3 Famous Tourist Traps That Disappointed Me (Expectation vs. Reality)

Travel Truths: Expectation vs. Reality

Instagram vs. Reality: Travel Edition. We usually only share the highlights, but today I want to talk about the letdowns.

I’m diving into my personal experiences at Chichen Itza, Machu Picchu, and El Nido to show you what it’s actually like on the ground—and how you can avoid the mistakes I made to ensure your own trip is actually worth the hype.

The honest side of the world's most famous landmarks.

1. Chichen Itza, Mexico

Chichen Itza

Chichen Itza is a breathtaking testament to Mayan ingenuity, anchored by the iconic El Castillo pyramid that dominates the landscape with its mathematical precision.

While it remains one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, the experience today is often a mix of awe-inspiring history and the lively, crowded energy of a major global tourist destination.

I was at Chichen Itza during my World Travel in 2022 and unfortunately, I did it all wrong. When I travelled Mexico I went to Playa del Carmen, another really touristy crowded place. So without any research, I went on a bus tour to Chichen Itza from Playa del Carmen.

The Bus Tour was horrible. The company brought us to different shops around Chichen Itza and just tried to make us buy as many things as possible. We went to Chichen Itza for a little part of the day and wasn't really spending time there at all. It was just a sales show. I had a really bad experience.

The Expectation

A peaceful walk through history and jungle ruins. 

The Reality

Sweltering heat and a constant "cacophony" of bird-call whistles. Bus tours are just sales shows driving tourists to souvenir shops. 

Pro Advice:

Never book an organised bus tour. Always go by yourself with an Uber or rent a scooter. This way you can spend your time at the actual ruins and not in random souvenir shops. 

Here is my Mexico post.

2. Machu Picchu, Peru

Machu Picchu

Perched high in the Andes, Machu Picchu is a breathtaking masterpiece of Incan architecture. While seeing the "Lost City" is a spiritual milestone, the reality involves navigating strictly timed paths alongside thousands of other travelers.

I went to Machu Picchu at the end of the Salkantay Trek in 2022. While the trek was one of my best adventures ever, the experience at the ruins was not. You have to wait in endless lines for buses and follow a strictly controlled "one-way" path with a ticket for one specific hour. 

The view is phenomenal, but it is far from a peaceful mountain experience.

The Expectation

A spiritual mountain-top experience.

The Reality

Long bus queues and following a "human conveyor belt" on a timed ticket.

Pro Advice:

Book a permit for Huayna Picchu months in advance. The climb is steep, but it offers a unique perspective of the ruins that 99% of tourists never see. 

Here is my Peru post.

3. El Nido, Philippines

El Nido

El Nido is a stunning mosaic of limestone cliffs and hidden lagoons. However, what looks beautiful on Instagram often looks like a kayak traffic jam in real life. El Nido has become incredibly touristy over the last decade.

The boat tours are crowded, the pickup points at the beach are chaotic, and the prices in local cafes have skyrocketed to European levels. While Palawan is beautiful, I wouldn't necessarily recommend El Nido anymore.

The Expectation

Untouched turquoise paradise.

The Reality

Dozens of boats converging on one spot and prices similar to an expensive European city.

Pro Advice:

Hire a private boat and leave an hour earlier than the crowds. 

Or better yet: Skip El Nido and go to Port Barton. It's a beach village to the south that is way less crowded and arguably more beautiful!

Here is my Philippines post.

Have you had other "Expectation vs. Reality" moments? Let me know in the comments!

You will find all my other travel tips here.