes. The shadow play on the pyramid during this time is a unique sight you won't want to miss. It's fascinating to see how the Maya constructed such structures with precise alignment to celestial events. It gets hot around this area, so keep caution of heat strokes. They also have a night show, which I haven't experienced myself.

My first visit to El Castillo.

6. The Roman Colosseum, Italy: When in Rome...

The Colosseum is not only an iconic symbol of ancient Rome, but also a testament to the architectural genius of the Romans. This colossal amphitheater once hosted gladiatorial contests and public spectacles that drew massive crowds. This was my first Wonder and since then I have seen it twice. Rome is my favorite city and I can comfortably say the Colosseum is always on my list. To avoid long lines, consider booking a guided tour. This allows you to skip the queue and gain deeper insight into the history of this incredible structure. Don't miss exploring the surrounding area, where you can find numerous other historical treasures, such as the Roman Forum.

On occassion, the Roman Colosseum sees a bit of action during the night, light shows and special but rare events, like concerts, as in 2017 where Andrea Bocelli gave a private performance in this epic site. Pro tip: completely avoid the "Roman soldiers" surrounding the area, they might seem as fun for a quick cool photo, but they might keep taking pictures with your camera and won't give you the camera back until you pay up their exaggerated price in Euros, and then the cool photo idea may turn into an akward one.

My very first photo with one of the Wonders.

7. The Taj Mahal, India: The Most beautiful of all the Wonders.

The Taj Mahal is an architectural phenomenon that leave you breathless. It is massive, surprising, and genuinely beautiful. Ex-President Bill Clinton once said, “There are two kinds of people in the world. Those who have seen the Taj Mahal and love it, and those who have not seen the Taj Mahal and love it. I would like people to watch the Taj Mahal and fall in love with it.” The closest thing that may be comparable to its majestic structure might be the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, located in Abu Dhabi.

This famous mausoleum is often celebrated as the most beautiful building in the world. It was made by Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his beloved wife, Mumtaz Mahal. According to its legend, this emperor ordered the construction of this building to be made by the best architects in all of India. The legend says that he promised them riches far beyond those of a king, and that such prize would be enough for them to never work or build something similar in their lives... and then he chopped their hands off! Some people take it literally, but some historians see it metaphorically, interpreting that giving them riches beyond kings and assuring their retirement, represent a mataphorical chopping off their hands.

Visiting the Taj Mahal at sunrise is particularly enchanting, as the soft morning light makes the white marble gleam with beauty. Take some time to wander through the surrounding gardens, and don’t rush your visit, appreciate the intricate details of the architecture, including the stunning inlays made from precious stones.

Very happy at the Taj Mahal.

Embarking on a Journey Through Time

Exploring the 7 Wonders of the World is the adventure of a lifetime. Each site offers a unique glimpse into the history and culture of its respective country. From hiking the Great Wall to marveling at the Taj Mahal, these wonders promise to leave you in awe. It was my life mission to visit each one of them, and I completed the task. I hope some of this insight might be helpful. You can also listen to my interview with The Traveling Culturati, where I had the opportunity to exchange insight on them as well.

As a solo traveler, I found these destinations are not only visually stunning, but also transformative, providing moments for personal reflection and growth. Pack your bags, grab your camera, and prepare for an unforgettable journey through the 7 Wonders of the World!

Ciao!