Protected Areas in South America

Nestled in the arid foothills of the Peruvian Andes north of the bustling capital city of Lima lies the Lomas de Lachay National Reserve. This verdant oasis defies the harsh reality of the surrounding desert. This protected area is a true gem, where the moist coastal mists have given rise to a unique micro-environment, nurturing a dwarf forest and a remarkable mist-fed ecosystem teeming with wild plant and animal species.

Los Alerces National Park is located in the Andes of northern Patagonia. It contains the largest alerce forest in Argentina. Successive glaciations have molded the landscape, creating spectacular features such as moraines, glacial cirques, and clearwater lakes.

Los Arrayanes National Park, located in the southern part of Neuquén Province, Argentina, occupies the entire Quetrihué Peninsula, which stretches south into Lake Nahuel Huapi. It was created to preserve a forest of beautiful Arrayan (myrtle) trees from which it takes its name.

Nestled in the Andes of northwest Argentina, Los Cardones National Park is a testament to the nation's commitment to conservation. Established to preserve its unique natural heritage, the park showcases the breathtaking beauty of high-altitude landscapes.

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.

Los Roques is an archipelago off the northern coast of Venezuela with over 300 small islands, cays and sand banks that ring a central shallow lagoon. Los Roques Archipelago National Park was created to protect its marine ecosystem of coral reefs, mangroves and seagrass beds.

Machalilla National Park is a protected area along western Ecuador's Pacific coast. It incorporates beaches, fog forests, dry forests, small islands, and two larger islands: Isla Salango and Isla de la Plata. Many of the large mammals in the park are regionally and locally endangered.

The Macizo del Cajas Biosphere Reserve in southern Ecuador contains many ecosystems, ranging from high mountains to coastal and marine areas along the Pacific. It includes El Cajas National Park, which features tundra vegetation on a spectacular jagged landscape.

Madidi National Park in Bolivia is a biodiversity oasis in the upper Amazon River basin. It safeguards diverse ecoregions and climates, forming a vast protected network. Madidi is a biological marvel, hosting a fauna and flora extravaganza. It also hosts indigenous communities facing challenges. Conservation initiatives emphasize this global treasure's delicate harmony of nature and culture.

Isla Magdalena National Park is a protected area on Magdalena Island, Patagonia, Chile. Its rugged landscape, deep ravines and coastal cliffs make it an ideal environment for species such as Penguins, Cormorants, Sea Lions, and Southern River Otters.