Natural Landmarks in South America

Deep within the arid expanse of northern Chile's Atacama Desert lies a captivating and diverse natural oasis that seems plucked from another world entirely. Here is Los Flamencos National Reserve, a protected wonderland encompassing a kaleidoscope of landscapes and ecosystems that defy the harsh conditions of the surrounding desert. From shimmering salt flats and vibrant lagoons to ancient lava fields, towering volcanoes, and lush vegetation, this reserve is a true marvel, offering an unparalleled glimpse into life's incredible resilience and adaptability in even the most extreme environments.

Manú National Park and Biosphere Reserve is a world-renowned haven of biodiversity at the meeting point of the Tropical Andes and the Amazon Basin in southwestern Peru. A vast, isolated watershed, the still-roadless property has been spared from most human impacts. From its altitudinal diversity to the mysteries of Paititi, the 'Lost City of the Incas,' an intricate collage of ecosystems, wildlife, and indigenous communities call this sanctuary home.

Aconcagua Provincial Park is a protected area in the Argentinean Andes, on the Chilean border. It is home to snow-capped Mount Aconcagua, South America’s tallest peak and the highest mountain in both the southern and western hemispheres.

Mount Roraima is the highest of the Pacaraima Mountains, a chain of tepui plateaus in South America. It serves as the tripoint of Venezuela, Guyana, and Brazil. These tabletop mountains are considered to be the oldest geological formations on Earth.

Located between the Serra da Bocaina mountain range and the Atlantic Ocean, this cultural and natural landscape includes the historic center of Paraty, the island of Ilha Grande, as well as four protected natural areas of the Atlantic Forest, one of the world's critical biodiversity hotspots.

The Perito Moreno Glacier is located in southwest Argentina within the Los Glaciares National Park. One of the most important tourist attractions in Argentine Patagonia, it is embedded into the remote mountain landscape of the Patagonian Andes shared by Argentina and Chile.

Quebrada de Humahuaca is a narrow, arid mountainous valley in northwestern Argentina. Used for over 10,000 years to transport people and ideas as part of the Main Andean Road, it is today renowned for its stunning scenery, rich cultural heritage, and unique blend of indigenous and Spanish influences.

Located in the southwestern corner of Bolivia, the Salar de Uyuni is one of the most remarkable and captivating natural wonders on Earth. This salt flat is the largest in the world and is a testament to the incredible geological and climatic forces that have shaped the Andean region over millennia. The vast expanse of the Salar de Uyuni is home to Isla Incahuasi. This hilly and rocky outcrop was once a fully submerged island during the area's prehistoric lake period.

In the rugged and arid heart of northwestern Argentina lies a vast and otherworldly landscape that seems entirely from another world. The Salinas Grandes, or "Great Salt Flats," is in the arid Puna region. It is a remnant of an ancient inland sea that once covered the area millions of years ago. The Salinas Grandes is a natural wonder that defies imagination and invites all who witness its majesty to journey into a realm where the boundaries between reality and dream blur.

Nestled within the heart of central Colombia lies the Tatacoa Desert, a captivating expanse of dry tropical forest known for its otherworldly landscapes and rich paleontological heritage. Despite its name, Tatacoa is not a true desert but a unique ecosystem characterized by rocky canyons, labyrinthine gullies, and vibrant hues of red and grey. Situated in the northern part of the Huila Department, this arid region harbors a wealth of natural wonders and cultural significance.