We’ve been to a lot of ancient ruins, but 6 stand out above and beyond the others. Being one with lots of opinions, it seems fitting to rank ancient important pieces of world history and then say which ones I wouldn’t visit again. Oh, and tell you how we got there for free.
(1 and 2 were hard to decide between. But I think I made the right choice. Yes?)
Top Ancient Ruins We’ve Seen
1) Machu Picchu, Peru
Why Machu Picchu over Angkor Wat?
I seriously love both. And Angkor Wat can be enjoyed for so much longer as it’s a huge ancient city, that’s impossible to see in one day.
But Machu Picchu is an experience just getting there. We also did Machu Picchu the long cheap way. This means that we didn’t take the train up, we bussed around, and then hiked along a river just to get to the base town.
But ordinarily you have to fly into Cusco, which is at a very high elevation. And then you take a train even higher to Aguas Calientes. Then you take a shuttle bus (or walk) to the top. It’s just not as easy as disney world.
This hard to reach aura (despite there being a million tourists) makes the experience of being at the top even more epic. An interesting history left in crumbled houses across these peaks of what are simply incredible mountains. You’re standing on this sharp green peak, surrounded by other peaks.
It’s the experience.
Doing Machu Picchu for free
Peru is super easy to get to with miles in terms of avoiding fuel surcharges. It doesn’t matter if you get the Lufthansa card and use Lufthansa miles, or if you use ANA (a transfer of Amex), British Airways Avios (transfer partner of Amex and Chase, and it has its own card), or pretty much any mileage program.
This is definitely a chance to burn some miles that aren’t AA, United, and USA, as no fuel surcharges will be added. Just go.
Although availability to Cusco (or South America) isn’t the easiest in the world for peak times, but it still exists.
There are a couple points hotels in Cusco. There’s really just the expensive JW Marriott for 30,000 points. Or with Starwood there is the Palacio del Inka for 10,000 SPG points. Or the Tambo Del Inka Resort which is on the train route to Machu Picchu for 16,000 SPG points.
2) Angkor Wat, Cambodia
In terms of actual ruins themselves, Angkor Wat wins. As I say, one day is not enough to see everything. It’s just enormous, a city of temples. Yet, each stone in this jungle covered city is artistically carved.
The town Siem Reap isn’t exactly the bees knees, and Cambodia in general is a bit dirty (although also interesting). Still, I could do an Angkor Wat vacation. And of the places on the list, I feel most likely to return here to continue exploring.
Doing Angkor Wat for free
Star Alliance has okay availability, but only from Seoul on Asiana and Beijing on Air China. Which is okay if you’re coming from North America but not so much from SE Asia. Collect United miles (via the United card, or transfer from Chase via the Chase Sapphire Preferred or the Ink Bold), and you’ll avoid the fuel surcharges.
The easiest is OneWorld with options from Hong Kong, KL or Bangkok. To avoid fuel surcharges, collect AA miles (via the AA cards or SPG transfers) or US Airways miles (via the US Airways card or SPG transfers).
In terms of hotels, you have plenty of options, but for points there are two stand out deals.
Category 4 Hyatt certs can be used at the new Park Hyatt Siem Reap.
Or, if you have a mere 3,000 to 4,000 SPG points you can stay at the Le Meridien. Plus, if you do 4 award nights, you get the 5th night free. That’s reason enough to grab the SPG card.
3) Old Rome, Italy
This may surprise you how high this is on my list, but I was stunned by the beauty of ancient Rome. Although it’s incredibly different than any of the other sites on this list because it is in the middle of a giant city. Not in the jungle, not on a mountain.
And while Rome’s history is so important, I didn’t build it up. I was ready to skip it, thinking it would be similar to Athens.
Both have beautiful grounds to explore, but I felt “closer” to the big things in Rome. For example, you get to walk around the Colosseum, versus simply staring at the Parthenon. You can really visualize and live being in ancient Rome. In Athens, all I notice is that there are about 1 billion tourists in the way of a decent photo.
