South America is a huge continent, packed with great natural wonders. Check out our list this week, which features ten amazing sites, landscapes and views. Plan your next adventurous holiday to South America!
10. Atacama Desert, Chile
The desert stretches for 1000 km (600 mi) across the Pacific Ocean’s coast. It is the driest desert in the world. It boasts plains, volcanoes, geysers and even hot springs! There is also a famous observatory ALMA – it is a perfect location to look to the stars, because of no light or air pollution.
Why to go there?
The desert is the Top 3 tourist destination in Chile. Visitors usually stay in the town of San Pedro de Atacama.
Photo by Peter Eastway
Photo from Planedia
Photo by the Unknown
9. Perito Moreno, Argentina
The glacier is listed as monolithic and is the most popular tourist destination in Argentinian Patagonia. It covers a 250 km2 (97 sq mi) area and is still growing. The glacier boasts detached ice blocks and icebergs, creating a wonderful vies made of ice.
Why to go there?
The Los Glaciares National Park is protected by UNESCO and features incredible unspoiled nature.
Photo by Nora De Angelli
Photo by Jimmy Eats World
Photo by Steve Boyden
8. Titicaca
The largest lake in South America water volume wise borders Bolivia and Peru. It is found high in the Andes mountains – at an elevation of 3,812 metres (12,507 ft) it is considered to be the highest lake in the world.
Why to go there?
There are many islands, including Uros – an artificial one, that make a trip to Titicaca even more exciting. Explore them and the staggering surroundings of this magical place.
Photo from expedia
Photo from Peru trip planner
Photo from tolovewhatislovelyandwillnotlast
7. Galápagos Islands, Ecuador
The archipelago of volcanic islands mesmerizes with unique nature. Numerous endemic species have been studied by Darwin and have had a crucial influence on his evolution theory. Today the well preserved unspoiled nature remains one of the most precious natural wonders in the world.
Why to go there?
The limited access to the islands makes it quite a challenge, which inspires and attracts the adventurers.
Photo from ghardytours
Photo from Odd Cities
Photo from World for Travel
6. Iguazu Falls
The majestic waterfall borders Argentina and Brazil. It is not very tall, however it comprises 275 cascades, which create an enormous volume of water falling down 285 ft/87 m and creating this staggering site.
Why to go there?
One of the most precious natural wonders in Argentina and Brazil as well as in all South America!
Photo by SF Brit
Photo from Itravel
Photo by Mathieu Bertrand Struck
5. The Amazon River
The largest river in the world begins its journey in Peru and then flows to Columbia and Brazil. The Amazon rainforest in Brazil is the biggest rainforest in the world and features a countless species of fauna and flora.
Why to go there?
The visitors can go on a boat tour on the Amazon River or its tributaries and explore the incredible wildlife.
Photo by Thousandwonders
Photo by mariusz kluzniak
Photo by carla arena
4. Kukenan, Venezuela
It is one of the most beautiful table top mountains in the world. It also boasts a 674 m (2,211 ft) tall waterfall, which is the second tallest after Angel Falls and also adds an extra beauty to the mountain as well as the landscape.
Why to go there?
Get here via San Francisco de Yurani trail, which will allow to explore the spectacular surroundings.
Photo by the Unknown
Photo by luis nieto
3. Angel Falls, Venezuela
Its uninterrupted 807 metres (2,648 ft) tall plunge credits it as the tallest waterfall in the world. Found in the Canaima National Park, which is protected by UNESCO, Angel Falls is one of the most exciting natural wonders in whole South America.
Why to go there?
The waterfall is located deep in the jungle, therefore access is difficult. However it can be an exciting challenge for the adventurers.
Photo from Travelercorner
Photo from Travelercorner
Photo from Air Pano
2. Colca Canyon, Peru
Another most popular attraction in Peru, Colca Canyon is a spectacular site. At 10,725 ft (3,270 m) deep it is one of the deepest canyons in the world. It is also a colorful place, which features a lush green Colca Valley.
Why to go there?
The Andean Condor is the symbol of Colca Canyon and can be viewed from a short distance, flying
across the canyon.
Photo by Aureliano Nóbrega
Photo by Alexander Schimmeck
Photo by Alexander Schimmeck
1. Aconcagua, Argentina
At 6,961 metres (22,838 ft) tall it is the tallest peak in the world outside of Asia. Located 112 kilometres (70 mi) away from the city of Mendoza, Aconcagua attracts the climbers from all around the world who are up for a great challenge.
Why to go there?
The best thing about the mountain is that no special technical skills are needed to reach the summit, since it has a relatively easy path, which takes straight to the summit.
Photo from 7 Summit Project
Photo by Rafael Edwards
Photo by Xurde