Seven Alternative Wonders Of The World

While it was once a buzzword dropped by hip, eco-conscious travellers, overtourism is now accepted as a serious threat to the heritage, ecosystems and communities of more than 100 popular destinations around the world. For a more responsible approach to travel, consider Culture Trip’s round-up of seven other marvels to explore.

Ancient Incan ruins of Choquequirao, Peru – instead of Machu Picchu

The ancient site of Machu Picchu has long drawn crowds to the Andes. But curious travellers are at the point of permanently damaging this Incan site – in 2017, Unesco was close to adding it to its List of World Heritage in Danger. Restrictions have since been put in place, but Machu Picchu still faces a huge strain. Nearby, however, is the lesser-visited real lost city of Choquequirao, which can only be reached by a two-day hike along the Inca trail. It promises stunning views, ancient ruins and an altogether more peaceful experience.

Chinguetti, Mauritania – instead of the Egyptian Pyramids

Cherry Blossom on Jeju Island, South Korea – instead of Japan

Japan has been the hot ticket for some years now, and thanks to social media, cherry-blossom season has brought an influx of tourists doing it for the ’gram; search for the hashtag #cherryblossom on Instagram and you’ll find 8m posts and counting. To escape the hordes and still experience the beauty of these candy-hued seasonal blooms, head to South Korea. Many even believe the trees originated on the beautiful Jeju Island, which has plenty of stunning landscapes to explore once you’ve got your shot.

Zadar, Croatia – instead of Dubrovnik

Dubrovnik’s Old City is one of the most high-profile cases of a destination at breaking point from too much attention. Following the hit series Game of Thrones, the 800-year-old Unesco World Heritage site saw such an influx of tourists that measures had to be taken to save its protected status. Dubrovnik’s mayor limited the number of cruise ships allowed to dock and banned four out of five souvenir stalls. Meanwhile, four hours north on the Dalmatian Coast, the city of Zadar has the Roman and Venetian history of Dubrovnik, but with a fraction of the mayhem – and none of the sorcery-themed knick-knacks.

Son Doong Cave, Vietnam – instead of Paradise Cave

Like hanging out underground? Vietnam is the place to go. There are more than 500 caves in the country, with many concentrated in the Unesco-protected Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park, nicknamed the Kingdom of Caves. Around 4m tourists visit annually, but one cave is a bit more private. While it’s reported to be the largest cave in the world, at 200m (656ft) high and 150m (492ft) wide, visitor numbers for the four-day expeditions to Son Doong are limited to 1,000 per year. Like Glastonbury tickets, it’s first come, first served.

Heart of Neolithic Orkney, Scotland – instead of Stonehenge

About 800,000 people visit Wiltshire’s Neolithic site of Stonehenge each year to marvel at how the 5,000-year-old landmark came to be. But for Neolithic monuments without the coachloads of tourists, you’d be wise to head elsewhere. On an archipelago in the north of Scotland, the Unesco World Heritage site of Orkney paints a picture of what life might have looked like from 4,000BCE to 1,800BCE – and allows for a moment of quiet contemplation uninterrupted by selfie sticks. Affectionately named the Heart of Neolithic Orkney, here you can explore a once-thriving domestic settlement of farmers and fishermen, a chambered tomb and two stone circles with surrounding henges.

Las Pozas, Mexico – Instead of Real de Catorce

Mexico’s historical village of Real de Catorce is feeling the impact of overtourism, so much so that there have been talks of making an electric tram the only way to reach it. To take the pressure off the local community, drive six hours south to the mountain village of Xilitla to discover surreal sculptures in a lush rainforest. Created in the mid-20th century by British writer Edward James – who Salvador Dalí once called “crazier than all the Surrealists put together” – the garden is a unique blend of reality and the subconscious in a, well, surreal way.
This story appears in Issue 6 of Culture Trip magazine: The Sustainability Issue.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.