Chile: Torres del Paine
Score: 77
Panelists rave about the "breathtaking" scenery of this national park in Patagonia, where cougars roam and "gauchos ride horseback around volcanic peaks." Though generally well managed, there are worries about future overuse.
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 the truly majestic places of the world and I hope it remains that way. I preferred the Chilean side of Patagonia because it is less built-up and people are friendlier. Overall, tourism seems rather well-managed there. Perhaps the biggest threat is global warming and its effects on the glaciers."
"Lodges are light on the landscape and the trails are well maintained and relatively free of trash, considering the volume of international hikers."
"A real gem in southern South America. The only problem is the occasional sandstorm, which makes one feel like Lawrence of Arabia in the desert. A wide range of lodging that caters to everyone, from backpackers to families to the affluent."
"Great area, but the isolation and distance are more of a deterrent to a massive influx of tourism than any regulations. As infrastructure advances, there will have to be policies implemented to regulate the amount of tourism that can be sustained."
Chile: Rapa Nui (Easter Island)
Score: 71
Chilean officials, local residents, and tourists are uniting to preserve "one of the world's great places." Issues to tackle: curbing increasing numbers of cruise ships and flights, and involving native Rapa Nui people more directly in presenting the site. Kudos: the nixing of a proposed casino.
Here is a representative sampling of additional anonymous comments from the panelists. They are not necessarily the views of the National Geographic Society:
"An evocative and compelling destination. With the population almost entirely within one community, much of the social and archaeological appeal of the island remains, albeit within a natural environment that has been greatly altered."
"One of the few places where you can still experience the mysteriousness of unsolved history. The encounters with the stone moai statues in the countryside along the coast, without souvenir stands or crowds, is worth so much for the genuineness of the place. The recently redeveloped Tapati festival to revive original traditions is a real hit."
"Relative sustainability is due mostly to site's remoteness. Adding to the experience: The small town that shelters all of Rapa Nui's 4,000 residents represents only 10-15 percent of the overall island, allowing the vast majority of the 887 known moai to slumber quietly within a reasonably well-protected national park. Of concern: The population is growing and the construction of a new Explora lodge is closer than it should be to the island's archaeological heritage."
A romantically shabby port city perched atop steep hills overlooking the Pacific Ocean. "Valparaíso is the poster child of lack of interest in developing a beautiful and traditional urban landscape," says one panelist. "Poverty, crime, and rundown slums" are ongoing problems, but signs of a community-based arts renaissance are encouraging.
Here is a representative sampling of additional anonymous comments from the panelists. They are not necessarily the views of the National Geographic Society:
"Retains its charms as a tourist destination. Very much a living, breathing city with tremendous visual appeal. Yes, there is poverty, yes it is a port town, but tourism has actually polished up some of these areas of the city and helped preserve some older buildings."
"The city has a unique, well-preserved cultural heritage, typical of a port city. The quality of surrounding ecosystems is very high. Its classification as a World Heritage site, in 2003, has initiated cultural rejuvenation and heritage restoration."
"Great in its day; today its buildings are so colorful . . . and so in ruins. Characteristic cable cars are a terror of decay, so hold on tight! Care and restoration is varied, and the city mainly is for Chileans to visit. The beaches to the north only someone from Santiago could love. The area's greatest attraction remains the fresh seafood."
"Heritage properties on the hillsides and Pablo Neruda's summer house have been preserved and are worth a visit. Crime is a problem, however, with many warnings to beware of ruffians and vagabonds."
