Panelists exchanged comments, which were kept anonymous to maintain survey neutrality during the rating process. These lightly edited excerpts offer a glimpse of panelists' varied points of view and the reasoning behind each score. They are not the views of the National Geographic Society.
"The Chiloé archipelago is surrounded by a pristine seascape, enhanced by protected forests and dozens of historic towns and wooden churches, 16 of which are inscribed in the UNESCO World Heritage List."
"Still relatively rural and unspoiled. Several historic fishing villages. Accommodation is of the small hotel or bed-and-breakfast variety. The penguin islands are now off-limits to tourists except for viewing from boats."
"Special architectural style and rich folklore with many mythological animals and spirits. Local stocks of sardines, mackerel, and anchovies used to feed farmed salmon are dangerously overdrawn. Plans to construct the Chiloé Bicentennial suspension bridge have been axed due to cost. Some islanders are relieved, fearing a bridge would replace the romantic sea change that visitors undergo during the 20-minute ferry passage."