Doing Rome for free
Flying to Europe on AA miles, you need to avoid London. It’s actually pretty simply as you can connect in Dusseldorf on Air Berlin.
When using United miles, it’s super easy. When using Lufthansa miles, you’re now screwed. When using Air Canada miles you should make sure to fly on United (that’s safe, right?).
All of these hotels are downtown.
Radisson Blu – 44k, IC – 50k, Boscolo Exedra Roma, Autograph Collection – 40k
St. Regis 30,000 and Westin 20,000 – 25,000
4) Mesa Verde, Colorado
This is my favorite Native American or historical site in the USA.
First of all the Canyons in this part of the world are incredible, to say the least. If you’ve never vacationed in the four corners area, you should (after the Rockies of course). Go see Zion NP, Bryce NP, Monument Valley, and Mesa Verde.
Another place where you get to actually walk through and crawl into some of the most important ancient ruins. There are other ancient ruins, some extremely impressive, for example I love Canyon de Chelly National Monument in Arizona. But to see the “white house” you’re looking from a cliff across a canyon or from way down below. It’s a different experience. In Mesa Verde you are right in the cliff dwellings.
Doing Mesa Verde for free
Walk and camp.
Just kidding… sorta. It’s really in the middle of nowhere. This is roadtripping material. Still the Holiday Inn in Cortez, CO goes for 25,000 IHG points (rip off but you could BRG it).
5) Chichen Itza, Mexico
Half way between Cancun and Merida (which most have probably never heard of (but I really like for whatever reason)), this is one of the most important (and popular) of the Mayan ruins.
Also, the Yucatan area is super fun and has a great feel. Isla Mujeres, Tulum… Wait, Tulum could have been on this list. Tulum is super scenic because it’s a Mayan ruin on these beautiful cliffs. And the water is freaking perfect.
But if you’re going for ruins, Chichen Itza is where it’s at. A courtyard where they played some kind of soccer (except no feet)… to the death, an observatory, a pyramid… it’s quite a site.
Down sides:
When I visited in 2008 they just banned walking to the top of the pyramid thingy because an american fell to the bottom and died. Which, sounds pretty terrible.
It’s in the middle of nowhere.
Super touristy. Lots of touts. But I’ll never forget the kid offering to sell us a mask for a “mayan dollar”. I laughed and asked how much one mayan dollar would be. He responded, “20 US dollars”. Goofball, but he got me to ask.
Doing Chichen Itza for free
Dude, there are so many hotels in Cancun. Hotel points with pretty much anyone, timeshare promotions, Best Rate Guarantees. Easy. Although, you wouldn’t be a fool to check out Isla Mujeres just off the coast of Cancun.
And you can use almost any miles program to get there, even Southwest now!
6) Easter Island, Chile
This place is last on my list despite it being epic. It’s somehow the most epic place on earth and the most boring place on earth.
The fact that you are on the most remote place on earth is awesome, and 1 day of dwelling on it is enough.
Looking at these mysterious sculptures, way too heavy to carry, so far from their home… it’s epic. Thinking about how these people got there, thinking about what happened, learning the history (or lack of history because the literate were shipped to be slaves in Peru), it’s all epic.
After you’re finished visiting all the Moai sites… you can then enjoy crazy weather, an absence of beaches, an absence of nature and sit.
I make it sound epic eh?
Well, it’s also on the list as just sort of a, “without miles and points, this would have never happened”. And it’s true. With miles and points (and unlimited stopovers with BA at the time), it was a “why not?”, and so we did it.
Doing Easter Island for free
Easter Island has no points hotels, and I doubt you’re commuting.
The easiest and best way to get to Easter Island is on LAN, which is OneWorld. So you can use American Airline miles, US Airways miles, or even British Airways Avios.
But it doesn’t matter what you use because you can just add this onto a Peru or Chile ticket. In fact, I’d recommend getting a ticket to Lima or Santiago and then just tacking on a ticket using 25,000 Avios (roundtrip).
