What do Machu Picchu, the Giant’s Causeway, and Petra all have in common? Each site is a United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) World Heritage Site. Preserving places around the world with outstanding universal value, UNESCO has dedicated more than 1,000 World Heritage Sites reflecting the world’s natural and cultural diversity. Many of our guided tours visit these incredible sites, so we made a list of some of our favorites. Explore the top UNESCO sites to add to your bucket list!
1. Sukhothai Historical Park
Located in Northern Thailand is Sukhothai Historical Park, consisting of closely related ancient towns. Sukhothai was the political and administrative capital of the first Kingdom of Siam in the 13th and 15th centuries. Sri Satchanalai, its sister city, was the spiritual center of the kingdom and the site of numerous temples and Buddhist monasteries.
2. Sanctuary Of Machu Picchu
High in the Andes of Peru lies the majestic Machu Picchu. Archeologists believe the site dates back to the 15th century and represents the estate of Incan Emperor Pachacuti. Built without the use of mortar, metal tools, or the wheel, Machu Picchu is a testament to the power and ingenuity of the Inca empire.
3. Giant’s Causeway
A geological wonder on the coast of Northern Ireland, the Giant’s Causeway is made up of some 40,000 massive black basalt columns sticking out of the sea. The dramatic sight has inspired legends of giants striding over the sea to Scotland. The striking landscape was caused by volcanic activity some 50–60 million years ago.
4. Villages Of Shirakawa-Go And Gokayama
Located in a mountainous region that was cut off from the rest of the world for a long period of time, these villages, with their Gassho-style houses, subsisted on the cultivation of mulberry trees and the rearing of silkworms. The large houses with their steeply pitched thatched roofs are the only of their kind in Japan, offering outstanding examples of a traditional way of life.
5. Petra
Situated between the Red Sea and the Dead Sea in Jordan, Petra was a major caravan center for the incense of Arabia, the silks of China, and the spices of India. Petra is half-built, half-carved into the rock, and is surrounded by mountains riddled with passages and gorges. It is one of the world’s most famous archaeological sites, where ancient Eastern traditions blend with Hellenistic architecture.
6. Plitvice Lakes National Park
Croatia’s oldest and largest national park is made up of 16 interconnected lakes that tumble into each other, creating a series of stunning waterfalls. Picturesque wooden boardwalks crisscross the lakes, creating a fairytale-worthy environment where you can get right up close to the fabulous natural beauty.
Explore these UNESCO marvels on our guided tours! If these don’t fit your fancy, discover more captivating experiences in our diverse collection of tours. Your next adventure awaits – start making memories today!