Woman travels 30 hours to visit Machu Picchu and view leaves her horrified

Set high in the Andes Mountains in Peru, you'll find the majestic Machu Picchu. Built in the fifteenth century, it was abandoned when the Incan Empire was conquered by the Spaniards in the sixteenth century. It wasn't until 1911 that the archaeological complex was made known to the outside world.
As well as being a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it was selected as one of the New 7 Wonders of the World in 2007. This ramped up the number of tourists who visit – and the Incan citadel attracts around 1.6 million visitors a year.
One of the many tourists who has visited the historic site is globe-trotter Leonie, who took to her TikTok page to share a video of herself after reaching Machu Picchu. She travelled for around 30 hours to get there, so was expecting big things.
However, she seemed pretty underwhelmed when she saw the view. In an online post, she said: "Seeing one of Seven Wonders of the World: Machu Picchu. Did 8 hours plane, 17 hours of bus, biking and rafting, 5 hours of hiking for this view."
Leonie posed with her hands over her mouth in dismay, before turning the camera to show how cloudy it was on site. Instead of seeing the historic houses and buildings, the view was concealed by a thick, grey fog that made the whole mountain look eerily creepy.
According to Exploor Peru, Machu Picchu is often covered in fog, especially in the early mornings, due to its high altitude and proximity to the Amazon rainforest. The fog can be quite dense, particularly during the rainy season (November to March), and can obscure views of the ruins and surrounding peaks.
However, the fog often clears out as the day progresses, and sunny periods can follow, revealing the stunning landscape.
Several people soon took to the comment section of Leonie's video, which has been viewed more than 8.8 million times. It turns out, Leonie wasn't the only one who had been left underwhelmed by her visit.
"Machu Picchu was so disappointing when I went in January," one person commented.
Meanwhile, a second viewer wrote: "I'd stay there for days waiting to clear out – no way."
Another person said: "Bruh this is why I'm avoiding planning a trip to see Machu Picchu or the Northern Lights – I couldn't deal with the disappointment."
However, on the bright side, another viewer wrote: "You know it's about the journey, not always the destination."

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Learn with AIFact CheckingText to SpeechAI Summary

Related Articles

NBC News

8 hours ago

• NBC News

He was biking across Iran and documenting it on TikTok. Then war broke out.

