15 of the Best UNESCO Destinations for Women Over 50
Life is an ongoing adventure, and for women with a taste for exploration, there’s a world of UNESCO World Heritage Sites waiting to be discovered. These remarkable destinations, recognized for their cultural and natural significance, offer a profound connection to our shared human history and the breathtaking beauty of our planet.
From ancient temples steeped in stories to awe-inspiring natural wonders, I have handpicked a selection of UNESCO destinations that celebrate the beauty of the world we live in.
- The Grand Canyon, USA –The Grand Canyon invites you to be awed by its natural wonder, an experience of sheer majesty and breathtaking beauty.
- Mesa Verde National Park, Colorado – Explore the remarkably preserved cliff dwellings and archaeological treasures of ancient Puebloan people.
- Taos Pueblo, New Mexico – A living Native American community, showcasing adobe architecture and cultural traditions.
- Statue of Liberty, New York – A symbol of freedom and democracy, this iconic statue welcomes visitors to New York Harbor.
- Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument, Hawaii – A vast protected marine area that conserves unique biodiversity and ecosystems.
- Galápagos Islands, Ecuador – The Galápagos archipelago is truly a unique place on earth.
- Iguazu Falls, Argentina/Brazil – Witness the power and beauty of one of the world’s most magnificent waterfalls.
- Mont-Saint-Michel, France – An iconic abbey perched on a rocky island, surrounded by scenic bay views.
- Angkor Wat, Cambodia – Discover the exceptional temples of Angkor and immerse yourself in Cambodian history and culture.
- Châteaux of the Loire Valley, France – Journey through the romantic castles and beautiful landscapes of the Loire Valley.
- L’Anse aux Meadows National Historic Site, Newfoundland – The site of a Norse settlement dating back to around 1000 AD, making it the earliest known European presence in North America.
- Miguasha National Park, Quebec – A fossil site with remarkable specimens of early fish and amphibians.
- The Historic Centre of Prague, Czech Republic – Stroll through the enchanting streets of Prague and its rich history.
- Chichen Itza, Mexico – An ancient Mayan city known for its impressive pyramid and astronomical observatory.
- Petra, Jordan – A historical and archaeological city carved into rose-red cliffs, often referred to as the “Rose City.”
I have a few friends who’ve crafted an ambitious bucket list centered around exploring as many UNESCO World Heritage Sites as possible during their lifetime. Their travel itineraries are meticulously designed to ensure they don’t miss a single opportunity to experience a UNESCO site. For them, visiting these sites isn’t just about ticking off a checklist; it’s about immersing themselves in the world’s most extraordinary places and the stories they tell. I have visited several UNESCO sites during my travels and will definitely visit more on my future journeys.
What Defines a UNESCO Site
UNESCO, which stands for the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, designates and recognizes specific sites as UNESCO World Heritage Sites based on their cultural, historical, scientific, or natural significance. These designations are a testament to the importance of preserving and protecting these places for the benefit of present and future generations.
Here are the key criteria that define a UNESCO World Heritage Site:
Cultural Significance
UNESCO designates certain sites as World Heritage Sites due to their cultural significance. This can include historic buildings, archaeological sites, cities, and cultural landscapes that hold exceptional value in terms of human history, art, or architecture.
Natural Significance
Natural sites, including national parks, wildlife reserves, and unique ecosystems, can be recognized as World Heritage Sites if they demonstrate outstanding natural beauty, ecological importance, or geological significance.
Mixed Sites
Some sites possess both cultural and natural significance and are designated as mixed World Heritage Sites. These places often show the intricate connection between human culture and the environment.
Historical Importance
Sites that have played a pivotal role in historical events, or have witnessed significant human achievements, are often considered for UNESCO status.
Scientific Significance
Places with outstanding scientific value, such as important geological formations or paleontological sites, may also be designated as World Heritage Sites.
Authenticity and Integrity
A site must maintain its authenticity and integrity, meaning it should retain the qualities and features that make it culturally or naturally significant. This includes preserving the historical context and environment of a cultural site or ensuring the protection of a natural site from significant degradation.
Ongoing Protection and Management
The country in which a UNESCO World Heritage Site is located must demonstrate a commitment to protecting and preserving the site through appropriate management and conservation measures.
Universal Value
World Heritage Sites should be of universal value, meaning they are considered significant not just to the country in which they are located but to all of humanity. These sites are regarded as common heritage and should be preserved for the benefit of future generations.