Top Ancient Ruins We Haven’t Seen
We’ve never seen Petra or the Pyramids. Pyramids is probably both a touristy “meh” and awesome. Petra sounds like pure awesome. Sounds like it would be on the top 3 for sure.
So you may be thinking, “these kids need a middle east tour!” And it’s true. Other interests have trumped seeing a new region. I continually say, “next year”, but this time I mean it!
Teotihuacan when it’s green I bet would blow away any other Central American ruin. Anyone been there?
Top “Meh” of Ancient Ruins
I don’t want to offend anyone, but I didn’t enjoy Athens. Not the Parthenon or any of the ancient Greek sites were worth the visit for me. It’s more of an outdoor museum than a ruin site and Athens is just… meh.
Stonehenge – I’m sorry again. We were an hour away from Stonehenge in the UK and went, “should we go to Stonehenge? … Naah.” No interest. I’m not speaking from experience. Just saying that driving two hours to see an empty field with rocks could personally be enjoyed for all of a fraction of a second.
Conclusion
Obviously, there are tons of ancient ruins I’m leaving off – both ruins we’ve seen and yet to see. Some are “nice” day trips, and some are trips themselves. For example I wouldn’t go to Thailand to see Ayutthaya (the old capital), but we’ve spent nearly 3 months in Thailand in the last few years and Ayutthaya was worth fitting in the 3 months. Worth recommending? Not really. It’s just… nice.
Warsaw’s Old Town was in ruins and is now rebuilt. It is the best part about Warsaw. And ancient forts are incredible. Some of our favorite forts include the one in San Juan, Puerto Rico and Jodhpur, India (neither in ruins).
And ultimately, the more you know about a place ahead of time the more meaningful it is. At least that’s the way it is with me and historic sites.
So what am I missing? Where would I be a fool to miss as a traveler?
Nice post, but I just can’t let this statement go by:
“But ordinarily you have to fly into Cusco, which is at a very high elevation. And then you take a train even higher to Aguas Calientes.”
Cusco is ~3,399 m (11,152 ft) while Aguas Calientes is ~2,040m (6,690ft), so it’s not even close. If you were following the Rio Urubamba from the Sacred Valley to get there, you should have been walking downstream.
Monster is right, Machu Picchu is much lower than Cuzco.
In fact, the best strategy to avoid altitude sickness is to fly in to Cuzco, then immediately take a $25 cab ride down into the Sacred Valley and spend a night or two in a hotel down there (e.g., Pisac or Ollanta). You will be on the way to Machu Picchu, and can catch the train from Ollanta to MP City (Aguas Calientes).
After a day or two down in the Sacred Valley and MP, you can head back up to Cuzco and enjoy it without much (if any) effects of its high altitude.
I, I, I just can’t believe that. When I left cusco, I got in a bus and went up for 6 hours. What was that about? Am I that bad at judging up and down?
Drew – Were you on the right side of the uphill/downhill debate we had in Shenandoah National Park??
For Angkor Wat, * also has pretty good availability (in Y) from PEK – REP (Beijing to Siem Reap).
Aw, Air China too. I’ll add that. Thanks.
Hey Drew,
Nice list. Since you enjoyed Agnkor you should go to east Java and see Borobudur, Pram Banan and area temples. Pretty incredible – and there are so few American tourists that people kept asking if it was Ok to take our picture, or if we would pose with their kids, which was kind of a sweet way to get to meet some locals. And I hope that wen you saw Angkor you also visited the Banyan.
Is that the temple with the big tree? If so, definitely saw it. The entire place is pretty magical. Definately touristy tho. Indonesia in general is just less traveled. Bali is an exception, but Indonesia is huge. Would love to see many of the other islands.
After seeing Angkor Wat it’s worth getting a massage at Seeing Hands. It’s pretty cheap and you are helping blind people earn a living.
Oh, that’s cool. A massage I can feel good about instead of creepy. In thailand (where I am now) they only give massages to single guys for whatever reason.
