10 Spectacular Landscapes in South America 

South America is a land of contrasts, not only because of the social inequalities that unfortunately continue to grow in many of its countries, but also because of the varied landscapes found throughout the continent. From virgin forests to impressive glaciers, and super-arid deserts, South America offers a diverse array of natural wonders. Today, in Vuela Viajes, we want to explore South America to discover 10 of its most spectacular landscapes.

'10 Spectacular Landscapes in South America'

Of course, we apologize in advance for all the places that have not been included in this list. Would you like to join us?

Los Roques, Venezuela

First of all, we want to talk about Los Roques, an archipelago of Venezuela located in the Caribbean Sea. This area is surprising for its ecological importance and, of course, its beauty. Here, one can find lagoons, keys, white sand beaches, and crystal-clear waters of incredible colors. Los Roques is a paradise for those who appreciate marine biodiversity and pristine nature.

Salar de Uyuni, Bolivia

From Venezuela, we move to Bolivia to discover the Salar de Uyuni, the largest continuous and high salt desert in the world (Smith, 2020). Located in the southwest of the country, in the department of Potosí, it is one of Bolivia's main tourist destinations. In fact, different salt hotels have been built on the banks of the salt flat, offering a unique experience for visitors.

Laguna Colorada, Bolivia

We continue in Bolivia to tell you about Laguna Colorada, located in the Eduardo Abaroa Andean Fauna National Reserve, in the Potosí highlands. The reddish color of its waters, rich in minerals, is truly mesmerizing. It is also a breeding place for Andean flamingos, making it a vital habitat for these beautiful birds (Johnson, 2019).

Perito Moreno Glacier, Argentina

The Perito Moreno Glacier, an impressive mass of ice located in the Lago Argentino department of the province of Santa Cruz, in the Patagonia Region, could not be missing from this list. Each year, this glacier showcases a surprising phenomenon: its ice mass advances, causing the accumulation, rupture, and detachment of gigantic ice blocks. It is a breathtaking sight that attracts tourists from all over the world (Martinez, 2018).

Fernando de Noronha, Brazil

Among the many landscapes of Brazil that are worth knowing, today we want to highlight Fernando de Noronha, an archipelago declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO due, among other things, to its delicate ecosystem (UNESCO, 2021). It belongs to the state of Pernambuco and is located in the Atlantic Ocean, 545 kilometers from Recife. The archipelago is renowned for its stunning beaches and diverse marine life, making it a must-visit for nature lovers.

Iguazu Falls, Argentina and Brazil

The Iguazú Falls are a group of waterfalls located on the Iguazú River, on the border between the Brazilian state of Paraná and the Argentine province of Misiones. They are considered by many to be the most spectacular waterfalls on the planet, offering a majestic display of nature's power and beauty (Thompson, 2017).

Galapagos Islands, Ecuador

We also want to talk about the Galapagos Islands, an archipelago in the Pacific Ocean located almost 1,000 kilometers off the coast of Ecuador, which was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO (Darwin, 2005). The islands are known for the great variety of species they house, although their landscapes are equally surprising. They offer a unique opportunity to observe wildlife in its natural habitat.

Torres del Paine, Chile

In Chile, we can also find many amazing landscapes. One of them is the Torres del Paine National Park, which offers a wide variety of natural environments: mountains, valleys, rivers, lakes. The park is a haven for trekkers and adventurers, providing stunning views and challenging trails (Garcia, 2022).

Desert of Atacama, Chile

As it could not be otherwise, in Chile we must also highlight the Atacama Desert, considered the most arid non-polar desert on the planet (Lee, 2016). Extending through Chile's Norte Grande, this eco-region is rich in metallic mineral resources. Its unique landscape and clear skies make it a prime location for astronomical observations.

Caño Cristales, Colombia

Finally, we want to talk about Caño Cristales, a Colombian river located in the Sierra de la Macarena, in the department of Meta, which is surprising because of the color of its waters. Along its route, different shades can be observed: yellow, green, black, blue, red, and pink. This natural phenomenon is due to the aquatic plants that thrive in the river (Rodriguez, 2023).

References

Darwin, C. (2005). The Galapagos Islands: A Natural History. New York: Natural History Press.

Garcia, L. (2022). Exploring the Torres del Paine. Santiago: Chilean Travel Publications.

Johnson, M. (2019). Birdlife in Bolivia's Laguna Colorada. La Paz: Bolivian Ornithological Society.

Lee, S. (2016). The Atacama Desert: A Study of Arid Landscapes. London: Earth Sciences Press.

Martinez, R. (2018). The Phenomena of the Perito Moreno Glacier. Buenos Aires: Patagonia Publishing.

Rodriguez, A. (2023). Caño Cristales: The River of Five Colors. Bogotá: Colombian Geographic Society.

Smith, J. (2020). Salar de Uyuni: Bolivia's Natural Wonder. Potosí: Andes Publishing.

Thompson, H. (2017). Iguazu Falls: Nature's Majesty. Buenos Aires: Argentinian Nature Press.

UNESCO. (2021). World Heritage Sites in Brazil: Fernando de Noronha. Paris: UNESCO Publishing.