9. Palenque, Mexico
Palenque is the most famous and best-preserved of all Mayan ruins. Dating from around 2,200 to 1,400 years ago, the lost city is found in southern modern-day Mexico. The city reached its height during the seventh century, but after its decline, long before the Spanish Conquest, it was largely absorbed by the jungle. In modern times, it has been extensively excavated, and visitors may now explore the many temples, aqueducts and other structures.
10. Angkor Wat, Cambodia
One of Asia’s most iconic sites, Angkor Wat is also the world’s largest religious monument. Meaning ‘Temple City’ in English, Angkor Wat was originally a Hindu temple before becoming a Buddhist temple a few years later. For the last 400 years, the site has been largely unused for its original purpose, but extensive preservation and restoration work continues to bring this splendid site back to its former glory.
