A UNESCO World Heritage Site is a place that has been nominated for the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization’s International World Heritage program.
The program aims to catalogue and preserve sites of outstanding importance, either cultural or natural, to the common heritage of humankind.
These sites may be of historical prominence, true beauty or a wonder of nature. Although there is an exhaustive list of these places that cover the globe, these are a list of our favourites. Be ready to extend your bucket list!
Brazil
Iguazu National Park
Not only a place of sheer power and beauty, this haven of biodiversity offers its home to 2,000 species of plants and incredible South American animals such as jaguars, caymans, ocelots, monkeys, giant anteaters and tapirs. However, most of you may know the area for its incredible waterfalls. Iguazu Falls, viewable from both Argentina and Brazil. The Falls themselves actually consist of over 270 separate falls that stretch for more than one and a half miles and stand at over 200 feet high, apart from the fall named the Devils Throat that stands at 500 feet.
You can view these magnificent falls whilst staying at Club Med Rio Das Padras. Soak up the sun and discover cosmopolitan Rio before opting for an excursion to discover this wonderful world wonder.
Australia
Great Barrier Reef
A pinnacle of Australia, this reef is the largest living structure in the world and is home to 3000 individual reef systems. This natural wonder of the world attracts tourists from all over the world to take to the electric blue waters and snorkel and dive, to immerse themselves in this thriving underwater population.
You can visit the magnificent beaches and oceans of Australia with Contiki’s Beaches and Reefs tour.
Cambodia
Angkor
Angkor is one of the most important archaeological sites in South-East Asia. Stretching over 400 km2. The Angkor Archaeological Park contains the magnificent remains of different capitals of the Khmer Empire, from the 9th to the 15th century. They include the famous Temple of Angkor Wat and, at Angkor Thom, the Bayon Temple.
You can discover these temples for yourself and walk in the footsteps of monks with Intrepid Cambodia Traveller.
Canada
Canadian Rocky Mountain Parks
Stunning aqua-blue lakes, snow-capped peaks, lush forests and incredible fossil remains. These vast national parks of Banff, Jasper, Kootenay and Yoho, as well as the Mount Robson, Mount Assiniboine and Hamber provincial parks, offer a glimpse into the natural world, undisturbed and incredibly beautiful.
Discover the beauty of the Rockies with Insight Vacations.
China
Jiuzhaigou Valley
Whilst China has many sites on the list, one of the lesser-known and most beautiful is the Jiuzhaigou Valley. With multi-layered waterfalls, soaring mountains and a World Biosphere Reserve status, this site is incredible to behold. You can even find the rare giant pandas and the endearing snub-nosed monkey.
You can visit this place, trapped in time, with Wendy Wu.
India
Kaziranga National Park
Although India isn’t known for its safari parks, this national park is home to buffalo, rhinos, deer, jackals, sloth bears, Ganges dolphin, leopards, Bengal tigers and so much more. This park is an amazing place to view wildlife and perhaps glimpse the elusive Bengal tiger.
Embark on your own safari within this Wendy Wu India Tour.
Croatia
Plitvice National Parks
Undulating turquoise waterfalls spilling over into the middle of forests, creating blue lagoons. Paths and bridges have been built so that you can experience the rushing waterfalls with a truly panoramic experience.
Discover the beauty of Croatia with Insight Vacations.
Jordan
Petra
Petra was the impressive capital of the Nabataean kingdom from around the 6th century BC. Hailed as one of the seven wonders of the world, this stone city still stands resolutely and offers an insight into the ancient lives of its creators. Its dam, theatre and tombs can still be viewed.
Uncover this city for yourself with a Cox & Kings Tour.
Mexico
Chichen Itza
Created by the Mayans, this sacred site was one of the greatest centres of the Yucatán peninsula. The city thrived from around 600 AD to the 1200s. Graphic stone carvings survive at structures like the Great Ball Court, Temple of the Warriors and the Wall of Skulls.
Opt for an excursion to Chichen Itza during a relaxing Club Med holiday at Club Med Cancun Yucatan.
Norway
Bergen
Bergen or Bryggen is the second largest city in Norway. Surrounded by hills and fjords, Bergen is known for its beauty and perfectly preserved, colourful wooden houses. However, the view of Bergen is even more stunning from Mount Floyen, overlooking the deep blue water, rimmed with fjords and with a smattering of traditional houses.
You can visit Bergen and sail along fjords with Hurtigruten.
