A decline in tourism due to the pandemic left many destinations around the world in economic ruin.
But as pandemic restrictions were lifted and vaccinated visitors started traveling again, many destinations were thrilled to finally welcome back tourists.
However, a woman who illegally climbed a pyramid for the sake of a photo op while visiting an ancient cultural site in Mexico gave tourists a bad rap.
TikToker @angelalopeze posted a series of clips showing a woman climbing up 91 steps of the ancient Mayan Temple of Kukulcan at the Chichén Itzá archaeological site in Mexico.
As a preservation tactic for the structure considered one of the “New Seven Wonders of the World, " visitors are prohibited from climbing the steep stairs of the tallest Mayan temple in Mexico as the ancient steps have become damaged over time and smoothed over by thousands of visitors.
Most notably, however, the rule was instituted in 2006 as a safety precaution after someone reportedly slipped on their descent and tumbled to their death.
The blonde woman in the TikTok clip was booed by disapproving onlookers as she did a victory dance after reemerging from the temple–also known as El Castillo–at the top of the pyramid.
"This is so disrespectful… don’t mess with my Mexican people," wrote the TikToker who posted the clip.
You can see the viral video, here.
Taking a cue from the angry mob in the clip, the text overlay read:
"This is why you don't disrespect historic Mayan pyramids..."
The clip ended with the woman climbing back down and being escorted off the property by an official.
As she was being led away, the contentious crowd followed her and continued booing for her lack of respect and self-entitlement.
Some chanted, “Out,” “Lock her up,” and “Jail!”, while a couple of people doused her with water and hurled plastic bottles at her.
Those who obey rules and would rather stay safe condemned the woman in the TikTok comments.
@angelalopeze
@angelalopeze
@angelalopeze
@angelalopeze
@angelalopeze
@angelalopeze
@angelalopeze
@angelalopeze
@angelalopeze
@angelalopeze
@angelalopeze
Mexico News Daily said the nationality of the woman was not known. However, several reports indicated she was a foreigner–with at least one identifying her as Spanish.
According to a report in the newspaper El País, the trespasser was handed over to local authorities and could be fined approximately $8,900.
@skylergisondo/Instagram
@Pretefunkera/X
@bonnieblue2025/X
@Andie00471/X
