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6 Extraordinary National Parks in South America

South America is home to some of the most beautiful parks in the world. From breathtaking scenery to stunning landscapes, these national parks encapsulate mountain ranges, lakes, rivers, waterfalls, deserts and much more. Here are 6 of the most extraordinary national parks in South America.

seaLençóis Maranhenses National Park in Brazil

Lençóis Maranhenses National Park, often known as the Brazilian Sahara for its unique and extraordinary landscape, offers its visitors incredible sceneries of infinity oceans and tall white dunes, among thousands of crystal-water lakes. Lençóis Maranhenses National Park is best reached from the city of Barreirin has, located three hours from Sao Luiz. Excursions are offered in 4×4 vehicles, crossing small rivers onboard very thrilling wooden boats, driving through mile-long white sand dunes that surround blue-green water lagoons.

Torres del Paine National Park in Chile

The UNESCO biosphere reserve of Torres del Paine National Park—the country’s most famous and stunning national park—is the centerpiece of Chile’s Patagonia. A still largely undiscovered and distant place, the park’s some 598,000 acres is home to more than 40 mammals including the Patagonia gray fox and puma, and some of the world’s rarest bird species such as the crested cara and Andean condor. Visitors are awed by the spectacular mountain range of the same name that frames the park, extending to heights of 9,000 feet. It is here where you will find the Cuernos del Paine, a granite massif that has been sliced into dangerously-sharp spires by glaciers; and beyond, the vertical, triple towers of the Torres del Paine. There are also 4 great glaciers to discover; mirrored lakes, each with their own beauty and vista; lagoons that stand out for their tranquility and majesty; and surging, hypnotic falls. Excursions are offered by van, 4×4 vehicles, walking, horseback riding and sailing.

water fallIguazu National Park in Brazil & Argentina

The Iguassu Falls are often heralded as the most beautiful falls in the world. Vastly larger than Niagara with its 275 different cataracts and 3-mile spread, the mighty, 266-foot high Iguassu crashes thunderously between Brazil and Argentina’s lands, 269 feet into the Iguassu River. Sun and water vapor often create rainbows over the falls, which be-crown this beautiful landscape. Take in the stunning panorama the Brazilian side’s viewing platforms offer, or head over to the Argentina side to witness “The Devil’s Throat,” a gargantuan, 262-foot high, 49-foot wide horseshoe-shaped gorge that plummets into the river with a deafening roar. Zodiac trips also offer a closer experience of the falls from the river below, allowing visitors to even pass behind them. And then, formed by the falls’ cascading sheets is the fine mist that creates the microclimate of lush rainforest that surrounds the falls—one of the few remaining inland areas of South America’s Atlantic rainforest.

Tayrona National Park in Colombia

Tayrona National Park is located on the Colombian Caribbean coast near Santa Marta. Tayrona is home to natural beaches, coral reefs, mangroves, mountains and exuberant vegetation. The fauna includes more than 100 mammals, 200 birds and numerous reptiles. There are various archeological sites that prove the existence of ancient cultures such as the “Chairama”. In the park itself there are many opportunities to enjoy such activities as mini trekking, snorkeling, bird watching, kayaking, biking or just contemplating nature.

animalsPantanal Matogrossense National Park in Brazil

Did you know that while the Amazon gets the press coverage, the Pantanal is a better place to see wildlife? The Brazilian Pantanal is one of the world’s largest freshwater flood plains and it is home to the highest concentration of wildlife on the American continent with 1700 plant species, over 400 fish species, 80 mammal species, over 1100 butterfly species and 656 bird species. Caymans, giant otters, capybaras, marsh deer, giant anteaters, tapirs, hyacinth macaws and many others thrive in this rich ecosystem of high lands, fields and flood plain. In addition, the Pantanal is the best place to see the Jaguar! In 2000, UNESCO appointed the Pantanal as a member of its World Heritage and Biosphere Reserve list. While in Pantanal, do as the locals do: set your heart to the pace of the Pantaneiro horse, hike with ease the surrounding plains and forests, gently paddle canoes along the river, explore the region on an authentic photo safari, star gaze and enjoy the sounds of the night.

ducklingsGalapagos Islands National Park in Ecuador

Best explored by an expedition cruise or private charter, this world-famous archipelago located approximately 621 miles off Ecuador’s Pacific Coast boasts the highest rate of endemic species in the world. The archipelago’s 4,971-mile radius is inhabited by a mind-blowing multitude of flora and wildlife that–untouched by the continental world–possess a unique lack of fear for their human audience and are known to welcome visitors into their natural paradise. Flightless cormorants—the only of their kind that have lost the ability to fly, the world’s northernmost penguin, playful sea lions, the last existing marine lizards on Earth, flamboyant blue-footed boobies and multitudes of giant tortoises responsible for the naming of the islands (not including the countless other species) all abound a topography that is as strikingly diverse: marble white sands to seemingly-endless tunnels of lava; towering peaks of rugged terrain to vibrant marine habitats thriving just beneath the surface; many of these animals having evolved into different species from their continental relatives..

To arrange a bespoke luxury vacation inclusive of a visit to any of these national parks, contact our Destination Specialists at sales@alluringamericas.com or call 800-701-4278.

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