Seven Natural Wonders » Seven Natural Wonders of South America

Cotahuasi Canyon

admin — Wed, 31 Dec 2008 15:39:44 +0000

Quick Facts:

Deepest canyon within the Americas
Reaching a maximum depth of 11,597 feet (3535 m)

The Cotahuasi Canyon begins the journey between two magnificent mountains, the Coropuna and the Solimana. This Cotahuasi Canyon is the deepest canyon within the Americas. Although not as long, the Cotahuasi Canyon does exceed the Grand Canyon in depth.

The canyon varies significantly in elevation ranging from (1,000 m) and (6,093 m) and it presents 19 different ecological floors.

Best way to see Cotahuasi Canyon

More will follow on the Cotahuasi Canyon as it is declared an official or notable wonder of South America.

Best way to experience Cotahuasi Canyon

More will follow on the Cotahuasi Canyon as it is declared an official or notable wonder of South America.

Angel Falls

admin — Wed, 31 Dec 2008 15:39:23 +0000

Quick Facts:

Highest waterfall in the world with a height at 3,212 feet (979 m)
Clear drop of 2,647 feet (807 m)
Also known as “Kerepakupai meru” which means “waterfall of the deepest place

Angel Falls is found in Venezuela in the Canaima National Park. It is the highest waterfall in the world at 3,212 feet (979 m). The falls has a clear drop of 2,647 feet (807 m) which is so far that the water vaporizes with the wind and becomes mist well before reaching the ground. Angel Falls is also called Kerepakupai meru which means “waterfall of the deepest place.”

Best way to see Angel Falls

More will follow on the Angel Falls as it is declared an official or notable wonder of South America.

Best way to experience Angel Falls

More will follow on the Angel Falls as it is declared an official or notable wonder of South America.

Perito Moreno Glacier

admin — Wed, 31 Dec 2008 15:38:59 +0000

Quick Facts:

One of only three Patagonian glaciers that is not retreating
Three miles (5 km) wide with an average height of 197 feet (60 m)
Greatest depth reaching 2,297 feet (700 m)
Covers 97 square miles (250 sq km) and measures 19 miles (30 km) in length

Perito Moreno Glacier is found in Argentina located in the Los Glaciares National Park. The glacier is 97 square miles (250 sq km) and measures 19 miles (30 km) in length. Additionally, the glacier measures 3 miles (5 km) wide with a total ice depth of 558 feet (170 m). The deepest part of the glacier measures 2,297 feet (700 m).

Perito Moreno Glacier is one of three Patagonian glaciers that is not retreating. This ice field accounts for the world’s third largest reserve of fresh water.

Best way to see Perito Moreno Glacier

More will follow on Perito Moreno Glacier as it is declared an official or notable wonder of South America.

Best way to experience Perito Moreno Glacier

More will follow on Perito Moreno Glacier as it is declared an official or notable wonder of South America.

Iguazu Falls

admin — Wed, 31 Dec 2008 15:38:14 +0000

Quick Facts:

Also called Iguassu Falls and Iguacu Falls
Consists of 275 falls over 1.67 miles (2.7 km)
Highest part of the falls reaches 269 feet (82 m) into the air
Greatest average annual flow of water in the world

Iguazu Falls, also referred to as Iguassu Falls and Iguaca Falls, is located on the border of Brazil and Argentina. There are some who claim that the Iguazu Falls system is comprised of 275 independent falls over 1.67 miles (2.7 km), however locals from the area state that there are approximately 75 separate falls. At one spot, visitors can be surrounded by 260 degrees of waterfalls. Although the highest part of the falls measures 269 feet (82 m), the majority of the falls are around 210 feet (64 m).

To some, the most impressive falls is the U-shaped Garganta del Diablo, “Devil’s Throat,”which measures 269 feet (82 m) high, 492.1 feet (150 m) wide and 2,296 feet (700 m) long. Much of the falls does not have water flowing over it.

