Panelists exchanged comments, which were kept anonymous to maintain survey neutrality, during the rating process. These 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.
Belize: reef and islands
Score: 58
"Some cays manage tourism traffic well, and are not overvisited, while others—Ambergis, for example—receive much mass tourism. Belize government and non-governmental organization are making excellent advances in sustainable tourism and conservation."
"Islands are varied, but many are slowly being degraded due to lack of environmental controls. Proceed with caution."
Iguaçu Falls, Argentina/Brazil
Score: 63
"In general, there is much mass tourism with little interpretation offered on trails, little attempt to follow principles of sustainability."
"Great place, but there is no harmony between the tourism being practiced and the area."
Salvador (Bahia) Historic Center, Brazil
Score: 65
"Training of local population to understand tourists and their role moving slowly."
"The old buildings on the main street of Pelourinho are well kept but are run down elsewhere in the old town. Local restaurants, shops, and hotels benefit from tourists. African/Brazilian culture has been maintained although outside influences are evident."
Easter Island, Chile
Score: 71
"More care and thought is needed in developing tourism and mitigating problems that are currently arising."
"State government should take the responsibility to implement conservation practices and follow through."
Torres del Paine, Chile
Score: 78
"In very good shape; some problems with campsites (huts) along the circuit and around the torres."
"It's a remarkable site. The trail system is low impact, the transportation of food and employees is by animal, there's little environmental pollution. It's getting overcrowded, and measures need to be taken to mitigate any problems, but overall a sensational area."
Costa Rica
Score: 64
"Have seen much illegal logging in recent trips."
"Costa Rica started well with some exemplary ecotourism projects, but in the last five years it is swaying to the demands of mass tourism. Too many golf courses and large hotels in the past five years and on the drawing boards."
Galápagos, Ecuador
Score: 67
"Increased development from mainland residents and illegal fishing are threatening this area. Amazing natural area, unique, and precious to the global mix of bio-regions."
"Conservation strong, interpretive programs excellent. Other tourism- and fishing-related problems causing damage to the islands and waters."
Tikal/Flores, Guatemala
Score: 61
"Tikal is wonderful, the most amazing of all ancient Maya sites. Flores is a dump."
"The ecological value of Tikal is immense. The visitor interpretation program badly needs improvement."
"Were Tikal to receive international assistance in developing sustainable, local-benefiting tourism, a little bit of support could go a long way. It's not too late to save it."
Caribbean Coast, Quintana Roo, Mexico
Score: 46
"Going, going. A once beautiful and unspoiled corridor is being paved, gated, and commercialized into anyplace USA, but the ruins are still great."
"Showing signs of massive build-out and low social/cultural integrity and participation."
"Authentic old mining city."
"An undiscovered gem. Is this the most European city in North America or what?"
Sea of Cortez and Its Coast, Mexico
Score: 61
"Need more planning to conserve environmental and ecological quality."
Cuzco Historic Center, Peru
Score: 65
"Great Inca and colonial town, but in serious trouble… Without real protection and local participation."
"Buildings in Cuzco's historic center are well kept and are highly aesthetic. Numerous operators, bars, shops, Internet cafes, restaurants, and hotels catering to tourists have taken over the center of town, which may be seen as a positive economic influence for many."
Lake Titicaca, Bolivia/Peru
Score: 59
"Lacks overall planning management and lacks social/cultural integrity and participation of local communities."
"The cultures of Taquile and Amantani Island have maintained their social/cultural integrity and benefit from tourism through the sale of artisan goods, homestays, and local restaurants. Local guides are very informative."
"Fascinating, exotic, needs to be protected from overcommercialization."
"Machu Picchu already is getting more people that can be managed with the infrastructure it has."