Top 15 Natural Wonders in South America

Imagine a place with greenery all around you, with tall trees to your right, a river flowing on your left, and mountains looming in the distance. This is not an imaginary place; this view can be found on the continent of South America. South America is home to 12 independent countries mostly in the southern hemisphere. The natural landscape of the continent is exquisite, filled with mountains, forests, rivers, and beaches. Because there are thousands of beautiful natural landmarks in South America, it can be hard to narrow down the most stunning wonders to visit. Here is a list of the top 15 natural wonders in South America that will help you appreciate the continents’s true beauty of nature.

Iguazu Falls, Argentina and Brazil

As a natural border between Argentina and Brazil, Iguazu Falls marks the point where the Iguazu River tumbles over the Paraná Plateau, dividing into the upper and lower sections of the river. The Iguazu Falls is the largest waterfall system in the world with 275 falls altogether. Most of the falls lie in Argentina, while most of the river flows through Brazil. The magnificent falls range from 197 to 269 feet (60 to 82 meters) tall. To reach the area, you can take an ecological train to Devil’s Throat, a canyon supporting many of the falls and hike down to the bottom of the canyon. You may also take a helicopter ride for an amazing aerial view. The shear amount of water that throws itself over 275 falls is a sight to behold, and something not to be missed in South America. 

The Amazon River, Many Countries

Winding through South America as the largest river by volume of water, the Amazon River has shaped South America. Potentially the longest river in the world (depending on the definition of longest), the Amazon River travels through Peru, Bolivia, Venezuela, Colombia, Ecuador, and Brazil. There is plenty of amazing wildlife and plants to behold along and in the river. In fact, one out of every ten plants or animals can be found around the river (including in the Amazon forest). While visiting the river, you can also hike and explore the Amazon Rainforest, which is another amazing natural site in South America. Whether you hike along the river or immerse yourself in the rainforest, the Amazon offers amazing views with numerous wildlife and plants.

Lençóis Maranhenses National Park, Brazil

Lençóis Maranhenses National Park is in northeastern Brazil and offers large, white sand dunes. In the rainy season, rainwater lakes form between the dunes, creating unique deep blue lakes contrasting bright white dunes. To travel around the dunes, you can hike, travel in a truck, or even ride horseback. The national park was even used as the landscape for the planet of Vormir in several Avengers movies. Although Lençóis Maranhenses is not the most popular tourist destination in Brazil, it is an underrated natural gem that makes a great vacation destination.

Laguna Colorada, Bolivia

In southwest Bolivia lies the shallow, algae-rich lagoon of Laguna Colorada. Red sentiment, in addition to the algae, give the lake water a signature red color. Large amounts of borax on the lake’s surface dot the lake with white spots.

Flocks of three different species of flamingos also sit in the beautiful Laguna Colorada, including the rare James’ Flamingo. These flamingos are naturally white and gain their color from the red algae in the lake. Laguna Colorada, in contrast with the tall mountains surrounding it, creates a beautiful landscape not to be missed.

Caño Cristales, Colombia

Located in La Macarena National Park in Colombia, Caño Cristales is known as the river that escaped from heaven. It is one of the most beautiful rivers in the world. For half of the year, red algae blooms in the water, making the river appear bright red. This once-in-a-lifetime destination even has beautiful landscapes surrounding it to create the perfect photographable destination. You can even swim in Caño Cristales, if there are no blooming algae in that part of the river. The majestic river is a vacation destination that cannot be missed.

Lake Titicaca, Bolivia and Peru

Sitting on the border of Bolivia and Peru in the middle of the Andes mountains, Lake Titicaca is the largest lake in South America. Lake Titicaca sits at 12,507 feet (3,812 meters) above sea level, making it the tallest lake in the world. Civilizations have been making the islands that sit in the large lake home before the Incas even arrived. Island hopping to learn about and appreciate the many cultures that call the lake home is what makes the lake a popular tourist destination. The gorgeous view includes snow-capped mountains and beautiful islands. Whether you go for the people or the view, Lake Titicaca is the perfect natural vacation destination.

Salar de Uyuni, Bolivia

Salar de Uyuni, or Uyuni Salt Flats, is in Bolivia and boasts being the world’s largest salt flat. Formed from prehistoric lakes, the salt flat spans a massive 4,086 square miles (10,582 square kilometers). The salt flats are so large, you can explore it for days without going to the same area twice. In the wet season, a thin layer of water covers the salt flats, reflecting the beautiful sky above. The Salar de Uyuni are one of the top spots people visit while vacationing in South America. The salt flats are not a destination to be missed. 