Iguazu Falls is wider than Victoria Falls because it is split into numerous distinct individual falls over 1.67 miles (2.7 km). Subsequently, Victoria Falls has the largest curtain of water.

Best way to see Iguaza Falls

One of the things visitors will quickly discover is that the perspective or image of Iguaza Falls changes with every step. The best view depends on what aspect of the falls one enjoys the most. Visitors should plan at least a day and a half in order to explore the falls on both the Argentinean side and the Brazilian side and to capture all the views offered of the falls.

The Argentina side of the falls allows visitors to see various panoramic views of the falls while also providing visitors with the opportunity to view the water flow and surrounding area from atop the falls. The Brazilian side provides the most inclusive and comprehensive panoramic view of the falls.

The Argentina side of the falls offers two different trails: 1) upper falls and 2) lower falls. The upper falls trail takes visitors across catwalks that cross over several of the falls and allow visitors to look over the edges and watch the water fall to the rocks below. The lower falls trail allows visitors to get up closer to the falls and delivers some of the best views of the falls. Some of these views are actually used in many of the postcards seen in gift stores and in the hotels.

The upper and lower trails should be taken in the morning. The sun is rising from the Brazilian side and provides the best lighting of the falls during the morning. The train and viewing of Devil’s Throat should be done in the afternoon when the sun has at least risen above the falls. Viewing Devil’s Throat in the morning will leave visitors starring into the sun.

The Brazilian side should also be explored in the morning with the sun lighting the falls from behind you. The Brazilian side is shorter and may easily be completed in the morning hours. This makes it possible to view the falls from all perspectives within a day and a half. However, visitors should be encouraged to allow for more time to enjoy the falls at a more leisurely pace as well as multiple times as the weather changes or wildlife is experienced.

Best way to experience Iguazu Falls

Iguazu Falls may be experienced a couple of different ways. Without question, visitors should hike through the upper and lower trails on the Argentina side. The Brazilian side is for viewing the falls, the Argentina side is for experiencing the falls.

After that visitors should plan on taking one of the exhilarating boat rides that take you directly into the falls. A common question is, “Will you get wet?” The answer is no you will not just get wet – you will get drenched, soaked, flooded, and out right sopping wet. For many, this is a welcomed event following a hiking experience throughout the trails. No matter what it is an adventure that is just out right fun.

One way to take it all in is through one of the adventure packages which may include the boat ride into the falls, an ecological jungle ride through the rainforest, and an ecological raft trip on the river above the falls. Additionally, visitors can take an open train ride above the falls along with a short walk (1 km) across the river using a catwalk out to Devil’s throat. This should take most of the day and give you a comprehensive experience of the falls.

Best Times to Explore Iguazu Falls

The good news is that there is really not a bad time to visit the falls with the temperature and climate being fairly consistent throughout the year. The high season for Brazilians and Argentineans are the months of January and February. A visit during this will also include higher waters and higher temperatures. Easter week is also unseasonably busy as many people travel to the falls during this week.

The months of May and July are the rainy seasons and also the highest water levels. Some prefer this because of the force and significance of the water flowing over the falls.

Probably the best times to explore Iguazu Falls are during the months of September and October. The weather is nicer, the falls are beautiful and the area is less crowded.

Iguazu Falls Photography Tips

The best pictures of the majority of the falls will occur during the morning hours whether from the Argentina or Brazilian side. The sun rises from the Brazilian side and lights up the falls during the morning. The park on the Argentina side opens at 8:00 a.m. and photographers should be up and ready to embark on their photography adventure.

The Brazilian side opens up at 9:00 a.m. and it is a good idea to be there before that. The Brazilian hillside and rainforest shades photographers as they view the sun light falls across the way.

Devil’s throat is best photographed in the afternoon once the sun has risen. If you attempt to view Devil’s Throat in the morning you will find yourself and your camera facing directly into the sun. The park opens at night four evenings a year during the full moon. This also makes for creative images out over Devil’s Throat – make sure you take a tripod.

