World Heritage Sites in South America

The Historic City of Sucre, the first capital of Bolivia, was founded by the Spanish in the first half of the 16th century. Its many well-preserved 16th-century religious buildings illustrate the blending of local architectural traditions with styles imported from Europe.

Olinda is a historic town in northeastern Pernambuco, Brazil. Located atop a hill on the Atlantic coast, it is situated just a few kilometers north of the state capital, Recife. Founded in 1535 by the Portuguese, it is renowned for its rich cultural heritage and colonial architecture.

Ouro Preto is a historic town located in the state of Minas Gerais, Brazil. Founded in 1698, it was once the state's capital and played a significant role in the country's colonial history. Today, Ouro Preto is known for its well-preserved colonial architecture, rich cultural heritage, and artistic legacy.

Situated in the Cordillera Blanca, Huascarán National Park and Biosphere Reserve protects the heart of the world's highest tropical mountain range in the central Peruvian Andes. The deep ravines, glacial lakes and variety of vegetation make it a site of spectacular beauty.

Nestled within the arid expanses of the Atacama Desert, a landscape seemingly devoid of life, lies a testament to human ingenuity and resilience - the Humberstone and Santa Laura Saltpeter Works. Situated east of Iquique, in the Tarapacá Region of northern Chile, these two saltpeter works stand as the most representative vestiges of an industry that once wielded unparalleled influence over the region's economy and society.

The Iguaçu National Park in Paraná State, Brazil, shares with Iguazú National Park in Argentina, one of the world’s largest and most impressive waterfalls. Clouds of spray soak the surrounding area, and islands in the river are consequently covered by luxuriant vegetation.

Iguazú National Park, located in the northeastern tip of Argentina, is on a basaltic line spanning the border with Brazil. Iguazú Falls, the semicircular waterfall at the heart of this site, comprises many cascades producing vast sprays of water and is one of the most spectacular waterfalls in the world.

Nestled amidst the rugged and arid landscapes of the Cuyo region in central Argentina, the Ischigualasto and Talampaya Natural Parks emerge as awe-inspiring monuments to the Earth's ancient past, offering a glimpse into the distant worlds of the Triassic Period. These two adjoining protected areas, spanning an expansive pristine wilderness, form a UNESCO World Heritage Site recognized and celebrated for their profound geological and paleontological significance.

The Jesuit Missions of Paraguay hold a significant place in South America's cultural and religious history. La Santísima Trinidad de Paraná and Jesús de Tavarangue are part of a series of 30 missions in the Río de la Plata basin established by the Society of Jesus during the 17th and 18th centuries.

The Jesuit Missions of the Chiquitos are located in the Santa Cruz Department in eastern Bolivia. Distinguished by a unique fusion of European and Amerindian cultural influences, the Jesuits founded the missions to convert local Chiquitano tribes to Christianity.