Quick answer: The New Seven Wonders of the World — the Great Wall of China, Petra, Christ the Redeemer, Machu Picchu, Chichen Itza, the Colosseum and the Taj Mahal — are humanity’s most awe-inspiring landmarks, chosen by global vote in 2007. Here’s what each one is, where to find it, the best time to visit, and how to see them all.
The New 7 Wonders of the World
| Wonder | Country | Best time |
|---|---|---|
| Great Wall of China | China | Spring & autumn |
| Petra | Jordan | Spring & autumn |
| Christ the Redeemer | Brazil | Apr–Oct (drier) |
| Machu Picchu | Peru | May–Sep (dry) |
| Chichen Itza | Mexico | Nov–Apr |
| Colosseum | Italy | Apr–Jun, Sep–Oct |
| Taj Mahal | India | Oct–Mar |
The wonders, one by one
Great Wall of China — over 13,000 miles of fortifications; hike a restored section like Mutianyu to beat crowds. Petra — Jordan’s rose-red city carved into cliffs; arrive early for the Treasury at sunrise. Christ the Redeemer — Rio’s 30m Art-Deco statue with sweeping bay views. Machu Picchu — the Inca citadel in the Andes; book timed tickets ahead (see our Machu Picchu itinerary).
Chichen Itza — the Maya pyramid of El Castillo in the Yucatán. Colosseum — Rome’s 2,000-year-old amphitheatre (see our Italy itinerary). Taj Mahal — the white-marble mausoleum in Agra, breathtaking at dawn.
Easiest to combine with a trip
The Colosseum, Taj Mahal and Machu Picchu slot neatly into wider Italy, India and Peru itineraries — three of the most photographed places on earth.
The most adventurous
Petra and the Great Wall reward those who venture further (and arrive at sunrise) with unforgettable, crowd-beating moments.
Ancient & honorable mentions
Of the original Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, only the Great Pyramid of Giza still stands — an honorary eighth wonder well worth adding in Egypt.
FAQ
What are the 7 wonders of the world? Great Wall, Petra, Christ the Redeemer, Machu Picchu, Chichen Itza, Colosseum and the Taj Mahal.
Can you visit all 7 wonders? Yes — they span 6 countries; most travellers tick them off across several trips.
Plan with our Machu Picchu and Italy itineraries.
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Written by
John Morrison is the founder and lead travel writer at Packzup. Over the past decade he has explored destinations across Africa, the Americas, Asia, Europe, the Middle East, and Oceania — always self-funded, never on a press trip.