Peru: Cuzco, Machu Picchu, Sacred Valley
Score: 55

Machu Picchu is "fantastic" and "the local culture is still genuinely alive." However, there is distress about "intense" overcrowding. Nearby sites are seeing rapid development, but "one gets a glimpse of something eternal."

Here is a representative sampling of additional anonymous comments from the panelists. They are not necessarily the views of the National Geographic Society:

"One of those magical places where you can get a feeling of how things might have been during the time of the Incas. It helps to have a bit of understanding of the Incas, their agricultural practices, religion, government, etc., and the impact that the Spanish had when they arrived. A sort of heartbreaking story that continues today, but still a great place to visit."

"Has become so overrun by tourists in the past 20 years that the visitor experience has become poor, despite the magnificent beauty of the site. Its larger context continues to deteriorate due to environmental pollution and uncontrolled development in the adjacent towns (Machu Picchu Pueblo, Aguas Calientes)."

"One of the most exotic destinations in the world. The magic of these sites is to discover them slowly, watching the landscape unfold and the sacred sites unveil themselves. Cuzco has been well restored and addresses the tourism industry effectively with well-restored churches and good infrastructure. The role of the Andean people, however, is marginal."

"Massively popular and justifiably so. While there are a few locals with llamas posing for photos, the local culture is still genuinely alive. Machu Picchu is well looked after and the permit system along the Inca Trail seems to have been a success, spreading the economic benefit trekkers bring. While there are some excellent ecotourism operations, there are also plenty of "cowboys" who cut corners to save money; they are a threat to the future of this region."