Many of the views of the falls from both the Brazilian and Argentinean sides are engulfed with spray or mist from the falls. Make sure you have protective gear for your equipment. If you do take the boat ride into the falls – they will drive the boat up to the beginning of the mist and pause to allow you to take pictures. Then they will provide you with water proof bags to store your equipment as they make their way into the falls – you will get drenched. This is not a place the camera goes under your shirt mist – it is a downpour.

Iguazu Falls Travel Tips

Iguazu Falls can be accessed easily from either the Brazilian or Argentinean side. Both Foz de Iguacu, Brazil and Port Iguazu, Argentina have airports. Common connections will go through either Sao Pualo, Brazil or Buenos Aires, Argentina. It is easy to cross the borders either direction, however it is quite probably that you will need a Brazilian visa which is required in advance and not available at the border.

Iguazu Falls is also in an isolated area and rarely part of an individual destination. In most cases visitors are incorporating a stay at Iguazu Falls as part of a more extensive itinerary. If enjoying nature and relaxing in pristine beauty are desired – a longer stay at Iguazu Falls is ideal and encouraged.

Iguazu Falls Places to Stay

The Sheraton is the only hotel inside Iguazu National Park on the Argentinean side of the falls. When asked why visitors should stay at the Sheraton, the Hotel Manager replied, “When investors look at a property they always take three things into mind, Location, Location, Location. And, we have all three.” The Sheraton Iguazu Resort & Hotel provides visitors with exclusive backdoor access into the national park.

Additionally, the hotel faces the falls allowing guests to view the falls directly from the balconies of their rooms. “Iguassu Falls is not a neighbor of the Sheraton; it is the backyard,” Phillip Imler

The Sheraton Iguazu Resort & Hotel is Seven Natural Wonders: Recommended

Learn more about the Sheraton Iguazu through the SNW Blog

Iguazu Falls Resources

Iguazu Jungle: a tour company that offers packages and personalized tours of the falls. Packages may include the adventure boats into the falls, the jungle tours through the rainforest, and an ecological guided raft trip atop the falls. Iguazu Jungle can also assist you with guided services through the park and with the open aired train ride out to Devil’s Throat.

Iguazu Jungle is Seven Natural Wonders – Recommended

Huascaran National Park

admin — Wed, 31 Dec 2008 15:37:45 +0000

Quick Facts:

Declared a Reserve of Biosphere Core anda Natural Heritage of Humanity
Highest snow covered peak in the country, Huascaran, is located here
Mountains ranging from 6,561 to 19,685 feet (2000 to 6000 m) in height.
Contains 663 glaciers, 296 lakes, and 41 tributaries

A national park located in the Peruvian Andes Mountains. The park encompasses (3,000 sq km) and features 663 glaciers, 296 lakes, and 41 tributaries. Additionally, it is the home to over 779 species of plants, 112 species of birds, and several endangered mammals.

The national park has been declared a World Heritage Site, a Reserve of Biosphere Core, and a Natural Heritage of Humanity. The park features a mountain range varying from 6,561 to 19,685 feet (2000 to 6000 m) in height. Huascaran is the highest peak at 22,204 feet (6,768 m)

Best way to see Huascaran National Park

More will follow on the Huascaran National Park as it is declared an official or notable wonder of South America.

Best way to experience Huascaran National Park

More will follow on Huascaran National Park as it is declared an official or notable wonder of South America.

El Tatio

admin — Wed, 31 Dec 2008 15:37:21 +0000

Quick Facts:

Largest geyser field in the southern hemisphere and third largest geyser field in the world
Average height of geyser eruptions is about 75 centimeters
Over 80 active geysers

El Tatio is the largest geyser field in the southern hemisphere and third largest in the world. There are over 80 active geysers with an average eruption height of 75 centimeters. The highest measured eruption was approximately six meters.

El Tatio is located in the Andes mountains in northern Chile. Although it is at an elevation of 4,200 m above sea level, it is not the highest geyser field in the world.

Best way to see Tatio

More will follow on El Tatio as it is declared an official or notable wonder of South America.

