Protected Area

The Bosques de Neblina—Selva Central Biosphere Reserve is a pristine expanse in the Amazon basin of central Peru, nestled in the transition zone between the eastern slopes of the Andes and the vast Amazon rainforest. Known as the Andean Amazon, this region is distinguished by its remarkable biodiversity and cultural richness, encompassing a variety of ecosystems and altitudes. It is a critical sanctuary for numerous endemic and endangered species and a hub for sustainable development and conservation efforts.

Nestled in Bolivia's far southwestern region, the Eduardo Avaroa Andean Fauna National Reserve stands as a breathtaking testament to the country's natural wonders. This vast protected area is a realm of contrasts and extremes, where volcanic mountain peaks, simmering hot springs, and kaleidoscopic lakes coexist with windswept deserts and fragile ecosystems. As Bolivia's most visited protected area, the Eduardo Avaroa Reserve offers a captivating journey through the heart of the Andes.

Aparados da Serra National Park, established in 1959 in southern Brazil, is renowned for its dramatic landscapes, particularly the Itaimbezinho Canyon. This park hosts a rich biodiversity, including numerous endangered species. The park's diverse ecosystems range from coastal forests to grasslands and are protected through various conservation efforts. Ecotourism plays an important role in supporting these conservation goals.

Nestled in the heart of the Sonoran Desert in northeastern Mexico, a breathtaking expanse of otherworldly landscapes awaits exploration. The El Pinacate and Gran Desierto de Altar Biosphere Reserve, a UNESCO World Heritage Site located along the Gulf of California's border, is a realm where volcanic wonders, vast dune fields, and a remarkable diversity of life converge, creating a natural masterpiece unlike any other.

Soaring majestically above the Andes mountain range, Mount Aconcagua is a testament to nature's grandeur and the allure of high-altitude exploration. This colossal peak reigns supreme as the highest mountain in both the Southern and Western hemispheres. Nestled within the Aconcagua Provincial Park, this iconic mountain and its surroundings offer a breathtaking array of natural wonders, from glaciers and rugged valleys to unique geological formations and a rich cultural heritage.

Costa Rica is renowned for its dedication to environmental conservation, and one of the country's most striking examples is the Agua y Paz Biosphere Reserve. This reserve is a testament to the country's efforts to harmonize ecological preservation with sustainable human development. Named "Water and Peace" to reflect its rich water resources and role in fostering peaceful coexistence with nature, the reserve covers diverse landscapes, from towering volcanoes to wetlands, making it a biodiversity hotspot.

Alberto de Agostini National Park lies deep within the heart of Chilean Patagonia, where the towering peaks of the Cordillera Darwin converge with the relentless waters of the Pacific Ocean and the Beagle Channel. This protected area is not only a sanctuary for some of the region's most remarkable flora and fauna but also holds a profound geological significance: it marks the final point where the mighty Andes Mountains, the longest continental mountain chain on Earth, plunge into the sea.

The Alberto Manuel Brenes Biological Reserve, nestled in the southeastern Cordillera de Tilarán in north-central Costa Rica, is a vibrant sanctuary of tropical biodiversity. Part of the Arenal Tilaran Conservation Area, this Reserve safeguards the rich forested regions near San Ramón in the province of Puntarenas, making it a crucial ecological haven in the country.

Alejandro de Humboldt National Park, situated in the Nipe-Sagua-Baracoa Mountains on Cuba's north coast, is a remarkable testament to nature's resilience and diversity. The park, named after the German naturalist Alexander von Humboldt, was established to preserve one of Earth's most biologically diverse ecosystems. Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the park's land and marine areas play a crucial role in conservation efforts for Cuba and the global ecological community.

Alerce Andino National Park is located in the Chilean Andes, in the Los Lagos Region of southern Chile. The park contains ancient Alerce forests, some of which feature the oldest trees on Earth. It is part of the Bosques Templados Lluviosos de Los Andes Australes Biosphere Reserve and Chile's Route of Parks. It is a critical haven for unique biodiversity, significantly supporting global conservation efforts.