The Seven Wonders of the World demonstrate humanity's most impressive creations such as the Taj Mahal and the statue of Christ the Redeemer. In the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, ancient masterpieces such as the Temple of Artemis and the Hanging Gardens of Babylon are remembered. However, the Seven Wonders of the Natural World are proof — if needed at all— that Mother Nature is just as talented an architect. Compiled by CNN and Seven Natural Wonders in 1997, this list spans all 7 continents and includes some of the greatest heights of the earth and depths of the oceans, some lesser-known sites, and some well-known features that you may have already visited yourself. While the locations of the world's most breathtaking wonders are often disputed, these seven locations are generally agreed upon as being among the best natural sights anywhere in the world.

Even the ancient historians who saw and compiled the list of wonders couldn't believe the immense beauty of the marble Temple of Artemis, built in 550 BC by a local king. It was set ablaze a few. Stunning Images Of The Seven Wonders Of The Ancient World Restored In Their Prime. Colossus of Rhodes. Great Pyramid of Giza. Hanging Gardens of Babylon. Lighthouse of Alexandria. Mausoleum at Halicarnassus. Statue of Zeus at Olympia. Temple of Artemis at Ephesus.

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The Grand Canyon

Situated in Arizona in the USA, the 277-mile long Grand Canyon is truly awe-inspiring. The canyon, which measures up to a mile deep and some 18 miles wide at its broadest, was formed over time by the unstoppable course of the Colorado River. Scientists estimate that the river first carved out its path more than 17 million years ago. In recent years, increased safety measures have prevented visitors from approaching the edge of the canyon. Still, the Grand Canyon site continues to be a popular tourist destination. A distant glimpse of this powerful and majestic canyon is enough to give memories of a lifetime.

Parícutin

One of the lesser-known entries on this list, Parícutin is just as impressive as many more well-known landmarks. It is an example of a near-perfect cinder cone volcano located in Michoacán, Mexico. One thing sets Parícutin apart from the many others of its kind around the world. Modern scientists were able to observe and document every stage of its lifespan – from creation to extinction – as it happened. Throughout the 1940s and 1950s, visiting experts and residents of the region were able to witness the volcano growing from a fissure in a cornfield to a mountainous height of 1,391 ft. After erupting for 19 years, the volcano went quiet in 1952. It is not expected to erupt again.

Northern Lights

Seen in both the polar regions of the planet, this dazzling light show is aptly referred to as the Northern (or Southern) Lights. Unlike most of the entries on this list, you can view an aurora from many different locations around the world. The higher the latitude, the more likely you are to see them. The Northern Lights effect is brought on by charged cosmic particles entering and interacting with the Earth's atmosphere. It causes vivid colors to be painted across the night sky.

For centuries, humans have speculated endlessly about the cause of this night-time display of colors. References to the lights have been found in texts from Ancient Greece, stories from Norse Mythology, and sources from Medieval England.

Victoria Falls

As the Zambezi River crosses the border between Zambia and Zimbabwe, its waters descend 355 feet to form the astonishing Victoria Falls. The waterfall was named in 1855 by Scottish explorer David Livingstone after Queen Victoria, the then reigning English monarch. The indigenous name Mosi-oa-Tunya or 'The Smoke that Thunders' is still in use locally. In 2013, the government of Zimbabwe announced plans to officially rename the falls as such. Victoria Falls is not the highest or the broadest waterfall on the planet, but upon considering both attributes, it qualifies as the largest.

Harbor of Rio de Janeiro

Guanabara Bay is a 19-mile stretch of land to the east of Rio de Janeiro, the second-largest city in Brazil. More than 100 islands are situated around the bay, including the car-free Paquetá Island, and Villegagnon Island, the site of the Brazilian Naval School.

In the past, the bay hosted a vibrant and diverse ecosystem. In recent decades, however, the perils of urbanization have wreaked havoc on this once-beautiful environment. Thankfully, legislation put in place ahead of the 2016 Summer Olympic Games in Rio stipulates a requirement for the country's government to reinvigorate attempts to return the bay to its former glory. While there are doubts as to whether these plans will be executed as expected, locals and ecologists around the world remain hopeful that it is not too late to save this particular wonder

Great Barrier Reef

The Great Barrier Reef is also a natural wonder of our planet. You need to see it to believe it. It features nearly 3,000 individual reefs and almost 1,000 islands stretching for over 1,400 miles, While the Great Wall of China is often mistakenly described as being visible from space, astronauts and satellites have managed to capture images of the Barrier Reef.

The reef is a globally recognized landmark of Australia and a point of pride for Australians around the globe. It is made of billions of minuscule organisms called coral polyps. Lots of work is done each year to ensure that the delicate ecosystem of the reef is preserved for future generations. Central to this effort is the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park, a protective designation established in 1975 meant to protect the reef and the species within it.

Mount Everest

Last, but certainly not least, is the world's highest point. Known as Sagarmāthā in Nepal, and Chomolungma in Tibet, Mount Everest is one of the most iconic natural features of the globe. At 29,029 feet tall, it is ranked first amongst mountains for both elevation and prominence.