I cannot recommend Teotihuacan highly enough. In fact, I’d recommend it over Chitzen Itza if I had to choose. Why? 2 reasons – WAY less crowded, and you can climb the pyramid. The views out from the top of the pyramid are gorgeous. Also, from Mexico City, you can get there yourself extremely easily using the subway and buses. No need for a tour at all. When I stayed in MC I took a group from the hostel I was staying at and it cost us $15 round trip, which was $20 less than what they wanted for the tour at the hostel.
As for what you missed out on, I can’t believe you didn’t list Tikal. Its absolutely the best ruin site in all of Central America, bar none. Only trouble with it is its in the ass end of Guatemala, a few hours from anything. That would be my first stop. Next, would be Palenque, which I liked even better than Chitzen Itza as well. Beautiful jungle scenery.
The only other one worth seeing would be Tulum and Coba (also in Tulum). Everything else in Central America is really a let down after seeing the big three.
If you want more info on any of the ruins feel free to let me know.
+1 for Tikal. It’s not that hard to get to, though, if you include it in a trip to Belize. Belize has two main destinations: the islands and the inner jungle/karst system. When inland, it is an easy overnighter (or even day trip) to Tikal.
You could get there from Belize, Mexico, or even Guatemala itself. Any of the options require a good bit of drive time. I’d recommend going through Belize via San Ignacio and staying overnight in Flores, a dumpy/quaint little island town about 2 hours south. There are plenty of other things to do in Belize, but the ruins there aren’t worthwhile.
I didn’t really address this in my first post, but doing Tikal on miles alone really isn’t feasible IMO. Yes, you could probably find a flight to Guatemala City for miles, but you could just as easily book on Spirit for less than $100 out of Ft. Lauderdale/Houston. I think they have a few chains in the capital. But the capital is a dangerous, awful dump, so I really wouldn’t recommend staying there anyway. Hotels outside of the capital would be non-existant. Same with Belize, cheap flights can be easily had and so can hotels, but the big brand hotels and airlines don’t really have a presence there. You would definitely want to stay the hell out of Belize City.
Mexico, on the other hand, is a hotel point goldmine. You could easily find hotels in either the Cancun area or Mexico City area. Flights are a wash, depending on where you’re coming out of, as it might not be worth the point expenditure. Again, Spirit out of either Ft. Laud or Houston would be ridiculously cheap. I flew to Cancun once for less than $100 with bag fees.
Would I be impressed by Tical after seeing Siem Reap and Machu Picchu? Worth the trouble?
I can’t speak to Siem Reap (It’s on my list, but I haven’t made it to Cambodia yet.) Macchu Picchu was more impressive, but Tikal felt pretty exotic in the middle of the jungle. It wasn’t too crowded either.
This may sound snobby, but crowds are a huge disappointment to me. Being some place that at least *feels* more undiscovered makes me feel a little more like Indiana Jones… which is obviously the end goal.
Funny you guys say that. I’ve been wanting to do Belize and then hop over to Tikal. Seriously planning on it.
I would definitely agree with Machu Picchu at the top of the list. I also loved Chichen Itza and Mesa Verde, although I would probably place Teotihuacan above Chichen Itza. I would definitely add Petra, the Pyramids, and Luxor/Karnak in the Middle East. And Tikal in Guatemala.
I would have to disagree with you on Stonehenge. We planned a brief stop after a trip to Salisbury Cathedral last year, and we ended up setting up a picnic and staying all afternoon, skipping the rest of our itinerary for the day. It was absolutely amazing and one of my kids’ favorite places in the UK.
Good list.
Well, maybe I should give stonehenge a chance. But… Idk, isn’t it a couple of rocks in the middle of a field?
When we went to South America, we picked MP vs Easter Is. The tipping points was MP was a much shorter flight for my wife. 😉
You said…
Another thing odd about these mistake fare deals…
With the mistake fare we booked. Someone creates a generic sounding name, “man4business” and immediately makes their first post, a globe trotting mistake fare, and gives directions to book on Alitalia.
And it happens to be that Alitalia is extremely strapped for cash.
