If you've ever Googled photos of the seven wonders of the world, you'll find serene and majestic shots — especially if you happen to find one where the sun is setting or rising.
However, if you've ever actually visited one, you know that there are often hordes of tourists and pure pandemonium.
That's why we found alternatives to the "New Seven Wonders of the World." These seven sites were chosen thanks to a contest put on by the New 7 Wonders Foundation in 2007 and include places like the Taj Mahal, Machu Picchu, and the Colosseum.
While we think the wonders are still worth visiting, here are some other monuments to visit, sans crowds, while you're in the country.
SEE ALSO: 5 under-the-radar alternatives to popular travel destinations that will help you beat the crowds
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Instead of Christ the Redeemer, visit the Rio de Janeiro Cathedral.
Rio is a little hedonistic paradise so while you may want to give Christ a visit (plus the views on Corcovada are spectacular) you can atone more privately at the Rio de Janeiro Cathedral. The cathedral was designed by Edgar Fonseca in a modern style inspired by the style of Mayan pyramids. The result is a large, futuristic structure whose tilting walls feature beautiful stained-glass windows.
Located not too far from the church is the bohemian neighborhood of Santa Teresa, where you can catch the tram across Arcos de Lapa (the aqueducts) and up the hilly and winding roads to the Centro Cultural Municipal Parque das Ruínas for some amazing views. Grab some pao de queijo (cheesy bread) and açaí at Cultivar, which some claim to be the best spot in all of Rio.
Instead of Chichen Itza, visit Uxmal.
Speaking of Mayan Pyramids, Chichen Itza is probably the most well known and most visited one in the world. The Yucatan Peninsula is dotted with important Mayan sites, though, and we think Uxmal is worth a visit.
Occupied by Mayans starting around A.D. 700 at least 3,000 years ago, Uxmal contains the remains of a community some 25,000 strong and is a designated UNESCO World Heritage site. While Chichen Itzá is impressive in its size, and many buildings are indeed breathtaking, the stonework on Uxmal's facade is so much more intricate.
When arriving at the site, the pyramids seem to jut out from the trees surrounding them, creating a kind of indescribable mystical atmosphere not found in the famous (and overcrowded) Chichen Itzá. And the best part? You can actually climb the Great Pyramid for a breathtaking view.
Instead of the Badaling section of the Great Wall of China, visit the Jinshanling section.
Considering that the Great Wall of China is 13,170 miles long, you'd think there would be multiple places tourists would visit to explore this man-made wonder. Well, a majority of Great Wall tourists flock to the Badaling section, which is by far the most developed and convenient. So while we may not have an alternative to the Great Wall, we suggest moseying down to the Jinshanling section, located 125 km northeast of Beijing. It's just as restored, but its distance from the city makes it less popular among tourists.
Surrounded by breathtaking mountains, it is considered as the best starting point for the six-mile trek to Simatai West. The first part of this trek is in fairly good shape, but it deteriorates quickly, becoming more treacherous, with points that have loose stones and bricks.
If you have a small group, hiring a taxi is a good option. This will allow you to easily see different parts of the wall. Hotels can also arrange an English-speaking private car. You should be warned that the Chinese government occasionally blocks off entire sections or fines visitors for unauthorized trespassing.
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