10 South American natural wonders you can't miss

South America is home to some of the world’s most breathtaking natural wonders. This is where nature’s raw power reveals itself on an epic scale. Picture Punta Gallinas with beaches stretching endlessly or Cape Horn, where the ocean roars with untamed strength. Experience Iguazu Falls, a colossal cascade that divides rivers and nations, or the Amazon, a winding lifeline teeming with life and mystery. A journey here isn’t just about checking off destinations—it’s about embracing the soul of the continent. South America’s natural wonders are stories of earth’s creation, waiting for you to explore. Are you ready?

1. Iguazu Falls

Straddling the threshold between Argentina and Brazil, Iguazu Falls is imposing evidence of nature's raw power. It’s here that the Iguazu River splits, tumbling into a breathtaking spectacle: the planet's most extensive waterfall system. Derived from indigenous tongues of the Guarani, or Tupi, “Iguazu” marries “water” and “big,” underscoring the falls' sheer scale. While the river mostly runs through Brazil, the majority of the 275 falls are on the Argentinian side. You can access the falls from either country, but the most common route is from Puerto Iguazu in Argentina.

2. The Amazon River

The mighty Amazon River, South America's lifeline, stretches across six countries — Peru, Bolivia, Venezuela, Colombia, Ecuador, and Brazil — snaking through the continent as the planet's most voluminous river. Its sprawling network sustains a staggering array of biodiversity, housing a tenth of the world’s known species. Venture to its heart near Manaus to experience the rainforest’s wilds or witness the river's mighty confluence with the Atlantic. Each meander presents a new opportunity for discovery, from elusive wildlife to lush, tropical canopies.

3. Torres del Paine

A glorious reward for those who journey to the continent’s southern tip, Torres Del Paine is regularly recognized as one of the most beautiful places on earth. Mountains, glaciers, lakes, and rivers cover this Patagonian wonder, making the national park one of Chile’s most visited destinations. In the far southern reaches of Patagonia lies Torres del Paine, one of Earth's most stunning landscapes. The Cordillera Paine looms with its iconic trio of peaks — “Towers of Blue” — presiding over a realm of glaciers, lakes, and rivers. Each year, a quarter-million adventurers flock to this Chilean marvel, often venturing from Puerto Natales, the gateway to the park. Whether you're day-tripping from El Calafate or trekking the famed W Circuit, Torres del Paine promises an encounter with the sublime.

4. Colca Canyon

Colca Canyon, reaching a staggering depth of 3,270 meters (10,700 feet), slices through the Peruvian Andes like a near-cosmic rift in time. Nestled within this immense chasm is the Colca Valley, one of Peru's natural wonders, a mosaic of ancient cultures and Spanish influences, alive with traditions that resist the march of time. Visitors trek from Chivay to Arequipa, not just for the visual drama, but to thread through communities where echoes of ancestral life hold extra gravitas. Among these vertical walls, one can spy herds of llamas and alpacas, dotting the rugged landscape with movement, a scene as authentic as it is breathtaking.

5. Lake Titicaca, Peru

Perched at 3,812 meters, Lake Titicaca straddles the high plains between Bolivia and Peru, reigning as the world's loftiest navigable lake that ships can sail. Its vast waters hold great historical significance, having cradled civilizations long before the Incan empire's rise. Today, the lake is a nexus of cultural heritage, with its constellation of islands like Isla del Sol, Isla de la Luna, Taquile, and Uros, each a custodian of traditions that stretch back centuries. The best time to truly absorb Titicaca is between November and February when the skies are clear, and the waters tell their ancient stories.

6. Perito Moreno Glacier

Patagonia’s Perito Moreno Glacier in Los Glaciares National Park is a titan of ice sprawling 250 square kilometer. In fact, it’s the world's third-largest freshwater source. Embarking on a glacial trek, with options from two-hour wanderers to ten-hour expeditions, is the best way to see the sites. The peak season arrives from November to March when the southern sun softens the chill just enough for comfort. But if a full-on frosty hike isn't your style, behold the glacier’s grandeur from a boat.

7. Uyuni Salt Flats

Bolivia's Uyuni Salt Flats offer an otherworldly expanse of crystalline beauty, sprawling over 10,582 square kilometers of what were once prehistoric lake beds. This saline masterpiece, with a crust robust enough to carry the weight of curious travelers, is not only a photographer's paradise but also a treasure chest holding up to 70 percent of the planet's lithium. It's a place to marvel, to reflect, and quite literally, to recharge. The best times to witness this vast white canvas are between July and October when the skies are clear, and the vistas are endless. Allocate a few days to truly soak in the Uyuni's vastness — a brief visit barely scratches the surface of its salty splendor.

8. The Andes Mountains

The Andes, a spine of stone and spectacle, stretch the length of South America, shaping the continent's backbone from Colombia’s verdant slopes to Argentina's rugged trails. At their zenith, they crown the sky with Aconcagua, soaring to 6,960 meters — South America's highest peak, accessible from Mendoza's vine-laced valleys. But the Andes aren't just for the peak-seekers. Their vastness offers a playground for all manner of adventures, from tranquil walks through flowering valleys to the pulse-quickening ascent of snowy ridges.

9. Nazca Lines

The Nazca Lines, etched into Peru's parched Pampa, stand as an enigma from the ancient world, visible fully only from the sky. These geoglyphs sketch out over 800 straight lines, 300 geometric figures, and 70 animal and plant designs, or biomorphs. Created by the Nazca culture between 500 BCE and 500 CE, they've puzzled historians and archaeologists for decades. Was their purpose religious, astronomical, or something beyond understanding? To walk the desert's edge and ponder the lines is to walk the boundary between knowledge and mystery. Soar above them on a flight tour for the grandest view, where condors and spiders sprawl below, etched not by nature but by hands long vanished.

FAQs

What are the 3 famous landmarks in South America?

Some of the most famous landmarks in South America include the iconic Machu Picchu in Peru, the majestic Iguazu Falls on the border of Argentina and Brazil, and the stunning Christ the Redeemer statue in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. These landmarks are renowned for their historical, cultural, and natural significance.

What are the natural wonders in South America?

South America boasts several awe-inspiring natural wonders, including the mighty Amazon Rainforest, the vast Uyuni Salt Flats in Bolivia, Torres del Paine National Park in Chile, Iguazu Falls shared by Argentina and Brazil, and the Perito Moreno Glacier in Argentina. The continent's diverse ecosystems, mountains, and rivers make it a haven for nature lovers.

Are any of the 7 wonders of the world in South America?

Yes, Machu Picchu in Peru is one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. This ancient Inca city, nestled high in the Andes, remains one of the most visited and celebrated landmarks globally, offering stunning views and a glimpse into South America's rich history.