Geological Feature / Landform

Nestled in the heart of northern Patagonia, the Valdés Peninsula is a testament to nature's power and beauty. This extraordinary landmass, jutting out into the Atlantic Ocean from the Chubut Province of Argentina, is a true ecological marvel, a sanctuary for an incredible array of marine and terrestrial life. Recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site and a Biosphere Reserve, the Valdés Peninsula and its surrounding waters have been deemed a site of global significance for the conservation of marine mammals.

Situated in the southern part of Guyana, the Acarai Mountains quietly shape the landscape with their wet, forested highlands. Contributing to the nation's biodiversity and natural beauty, these mountains, covered in lush rainforests, serve as a backdrop to Guyana's diverse terrain and are crucial in forming the Essequibo River, one of the nation's significant waterways.

Located in northern Costa Rica and positioned at the center of Arenal Volcano National Park, the Arenal Volcano stands as a symbol of Costa Rica's volcanic activity, natural beauty, and commitment to conservation. Arenal is renowned for its symmetrical cone shape, geological history, and the dramatic eruption that reawakened it in 1968. Although it has been dormant since 2010, Arenal continues to attract visitors from around the world who are drawn to its stunning landscape, biodiversity, and geothermal hot springs.

Nestled within the heart of Colombia's diverse landscape lies the Cauca River, a majestic waterway that winds through the rugged terrain of the Cauca Valley, carving out the spectacular Cauca Canyon along its course. This region, characterized by its breathtaking scenery, rich biodiversity, and cultural significance, is a testament to the country's natural heritage and the resilience of its people.

Cerro Tronador, an extinct stratovolcano straddling the border between Argentina and Chile, rises majestically above the surrounding landscape. Its prominence makes Tronador a popular destination for mountaineers and adventurers seeking to explore one of the region's most iconic natural landmarks. Located within two national parks, Nahuel Huapi in Argentina and Vicente Pérez Rosales in Chile, Cerro Tronador is also a vital part of the local ecosystem, featuring eight retreating glaciers and geothermal activity that reflects its volcanic origins.

The Ciénaga de Zapata, also known as the Zapata Swamp, is a vast and ecologically significant region on the Zapata Peninsula in southern Matanzas Province, Cuba. It is one of the Caribbean's most extensive and important wetlands and is renowned for its rich biodiversity, unique ecosystems, and significant conservation efforts. The Ciénaga de Zapata National Park and Biosphere Reserve are crucial in preserving this natural treasure.

Located in the northwestern region of Mexico, within the Sierra Madre Occidental, lies a breathtaking landscape of great cultural significance and beauty—Copper Canyon and the Sierra Tarahumara. This region fascinates travelers and researchers with its remarkable geographical features, diverse ecosystems, and rich indigenous heritage, offering a glimpse into the ecological wonders and enduring traditions of northern Mexico.

Nestled in the heart of the Ecuadorian Andes, the Cotacachi Cayapas Ecological Reserve stands as a testament to the region's extraordinary natural and cultural diversity. This expansive reserve extends across the provinces of Imbabura and Esmeraldas, encompassing a wide range of ecosystems—from the high-altitude páramo to the dense tropical rainforests. The Cotacachi Cayapas Ecological Reserve is a haven for a multitude of plant and animal species, as well as the Indigenous communities who call this land home.

Nestled in the southeastern embrace of Chile's Santiago Metropolitan Region lies Cajón del Maipo, a canyon celebrated for its breathtaking natural beauty and captivating geological history. Accessible through the charming town of San José de Maipo, this dramatic landscape is a gateway to a world of towering volcanoes, vibrant rivers, and geothermal wonders.

The Gulf of Mexico is a testament to the intricate geological processes that have shaped our planet over millions of years. Spanning approximately 1,550,000 square kilometers (600,000 square miles), this oceanic rift basin and marginal sea of the Atlantic Ocean hold a wealth of natural wonders and ecological significance within its depths. The US Gulf Coast borders the Gulf in the north, Mexico and the Yucatán Peninsula border it to the southwest and south, and Cuba to the southeast.