I really shouldn’t suggest anything about this particular post without any further evidence, but I will say… lately a lot of people post killer mistake fares and then someone says, “great first post, welcome to flyertalk!”.
Wait a second. How? Why?
Okay, no rumors, just facts. And for the record, I don’t actually think this mistake fare was posted by Alitalia or anything. It’s just not. But I do wonder who these people are who registered just to post a deal on FT.
I say… Flyertalk has a very long history of new members posting ‘deals’. I for one never look a gift horse in the mouth, and I’m surprised so many posters have questioned the sincerity of the OP. My first response THANK YOU.
Hey, I’m not complaining. I just can’t help but wonder what is going on. All the time, “heck of first post.” I booked. Not saying he stole it from a site, like others. But it’s still a mystery to me.
Really nice (and inspirational list)… I’ll have to visit all these places, one day (Rome is done, fortunately, since I’m from there).
“So what am I missing? Where would I be a fool to miss as a traveler?”
Well, I cannot recommend Segesta and Morgantina (both in Sicily) highly enough. Segesta’s location on top of a hill is amazing, its history is interesting, and its main highlight, the huge Doric temple, is quite astonishing, if you’re into ancient ruins. Morgantina, instead, apart from offering a really nice view of the surrounding, gently sloping landscape, allows you to walk into the very squares, theatre and houses that once belonged to a thriving community, more than 2000 years ago. When I visited, being there almost at sunset, with the few other visitors away from view, and reading the “EYEXEI” (“welcome”) sign on the floor at the entrance of one of the houses, really made me connect with the place and its history. Also, nearby there is the luxurious Roman Villa del Casale, with probably the most stunning Roman mosaic you’ll ever see.
As far as other places go, I’d definitely recommend Delhi. Seriously, most visitors to India largely skip the capital, but there’s plenty of awesome ruins to visit: Humayun’s Tomb (truly amazing site), Safdarjung’s tomb, Qutab Minar (impressive), Old fort (nice), Red Fort (cool from outside, don’t bother queuing to go in), Ugrasen ki Baoli (if you’re nearby, go see it – it’s cool!), Lodi Gardens…
(and inspirational) list*
Would LOVE to go to sicily. Lately, I’ve been craving a trip, even though we’ve never been. So thanks for the suggestion.
I must admit… I skipped Delhi. Honestly, I was a little tired of the city thing. But I know the old city would have been worth it. Next time.
When did Mexico move to Central America? The last I heard, Canada, the US and Mexico all were still part of North America. As for the ancient cities of Mexico, Chichén Itzá is good for starters, and plenty of hotels in Cancún from which to choose, but while in the area, one might also want to check out Uxmal, and the caves at Loltún. So many places, so little time. Now get out your map and check out N. America vs Central America.
Very nice list, but one day in EI is not serious. You need four to see and walk in both parks and everything in between. Perhaps, spend a day at the beach? What’s the rush?
Of course, if you hire an individual guide for tand go at it from sunrise to sunset, it’s doable, but seriosly what’s the rush?
Second (or third) that Cuzco’s elevation is higher than Aguas Calientes and even Machu Picchu, and I think on par with Pisaq. I was dying the first day in Cuzco. Next day felt fresh and recharged.
I think we spent 4 or 5 days in Easter Island. And it wasn’t too much. It was fine but it was only action packed for two days.
… guide and go for it… Sorry
I’m planning on doing a lot of Middle East travel too in the coming year. Maybe we can work on joint, extended itineraries from CHO 😉 Hotels (as you know) are now VERY cheap w/ points in Egypt…. (given all the unrest after the coup last year)…. Petra would be great too.
You also of course must add Bethlehem….. and parts thereabouts.
Yet also at the top of the list for Mideast ruins should be Persepolis & Pasargadae…. near Shiraz, Iran. Several international airlines do fly there direct – including Turkish, Qatar & Emirates Airways…. In my experiences, hotels in Iran can also be hidden treasures — like the Abbassi in Esfahan…. (fyi, there’s an EMU delegation there now…) When you’re ready, call me. I’ll bring the fesunjan.
