19Jun201529Jun2015

Te Wahipounamu

Julio Moreno New Zealand, UNESCO World Heritage Site Fiordland, Milford Sound, UNESCO, world heritage site 2 Comments

Location: Fiordland, South Island, New Zealand

Visited: April 17 – 24, 2015

Site Type: Natural

Inscribed: 1990

Background and Opinion:

Te Wahipounamu includes the four national parks of Fiordland (home of Milford Sound and Doubtful Sound), Mt. Cook, Mt. Aspiring, and Westland. Spanning 26,000 square kilometers, it is 1/10th the size of New Zealand, or roughly the size of Vermont. Calling it ‘massive’ is a bit of an understatement, and declaring it to be ‘impressive’ does not even begin to describe what a National Geographesque spectacle it is to your unprepared eyes. Call it the Angkor or Machu Picchu of nature. Yes, it is THAT good… and I never thought I’d say it… maybe even better. Read more →

12Jun201529Jun2015

Hospicio Cabañas, Guadalajara

Julio Moreno Mexico, UNESCO World Heritage Site art, Guadalajara, UNESCO, world heritage site 0 Comment

Location: Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico

Visited: December 22, 2010

Site Type: Cultural

Inscribed: 1997

Background and Opinion:
Built in the later 18th century, Hospicio Cabañas was one of the first hospices in the world to provide care for orphans, the mentally ill, and the physically disabled. At a time when many governments around the world simply tossed their less fortunate aside to fend for themselves, Guadalajara decided to do things differently. This great leap forward in social welfare is one of the main reasons for the UNESCO World Heritage nod. The second reason lies in the main chamber where Jose Orozco, considered to be one of the grand masters of Mexican art, painted some of the most beautiful murals in the world. The examples here, along with his other murals are credited as having sparked an artistic renaissance in the country, inspiring artists across the country. Read more →

28May201529May2015

10 More Places That SHOULD be UNESCO World Heritage Sites

Julio Moreno Top 10 Style Lists Antelope Canyon, Aurora, Bagan, Batu Caves, Huaca Pucllana, Killing Fields, Meteor Crater, Rosetta Stone, South Pole, Taupo, UNESCO, World heritage sites 9 Comments

On a previous list, we looked at ten places I thought should be UNESCO Sites. Since then, one of the places on the list was actually inscribed as a World Heritage Site last year. I am not normally one to brag, but I guess China can thank me for Xi’an. That was all me, you’re welcome guys. Anyways, UNESCO tries its best, but there are still a ton of amazing places that, for one reason or another, have not been considered or were flat out rejected. Let’s explore 10 more of these places.

10) Meteor Crater (Arizona, USA) [Natural Site]

24May201529Jun2015

Historic Town of Guanajuato and Adjacent Mines

Julio Moreno Mexico, UNESCO World Heritage Site historic cities, mexico, UNESCO, world heritage site 0 Comment

Location: Guanajuato, Mexico

Visited: December 26th, 2010

Site Type: Cultural

Inscribed: 1988

Background and Opinion:

Guanajuato’s history starts in the 1540s when huge deposits of silver were found in the region. Mines were quickly built and thousands came to collect the precious metal. Both the mines and the colonial era buildings still remain.

25Mar201529Jun2015

Dong Phayayen-Khao Yai Forest Complex

Julio Moreno Thailand, UNESCO World Heritage Site forests in thailand, nature, UNESCO, world heritage site 0 Comment

Location: (Mostly) Nakhon Ratchasima Province, Thailand

Visited: July 15-19, 2014

Site Type: Natural

Inscribed: 2005

Background and Opinion:

The ranges of Dong Phayayen and Khao Yai National Park make up one of the largest expanses of protected natural land in all of Thailand. They are home to hundreds of different species, including the endangered asian elephant, Vogel’s pit viper, and the pig-tailed macaque. While there are many places in Thailand where you can see these animals performing for the amusement of tourists, this is the eco-friendly way to go about it. Read more →