Forgotten cities, ancient relics, and gigantic monuments are just a few ways to describe the Seven New Wonders of the World. Set in the jungles, mountains, and large cities, each are wondrous in their own way and attract millions of visitors each year. That being said, although these attractions might be on the top of your travel bucket list, there are some essential things to consider (think political atmosphere, health and public safety warnings, and accessibility) before booking your trip. Here, we break it all down.
1. Christ the Redeemer
Christ the Redeemer, a 125-foot statue of Jesus that stands atop the Corcovado Mountain, overlooks the city of Rio de Janiero. Completed in 1930, it's the most modern of all the wonders of the world. The structure, which attracts hordes of tourists every day, can be reached by taxi, van, or train followed by an extra 220 steps or elevator ride. But wait, there's more.
Ahead of the 2016 Summer Olympics, the Brazilian government has already issued a financial crisis statement. To top things off, there have been reports of multiple Zika virus cases, an economic recession, and President Dilma Rousseff's looming impeachment trial. Beyond the economic crisis, a super bacteria, which may cause skin infections, was also found in some of the beaches. Lastly, Rio de Janeiro is plagued with high crime rates, including assault and robbery, so be sure to take necessary safety precautions when visiting this beauty.
2. Great Wall of China
Stretching over 13,000 miles from east to west in northern China, the Great Wall of China is a spectacular sight to see. Each day, over 70,000 visitors seek out the wall, which was constructed from 476 B.C. to 1644. Although travelers can visit the wall from many major cities, the sad reality is that 30 percent of it has disappeared due to erosion and human interaction. A portion of the wall was even underwater -- a result of manmade flooding -- and only recently reappeared due to a drought. In an attempt to maintain the structure, China has created laws and regulations that make it illegal to take rock or rubble from the wall, damage it with graffiti, or drive on it with a motorized vehicle.
And while there have been 13 confirmed Zika virus cases, they were reported in the Guangdong Province, which is fairly far south of the Great Wall of China. For now, travelers shouldn’t be extremely worried about it -- though it never hurts to use insect repellant.
3. Machu Picchu
Set in a valley in the Andes, Machu Picchu is famously known as the Lost City of the Incas. Interestingly, archeologists aren’t sure why it was built there, what it was built for, or why the Incans abandoned it in the 1500s. The complex, which wasn't rediscovered by the Western world until 1911, was made with large pieces of stone that fit tightly together without the use of mortar.
To reach Machu Picchu, visitors can take a train from Cusco or Ollantaytambo to the small town of Aguas Calientes. From there, they can hop on a bus to the ancient city. It might be easiest to spend the night in Aguas Calientes instead of taking the train and bus in one day. Travelers can also opt for the tackling the Inca Trail, a four-day trek that includes campsites along the way. There's also a shorter two-day trek and another one that lasts up to five hours. No matter which option you choose, prepare for the high elevation (not to mention, endurance needed for such a trip). Make sure to buy tickets ahead of time, as only a limited number of tourists are allowed to visit each day.
In other news, the region was recently hit with bouts of the Oropouche fever. Although no deaths have been associated with the illness, symptoms include high fever, headaches, vomiting, and joint pain. And while there have been cases reported on the Zika virus in Peru, mosquitoes that spread the virus don’t typically live in high elevations like Cusco. That being said, Machu Picchu is set in a valley of the mountains -- at a lower elevation level -- so it’s probably best to be cautious and use mosquito repellent.
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