UNESCO’s World Heritage program aims to promote international cooperation in preserving and safeguarding the world’s most remarkable places, recognizing their significance in our shared history and natural world. The designation as a UNESCO World Heritage Site brings global attention to these special locations and often leads to increased conservation efforts and responsible tourism management.
Why Visit a UNESCO Destination
Visiting a UNESCO World Heritage Site offers a unique opportunity to connect with our shared human heritage and the wonders of the natural world. By visiting a UNESCO site, you can immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of human history, marvel at architectural masterpieces, explore ancient ruins, or witness breathtaking natural landscapes.
These sites not only provide insight into the past but also inspire an appreciation for our planet’s beauty and the need to protect it. UNESCO destinations are gateways to learning, cultural enrichment, and a deeper understanding of our world. They offer an experience that is both educational and awe-inspiring, making each visit a memorable and impactful journey.
Top UNESCO Sites to Visit
There are over 1,000 designated UNESCO sites located all over the world. Here are some of the most popular sites that are good for us adventurous women travelers over 50.
UNESCO Sites in the USA
The Grand Canyon
The Grand Canyon in the USA is a geological masterpiece that allows you to marvel at one of the world’s most amazing natural wonders. Carved by the Colorado River over millions of years, this vast and colorful chasm, stretching for over 277 miles, offers breathtaking views and a glimpse into Earth’s geological history.
Hiking its trails, gazing into its depths, or simply taking in the panoramic views from its rim, the Grand Canyon is a place of profound natural beauty and wonder.
Mesa Verde National Park, Colorado
Mesa Verde National Park offers a captivating journey into the past, allowing you to explore the remarkably preserved cliff dwellings and archaeological treasures left behind by the ancient Puebloan people.
These ancestral Puebloan cliff dwellings, perched precariously on the canyon walls, offer a unique glimpse into the daily lives, ingenious architecture, and culture of a civilization that thrived here over 700 years ago.
Walking through the well-preserved structures and witnessing their timeless beauty is a truly immersive experience in history and anthropology.
Taos Pueblo, New Mexico
Taos Pueblo in New Mexico stands as a living testament to the enduring heritage of Native American communities. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is renowned for its adobe architecture and rich cultural traditions, having been continuously inhabited for over 1,000 years.
The multi-story adobe buildings, passed down through generations, blend seamlessly with the high desert landscape. You can explore the ancient settlement, interact with the local community, and immerse yourself in the spiritual and cultural practices that have shaped Taos Pueblo for centuries.
Statue of Liberty, New York
The Statue of Liberty, a beacon of liberty and democracy, proudly extends her torch as a symbol of hope and freedom in New York Harbor.
This iconic statue, a gift from France to the United States, has greeted countless immigrants and travelers for over a century. Lady Liberty stands as a testament to the ideals of democracy, liberty, and the immigrant experience. Visiting her is a powerful and inspiring reminder of the enduring values that the United States upholds.
Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument, Hawaii
The Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument in Hawaii is an expansive sanctuary, preserving unparalleled biodiversity and unique ecosystems in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands.
Containing over 580,000 square miles, this marine wonderland protects fragile coral reefs, endangered species, and pristine marine habitats. Its isolation and strict conservation measures have nurtured an abundance of life found nowhere else on Earth, making it a vital haven for scientific research and a testament to the importance of safeguarding our planet’s underwater treasures.
UNESCO Sites around the World
Galápagos Islands, Ecuador
The Galápagos Islands, located off the coast of Ecuador, offer an exceptional wildlife adventure in an isolated archipelago. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is famous for its unique and diverse species, some of which inspired Charles Darwin’s theory of evolution.
You can interact with fearless wildlife, including giant tortoises, marine iguanas, and blue-footed boobies, in their natural habitat. Exploring these remote islands is a chance to witness nature’s wonders and discover the delicate balance of life on Earth.
A few years ago, during my travels to the Galapagos Islands, I had the pleasure of meeting a woman in her late 50swho had already marked off approximately 50 UNESCO sites from her list of places to visit in her lifetime.
Read more about the Galapagos THE GALAPAGOS: MY LOVE ADVENTURE.
Iguazu Falls, Argentina/Brazil
Iguazu Falls, straddling the border of Argentina and Brazil, is an awe-inspiring natural wonder that invites you to witness the sheer power and breathtaking beauty of one of the world’s most magnificent waterfalls.
