Here we present a list of the five must see manmade structures in the world and tell you why you absolutely have to visit them. These sites are in some of the most exotic locations in the world and in areas prone to a variety of diseases so holiday insurance is a must before you travel. Nevertheless you would be remiss to miss any of these so get booking today.

5. Abu Simbel

Abu Simbel is the most impressive temple complex, not only in Egypt, but in the world. This site has two wildly different aspects that make it simply incredible. Firstly the two temples themselves were hewn straight out of the rock face and contain the best preserved hieroglyphics of any temples in Egypt. The beauty of the drawings is magnificent. The entrances to the temples are guarded by 4 giant seated statues that tower above everything in your field of view and the small entrances were originally designed to let the morning light shine in and illuminate the carvings. Secondly it modern times the site was actually moved when the Egyptian government built the Aswan Dam. The whole complex was cut up into blocks and moved section by section to its new location before being painstakingly reconstructed. This alone represents an incredible feat of human engineering.

4. Chichen Itza

Chichen Itza was built by the Mayan civilisation in what is now Mexico and is one of the most stunning temples ever built. Set amidst a dense jungle of almost entirely flat ground the pyramid offers sublime views for hundreds of miles in all directions. Ascending the largest pyramid by means of a giant rope and incredibly small steps used to be one of the most rewarding aspects of the site but sadly has now been banned after a woman fell to her death in 2006, though plans are being considered to install safety rails to allow ascension again. The site was designed with astronomical significance and has steps equal to 365 – the days in the year and is aligned to the summer and spring equinoxes.

3. The Taj Mahal

The Taj Mahal is the most spectacular site of India. Pure white standing against an untouched sky this mausoleum will leave you awed, make no mistake. It was built by Mughal emperor Shan Jahan in memory of his third wife making it possibly the most romantic building in human history. The grounds themselves are spectacular with a long garden leading up to the Taj Mahal itself, filled with beautifully tendered flowers and peacocks. Set on the river Yamuna the Taj Mahal is the pinnacle of Persian architecture and absolutely unmissable.

2. Machu Picchu

Machu Picchu is one of the most stunning places on earth. It is a ruined Inca city set 2430 metres above sea level. Quite literally on the top of a mountain this site offers spectacular views and breath taking ruins. The temple of the sun and the aptly named room of three windows are possibly the highlight as they offer a well preserved look at the Inca culture and civilisation. Thought to be built as an estate for the Inca emperor Pachacuti the site was used until the Spanish invasion as the centre of Inca political life. Due to erosion the number of visitors to the site is soon to be severely limited so booking in advance is an absolute necessity to avoid disappointment.

1.  The pyramids at Giza and the necropolis

Nothing quite compares to the breath taking splendour of the great pyramids. Towering above the outskirts of Cairo the great pyramid itself was built in 2560 BC and is 146 metres in height. The great pyramid itself has a limited number of visitors allowed in each day so get there very early to ensure getting in. Once inside you are led down a spiralling maze of cramped passages before entering a stunning ascending hall leading to the burial chamber itself. The smaller pyramids are no less impressive and you can go inside many of them. Once you’ve admired the pyramids take a stroll around the Sphinx or watch the impressive sound and light show. The pyramids are the last remaining wonder of the ancient world and an absolutely awe inspiring site.

These sites are in some of the most exotic locations in the world and in areas prone to a variety of diseases so holiday insurance is a must before you travel. Nevertheless you would be remiss to miss any of these so get booking today.

Mike is a travel writer covering worldwide destinations, budget travel and tips on how to find the cheapest travel insurance for your holiday.