National Parks in South America
South America has some of the planet’s most beautiful and important natural areas which thankfully have been widely protected by national parks. From the unique Darwinism of the Galapagos to mysterious Easter Island and the vital Central Amazon Conservation Complex, many of the world’s nature-based gems are found here in South America.
Torres del Paine National Park, Chile: The crown jewel of Chile’s natural environment is this magnificent park that rivals anything on earth. Rolling grasslands spread out to the horizon speared by towering granite monoliths reaching over 2,743m (9,000 feet). Glaciers, llamas, and exotic birds round off a truly one-of-a-kind destination.
Iguazú National Park, Argentina: The sub-tropical jungle of Iguazú National Park is home to a bewildering array of flora and fauna, including rarities like the jaguar. This park also contains Argentina’s greatest natural attraction, Iguazú Falls, a surreal assembly of 275 waterfalls fed by the Iguazú river.
Sangay National Park, Ecuador: This 1.3 million acre park is a comprehensive paradise full of incredible geological features and a wealth of wildlife. With 324 lakes, a dozen volcanoes and cascading waterfalls, hikers have plenty of destinations to choose from. Ascending the extinct Altar volcano, tramping across the empty Andean paramo, and searching for endangered creatures in the jungle are just a few of the highlights here.
Central Amazon Conservation Complex : More than six million hectares are protected in this vast region of the Amazon Basin. Countless lakes and rivers thread their way through this biosphere that contains the world’s largest variety of fish. Guided tours can take you deep into the heart of this wild primitive land where humans are definitely the minority.
Los Glaciares National Park, Argentina: Most of the 1.5 million acres in this extraordinary park are inaccessible, but the two main highlights open to the public hint at the wonders contained within. Seeing the unique granite needles such as FitzRoy, and the tremendous Perito Moreno Glacier are worth the visit alone.
Lencois Maranhenses, Brazil: The landscape in this surreal park is unlike anything on earth. Snow-white sand dunes are interwoven with striking pools of transluscent blue rainwater. Visit in June when the water levels are highest to get a full dose of this mind-bogglingly beautiful vista.
Cotopaxi National Park, Ecuador: Ecuador’s most popular national park is a real treasure, featuring the snow-capped Cotopaxi volcano at its heart. The scenery surrounding the planet’s highest active volcano is simply magical. An excellent infrastructure of trails, horseback riding and camping makes it easy to get deep into the thick of things.
Manu Biosphere Reserve, Peru: The virgin rainforest in this special preserve is some of the finest left on earth. The biodiversity found here averages 10 times more than other wild areas, boasting amazing birdlife, some 15,000 animal species and remote Amerindian tribes.
Los Roques National Park, Venezuela: This little-known park in the Caribbean contains hundreds of tiny, but impeccably beautiful islets surrounded by crystal waters and tropical reefs. This is the place to escape the world, where boats will happily drop you off with your cooler and pick you up at the end of the day. Robinson Crusoe living at its finest!
Pico da Neblina National Park, Brazil: Brazil’s largest national park is a cornucopia of rainforest flora and fauna. Rivers wind through the vast expanse of jungle which is teeming with life both on land and in the water. A well-developed infrastructure of trails, guides and rangers allows you to experience it all.