The Best Natural Wonders in South America

South America is home to a number of spectacular gems. Ancient ruins coexist with modern cities. Colonial architecture compliment palm-lined plazas. New hotels are built next to indigenous communities. It’s is easy to get swept away with the man-made wonders on your South America vacation, but remember there is a wealth of natural wonders to see here as well.

Iguazu Falls, Argentina: A powerful panorama of 275 cascades overwhelms the sounds of the surrounding jungle. Iguazu Falls, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is one of the world’s most unforgettable sights. The falls are bordered by Argentina, Brazil, and Paraguay.

Salar de Uyuni, Bolivia: This isolate wonder is a surreal, almost otherworldly destination. Hot in the sun, cool in the shade, and bitterly cold at night, the city is climatically challenged. The immense, shimmering sea of salt is breathtaking.

Galapagos Islands, Ecuador: The home to an unbelievable number of species, the Galapagos Islands have taken on a mythological status. Only in this magical setting can you see Giant Galapagos Tortoises, prehistoric marine iguanas, tiny penguins, and the graceful red-billed tropicbirds.

Atacama Desert, Chile: The Atacama Desert is full of natural beauties. The country’s largest salt flat, is speckled with pink flamingos and surrounded by volcanoes. Here too are steaming geysers, sand dunes in the Moon Valley, and a charming oasis town.

Amazon Rainforest: The largest and most spectacular rainforest in the world is home to a jaw dropping number of species that thrive here like nowhere else. Spread over 9 nations, the Amazon is teeming with undiscovered plants, bugs, and mammals. It is said that the Amazon Rainforest is the only place that gives one the sensation of witnessing the dawn of time. Travelers are drawn to the diversity of the area’s forests, rivers, and jungle cities.

Torres del Paine, Chile: This dramatic landscape is nestled between the Magellenic subpolar forests and Patagonian Steepes. Wander past evergreen forests teeming with bright red flowers, lakes formed by the runoff of massive glaciers, grazing Guanacos, and dazzling lakes reflecting the natural beauty in their still waters.

Colca Canyon, Peru: One of the world’s deepest canyons is laden with waterfalls, hot springs, rural villages, geological oddities, and the massive Condor. A number of rare flora and fauna live at this high altitude including viscachas (small rodents similar to rabbits) which dart between stone cairns, boulders on the barren landscape, and brain-like plants called yapats.

Lake Titicaca, Peru/Bolivia: The highest navigable lake in the world is shared by the two countries but is ruled by the lake dwellers who build their homes on floating islands made of reeds. The sparkling blue waters contrast with sunny, green islands, the desolate altiplano, and fertile valleys of the Andes.

About the Author

This guide to South America’s best natural wonders was written by a Latin America travel expert at Latin America For Less available to help you custom design your exciting and adventurous Latin America Vacation.

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