"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."

Chile: Valparaíso
Score: 59

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."

Costa Rica
Score: 62

Hailed as a leader in ecotourism, Costa Rica's middle-of-the-road showing in this year's rankings was unexpected. The country's green reputation may have panelists holding it to higher standards. Other factors influencing the score: "large-scale resorts" rising on the Pacific Coast and "growing crime, including against tourists."

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

"An early adopter and leader of ecotourism. Has been rewarded with a significant growth in international visitation because of outstanding opportunities for nature-based tourism, reasonable prices, decent service, and generally sensitive development. It now wrestles with the threat of overcommercialization. It will have to stick to original principles to retain its reputation and the benefits that come from ecotourism."

"Costa Rica has a lot going for it: a plethora of nongovernmental organizations, numerous parks and reserves, and many dedicated Ticos (diminutive for Costa Ricans) and expatriates who are working to preserve the environment. On the other hand, the government has frequently subsidized large resorts while failing to help smaller lodges and hotels that provide a more genuine experience."

"A bit overrated in my opinion. At least most tourism development is concentrated along certain reaches of the Pacific coast, where "Californization" appears rampant. Much of the rest of the country is still fairly natural, and not unlike similar sites in Nicaragua or Panama. Crime is becoming a bigger problem every year."

"A jewel in Central America that is fragile and needs protection from overdevelopment of tourism. Too many tourists visiting, and new hotels are everywhere, especially Manuel Antonio and Nicoya Peninsula. The Atlantic coast reefs are a worry. Local residents receive little help."

"While still a generation ahead of most neighbors with its environmental, human rights, education, and public-welfare programs and policies, Costa Rica needs to redouble its efforts to bolster management of its underfunded and understaffed protected-area system."

Ecuador: Galápagos Islands
Score: 50

Earning a modest rebound of six points this year after a 23-point drop between 2004 and 2006 suggests alarming trends in cruise-boat traffic and inappropriate development are being addressed. "Overpopulation by tourists and tourism facilities are a serious threat to the very product that is most spectacular." Other concerns: degradation of local waters, introduction of invasive species. Still, an "amazing" sight.

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

"Larger cruise ships present a problem, both for tourists and the environment. Population growth and invasive species will be an ongoing concern."

"The marine environment is most seriously threatened. Tremendous funding and management effort is directed to issues on land, while the marine life continues to be overexploited. This is the last stronghold, the last sanctuary, for many marine organisms."

"Needs serious attention to illegal immigration, mass tourism, and zoning, and control of tourism development, sewage, solid waste and runoff, and illegal fishing. Also, better guide training, interpretation, and control of tour boats and their activities."

"The boatloads of 'ecotourists,' with their effluent, are destroying the very ecology they have come to tour."

"Future will depend on the development of strict policies regarding the number of tourists that can visit, tour operations and programming, and park conservation efforts."

Guatemala: Tikal/Flores
Score: 55

Tikal, a Maya archaeological park, gets good marks, and the nearby town of Flores, on an island in Lake Petén, is full of "charm." But there is deep unease about crime and the destruction of local rain forests in this poor nation, and wholesale overdevelopment pushed by some government officials.

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

"Flores is a charming town in an island in Lake Petén. It is also the name of a municipality that includes an international airport, villages, a good portion of Lake Petén Itza, and Tikal National Park. Tikal is 40 miles away from Flores and is an archaeological wonder of the Maya world within a forest that still provides habitat for hundreds of different species."

"Tikal itself is fairly well protected, but the larger region is under heavy pressure from nomadic agriculture, cattle ranches, and drug runners. Natural forests are disappearing faster than desired. Maya culture has been largely altered in the lowlands in contrast with its survival in the highlands."

"The site is fantastic and Flores is an interesting gateway village. Protection of the site has improved, but high visitation keeps pressure on it. I cannot be sure that interpretation and the modern economy are solidly linked to the living population in Petén, although people in the immediate vicinity appear to benefit economically."