Surrounded by lush rainforests and teeming with diverse wildlife, the falls consist of hundreds of cascading waterfalls that span nearly 2 miles. The thundering roar, the mist-filled air, and the mesmerizing rainbows that arch over the falls create a sensory spectacle that leaves an indelible impression.
Mont-Saint-Michel, France
Mont-Saint-Michel in France is an architectural marvel, home to an iconic abbey dramatically perched atop a rocky island. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is a true masterpiece, surrounded by panoramic views of a picturesque bay and ever-changing tides.
Its history dates back to the 8th century, and its architectural grandeur is a testament to the artistry and engineering prowess of the past. Exploring its medieval streets, courtyards, and historic structures is like stepping back in time, making it a must-visit destination for history and architecture enthusiasts.
Angkor Wat, Cambodia
Angkor Wat in Cambodia is a sprawling complex of impressive temples and archaeological wonders that offer to uncover the profound tapestry of Cambodian history and culture. The intricate stone carvings, ancient temple structures, and serene surroundings reveal the grandeur of the Khmer Empire.
This UNESCO World Heritage Site’s vast expanse, highlighted by the iconic Angkor Wat temple, offers a journey through time, inviting exploration of its hidden treasures and an opportunity to appreciate the architectural and artistic legacy of this remarkable civilization.
Châteaux of the Loire Valley, France
The Châteaux of the Loire Valley in France presents an enchanting journey through a region known for its romantic castles and captivating landscapes.
This UNESCO World Heritage Site is a testament to the Renaissance era’s architectural elegance and the royalty’s love for art and nature. With opulent castles like Château de Chambord and Château de Chenonceau, surrounded by lush vineyards and picturesque rivers, you can explore a part of history, culture, and natural beauty that exudes timeless charm and sophistication.
L’Anse aux Meadows National Historic Site, Newfoundland, Canada
L’Anse aux Meadows National Historic Site stands as a profound testament to North America’s rich history. It preserves the remains of a Norse settlement dating back to around 1000 AD, marking the earliest known European presence on the continent.
This UNESCO World Heritage Site reveals the resilience and exploratory spirit of the Vikings who ventured to North America over a millennium ago. You can explore reconstructed Viking structures, gaining insight into the daily lives and interactions of these early European settlers with the indigenous peoples. It’s a fascinating window into a pivotal moment in history.
Miguasha National Park, Québec, Canada
Miguasha National Park is an extraordinary testament to Earth’s ancient past. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is renowned for its remarkable fossil specimens, particularly those of early fish and amphibians from the Devonian period, approximately 380 million years ago.
The exceptionally well-preserved fossils offer a unique glimpse into the evolution of vertebrate life and the transition of species from water to land. A visit to Miguasha is like stepping back in time, unlocking the mysteries of life’s early chapters on our planet.
The Historic Centre of Prague, Czech Republic
The Historic Centre of Prague, located in the Czech Republic, is a living testament to a city steeped in history, inviting you to stroll through its enchanting streets and immerse yourself in the magnificence of a bygone era.
This UNESCO site offers a wealth of architectural treasures, including Gothic cathedrals, Baroque palaces, and cobblestone alleys. As you wander through the heart of Prague, you’ll discover a captivating fusion of history, culture, and art that has enchanted travelers for centuries.
Chichen Itza, Mexico
Chichen Itza is an archaeological wonder, an ancient Mayan city renowned for its impressive structures that reflect the astronomical and architectural prowess of its inhabitants.
At the heart of this UNESCO World Heritage Site stands the iconic El Castillo pyramid, a masterpiece of Mayan engineering with precise alignments to solar events. Alongside it is the Caracol, an astronomical observatory that served as a celestial timekeeper.
You can explore the rich history and mathematical precision that defined this cultural center, making it a must-visit destination for history and archaeology enthusiasts.
Petra, Jordan
Petra is an archaeological marvel, often dubbed the “Rose City” due to its rose-red sandstone cliffs and structures carved into the rock. This UNESCO World Heritage Site, dating back to the 4th century BC, was the capital of the Nabataean Kingdom and later an important crossroads for trade.
You can wander through a labyrinth of narrow canyons and discover breathtaking monuments, including the famous Treasury (Al-Khazneh) and the Monastery (Ad Deir), which stand as testaments to the ancient civilization’s architectural ingenuity.
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Let’s Have a Conversation:
Have you visited any of these UNESCO sites? Are you planning on going to a UNESCO destination? Which one is it? Tell us about it in the comments below.
