World Wonders I

Machu Picchu, Peru

These wonders of the ancient world will become overpriced and wildly overcrowded during the Christmas holidays [Dec 20th-Jan 5th], Easter holidays [one or two weeks on either side of Easter day], and, unless the weather's unbearable at this time, also during the summer holidays of late July/Aug.

Tip: when you visit any of these sites, avoid tour packages, get up really early or plan to stay until sunset if you can. Not only will the light be great for pictures [think colour and shadows], the temperature cooler and the locals more relaxed, but the humongous package tours will have gone, leaving you in cool, wonderful tranquility [albeit with a few other independent travellers]. p.s. and don't forget the mosquito repellent!

Machu Picchu, Peru ['Lost' Inca city]. Stupendously beautiful ancient wonder built by the Incas on a hilltop surrounded by virgin mountains. No roads go there so it's a hike or train ride [or both] only.
According to Japanese researchers in 2001 Machu Pichu is built on very loose, ex-landslide soil, currently slipping off the hilltop at the rate of 5 inches per year and is in great danger of suddenly tobogganing all
Hike the incredible Inca Trail if you can, 3 days, 22km over the mountains. Porters are a necessary option these days. Otherwise the train from Cusco [aka Cuszo] means arriving late and leaving early and always embedded in a crowd, so stay one night if possible. There is one expensive hotel, the Sanctuary Lodge, next to the site, giving excellent and less crowded early morning access to the site [opens at 6.am, first train tourists arrive at 9.30am], and guest houses, restaurants, and hot springs not far from the rail station at Aguas Calientes, about six kms away.
Best: April-June, Sept-Nov. OK July, Aug [winter]. Avoid: Dec-March [rain]. See Machu Picchu Pictures | Peru Travel Guide | Peru Map

Bagan, Myanmar [Burma]

Bagan [Pagan], Burma [Myanmar]. 2,500 17thC pointy buildings - temples, pagodas and stupas - in 16 sq. miles of dry, flat rural landscape. Incredibly beautiful, world-beating 360 degree views from some structures and lovely unspoilt people. Unfortunately Bugbog has discontinued promoting Burma/Myanmar as a holiday destination while the repression and detention of its people by the ruling 'State Peace and Development Council' continues. See Amnesty International

Giza pyramids, Egypt

Pyramids of Giza, Egypt. 'Man fears time, yet time fears the Pyramids' [Arab proverb] The Great Pyramid is the oldest and only wonder of the seven wonders of the ancient world still standing.
In the desert beside Cairo and a few metres from the Sphinx, the three Giza pyramids are much bigger and older than Mexico's Chichen Itza, though less shapely and without the jungle city ambience.
The Giza pyramid area is open only 8am-4pm. Rent-a-camel/horse. Go inside a pyramid. There's lots to do in Cairo, especially the magnificent Egyptian Museum, excellent shopping at Khan el Khalili market, more older pyramids a short drive down the Nile at Saquara and a ton of mosques. Best: Oct-May. Otherwise it's seriously hot. Then head for Luxor for more and varied amazing sights or the Red Sea for a dip! Pyramid Pictures | Egypt Travel Guide | Egypt Map

Petra, Jordan

Petra, Jordan. 'A rose-red city half as old as time.' This massive complex of temples and monuments sensationally carved out of solid multicoloured rock is unlike anything else in the world. A trip would be wasted with less then 2 days walking inside magical Petra, though early starts and late finishes are the way to get best views and space away from tourist herds.
Driving there from Israel or Egypt's Sinai/Red Sea resorts is convenient and usually without problems. Also, visit Lawrence of Arabia's Wadi Rum [south of Petra], a Dead Sea spa or the Roman ruins of Jerash [north of Amman] while you're there? Best: March-June, Sept-Nov. Avoid: winter [cold] & summer [hot]. See Petra Pictures | Jordan Travel Guide | Jordan Map

Angkor, Cambodia

Angkor, Cambodia. This Khmer temple/urban complex was one of the most capital capitals in Asia in the 9th-14th centuries, 400 sq kms of stunningly carved, world beating wonders, including Angkor Wat.
Exploring this requires several days; see Angkor Wat and pinky Banteay Srei [25km away] for awesome carvings, Angkor Thom for huge style and imposing faces, Ta Prohm for jungle tangled temples; another 40 great ruins await your time, but don't stray off regular tracks, there are still land mines around.
Local infrastructure, i.e. the town of Siem Reap, is improving and there is a good range of hotels. Take $US! Phnom Penh is worth a couple of days, the little developed, white sand beach at Sihanoukville is pretty and uncrowded, and the Ream National Park has lots of activities options.
Best: Dec- Feb. Avoid: April [extreme heat], Sept, Oct [heavy rains, impassable roads]. Angkor Pictures | Angkor Travel Guide | Cambodia Travel Guide | Cambodia Map

World Wonders Tour Operators offering travel to the countries with the best ancient sites are here:
World Wonders Tour Operators

To view the best wonders of the world for each month according to the local climate go to:
January | February | March | April | May | June | July | August | Sept | Oct | Nov | Dec