These natural wonders of South America are a must-visit. South America is a large, diverse continent, so it’s no wonder there are many amazing natural wonders. Plan your next holiday around this awesome list of the best natural wonders in South America.
10. Colca Canyon, Peru
Perhaps not as well known as Rainbow Mountain or Machu Picchu, Colca Valley is indeed a spectacular natural wonder. One of the deepest canyons in the world at 10,725 ft (3,270 m) of jaw-dropping depth.
Colca Valley is also a beautifully lush green valley where you can spot the giant Andean Condor flying about.
9. Perito Moreno, Argentina
This monolithic glacier is one of the most popular destinations in the Patagonian region of Argentina. Covering 250 square kilometers and still growing, the glacier offers spectacular views of icebergs, mountains, and massive chunks of ice crashing into the water.
8. Lake Titicaca
The largest lake in South America by total volume, and is also famous for being the higher lake in the world at an amazing 3,812 meters (12,507 ft).
Found high up in the Andes mountains, it borders both Bolivia and Peru. There are many islands scattered throughout this magical lake. You can get there by kayaking or taking a ride on a traditional boat.
7. Aconcagua, Argentina
Aconcagua has the honor of being the tallest mountain in the world outside of Asia. 6,961 meters (22,838 ft) high, you can find this stunning peak 70 miles from the city of Mendoza.
The best thing is that it’s relatively easy to climb, unlike Everest, and there are easy paths that take you straight to the summit.
6. Galápagos Islands, Ecuador
The famous archipelago with a stunning diversity of wildlife is on every nature lover’s bucket list. Darwin first made this place famous with his study of evolution.
Today, these volcanic islands remain one of the best-unspoiled nature reserves on the planet. The islands are difficult to access and quite expensive but will make for some great photos and bragging rights.
5. Atacama Desert, Chile
The driest desert in the world stretches for 1000 km along the pacific down the length of Chile. There are hot springs, geysers, plains, and yes – volcanoes.
It is also famous for observatories, one of the best places in the world to view the night sky due to clear conditions, high altitude, and no light pollution.
One of the top 3 destinations in Chile, people usually stay in the small town of San Pedro de Atacama.
4. Iguazu Falls
One of the largest waterfalls in the world (by volume) bordering Argentina and Brazil. Although there this is an open discussion, Argentina is considered the better side to view the falls.
It’s not very high, only 82 meters, but in total there are 275 cascades, which is an enormous volume of water and indeed a stunning sight to behold.
3. The Amazon River
Beginning its long, amazing journey in Peru, the largest in the world also flows through Colombia and ends its voyage on the east coast of Brazil.
The river winds its way through the Amazon rainforest in Brazil, also the largest of its kind. You can take various boat tours down the river, exploring the incredible wildlife, snakes, fish, and primates.
2. Kukenan, Venezuela
A unique tabletop mountain situated in the Guayana region of Venezuela. Approximately 2,680 m (8,790 ft) high, the top of the mountain is over 1 billion years of age, making a truly unique landscape, and giving the feeling of traveling before life began on this planet.
It also has the second tallest waterfall in the world 674 m (2,211 ft), the first being its cousin: Angel Falls. You can get here by the San Francisco de Yurani trail which is an amazing journey.
1. Angel Falls, Venezuela
Perhaps the most famous waterfall in the world after Niagara Falls, this bad boy holds the record as the tallest waterfall found on Earth.
The water plunges in an 807 m (2,648 ft) freefall to the valley below. You can find this in the UNESCO heritage Canaima National Park.
Access to the waterfall is quite difficult as it’s located deep in the jungle, come prepared, it will be one of the most exciting adventures you will embark on.
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