From navigating tough weather in Australia to being questioned by police in Egypt, Ian Andersen has faced many challenges in his journeys biking across continents and documenting them on social media. But the American creator, known as 'ridewithian' to his 43,300 followers on TikTok, never had war on his list of possible hurdles — until last week. Amid his 29-day trek across Iran, Andersen found himself stuck just after Israeli forces began a 'pre-emptive' strike on the country. As Iran and Israel continue to trade attacks, visitors like Andersen have scrambled to find ways to safely exit the Middle East. He was among several people to document how he was able to depart the country, and he shared his journey with followers. Andersen said that at first, he was determined to continue his Iran trip 'as intended.' But then his guide, Reza, told him something that made him change course. 'I can no longer protect you,' Reza said, according to Andersen. 'If you're stopped by police, I should just wave goodbye, because there's nothing I can do.' As of Wednesday, the State Department had advised citizens to 'leave Iran now' and to have plans that do 'not rely on U.S. government help.' Other governments have also warned their citizens to leave the region as the conflict unfolds and airspace closes. The United Kingdom has advised against " all travel to Iran." Similarly, Australia has said its citizens should not travel to Israel. Major U.S. carriers like Delta and American have offered rebooking options. Some Americans in Israel have also been able to leave the region after the state of Florida and a nonprofit organization arranged a flight to bring evacuees home. Andersen said his departure was possible only because of Reza, whose last name he did not share to protect his safety, and help from the State Department. 'I had a couple weeks there in country of really positive good experiences," he said in a phone interview. "Experiencing Iran as it should be experienced.' His first vlog from Iran, posted June 2, recorded him crossing into the country from Turkey. Not unlike other influencers whose content focuses on travel, Andersen also posted himself trying different local cuisines — including a fermented yogurt drink, a Persian omelet and kaleh pacheh, a stew made with goat head — and showing the hospitality of the Iranian people. "They tried to give us for free and said we are their guests, but we had to insist," Andersen says in one video, which Reza explains is an example of the "ta'arof," a form of etiquette practiced by Iranians worldwide. As he biked around the country, he also captured the landscape and talked to viewers about the impact of sanctions, asking in one video, "What happens when a country is cut off from the global economy for decades?" The lighthearted, fun tone of his videos began to shift one week ago while he was in Chalus. Many of his followers began commenting, sharing concerns about his safety. "Actually all of us are sad because this is happening," Reza says in one video after they heard news of the attack. "But hope for world without war. ... Everybody needs a peaceful world." The two were headed toward Tehran to try to sort out a visa for Afghanistan, which was the next country on Andersen's itinerary. "It's amazing that even after such an event, you know, an emergency, that people are so friendly," Andersen says after two people eating near them bring them a meal and insist they share with them. The information that was available in Iran was initially unclear, and it left Andersen with questions. Iran plunged into a near-total internet blackout this week, limiting Iranians' ability to access and share information with the outside world. The situation soon became 'too dangerous," Andersen says in another video, and he and Reza decided not to go to Tehran. 'It ended up being a good call, 'cause there was just more and more attacks as the days went by,' Andersen told NBC News as he reflected on his past week. 'There was lots of rumors flying around about what borders might be open," he added. "Like, what, like one of the requirements once you get to the border? Like if you're able to get a visa, if you can just go through. A lifeline came through via an email from the State Department about getting into Azerbaijan." He ultimately was able to exit through Azerbaijan with help from Reza, who drove them to the border. He said he "probably wouldn't be here talking" if it weren't for Reza. "I'm out, and truly grateful for all your prayers, messages, and support," Andersen wrote in a recent video update. "It's an honor to have you following this journey and caring about my wellbeing out here in the Middle East. ... And finally, to my Iranian guide Reza—there's no one I'd rather have had by my side." Andersen said that since he left the country, his thoughts continue to be with the people of both Iran and Israel and that he is also 'thinking about all the people who don't have the option to leave, like I did.' U.K.-based influencers Nadia Akhtar and Irfan Aziz, who go by the handle "fieldofvisions" on TikTok, where they have 60,000 followers, were also in Iran when the strikes began. The couple, who were unavailable for an interview, were traveling with their young son, Zakariya. They quickly realized they were among the last to enter the country on an incoming flight and soon had a front-row seat for the attacks from their balcony. "Iranian forces were intercepting Israeli drones right above us," Aziz says in a video. "That night, we realized this wasn't normal and it's nothing like what has happened before. We needed to start thinking about an exit plan." The advice they got from officials was simple: 'Get out now." Like Andersen, they said they leaned on help from their guide, Ali, to help them get out. Aziz said that at 1:30 a.m. that night, they drove with Ali "through the night despite getting zero sleep" to get to the Turkish border. "It was when we approached Tabriz, seven hours from Tehran, the reality of the situation kicked in," Aziz says in the video, adding that they saw smoke rising in different areas around them. "Locals told us five fighter jets had bombed a cement factory at 5 in the morning. Nowhere was truly safe," he added. Akhtar and Aziz described their goodbyes with their guide when they finally reached Turkey's border as 'emotional.' "Even though we had just met, he sacrificed his own family's safety, leaving them behind in Tehran to help us," Aziz says in part two of his video series about the experience. "And for this, we will forever be grateful to him. But not everyone has the privilege of leaving like we did. Millions of people just like Ali are at the receiving end of the war that has nothing to do with them."

Scottish Sun

13 hours ago

• Scottish Sun

The Spanish love these three drinks to keep them cool in summer – here's how to find them in the UK

One only has two supermarket ingredients DRINK IT IN The Spanish love these three drinks to keep them cool in summer – here's how to find them in the UK Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) WHILE the UK is set to hit 30C this week, us Brits are still not as good at coping with hot weather as Spaniards. And when it comes to drinks, Sangria might seem as Spanish as a siesta when it comes to beating the heat, Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 4 The Spanish have three drinks they love for when the weather gets hot Credit: Alamy 4 Agua de Valencia is also a popular drink Credit: Alamy But there are three drinks that are little known here that Spaniards favour to keep hydrated when the sun is out. The most family-friendly of the three is the non-alcoholic horchata de chufa, which has a creamy consistency like a milkshake, but is made from chufas or tiger nuts, which are a root. It's packed with iron, potassium and antioxidants and often flavoured with cinnamon or lemon. I first encountered it when I visited relatives living in Alboraya, on the outskirts of Valencia, where tiger nuts are grown in the fields and where the most popular horchata parlours, known as horchateria, are based. My grandma took one mouthful and declared that it was a drink that could send you mad, so I think it's fair to say that it might be a bit of an acquired taste. But for many Valencians, it's up there with paella as giving a little taste of their city. A lovely spot to enjoy it is at the Mercat Colon near the Turia, which is a gorgeous 100-year-old art nouveau market hall in the city centre, renovated and now used to house bars and shops. Orxata Daniel, one of the most popular horchaterias, has a base there so you don't need to catch the metro out of the city centre if you want to try the drink the Spanish go mad for. You can also buy it pre-bottled in the UK now (£14.95 for two on Amazon) although it's not a patch on the freshly made drink. If you're after a thirst-quencher that includes something a bit stronger, then Agua de Valencia is a potent cocktail that's fairly easy to knock up at home, with ingredients easily bought at supermarkets here. San Sebastian cider season It's another drink that uses what the Valencians find in abundance in their lands, but this time the key ingredient is orange juice. Oh, and cava, gin and vodka, of course. When I first tried this delicious cocktail on a bar crawl through the bohemian district of Rusafa, next to the main city train station, I had no idea quite how much booze it contained, thanks to the fresh orange juice used as a mixer. Safe to say, I certainly discovered just how alcoholic it was when it came to the next day's hangover. I even had it as a signature drink at my hen do as it's a real crowd-pleaser and one that suits most people's taste buds, if not their tolerance of alcohol! To find it in the UK, restaurants like Bar + Block or Iberica, which have a number of eateries across the country. 4 If you don't want alcohol you can try horchata Credit: Alamy One drink that really is a taste of summer for Spaniards across the country is tinto de verano. In the same way that we might enjoy a white wine spritzer on a sunny day, this is their equivalent, but with red wine. It's often made with either gaseosa soda or lemonade and the name translated means summer red wine. This is probably the closest to the sangria that we Brits know and love when we head abroad, but a little bit less alcoholic and so better for keeping hydrated in the heat without risking a hangover. Most Spanish restaurants will serve it, including popular ones like Al-Andalus Tapas Bar in Oxford or The Ginger Pig in London. Hopefully the warm weather is here to stay for a while now it's finally arrived, so you can't really go wrong with trying out Spain's top tipples to find your favourite. It's a little taste of the Med but without even leaving your own back garden. In the mean time, we've found the cheapest places for an Aperol Spritz in Europe.