Colca Canyon, Peru

Colca Canyon is one of the deepest canyons in the world at over 10,000 feet (3,000 meters) deep, deeper than the Grand Canyon in the United States. The canyon is part of the Andes Mountains and holds both pre-Inca and Spanish colonial influences. Wild alpaca and llamas grace the huge cliffs, while Andean condors fly past the canyon walls. Other wildlife you may spot include giant hummingbirds, Chilean flamingos, and vizcacha, a relative of the chinchilla. Colca Canyon is a popular tourist destination and makes a great addition to any South American getaway.

Torres del Paine, Chile

Located on the southern tip of South America, the Torres del Paine is known as one of the most beautiful places on Earth. Home to mountains, glaciers, rivers, and lakes, the national park is a popular natural wonder for good reason. Breathtaking views can be found at every turn, and adventure awaits from climbing mountains to hiking to the rivers. In the center, Cordillera Paine contains a mountain group with three icy-blue peaks that give the national park its name. Although a bit of a trek to visit, the Torres del Paine is worth the trip.

Atacama Desert, Chile

Stretching for 600 miles (1000 kilometers) along the Pacific Ocean coast of Chile, the Atacama Desert is the driest desert in the world. The desert boasts a diverse landscape of its own, hosting geysers, volcanoes, plain, and hot springs. Due to the lack of light and air pollution, the desert offers plenty of star gazing and is even home to its own observatory. You can mountain bike through the rugged terrain or hike the various mountains. You can even see packs of vicuñas roaming the desert. It is also home to the Los Flamencos National Reserve where you can spot flocks of pink flamingos. The Atacama Desert has a lot to offer tourists.

Angel Falls, Venezuela

The most popular tourist destination in Venezuela, Angel Falls can be found in Canaima National Park. Angel Falls are the highest falls in the world at 3,212 feet (979 meters). Due to this impressive drop, most of the water falls as mist onto the visitors down below. Angel Falls lies in a dense jungle that can be hiked to, but you can also take a helicopter if you want less of a challenge. After enjoying the impressive falls, you can even swim in the beautiful pool underneath. Angel Falls is an amazing natural wonder that should not be missed in South America.

Galápagos Islands, Ecuador

600 miles (965 kilometers) off the coast of Ecuador lies an archipelago of volcanic islands. Famous for having great influence on Darwin’s evolution theory, numerous species can only be found on the island. The Galápagos Islands continue to offer beautiful, preserved nature. Although they can be difficult to get to, the Galápagos Islands offer adventure at every turn.

A bucket list vacation, you can find species of animals from birds, turtles, tortoises, iguanas and penguins.  You can also meet the around 25,000 people that call five of the Galápagos home. The islands offer many options for exploration and adventure as you explore the dense nature. 

Perito Moreno Glacier, Argentina

Los Glaciares National Park in Argentina offers stunning views of huge freshwater ice towers. Among these glaciers sits the third-largest reserve of freshwater sitting as ice. Perito Moreno Glacier stands at about 240 feet (74 meters) above sea level and is 97 square miles (250 square kilometers) in area. Unlike many glaciers, Perito Moreno is slowly growing most years, for reasons still unknown. You can even trek across this behemoth of a glacier, with treks lasting up to five hours. If you would rather admire its beauty from a distance, many tour companies offer boat rides into the national park so you can really appreciate the size of the glaciers.

The Andes Mountains, Many Countries

Gracing the skyline almost the entire length of South America, the Andes are the longest continental mountain range in the world. With an average height of 13,000 feet (4,000 meters), the mountains stretch through Venezuela, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, Chile, and Argentina. Aconcagua is the tallest mountain in the range standing at 22,837 feet (6,960 meters) and marks the highest point in South America.

Some of the things you can do include hiking up to the summit, visiting Machu Picchu (Inca city ruins), or seeing the Sacred Valley (scenic archaeological site). Visiting the Andes Mountains can and should be included in any South American vacation.

The Pantanal, Brazil

The world’s largest tropical wetlands, the Pantanal is primarily located in Brazil and is teeming with biodiversity. Encompassing 65,635 square miles (170,000 square kilometers), over 300 types of mammals, and 1,000 bird species as well as nearly 500 reptiles.

Additionally, the Pantanal is the best spot in South America to find the jaguar, as it has the highest density of them. The unique and numerous wildlife draws 1 million tourists every year to the wetlands. Another amazing opportunity in Pantanal are the sunsets. Bright red and orange colors paint the sky before the starry night sky takes over. For a beautiful and unique wildlife experience, the Pantanal is the place to go.

South America is home to some of the best and most beautiful natural wonders in the world. From majestic wetlands, breathtaking mountain views, and magnificent wildlife, there are many vacation destinations for anyone wanting to explore the diverse natural terrain. Have you been to any of these destinations? Do you have any other suggestions? Let us know in the comments below.