World famous: what sights every traveler should see

In today's world, it's easy to get carried away with new technologies, trendy hotels, popular restaurants, and theme parks. However, ancient monuments are a testament to the incredible engineering and cultural heritage of mankind. Visiting them, you can feel the breath of history and understand how powerful the civilizations of the past were.

Lonely Planet experts told us about the five best sights that you should definitely visit at least once in your life. If you want to plunge into the world of ancient wonders, these places should definitely be on your travel list.

Tikal, Guatemala

Tikal is one of the most impressive archaeological sites of the Mayan civilization, located in the dense jungle of Guatemala. It was once a majestic city with a powerful political and cultural role. Today it impresses with its architecture, majestic pyramids, and the atmosphere of a lost civilization.

The main feature of Tikal is its huge pyramid temples, which rise tens of meters, creating a grandiose silhouette in the dense forest. A special feeling is created by the fact that most of the ancient city is still hidden under the crowns of trees.

Attractions:

• Templo IV (65 m) is one of the tallest Mayan pyramids with stunning views.
• Templo I (Temple of the Great Jaguar) is a cult building that has become a symbol of Tikal.
• Gran Plaza is the heart of the city, surrounded by monumental buildings.
• The North Acropolis is one of the oldest parts of the city, which contains the tombs of the rulers.

In addition to its historical significance, Tikal is also part of a biosphere reserve that preserves the rich biodiversity of the region.

The best time to visit is December-April, when the weather is dry and comfortable. During the rainy season (May-September), traveling can be more difficult due to humidity and rainfall.

The nearest airport is Mundo Maya in Flores. From Flores you can get to Tikal by bus, taxi or rented car.

Machu Picchu, Peru

Machu Picchu is one of the most famous archaeological sites in the world. This Inca city, which rises on the peaks of the Andes, fascinates travelers with its grandeur and mystical spirit.

It is a lost city that miraculously survived the decline of the Inca Empire and remained unknown to Europeans until its discovery in 1911. Machu Picchu is a unique testament to the engineering and architectural genius of the Incas.

Main attractions:

• The funeral rock caretaker's hut is the place that offers the best view of Machu Picchu.
• The Temple of the Sun is a place for religious ceremonies.
• The Royal Tomb is a natural rock cave where important people were probably buried.
• Mount Wayna Picchu - climbing to the top allows you to see the city from a completely new perspective.

In order to preserve the unique ecosystem and architectural heritage, new visitation rules were introduced in 2024 to limit the number of tourists and separate their routes.

The best time to visit is June-August, when the weather is dry and sunny. During the rainy season (December-February), the city can be covered in thick fog, which adds to its mystique but makes it difficult to travel.

The most convenient route is by plane to Cusco, from where you can get by train or hike the famous Inca Trail.

Borobudur, Indonesia

This grand Buddhist temple on the island of Java is one of the largest in the world. Built in the eighth century, it consists of nine levels decorated with thousands of bas-reliefs and Buddha statues.

What to see:

• The main stupa at the top of the temple is a symbol of achieving nirvana.

• Mendut Temple - here is a monumental statue of Buddha with bodhisattvas.
• Candi Pawon Temple - known for its exquisite bas-reliefs.

The best time to visit is May-June or September-October, when there are fewer tourists. July-August is the high season, and October-April is the rainy season.

The nearest airport is in Yogyakarta. Then - transfer or public bus.

Angkor Wat, Cambodia

It is the largest religious complex in the world and a symbol of Cambodia. Angkor Wat was built in the 12th century as a Hindu temple and later became a Buddhist center.

What to see:

• The Angkor Wat Bas-reliefs - a 790-meter gallery with bas-reliefs depicting scenes from Hindu mythology.

• Bakan Sanctuary - the highest point of the temple with a panoramic view.
• Bayon Temple is famous for its huge faces carved in stone.

The best time to visit is from November to March. It is hot in April and May, and the rainy season is from June to October.

It is most convenient to fly to Siem Reap, from where you can get to the temples by taxi or tuk-tuk.

Luxor, Egypt

One of the main attractions of Luxor is the Valley of the Kings, located on the west bank of the Nile. It was here that the famous tomb of Tutankhamun was found, as well as 62 other royal tombs dating back to 2100 BC. It is worth noting that the Egyptian Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities periodically changes the list of tombs open to visitors. Some particularly popular sites, such as the tombs of Tutankhamun, Seti I, and Ramses VI, may require additional tickets.

Luxor offers many unique attractions that can be explored over several days or even weeks. It's important to visit both the east and west banks of the Nile, as each has its own unique places.

The best time to visit is in the fall and winter, when Luxor has a pleasant climate. The high season lasts from October to February, when most tourists come here, and prices for hotels and excursions rise. For those who want to avoid the crowds and save money, the best months are March-May and September - during this period the weather is not too hot and prices are much lower.

Luxor has an international airport that receives regular flights from Cairo, as well as seasonal flights from European cities such as London and Paris. There are trains and buses between Cairo and Luxor, but the journey can take 9 hours or more.

One of the most interesting ways to get to Luxor is to take a cruise on the Nile, which allows not only comfortable travel but also enjoying the majestic scenery along the river.

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