Protected Areas in South America

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

Alerce Costero National Park is a testament to Chile's commitment to conserving its natural heritage. Nestled within the picturesque landscapes of the Los Ríos Region in southern Chile, this protected area spans the country's largest protected zone for mainland temperate coastal forests. Located west of Valdivia, the park boasts an array of breathtaking scenery, diverse ecosystems, and unique flora and fauna.

Nestled amidst the towering Andes of northern Chile, the Alto Loa National Reserve is a true testament to the resilience of life in one of the world's most extreme environments. From the imposing Aucanquilcha volcano, a dormant giant that dominates the landscape, to the shimmering salt flats that stretch as far as the eye can see, the Alto Loa Reserve is a captivating tapestry of volcanic grandeur, desert vistas, and a delicate ecology that has adapted to thrive against all odds.

Amacayacu National Natural Park is a remarkable protected area in Colombia, nestled along the Amazon River in the southern Amazonas Department. It stands out as the only protected area in the country that conserves the unique flooded forests of the Amazon River, playing a crucial role in preserving this extraordinary region's biodiversity and cultural heritage.