A big part of adventure travel for us at KE is the culture you experience along the way. As much as we love trekking across vast deserts, summiting 6,000m peaks or cycling sun-drenched coastal paths, we know that the traditions, history and communities you encounter are just as important as the landscapes themselves.

There are now more than 1,200 UNESCO World Heritage Sites across 170 countries - each recognised for its Outstanding Universal Value (OUV). With so many on the list, it's no surprise travellers feel inspired to see as many as possible, however choosing where to begin can feel a little overwhelming. To help you decide we have put together a guide for the top UNESCO sites to visit in 2026...

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.

Explore this iconic site on our Mexican Mayan Explorer adventure, a 17 day journey through Mexico’s most captivating cities, ancient ruins, lush landscapes and vibrant cultures.

Adventure travel in Japan offers a one-of-a-kind 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.

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 UNESCO recognised pilgrimage routes worldwide, the Kumano Kodo invites modern explorers on a living, breathing spiritual odyssey.

Experience it for yourself on our guided Nakasendo Trail and Kumano Kodo Pilgrimage.

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.

Visit this cultural treasure on our Temples and Tea Trails of Sri Lanka or on the Sri Lanka Family Island Explorer.

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.

Explore this wonder on the Best of Northern India or add it as an extension to one of our Indian Himalayan adventures!

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.

Discover Halong Bay on Vietnam from North to South or on the Hill Tribes of Northern Vietnam Cycling Adventure.

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.

Experience this wonderful wilderness on our Costa Rica Walks and Wildife adventure - a fantastic two week journey through the 'jewel of Central America'.

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.

Visit this area after trekking through Turkey's magnificent Taurus Mountains on our guided adventure below.

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.

Visit both these sites on Jordan's Wadi Rum and Petra trip - a fantastic week exploring the vast desert and mountains.

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.

Visit this incredible landscape on our jaw-dropping Classic Paine Circuit Trek.