World Heritage Sites in South America

Located amidst the rugged terrain of southwestern Colombia, nestled within the imposing peaks of the Cordillera Central of the Colombian Andes, lies a treasure trove of ancient wonders: the National Archaeological Park of Tierradentro. Designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Tierradentro is a testament to the rich cultural heritage of Colombia, offering a glimpse into the enigmatic world of pre-Columbian civilizations that flourished in the region.

Tiwanaku is an extraordinary archaeological site that offers a glimpse into the advanced civilization that once flourished in Bolivia's Altiplano. Its World Heritage status recognizes this ancient city's cultural and historical significance, underscoring its enduring impact on the pre-Columbian civilizations of the Andean region.

The University City of Caracas is the main campus of the Central University of Venezuela, located in central Caracas, the capital of Venezuela. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, it is considered a masterpiece of architecture and urban planning.

Potosí, Bolivia, is situated in the Andes and is renowned for its colonial history. The city is a live museum of the silver mining industry, which once brought immense wealth and historical significance to the region. Potosí's history is closely intertwined with the discovery of the Cerro Rico silver deposit in 1545. This discovery transformed the city into one of the largest and wealthiest urban centers in the Americas during the Spanish colonial period.

Valdés Peninsula in Patagonia features significant biodiversity, including highly fragile terrestrial and marine ecosystems. The dynamic coastal zone features rocky cliffs, shallow bays, coastal lagoons, and small islands. It is both a Biosphere Reserve and World Heritage Site.

The Valongo Wharf Archaeological Site encompasses the entirety of Jornal do Comércio Square. It is in the former harbor area of Rio de Janeiro where the old stone pier was built to land enslaved Africans reaching the South American continent from 1811 onward.