20 of the top World Heritage Sites you can see on a KE Adventure holiday...

Chichén Itzá, on Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula, was a thriving Maya-Toltec city between 600–1200 AD. Highlights include El Castillo, the stepped pyramid aligned with the equinox sun, the Great Ball Court, the largest of its kind in Mesoamerica and the sacred cenote, once used for ritual offerings. Recognised as both a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, it remains a powerful window into ancient Maya civilisation.

Adventure travel in Japan offers a one-of-akind experience: a dynamic mix of wild natural beauty and timeless tradition. When paired with its UNESCO World Heritage Sites, your journey becomes not only thrilling, but deeply enriching. From the neon buzz of Tokyo to the peaceful stillness of ancient temples, castles and gardens, Japan’s cultural landscape masterfully blends innovation with centuries of heritage.

Kiyomizu-dera, built in 778 AD, is located in Kyoto and is a dazzling Buddhist temple complex, famous for its giant wooden stage that overlooks the city and lush forests below. Named after the “pure water” of the Otowa Waterfall, visitors come from all over the world to drink from its streams for blessings. It honours Kannon, the goddess of mercy, known for her boundless compassion and kindness. Inside the complex, there is a charming three-tiered pagoda which stands out vividly against the seasonal cherry blossom and autumn foliage, enhancing its spiritual atmosphere.

The Kumano Kodo trail is a UNESCO World Heritage Site which offers a rare blend of adventure and spirituality. For over a thousand years, pilgrims, including emperors and warriors, trekked its rugged mountain paths in search of purification and enlightenment. Winding through misty forests, waterfalls and remote villages, the trail links sacred shrines and ancient rituals with raw natural beauty. It’s not just a hike - it’s a journey through Japan’s mystical past, where every stone step echoes with legend. As one of only two UNESCOrecognised pilgrimage routes worldwide, the Kumano Kodo invites modern explorers on a living, breathing spiritual odyssey.

Towering above Sri Lanka’s central plains, Sigiriya (known as Lion Rock) is a 5th-century fortress and UNESCO World Heritage Site rich in history and legend. Named for the colossal lion-shaped gateway that once guarded it, this remarkable site features ingenious water gardens, vivid frescoes of celestial maidens, the polished Mirror Wall and the striking Lion Platform. Climbing its stairways offers sweeping vistas and encounters with ancient artistry, blending history, architecture and natural beauty in one unforgettable experience.

The Taj Mahal needs no introduction, but seeing this iconic white marble mausoleum of love in person is truly unforgettable. Its stunning symmetry, intricate carvings and serene gardens make it a highlight of any visit to India. Nearby, the historic Red Fort stands as a striking symbol of India’s rich heritage and independence. Beyond Agra, the hill forts and palaces of Rajasthan showcase architectural brilliance and rich history, offering a deeper insight into the country’s vibrant culture.

The majestic lost temple city of Angkor Wat near Siem Reap, is a must-see UNESCO World Heritage Site in Cambodia and one of Southeast Asia’s most captivating travel destinations. Built in the 12th century, this vast Khmer masterpiece blends Hindu and Buddhist influences and is surrounded by a reflective moat and lush jungle, offering stunning sunrise views and unforgettable photo opportunities.

A UNESCO site in northeastern Vietnam, Halong Bay is known for its emerald waters and over 1,600 limestone karsts that dramatically rise from the sea. Its spectacular scenery, rare ecosystems, coral reefs and tropical forests support rich biodiversity. Recognised in 1994 for its outstanding beauty, it was also awarded UNESCO recognition again in 2000 for its geological value. Today, it remains one of the world’s most stunning natural and cultural treasures in the world and a cruise in Halong Bay is guaranteed to leave a huge impression

Borobudur stands proudly as Indonesia’s largest Buddhist temple and dates back to the 9th century. It lay abandoned under ash and foliage and hidden for years, until it was fully unearthed in 1835, painstakingly restored and made an official World Heritage Site in 1991. With a backdrop of active steaming volcanoes, Borobudur ranks as one of the great archeological sites in Southeast Asia and is truly an awe-inspiring sight.

The city of Quito was founded in the 16th century on the ruins of an Inca city. It marked the establishment of one of the first Spanish colonies in the Americas and was recognised as having one of the best preserved historic centres in South America. Walking around this high-altitude city (it stands at 2,850m above sea level) reveals a treasure trove of architectural styles and vibrant cultural experiences.

Perched high up in the Peruvian Andes, towering above the small town of Aguas Calientes, Machu Picchu is one of the world’s most iconic archaeological wonders. Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983, this “Lost City of the Incas,” offers a rare glimpse into Inca civilisation, with its sophisticated stonework, terraces, temples and mysterious astronomical alignments. For adventure travellers, the journey is as thrilling as the destination and many hike there via the legendary Inca Trail, Peru’s most famous trekking route.

Visit the Galápagos Islands and watch extraordinary wildlife such as fearless giant tortoises lumbering across volcanic landscapes and marine iguanas diving through crystal-clear waters. This natural paradise, where Darwin formulated his theory of evolution, is a destination like no other.

Rincon de la Vieja National Park is part of the Guanacaste Conservation Area, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This Costa Rican wilderness is recognised for its rich biodiversity and the protection of its unique ecosystems. Explore hot springs, rugged trails and diverse ecosystems while experiencing volcanic hikes, waterfalls and bubbling geothermal pools in this incredible country

Meteora in Greece is a UNESCO World Heritage Site featuring monasteries perched 400m high on towering sandstone peaks dating back to the 11th century. This unique destination offers the opportunity to explore both natural beauty and rich cultural heritage, where spiritual wonder meets dramatic geology.

Cappadocia's Göreme National Park is a spectacular landscape sculpted by erosion, with rock-hewn sanctuaries providing compelling evidence of Byzantine art alongside the famous fairy chimney formations, dwellings, troglodyte villages and underground towns.

Iconic Petra, known as the “Rose-Red City” due to the colour of the sandstone from which it was built, never fails to impress. Another must-see in this compact country full of natural and cultural treasures is Wadi Rum, with its dramatic sandstone mountains, red sand valleys and ancient rock art, creating one of the world' s most otherworldly and breathtaking desert wilderness experiences

Torres del Paine National Park was designated a World Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO in 1978. The reserve covers more than 770,000 hectares between the Andes Mountains and the Patagonian Steppe, featuring iconic granite towers, turquoise lakes, ridges, glaciers and waterfalls. The impressive Perito Moreno Glacier, located within the Los Glaciares National Park, is another of Patagonia’s UNESCO sites.