Places Rated: Chile’s Gorgeous Fjords
The November/December issue of Traveler features our annual “Places Rated” survey of destination stewardship, and this year 340 expert panelists rated 99 coastal destinations around the world. Here on the blog, we’re highlighting some of these coastal destinations and are interested in adding your feedback to the mix. What do you think?
Chile: Chilean Fjords
Rating: 79 — “Top Rated” category
The stunning scenery of the Chilean coast’s southernmost section has been discovered by the travel industry. Cruise ships now navigate its mountain-flanked channels and inlets in increasing numbers. Thankfully, local officials are “aware of the damage cruise-ship operators have done elsewhere and are working to create a sustainable tourism strategy.”
Why did the place earn this score? Read representative panelist comments after the jump.
“Becoming a cruise-ship destination. Local entrepreneurs and officials are working to create a sustainable tourism strategy, but this is new. The ecology is intact. I am hopeful about the future of this destination because people are aware of the damage that cruise ships have caused elsewhere.”
“Generally pristine and uninhabited. Some access by infrequent cruise ships and local ecotours. Limited logging and some fish farming take place, but there is generally very little development. Essentially natural. With global warming, some glaciers visible from the sea may recede.”
“One of the world’s relatively untouched natural wonders. A sparse population and limited number of visitors make for a well-balanced regional environmental system. Existing tourism activities try to preserve this balance as well as they can.”
“Beautiful. At risk from various forms of industrial development.”
- Nat Geo Expeditions
Survey scoring system:
74-84 Top Rated
65-73 Doing Well
55-64 In the Balance
48-54 Facing Trouble
34-47 In Trouble
22-34 Near Catastrophic
See all 99 ratings and representative panelist comments online and share your thoughts below.
Photo: Richard Nowitz