Best way to experience El Tatio

More will follow on El Tatio as it is declared an official or notable wonder of South America.

Colca Canyon

admin — Wed, 31 Dec 2008 15:36:56 +0000

Quick Facts:

More than twice as deep as the Grand Canyon
Greatest depth occurs at the Nevado Ampato extinct volcano

Colca Canyon is located in southern Peru. It is more than twice as deep as the Grand Canyon but it is not as deep as its sister Cotahuasi Canyon. The canyon was created by the Colca River which starts high in the Andes mountains flowing through the canyon and changing names twice before flowing into the Pacific Ocean.

The greatest depth of the canyon occurs at Nevado Ampato, an extinct volcano, with a vertical rise of 20,630 feet (6,288 m). The Colca Canyon is home to the Andean Condor which is a frequent attraction for visitors who watch the condors soar through the air hunting for food.

Best way to see Colca Canyon

More will follow on the Colca Canyon as it is declared an official or notable wonder of South America.

Best way to experience Colca Canyon

More will follow on the Colca Canyon as it is declared an official or notable wonder of South America.

Amazon Rainforest

admin — Wed, 31 Dec 2008 15:36:21 +0000

Quick Facts:

Also referred to as the Amazon or Amazon Jungle
Basin encompasses 1.7 billion acres (7 million sq km)
1.4 billion acres (500,000 sq km) are covered by rainforest
Rainforest covers parts of Brazil, Peru, Colombia, Venezuela, Ecuador, Bolivia, Guyana, Suriname, and French Guiana
Accounts for over half of the world’s remaining rainforest

The Amazon Rainforest or Amazon Jungle is a tropical forest that covers the majority of the Amazon Basin. The majority, 1.4 billion acres (500,000 sq km), of the 1.7 billion acres (7 million sq km) basin is covered by the Amazon forests. The Amazon Rainforest is so large that it accounts for over half of the world’s remaining rainforest.

The Amazon Jungle is housed primarily in Brazil which accounts for approximately 60% of the forest. Peru has the second greatest representation with 13% with the following countries combining to make up the rest of the forest: Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador, French Guiana, Guyana, Suriname, and Venezuela.

The Amazon Rainforest is the greatest collection of plant and animal life; 1 in 10 species from around the world are found in the Amazon. The Amazon Jungle is home to approximately 427 mammals, 378 reptiles, 428 amphibians, 1,294 birds, 3,000 fish, 40,000 plants and 2.5 million insect species. One in five of all birds are found in the Amazon.

The Amazon Jungle also provides the greatest collection of wildlife that poses risk of harm to mankind. The collection of wildlife includes the jaguar, Black Caiman, anaconda, electric eels, piranha and various poisonous frogs and parasites. However, the rainforest also accounts for 438,000 difference species of plants that have economical, pharmaceutical, or social value.

Best way to see the Amazon Rainforest

More will follow on the Amazon Rainforest as it is declared an official or notable wonder of South America.

Best way to experience the Amazon Rainforest

More will follow on the Amazon Rainforest as it is declared an official or notable wonder of South America.

Alpamayo Mountain

admin — Wed, 31 Dec 2008 15:35:47 +0000

Quick Facts:

Located in the Peruvian Andes as part of the Cordillera Blanca mountain range
Has a 60 degree almost symmetrical pyramid shape
Although shorter than many neighboring mountains, it reaches a peak of (5,947 m)

Alpamayo Mountain is located in the Peruvian Andes as part of the Cordillera Blanca mountain range. The mountain features an almost 60 degree symmetrical pyramid shape. It is shorter than many neighboring mountains but reaches a peak of ## feet (5,947 m) .

Alpamayo Mountain was voted in 1966 by an international survey of photographers and climbers as “The most beautiful mountain in the world.”

Best way to see Alpamayo Mountain

More will follow on the Alpamayo Mountain as it is declared an official or notable wonder of South America.

Best way to experience Alpamayo Mountain

More will follow on the Alpamayo Mountain as it is declared an official or notable wonder of South America.