Protected Areas in South America

With altitudes reaching almost 6,000 m (19,685 ft), the Laguna Blanca Biosphere Reserve features a typical arid Andean landscape, with a saline lake in the main depression and surrounding rocky formations. It is located in the Andean natural region of northwest Argentina.

Laguna Blanca National Park is located in Neuquén Province, Argentina, showcasing the country's diverse natural landscapes and rich biodiversity. The protected area includes pristine lakes, ancient forests, and rugged mountains, offering the opportunity to immerse in the beauty of Patagonia's wilderness. This exploration outlines its geography, ecology, attractions, and conservation efforts.

The Laguna de los Pozuelos Natural Monument and Biosphere Reserve are located in the extreme north of Jujuy, Argentina, in the highlands of the southern central Andes. The highland lagoon and drainage basin is a conservation priority within the Central Andean dry Puna ecoregion.

The Laguna Oca y Herraduras del Río Paraguay Biosphere Reserve is located along a meandering bend of the Paraguay River near the city of Formosa in northern Argentina. The area of the Reserve constitutes part of the Paraguay River floodplain and includes the Oca Lagoon.

Laguna San Rafael National Park and Biosphere Reserve in southern Chile is an area of highly varied topography and scenic beauty. The area includes the Continental Patagonian Range, the Insular Patagonian Range, the Central Plain, and the Patagonian Glaciers.

Lanín National Park is located in the southern part of Neuquén Province, Argentina, within Argentine Patagonia. Created in 1937 to protect and preserve an area of Andean-Patagonian Forests, it takes its name from its highest peak, the Lanín volcano, on the border with Chile.

The Las Yungas Biosphere Reserve, located in northwestern Argentina's mountainous Andean Range, encompasses a rich diversity of landscapes from the high Andean mountain forest ecosystems to Chaco Serrano, cloud forests, montane forests, grasslands, and agricultural land.

Lauca National Park is situated in the northern part of Chile within the Andes mountains. The Lauca Biosphere Reserve comprises three protected areas: Lauca National Park, Las Vicuñas National Reserve, and Salar de Surire Natural Monument.

Lihué Calel National Park is located in La Pampa Province, Argentina. The terrain is characterized by a combination of mountains, plateaus, canyons, and rocky outcrops and is known for its grass tussocks, creating a dramatic and picturesque landscape.

Llanganates National Park is a protected area of Ecuador known for its cloud forests, páramos, lagoons, and vast biodiversity. Located within the Andean páramo and montane forests on the eastern flanks of the Andes, it is also famous for its fabled treasure.