This Ancient Mountain City Was Just Named the ‘Most Magical Place on Earth’

Sure, Disney may own the trademark to “The Most Magical Place on Earth” but that doesn’t mean it’s the only place that can deliver that sense of wonder. And Slingo has a new list that will prove it. 

In April, the website shared its list of the most magical places on earth, which it created by analyzing a list of destinations and their popularity on both Google and across social media, along with the number of Tripadvisor reviews that mention the place as being “magical.” After looking at all the data, it named Machu Picchu in Peru as the most magical.

“Machu Picchu, the ancient Incan city set high in the Andes Mountains of Peru, is the most magical destination,” the findings stated, noting it receives more than 19 million Google searches a year, along with 2.4 million Instagram posts, and with 4.2 percent of its Tripadvisor reviews using the word “magical.” “Renowned for its archaeological significance and breathtaking scenery, it attracts millions of curious travelers yearly. The site, built in the 15th century and later abandoned, remains shrouded in mystery and wonder.”

Machu Picchu is joined on the list of most magical places by Petra, Jordan, at No. 2, thanks to its 9.3 million annual Google searches, 1.8 million Instagram posts, and 3.8 percent of Tripadvisor reviews that use the word “magical.” 

“This ancient city, once the thriving capital of the Nabataean kingdom, is famous for its rock-cut architecture and water conduit system. Visitors to Petra can explore the iconic Treasury, the Monastery, and countless tombs and temples that blend seamlessly into the surrounding desert landscape,” the findings explained. 

It’s followed by Stonehenge in the United Kingdom at No. 3, with 12 million annual Google searches, 924,917 Instagram posts, and a healthy 3.6 percent of Tripadvisor reviews stating it’s a “magical” place.” 

Rounding out the top 10 magical destinations is Sintra, Portugal, in fourth (which also ranked as the most “picturesque” destination thanks to its 2.5 million Instagram posts), followed by Hallstatt, Austria; Pamukkale, Turkey; Lauterbrunnen, Switzerland; Colmar, France; Mont-Saint-Michel, France; and Hobbiton, New Zealand.

See where else made the list of the most magical places around the globe at slingo.com.