Three UNESCO World Heritage Sites Worth a Visit

There are more than 1,100 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, all of which can teach us more about our world, our history, and our culture. The sites are selected by the Word Heritage Committee, which must have its work cut out for it. If you wanted to cover as many of them as you could during your lifetime, where would you even start? Well, you start with the bestsellers, like these places:

Machu Picchu, Peru

Located high in the Andes Mountains, the famous Machu Picchu is an Incan citadel that still draws the attention of numerous tourists every year. Sometimes known as the “Lost City of the Incas,” this UNESCO World Heritage Site is an impressive relic of Incan architecture and engineering. The preserved ancient city features temples and terraces surrounded by misty mountain peaks and lush greenery that will excite history lovers, nature lovers, and adventure lovers everywhere.

Petra, Jordan

This UNESCO World Heritage Site is literally carved into a rock. Within the rose-red cliffs of southern Jordan, you, and whoever is lucky enough to be there with you, can see Petra in all its glory. Your way there would have to go through The Siq, which is a narrow gorge that claustrophobic people might not appreciate, but it will all be worth it once you’re out and have a chance to take in all the regalness of this ancient Nabatean marvel. Dating back to 312 BCE, Petra will leave you speechless.

Angkor Wat, Cambodia

Angkor Wat Temple in Cambodia stands as a testament to the grandeur of the Khmer Empire. Actually, calling it a temple would not be accurate, as it’s actually a temple complex. Architecturally speaking, this place is jaw-droppingly special, and when you take into account the lush jungles surrounding it becomes even more so. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is the largest religious monument in the whole world. The Khmer civilization who built the place also designed a sophisticated hydraulic system and intricate carvings of Hindu epics that would appeal to fans of art and engineering. If you can, try to time your arrival at the place so you can see the sunrise over the ancient structures, illuminating everything in warm colors.