5 UNESCO World Heritage Sites That Must Be On Your Travel Bucket List

Erin
Dec 14, 2020
2 min read

Updated: Aug 3

It’s only when you stand amongst the great ruins of civilizations past that you really gain perspective into what life actually can be. In today’s day and age, a lot of our hours are wasted doing monotonous tasks that serve little else than to fill a void within ourselves. What better way to fill this void than to gaze upon history’s most impressive landmarks? Stepping into the past certainly provides a useful corrective for the present. So here are five UNESCO World Heritage Sites that absolutely need to be on your travel bucket list.

A misty and atmospheric view of the ancient Inca city of Machu Picchu in Peru. The stone ruins of various structures, including terraces and buildings, are visible in the foreground and midground, clinging to the side of a mountain. Behind the ruins, the towering peak of Huayna Picchu rises dramatically, partially enveloped in clouds and mist, giving it a mystical appearance. The landscape is lush with green foliage in some areas. — Machu Picchu, Peru

1. Machu Picchu, Peru

Hidden deep within misty mountainous forests, Machu Picchu dates back to the mid-15th century and is aptly known as the most famous ancient city in the world. It’s one of the only cities in Peru to have bravely escaped plunder by the Spanish colonizers and it remains well-preserved to date. The revered city is considered to be the sacred religious homeland to the Incas. This magnificent citadel surrounded by lush green valleys and imposing peaks is sure to leave any traveler in awe.

A breathtaking wide shot of the ancient Roman Colosseum at sunset or sunrise. The massive, weathered stone amphitheater stands prominently under a dramatic sky with streaks of orange, yellow, and blue clouds, and the sun's rays bursting from the right side. In the foreground, some rocky, uneven terrain is visible. The Colosseum's numerous arches and levels are clearly defined against the vibrant sky. — Colosseum in Rome, Italy

2. Colosseum, Italy

Rome is one of the only places that offers ancient treasures surrounded by an abundance of urban luxury. This is a timeless city, never seeming to lose the coveted title of most-visited travel destination in Italy. The Colosseum stands in the middle of it all, serving as a memory of arguably the best-known ancient civilization in history. The Colosseum was the beating heart of a vast empire that once stretched from Scotland to the Persian Gulf. It’s a privilege to still be able to visit this timeless wonder in the Eternal City.

A breathtaking wide-angle landscape shot captures the vast and colorful expanse of the Grand Canyon in Arizona. Layers of rock formations display various shades of red, orange, and purple, stretching into the distance under a clear blue sky with some low-lying clouds. In the foreground, a person is visible near a railing, looking out at the canyon, with a few small trees and patches of snow on the rim. — The South Rim of the Grand Canyon

3. The Grand Canyon, USA

A physically challenging, visually breathtaking landmark brimming with historical and cultural significance, The Grand Canyon is one of the most magnificent encounters you can have in this lifetime. Sustained by the Colorado River for 6 million years, The Grand Canyon is now about 1500 meters deep and spectacular as ever.

A tranquil scene at Borobudur Temple in Indonesia, capturing a stone Buddha statue in a meditative pose, facing towards the right. The statue is partially enclosed by the unique, perforated stupas of the temple's upper terraces. In the background, a sprawling green landscape with distant mountains unfolds under a dramatic sky with both blue and golden hues, suggesting either sunrise or sunset. — Borobudur Temple, Indonesia

4. Borobudur Temple, Indonesia

Located in Central Java, Borobudur is the largest Buddhist Temple in the world. It was constructed in the 9th century and stands as an excellent example of Javanese Buddhist architecture. The temple is crafted with almost 1500 intricate artistic reliefs found along the pilgrim trail. Viewed from above, the temple resembles an incredibly elaborate mandala. There's no better place to find enlightenment than at the oldest Buddhist temple known to man.

Travel Advisor, Erin Baker, wearing a light purple t-shirt, sunglasses, and a white headband, smiles at the camera while standing in front of a calm body of water. Behind her, the majestic Angkor Wat temple complex in Cambodia is visible, with its iconic towers and stone structures reflected in the water. Palm trees are scattered around the temple, and some scaffolding is visible on parts of the structure. The sky above is clear and bright. — Angkor Wat, Cambodia

5. Angkor Wat, Cambodia

Initially built as a Hindu Temple, Angkor Wat was later converted into a Buddhist Temple in the 12th century. It’s the largest religious monument in existence, taking up over 1.5 million square meters. The vastness of this temple and the intricate architecture is sure to leave travelers awestruck.

Heritage sites exist as a way to remind us of the glorious past while also reminding us that glory can be ephemeral. These tourist destinations give us important lessons about life, greed, success, and gratitude.

Ready to start planning your trip to see one of these amazing sites? Make sure to read these posts about Rome and Arizona, and schedule a consultation today.