"Tikal is becoming overrun with tourists and vendors. However, the most serious threat is posed by inappropriate interventions to the ruins and their natural jungle cover. Over-restoration and wholesale tree removal are affecting the integrity of the site."

Guatemala: Lake Atitlán
Score: 48

This "beautiful lake surrounded by three volcanoes makes a perfect example to show how poverty pollutes. Must deal with the living conditions first, otherwise the ecological projects will fail." Water-treatment plants, growth-management plans, and an economic shift "in the direction of medium and small enterprises" are part of what is needed.

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

"While the stunning beauty of the lake and the rich, indigenous heritage surrounding it still exist, the hub town of Panajachel is a mess. Development there has been haphazard at best, a disaster at worst. The appeal of the lake increases proportionate to one's distance from Panajachel."

"The lake's relative isolation helps it retain much of its charm. But the vending and preying on tourists have escalated quite a bit. My visit last year to Atitlán was sort of discomforting. The landscape is, of course, impressive as ever, but the aesthetic appeal of the human-made environment has been annoying me for quite a long time. The sightseeing in the Indian village across the lake is not very appealing; one goes there mostly for shopping, but it looks so run down, so polluted, that it is difficult to enjoy the stay."

"This is the gem of Mesoamerica, but it will lose its sparkle very quickly if some triage isn't applied to the many problems—environmental, zoning, and cultural—that face the lakesiders."

Honduras: Copán
Score: 68

Impressive Maya ruins are enhanced by excellent local guides and dedicated management, which accounts for Copán's seven-point gain since 2006. Attractions include hot springs and coffee farms. Government offices have "failed to act" on "the need to expand the national monument and ensure protection."

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

"Copán is a highlight of any visit to Honduras, and as one of the country's largest tourism poles and cultural attractions, it has received considerable support from the government and aid agencies. One of the most aesthetically pleasing Maya sites; the juxtaposition of an archaeological site in an agricultural valley is charming."

"Wonderful place. The town is low key, with many small local hotels and restaurants. Other forms of tourism are just starting in the countryside—coffee tours, bird park, hot springs."

"The broader valley has retained its magical character despite the expansion of the town of Copán Ruins. There is some urban sprawl from the town proper across the river and onto the opposite side, which may be unsightly and incoherent with the town. The municipality has had some success maintaining the charm of the town, and with new attractions now offered, the future outlook is very positive. But there are definite land-holding problems and squabbles among the locals."

"Copán Archaeological Site is an island of environmental protection surrounded by tobacco and tomato plantations and just a mile from Copán Ruins Town—a town that earns a higher income than the rest of the country of Honduras thanks to the tourism business that the Copán Archaeological Site brings."

Honduras: Northern Coast
Score: 52

An undiscovered destination now undergoing rapid "touristization," the North Coast offers rich indigenous culture and good ecotourism potential—along with environmental degradation, violent gangs, and political corruption.

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

"The western portion of the north coast—San Pedro Sula to La Ceiba—is largely altered. The eastern portion—Trujillo to Puerto Lempira—is still in okay condition but deforestation is advancing rapidly. Indigenous tribes (Miskito, Pech, Tawaka) and Garifuna still maintain language and culture in some areas in the eastern portion. Latino culture has dominated the rest and remains largely intact."

"The almost total lack of sewage treatment, combined with destructive land-use practices upstream, mean that huge amounts of silt and sewage pour into the sea from coastal rivers, further compromising coastal integrity. On top of these environmental problems, the growth of violent gangs (maras) along the coast almost threatens the integrity of this area."

"An area with promise—and possible peril. If done right, it could be a standout in the region. Now benefiting from relative obscurity. But cruise-based tourism threatens to overwhelm."

"The north coast needs a coast-management plan. Different degrees and scales of development are taking place without a holistic view. Several areas are under threat, especially the Bay Islands due to overdevelopment in Roatán. Local and Garifuna communities are not integrated into tourism development process. High incidence of poverty and HIV/AIDS along the coast. There are still pristine areas, especially toward the Mosquitia region, that have great appeal and character."

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."