It was meant to be a TikTok moment, but it ended up being a masterclass in “What Not to Do as a Tourist.” When a Spanish tourist decided to climb the sacred steps of Mexico’s famed Kukulcan Pyramid at Chichén Itzá for a few quick dance moves (with a smile, no less), she found herself the star of a viral video—and not for reasons she might have hoped.
A TikTok Dance Turned International Incident
On November 22, video clips surfaced across social media showing a woman ascending the steps of the Kukulcan Pyramid, one of the world’s seven new wonders and an illustrious UNESCO World Heritage site. As if the simple act of climbing wasn’t bold enough given the strict rules, she struck poses for photos before summoning her inner performer and breaking out into a dance. The location? Not just any old staircase—this is a pre-Colombian Mayan temple, where each stone holds centuries of reverence and history. Her audience? An increasingly agitated crowd of visitors, their whistles and boos growing louder with each step she took.
The Sacred, the Law, and the Outrage
For the Mayan culture and countless heritage enthusiasts, what happened wasn’t just a quirky act—the incident was described as both a legal violation and a profound sacrilege. The Kukulcan Pyramid is more than a popular tourist attraction; it is a sacred archaeological site with entry prohibitions as strict as the steps are steep. Local laws bar anyone from climbing the monument without permission. Why so stringent? Because such infractions threaten not just cultural memory, but the very stones themselves. And if you’re caught? You could face a fine that soars up to 5,000 euros. Not exactly your average price for a social media post.
- Kukulcan Pyramid at Chichén Itzá: UNESCO World Heritage site
- Strict ban on unauthorized climbing
- Fines reaching up to 5,000 euros for infractions
The Crowd Reacts—And It’s Not with Applause
As the tourist made her descent, whatever viral fame she imagined quickly turned into a real-time lesson in accountability. The crowd, fueled by indignation (and, perhaps, a dash of performative justice), broke into chants of “prison, prison” as she came down the steps. Things escalated quickly: the woman was pushed, booed, doused with water, and, remarkably, someone even pulled her hair. Some bystanders, demonstrating a sense of dark local humor, went as far as to suggest she be offered as a sacrifice to the gods—a nod to the site’s ancient rituals. (Rest assured, this particular punishment has been off the table for quite some time!)
- Chants of “prison, prison” accompanied the woman’s descent
- She was pushed, booed, sprayed with water, and had her hair pulled
- Bystanders suggested, half-jokingly, offering her as a sacrifice
Aftermath: Expulsion and Legal Trouble
The situation didn’t end with jeers. The tourist and her companion were swiftly expelled from the archaeological site. Local police were called to the scene, and formal proceedings were initiated against the pair for their actions. As of the latest reports, the authorities opened a process to fine the couple, following the strict rules designed to protect these fragile, storied monuments.
In the world of travel, moments like this serve as a blunt—if not slightly theatrical—reminder: cultural respect is not optional, and social media clout is no excuse for breaking the rules. Next time you’re tempted to spice up your Instagram feed with a forbidden backdrop, remember, some boundaries are best left uncrossed—and some dances are better kept off sacred ground.
William is the creative mind behind Aversa Outdoor — a lifelong outdoor enthusiast with a deep love for gardening, home design, and everything in between.
He grew up surrounded by nature, spending weekends helping in the family garden and learning the joy of building things by hand. Over time, that passion turned into a mission: helping others create spaces they love, inside and out.
With Aversa Outdoor, William shares practical tips, fresh ideas, and a laid-back approach to home and garden living. Whether you’re planting your first herbs, planning a patio makeover, or just looking for inspiration, he’s here to make it simple, rewarding, and a little bit fun.
When he’s not in the garden or sketching his next DIY project, you’ll find him exploring local nurseries, chasing the perfect sunset light, or sipping coffee on the porch with a good book.
