Protected Areas in South America

Amazonia National Park is the oldest national park in the Amazon Rainforest. Spanning over a million hectares along the Tapajós River in Brazil, it safeguards a highly biodiverse habitat featuring dense lowland rainforests and white-sand grasslands. The park is a transition area between the Amazon Rainforest in the south and the Brazilian Cerrado in the north.

Amboró National Park, situated in the western part of Bolivia's Santa Cruz Department, is a natural treasure trove of biodiversity and ecological significance. Located at the "Elbow of the Andes," this park is a crucial preservation site for many unique species and habitats. Recognized for its ecological richness and scenic beauty, Amboró National Park serves as a vital sanctuary for flora and fauna and a focal point for scientific research and conservation efforts.

The Anavilhanas Archipelago is a testament to the dynamic forces of nature that shape the Amazon landscape. Comprising around 400 islands, 60 lakes, and numerous river channels, the archipelago is the world's second-largest fluvial archipelago. Situated in the Amazonas region of Brazil, Anavilhanas National Park stands as a bastion of biodiversity and ecological significance within the vast expanse of the Amazon Rainforest.

The Andino Norpatagónica Biosphere Reserve, located in the northwestern region of Patagonia, spans a vast area, covering parts of the Argentine provinces of Chubut, Río Negro, and Neuquén. This extraordinary reserve protects diverse ecosystems, from temperate forests to Patagonian steppe and snow-covered peaks, making it a haven for biodiversity. The reserve includes five national parks and several provincial and municipal protected areas, all of which contribute to the conservation of the unique landscapes and species of the Patagonian Andes.

Angel Falls, known as Salto Ángel, is the world's tallest uninterrupted waterfall, plunging from the towering Auyán-tepui in the Canaima National Park, Venezuela. The falls create a dramatic spectacle as they spill into the deep Cañon del Diablo. This natural marvel, combined with the remarkable landscape of Canaima National Park, offers an unparalleled glimpse into Venezuela's unique geology, biodiversity, and indigenous cultures. Recognized by UNESCO, Angel Falls and Canaima National Park showcase the stunning natural beauty and ecological significance of the Guayanan Highlands.

In the southwestern part of Tocantins, Brazil, lies Bananal Island, the largest fluvial island in the world. Formed by the bifurcation of the Araguaia River, this unique landscape is a haven for biodiversity and cultural heritage. Sharing this remarkable environment is Araguaia National Park, a protected area that showcases the region's rich flora and fauna. Exploring their natural beauty, ecological significance, and cultural importance reveals the actual value of these extraordinary areas.

The Avireri-Vraem Biosphere Reserve is a testament to Peru's commitment to preserving its natural and cultural heritage. Its unique landscape, which rises from lowland rainforests to towering Andean peaks, harbors an astonishing array of ecosystems, species, and human communities. In addition to safeguarding Peru's extraordinary biodiversity, this vast reserve also preserves the traditional lifestyles and cultural heritage of the Indigenous people who have lived in harmony with nature for centuries.

Located on the La Guajira Peninsula, at the northernmost tip of Colombia, the Bahía Portete - Kaurrele National Natural Park boasts a stunning coastline. It sits between Cabo de la Vela and Punta Gallinas and is known as the northernmost National Park in South America. This sanctuary is where the Caribbean Sea meets the arid La Guajira Desert, creating a unique and beautiful natural landscape.

Deep within the heart of the Peruvian Amazon, nestled in the departments of Madre de Dios and Puno, lies the breathtaking Bahuaja-Sonene National Park, a protected area that has captured the imagination of nature lovers and conservationists alike. This vast expanse harbors some of the world's wildest and least-impacted habitats, a true testament to the region's remarkable biodiversity and ecological significance of the area.

Nestled high in the Ecuadorian Andes, the Bellavista Cloud Forest Reserve is a captivating oasis of biodiversity. This certified conservation area within the Pichincha Province offers a mesmerizing blend of dense cloud forests, mist-covered canopies, and rich flora and fauna. As a premier ecotourism destination, the reserve attracts nature lovers, birdwatchers, and conservation enthusiasts worldwide. Its ecological significance and stunning landscapes make it essential to Ecuador's cultural heritage.