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These sights have been voted the world's 10 most underrated landmarks

Sarah Swain
Sarah Swain

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There's nothing worse than going all the way to see a famous landmark and find it's a let down.

But sometimes the opposite is true.

You turn up to visit a sight and it impresses you more than you had expected.

A new survey reveals the most underrated landmarks around the world.

Finance firm Capital One UK surveyed 2000 Brits for its No Nasty Surprises campaign.

These are the sights that impressed people more than they had expected.

Attribution: Supplied
10. Chichen Itza, Mexico
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10. Chichen Itza, Mexico

The spectacular Mayan site near Tulum in Mexico starts out the list in 10th spot.

A total of 45 per cent of folk who have been there said it was better than they expected.

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Attribution: Getty Images/iStockphoto
9. Great Wall of China, China
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9. Great Wall of China, China

Equal with Chichen Itza is the Great Wall of China.

The popular attraction didn't disappoint those who went there, the research found.

Attribution: Getty Images/iStockphoto
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8. Petra, Jordan
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8. Petra, Jordan

A million tourists visit the ancient city of Petra every year - and it's worth it, according to the poll.

Almost half asked said they thought it was underrated.

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Attribution: Getty Images/iStockphoto
7. Christ the Redeemer, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
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7. Christ the Redeemer, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

In joint seventh pace is the Christ the Redeemer statue on top of the Corcovado mountain in Rio de Janeiro in Brazil.

Attribution: Getty
6. Victoria Falls, Zambia/Zimbabwe
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6. Victoria Falls, Zambia/Zimbabwe

Next is Victoria Falls.

The epic waterfall is one of the biggest in the world, and forms part of the border between the two African countries.

Almost half of Brits said it exceeded their expectations.

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Attribution: Getty
5. Pompeii, Italy
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5. Pompeii, Italy

After being buried by volcanic ash in 79AD Pompeii was unearthed in the 19th century and gives a glimpse into Italian life 2000 years ago.

It impressed many travellers, with half saying it was better than they had anticipated.

Attribution: Getty
4. Niagara Falls, US/Canada
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4. Niagara Falls, US/Canada

In equal fourth place is the popular waterfall on the US-Canadian border.

Attribution: Getty
3. Machu Picchu, Peru
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3. Machu Picchu, Peru

It might be a lengthy journey to get there, but the ancient site of Machu Picchu in Cusco, Peru ranks third.

More than 50 per cent of Brits said it was more impressive than they had thought it would be.

The ancient Incan city rediscovered in 1911, is famous for its architecture and views. Built in the 15th century and abandoned in the 16th century, it remains a major destination for tourists, offering a glimpse into Peru's history.

Attribution: Getty Images/iStockphoto
2. Grand Canyon, USA
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2. Grand Canyon, USA

Taking the second spot, more than half of those who had been to the Grand Canyon said it exceeded their expectations.

Visitors can explore the canyon through a range of experiences, from hiking trails to scenic viewpoints and helicopter tours.

Attribution: Getty

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