13 photos of South America's amazing natural wonders

Recently updated on July 19th, 2022 at 02:41 pm

South America’s landscapes are some of the most breath-taking on the planet. Its geography is so diverse it’s almost impossible to put into words. From Patagonia’s wild wildernesses and frozen glaciers to Brazil’s tropical rainforests, these 13 magical photos prove that South America is home to the world’s most amazing natural wonders.

1) Iguazu Falls, Brazil

Forget Niagara, Iguazu Falls are the world’s largest, highest waterfall system. A jaw-dropping sight, the chain of falls features nearly 300 drops as the Iguazu River snakes along the Brazil-Argentina boundary.

2) Sacred Valley, Peru

The cradle of the Inca Empire, Peru’s stunning Sacred Valley is home to lofty Andean peaks, fertile farmlands, Spanish colonial villages and the mighty Machu Picchu.

3) Osorno Volcano, Chile

The sheer symmetry of Osorno has to be seen to be believed. The glacier-covered volcano is one of Chile’s most active, standing proudly on the shores of Llanquihue Lake.

4) Lake Nahuel Huapi, Argentina

With crystal-clear waters surrounded by craggy peaks, the vast Lake Nahuel Huapi is an astonishing wonder of nature.

5) Sugarloaf Mountain, Brazil

Sugarloaf Mountain’s iconic silhouette is instantly recognisable. The rotund peak, standing 396m high, is made from granite and quartz and can be reached by cable car…or a very long hike.

6) Torres del Paine National Park, Chile

Comprising snow-capped mountains, wild grasslands, meandering rivers and friendly guanacos, Torres del Paine National Park is a must-visit when in Chile.

7) Mylodon Cave, Chile

This eerie, beguiling cave is located at the foot of the Chilean Andes. Preserved remains of extinct creatures have been found within this vast cavern, which begs to be explored.

8) Perito Moreno Glacier, Patagonia

The otherworldly Perito Moreno Glacier covers 121 miles and is still growing. Powder blue in colour, the sculptural body of ice straddles both Chile and Argentina. 

9) Iguazu National Park, Brazil

Aside from the majestic Falls, Igauzu National Park’s subtropical rainforest are teeming with an abundance of exotic wildlife like jaguars, toucans, ocelots and butterflies.

10) Ballestas Islands, Peru

Like the Galapagos Islands, Ballestas Islands off the tip of Peru are home to a spectacular array of wildlife including sea lions, pelicans, dolphins and the Peruvian booby. 

11) Nazca Lines, Peru

Nobody knows for sure who created these mysterious geoglyphs in the Nazca Desert. Only visible by air, the ancient glyphs include a monkey, spider, hummingbird and human form.

12) Avenue of the Volcanoes, Ecuador

Part of Cotopaxi National Park, the Avenue of Volcanoes is a collection of jagged peaks where wild horses roam free and the vistas are awe-inspiring.

13) Lake Titicaca’s Floating Uros Islands, Peru 

South America’s largest lake, Titicaca is home to 42 man-made floating islands where the Uru people dwell. Made from totora reeds, the islands are mobile and can move their position.

You can visit all of these South American amazing natural wonders on a Trafalgar trip. Click here to discover more.