Hey I have friends moving to Egypt would be great to see them too. I’m guessing… no idea though… we may be able to do winter or spring.
Would love to do Iran, but is that even allowed for americans?
Winter or Spring to Egypt — I’m game. 🙂
As for Iran and can Americans go there, fair question. Short answer, despite the awful politics between US and Iran, the US never banned travel of US citizen there…. though the DOS has for decades had these pro-forma stern warnings, written as much to placate US lobby groups. Yet there are a million+plus Iranian-Americans who maintain active family ties with the homeland… (and its easier for them to travel there with dual passports)
On the Iranian side, the visa process has long been a hassle, but not impossible to negotiate, either via group tour consolidators or even as individuals. (You need to apply via Iran interests sections, such as the one in DC)
Of course, certain kinds of behavior (like spying or proselytizing) could get you in trouble. (no duh) Also don’t recommend entering Iran via the borders as backpackers…. ;-( almost guaranteed to set off suspicions.
Anyway, if — and it’s still a big “if,” — Iran and the US really do pull off a comprehensive nuclear deal here in the coming months, I expect the flood gates for tourism to Iran will open wide. (There’s already a strong current for it from Europe — google it. The Sunday Telegraph dubbed Iran the #1 surprise tourist hit for 2014 last month)
Hardliners “here and there” may shriek and shrek.. Yet overall, Iran and its culture will welcome Americans back…. as tourists, as long lost friends…. (even as most Americans remain utterly clueless of the wonders to behold in Iran)
I honestly don’t have plans for a while (I generally stay away from those), but really, we NEED to see the middle east. Just can’t even call myself a travel writer until then.
I suspect winter is a good time, no?
Would also love to go to Iran, hear wonderful things about travel there. However, I’m neither for putting myself in danger, nor, prolonging sterotypes of non-dangerous places being dangerous. So as of right now, I kind of assume it’s fine but would first want to consult someone, like yourself, before planning such a trip.
Right now though, I feel we need to see Egypt, Jordan (if only for Petra), Israel, and Turkey (yes, we’ve never even been to turkey). No real interest in Saudi Arabia, UAE, Qatar, etc… as of right now.
What’s the best way (use of points) to get to Egypt + travel within Egypt?
United miles are a pretty good option as star alliance has lots of coverage (even direct on Egypt Air), but United is one of the few that doesn’t pass on fuel surcharges. At least in economy, it’s a fair price too.
In terms of getting around Egypt, can’t say much as I’ve never been. :-/
One place that doesn’t get much talk.. although not as epic as some places on the list, Okinawa, Japan has plenty of ruins on such a small island, it is one of the few places in the world that has that many heritage sites in one small location.
Great comment Jason. Had no idea and was thinking about an Okinawa trip. Was I was going to stopover there on the way to Asia and decided not too… but maybe I should revisit.
Please do! It is home for me and is the best place on earth (I miiight be biased). Plenty of ruins to check out. If you do head over there, shoot me an email and I could probably let you know where to go/where to skip.
Having been to both MP and the Pyramids its 2 different experiences but the same sense of awe! MP is more of a surroundings type awe while the pyramids are a ‘omg how did they build this big thing’ kinda awe. With all the craziness going on in Egypt now is the best time to see the sites as there are less people there than before….on the downside…if you like a tourist (aka white skin)…expect to be harassed to go with a guide or a local. I blended right in so I thoroughly enjoyed myself! 😀
What a great list! I’ve been to most of these places but I’m embarrassed to say that although I only live about 2 hours from Mesa Verde, I have never been! You’ve convinced me that I need to go! Also, we went to Stonehenge and yeah…pile of rocks! Maybe I would have enjoyed it more if it wasn’t FREEZING! Seriously hated that experience. I just did the 4 day Inca Trail to MP not even a month ago (and was 28 weeks prego doing it ). Most amazing experience of my life. Okay, this comment is just ramblings. Thanks again for the list !