Daily Mirror

19 hours ago

• Daily Mirror

'I went on holiday to Spanish island and couldn't wait to get home'

One holidaymaker visiting a Spanish island admitted she 'couldn't wait to get home' after heading there, as she shared a warning to other travellers in a video that's gone viral Most people look forward to their summer holiday all year after booking it. However, one holidaymaker visiting a Spanish island admitted she 'couldn't wait to get home' after heading there, as she shared a warning to other travel fans. Dannii, who is known on TikTok as @dannii_xo, took to her account to share her experience of visiting Playa Del Inglés in Gran Canaria with her 3,747 followers – and it wasn't a very glowing review. ‌ In her clip, Dannii can be seen filming herself while laying down as she looked glum. Overlay text read: "This is your sign to do your research before booking a holiday, we can't wait to get home." ‌ The video clearly resonated with people as it went viral – racking up 29,000 likes and hundreds of comments. Many people admitted they'd had a similar experience in the area, as one person said: "We were there last week. First day was pure panic because we were in Playa Sel Inglés and went down to the beach and were like [crying emoji]. They added: "Catch a busy to Maspalomas, there's lots of nice eating places. Bus to Puerto Rico and go to Amadores, the beach is so much nicer! And from Puerto Rico get the ferry to Mogán. It was honestly BEAUTIFUL!" Another person added: "We had the same feeling," while a third chimed in: "Yeah Playa is not the best at all, nothing there. Went down the Yumbo centre for a night out that was ok. Tenerife is my new go to!" Someone else also claimed there was "nothing there", but told Dannii to get the bus either way and "she'd be ok". Meanwhile, other people recommended she go to Puerto Rico or Meloneras and Maspalomas instead, however Dannii replied: "I don't think I'll be coming back because it's really put me off, I love main Spain but this experience has been awful!" ‌ Someone else reflected on how things had changed on the island, as they wrote: "That's a shame because Gran Canaria used to be the place to be. Particularly Yumbo but we haven't been in 4/5 years as people have been saying it's getting worse." Despite a lot of people agreeing with Dannii, one person defended the area, writing: "Playa Del Ingles was literally one of my favourite vacations. So pretty. Some days just chilling at the pool or beach and other days going to see the nature. The dunes, the mountains." While another simply said: "I love Gran Canaria." ‌ A third chimed in: "Playa Del Ingles? Mate. Get yourself to Sakura or Cafe Deutsche... El Chacho in Yumbo do amazing Mexican food. It isn't as boring or bland as you think." Dannii later gave an update as she shared more insight to her holiday experience, writing: "FYI: I wasn't talking about the whole island, just the town we're staying in. The hotel's awful, the locals have been incredibly rude for absolutely no reason, I can't travel too far out as I'm with family members that are elderly and it's too much for them. "I did catch a bus to Puerto Rico which was beautiful and I've only booked one trip because everything is so pricey, I feel like I'm being scammed, inflation has increased massively which I get but my family came two years ago and the prices have doubled." Dannii's post comes amid protests and demonstrations over mass tourism in the Canary Islands have taken place over the last year. Protestors took to the streets to demand limits on the impact of holidaymakers, claiming 'tourism is killing the Canary Islands'. Despite this, National Statistics Institute (NSI) figures showed the number of tourists visiting the Canary Islands has continued to grow, even with price hikes.