Protected Area

Nestled in the rugged Sierra Madre de Chiapas mountain range of western El Salvador, El Imposible National Park is a sanctuary of breathtaking natural beauty and unparalleled biodiversity. This vast expanse of protected wilderness offers a rare glimpse into the country's rich ecological heritage, showcasing a diverse array of ecosystems and a wealth of flora and fauna found nowhere else on Earth.

Located in the central part of the Baja California peninsula, the Whale Sanctuary of El Vizcaíno and the El Vizcaíno Biosphere Reserve represents a remarkable convergence of desert and marine ecosystems, harboring some of the world’s most important natural habitats. From desert landscapes teeming with endemic species to coastal lagoons vital for the North Pacific Grey Whale, El Vizcaíno showcases the delicate balance between terrestrial and marine life.

El Yunque National Forest in northeastern Puerto Rico is the only tropical rainforest in the US National Forest System. It's known for its rich biodiversity and stunning landscapes, serving as a sanctuary for diverse flora and fauna endemic to the island. The forest provides insight into the Caribbean region's natural beauty and ecological significance, making it an essential area for conservation and exploration.

In the vast expanse of Brazil's central grasslands, where undulating savannas stretch to the horizon and termite mounds rise like ancient monuments, lies Emas National Park. Named after the greater rhea—the majestic flightless bird that roams these endless plains—this remarkable protected area represents one of the Cerrado's most pristine grassland ecosystems. Covering a large swath of cerrado savannah between the states of Goiás and Mato Grosso do Sul, Emas stands as a testament to the extraordinary biodiversity that once characterized Brazil's vast central plateau.

Nestled off the northern coast of the Yucatán Peninsula in Mexico lies a marine marvel that captivates the imagination and embodies the richness of biodiversity—the Arrecife Alacranes National Park and Biosphere Reserve. This protected area encompasses a sprawling reef complex and a group of small islands and stands as a beacon of conservation and ecological significance in the southern Gulf of Mexico.

Cahuita National Park, located along Costa Rica's stunning Caribbean coast, is a small yet ecologically rich protected area that is immensely significant for its natural beauty and cultural heritage. Its purpose is to preserve one of the country's most extensive coral reefs and protect the diverse tropical ecosystems that thrive along Costa Rica's Caribbean coastline. Renowned for its biodiversity and historical ties to the Indigenous Bribri people, the park is a testament to the interconnection between natural conservation and cultural preservation.

Campos Gerais National Park, nestled in the south-central region of the state of Paraná, Brazil, is a treasure trove of geological wonders, rich biodiversity, and cultural history. This protected area, established in 2006, spans across Ponta Grossa, Castro, and Carambeí municipalities. The park's unique landscapes and ecosystems make it a vital conservation area within the Atlantic Forest biome, renowned for its biodiversity.

Nestled within the rugged terrain of the Colombian Andes lies the Cocora Valley, a picturesque landscape where the iconic Quindío wax palms sway gracefully amidst verdant hillsides. Surrounding this natural wonderland lies Los Nevados National Natural Park, a captivating expanse of biodiversity and geological marvels that is a testament to the dynamic forces that have shaped the region.

Nestled in the heart of Colombia's Orinoquía Region, the El Tuparro National Natural Park and Biosphere Reserve are a testament to the country's rich natural heritage and cultural diversity. This vast protected area, located in the Eastern Plains (Llanos Orientales), with its undulating landscape, diverse ecosystems, and vibrant indigenous communities, offers a unique opportunity to explore the wonders of the Orinoco Basin and immerse oneself in the region's captivating biodiversity.

Guadeloupe National Park is a vast protected area on the Caribbean island of Guadeloupe. It encompasses stunningly diverse tropical ecosystems, from lush rainforests and volcanic peaks to pristine beaches and mangrove wetlands. As the centerpiece of the larger Archipel de la Guadeloupe Biosphere Reserve, Guadeloupe National Park plays a crucial role in conserving the remarkable biodiversity of the Caribbean region.