The first recorded attempts to scale Everest were made in the 1920s by British mountaineers. However, it would take more than three decades until Sherpa Tenzing Norgay and New Zealander Edmund Hilary managed to reach the summit in 1953.

Today, climbing Everest is no longer quite the unassailable goal that it once was. However, those looking forward to doing so still have to be in peak physical condition and take great risks in undergoing the venture. Climbing the mountain remains one of the greatest feats of man, and is a hugely popular challenge for anyone looking to test their mettle.

The seven natural wonders of the world are Mount Everest, the Great Barrier Reef, the Harbor of Rio de Janeiro, Victoria Falls, the Northern Lights, Parícutin, and the Grand Canyon.

By Brad Jones

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WorldAtlas.com Privacy PolicyWe respect your privacy and we are committed to safeguarding your privacy while online at our site. If you are an avid traveler then one or all of the new seven wonders of the world may be on your bucket list. The new seven wonders of the world are a group of ancient monuments chosen by the New7Wonders Foundation.

The new seven wonders of the world were chosen based on the voting of people from all over the world. The original list of seven wonders was compiled in the second century, and only the is still standing. There has been some controversy surrounding the new seven wonders of the world. Prominent monuments like Angkor Wat and the Acropolis did not make the final cut. Great Wall Of China - ChinaIf you plan on visiting the Great Wall of China there are a few things to know. If you plan on hiking be sure to check to weather first. Wear comfortable hiking shoes and use the bathroom at the valley beforehand.

The summer season can be very crowded, so consider visiting in spring or fall instead. Avoid visiting during Chinese holidays and don’t litter. There are dangers you must watch out for on the wall. Watch out for scammers offering group tours, and be careful when taking photos. You can lose your balance and fall if you attempt to take a photo in a dangerous position. Petra - JordonYou can save a lot of money by purchasing a Jordan pass, which allows you to visit all the tourist attractions in the country for an affordable price, including Petra.

Wear comfortable shoes if you plan on walking, but a camel or donkey ride might offer a more authentic experience. There is no dress code at, but you should bring sunscreen because it can be unbearably hot in the summer. Christ the Redeemer - BrazilChrist the Redeemer has been overlooking Rio de Janeiro since the statue was built in 1931. If you plan on visiting, do so during the offseason. Christmas and Carnival are poor times to visit because the site will be too congested.

Be prepared with proper hiking gear if you plan to take the trail to the top. You can also use a combination of train, taxi, or shuttle if you want to reach the top sooner. Early morning on a weekday is the best time to visit because you will avoid the crowds and be able to take a selfie that is unobstructed by the glare of the sun. Machu Picchu - Peruis really safe, but there are hazards. Be sure to pack a poncho or rain jacket because the weather can change in a second. Make sure you have all the proper hiking gear, and watch your step because many of the pathways are steep and narrow.

Pack some bug spray as there are many insects that can sting and bite in the area. Use the washroom before you go, and pack some snacks.

The most important tip is that you must bring your passport. You must have your passport stamped before you enter Machu Picchu. Having your passport stamped when you enter Peru will not suffice. Chichen Itza - MexicoChichen Itza covers 740 acres, and it is one of the most visited tourist spots in all of Mexico. The entrance fee is about $13 USD, but you must pay in Mexican pesos. The best time to visit Chichen Itza is in the early morning or late afternoon. The weather will be cooler and the crowds will be thinner.

Plan your schedule ahead of time because you will need about three hours to see everything. Colosseum - ItalyBook your tour to the Colosseum early because spaces fill up fast. Be sure to pack light because large backpacks are not allowed inside the Colosseum. Make sure to respect the culture and history. Pack a rain jacket or poncho in case of inclement weather.

The Colosseum steps can be very slippery when it is raining. Taj Mahal - IndiaIf you plan on visiting all the new seven wonders of the world you might want to visit this one first because the Taj Mahal is actually sinking. Avoid the summer and rainy season by visiting sometime between November and February. Tickets cost about $15 USD for foreigners but you can save a little bit of money by using cashless payment. The Taj Mahal is closed on Fridays for prayer observation. Great Pyramid - Egypt (Honorary Candidate)If you want to see every inch of the pyramid complex you will have to purchase multiple tickets.

A general ticket doesn’t cover everything. Your main ticket will allow you to enter the tomb beneath the pyramids, but when you exit you will be asked to pay a tip.

Wear light clothing that doesn’t reveal too much skin, and bring plenty of water. You should stay at a hotel that is as close to the pyramids and possible, and be sure to visit early in the morning to avoid crowds.

Voting and Natural WondersThe new seven wonders of the world are unique monuments that attract visitors from all over the world. More than 100,000,000 votes were cast to determine which monuments would make the final list. The Great Pyramid of Giza is the only wonder of the ancient world that is still standing. The New7Wonders Foundation also compiled a list of seven natural wonders, which includes the Amazon Rainforest, Jeju Island, Komodo Island, and Table Mountain.

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