From exquisite cuisine to fervent culture and vibrant nightlife, South America is renowned for a wide range of enticing attributes. However, the love and care displayed for the natural environment is one of the great constants, regardless of the nation you visit. With over 300 national parks to select from, it would take you a long time to visit them all. However, Latin America boasts some of the best national parks you will ever come across. We have carefully selected the top South American national parks for you to help you get started and organize your vacation.
1. Iguazu National Park, Argentina
The Iguazu Falls are well-known as one of the world’s most magnificent waterfalls, but did you know they also serve as a national park? Iguazu National Park in Argentina comprises not only the famed waterfalls, but also the rainforest that surrounds them on the Argentine side of the monument. It should come as no surprise that the national park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, but the honor extends beyond the waterfall to the rich fauna that lives there, including jaguars, tapirs, and ocelots.
2. Lauca National Park, Chile
Lauca National Park is located in the highlands of Chile’s altiplano, surrounded by the Andes Mountains. Lauca, located in the country’s far north, has an arid landscape dotted with high-altitude lakes, mountains, and volcanoes. Despite its hostile nature, this region is home to a diverse range of species, including condors and flamingos, as well as llamas, alpacas, and even cougars. Although this national park is a popular hiking destination due to attractions such as Parinacota Volcano, keep in mind that it is thousands of meters above sea level and the air is significantly thinner.
3. Torres del Paine National Park, Chile
One of the most beautiful national parks in South America is Torres del Paine. This huge area of nature, located in southern Chile’s Patagonia region, is well renowned for its diverse landscapes and distinctive jagged mountain peaks. Exploring Torres del Paine will take you through spectacular fjords, mountains, woods, and glaciers, all of which combine to create a raw natural beauty. With so much to see, it’s no surprise that this is one of Chile’s largest national parks and an excellent destination for long overland excursions.
4. Tierra del Fuego National Park, Argentina
Tierra del Fuego National Park, also known as the “End of the World,” is one of Argentina’s most spectacular national parks. This national park, located in the archipelago of islands at the bottom of South America, covers the Argentine part of the island of Tierra del Fuego. Tierra del Fuego National Park’s remote position creates a peaceful and dramatic environment that is only enhanced by the breathtaking scenery. Glaciers, waterfalls, and subantarctic woodland abound, as are Andean foxes and beavers. Of course, with such a wild and gorgeous environment to explore, the park is a favorite hiking destination for visitors.
5. Chapada Diamantina National Park, Brazil
To witness a magnificent showcase of all Brazil has to offer visitors, simply visit Chapada Diamantina National Park. This national park, located in the country’s eastern state of Bahia, features a stunning variety of landscapes. Mountains, plateaus, hills, and waterfalls are all on the menu, but Chapada Diamantina’s rock formations are what set it apart. The park offers stunning caves such as Torrinha Cave and Lapão Cave, as well as swimmable underground rivers. Just remember that this park is massive, so don’t be disappointed if you don’t see everything in one visit.
6. Los Roques National Park, Venezuela
Los Roques National Park is located in the Caribbean Sea off the coast of Venezuela, spanning the Los Roques archipelago. Los Roques National Park is the Caribbean’s largest maritime park, covering over 300 islands and cays, as well as swathes of coral reef. The park is a popular destination for a variety of water sports, but it’s also a diving paradise, thanks to the stunning coral reef beneath its waters. Los Roques National Park is home to a diverse range of marine life, including numerous seabird species, which contributes to its protected status.
7. Los Glaciares National Park, Argentina
Los Glaciares National Park is Argentina’s equivalent of Torres del Paine National Park in Chile. These two national parks in Patagonia are directly adjacent to one another and share many similarities in terms of landscape and activities. Los Glaciares National Park is another excellent trekking destination in South America, with spectacular mountains, Magellanic subpolar forests, and clean lakes. But the major draw of Los Glaciares is right in the name: its glaciers. Ice covers 30% of the national park, with Glaciar Perito Moreno being the most well-known and picturesque of the area’s glaciers.
