International Mankini Challenge

Top 5 Let Downs in South and Central America

by malph on Jul.01, 2010, under Other Mankini News

Latin America is a great continent, no doubt. Unfortunately I think people get a little carried away and travel writers are no different. Some of the descriptions in guidebooks, I would say, are fairly wide of the mark. In very few instances I would even challenge if the writer has been to the place they’ve written about and haven’t instead used some frivolous marketing materials.

With expectations set high then, it’s only natural that you’ll be let down on the odd occasion.

Top 5 Let Downs in South and Central America

    1. El Salvador surfing – maybe I caught it at a bad time, but ugly beaches, break right next to the shore and crowded surf was a big let down for what I was told was El Salvador’s highlight, Don’t let this put you off of El Salvador though, the rest of the place and the people are fantastic!

Playa El Tunco, El Salvador

    2. Devil’s Nose train, Ecuador - I felt hugely let down by Lonely Planet (LP) here. I think whoever wrote about the Devil’s Nose train just copied some marketing propaganda. What a waste of time. The views were OK but nothing you can’t get elsewhere in a multitude of places (and you can no longer ride on the train roof). I never use LP as a travel bible, but the entry is way off of the mark I’m afraid

Devils Nose Train, Riobamba

    3. Ometepe Island, Nicaragua – granted it did rain for the 3 days I spent here, but I’m confused as to why people rave about this place. Again Lonely Planet’s descriptions of certain elements left a lot to be desired. The best bit is the view from the boat on the way over

Ometepe Island, Nicaragua

    4. Lima, Peru – as Capital cities go this one was very dull indeed

Parque de la Reserva, Lima, Peru

    5. Costa Rica – what is a very beautiful country is spoiled by too much American tourism. Prices are sky high, everyone speaks English and you feel like you’re in the 51st State

Monteverde Extremo, Costa Rica

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2 Comments for this entry

  • ayngelina
    July 1st, 2010 on 16:00

    Oh man I am headed to Ometepe this morning, although I’m not expecting much more than nature.

    Also skipping Costa Rica, all I hear is that it’s expensive and very touristy.

    Reply
    • malph
      July 4th, 2010 on 18:14

      Yeah, it’s a shame. Cost Rica is beautiful but due to the high volume of American tourists is double the price of Nicaragua. Glad your expectations of Ometepe aren’t big – you’ll probably love it now!

      Reply

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