7 Natural Wonders of S. America

7 Natural Wonders of South America

South America is a continent located in the Western Hemisphere, primarily in the Southern Hemisphere. It comprises 12 countries. The continent spans approximately 17.84 million square kilometers (6.88 million square miles). The 7 natural wonders of South America embody the biodiversity and iconic wonders of nature found between its southern and norther borders.

South America is known for its diverse geography, featuring the Amazon Rainforest, the Andes Mountains, and the vast Pampas. South America is a vibrant region with a mix of landscapes, ecosystems, and dynamic cities, making it a compelling destination for travelers and a crucial player in the global natural world of biodiversity.

Aconcagua

Aconcagua

  • Aconcagua, towering in the Andes, is the highest peak in the Southern and Western Hemispheres. This formidable summit in Argentina attracts climbers seeking to conquer its glaciated slopes. Aconcagua's breathtaking vistas and challenging ascent encapsulate the allure of high-altitude mountaineering in the heart of the Andean range.
Amazon

Amazon

  • The Amazon Rainforest, spanning nine South American countries, is Earth's largest and most biodiverse tropical rainforest. Its vast expanse shelters a kaleidoscope of flora and fauna, including iconic species like jaguars and macaws. The mighty Amazon River winds through this vibrant ecosystem, supporting life on an unparalleled scale.
7 Natural Wonders of South America

Angel Falls

  • Angel Falls in Venezuela, the world's highest uninterrupted waterfall, plummets over the edge of Auyán-Tepuí. Cascading from a height of 3,212 feet (979 meters), its ethereal beauty and mist-shrouded surroundings make it a mesmerizing spectacle in the heart of the Canaima National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Atacama Desert

Atacama Desert

  • The Atacama Desert, Chile's arid gem, is Earth's driest desert, adorned with lunar landscapes and salt flats. Nestled between the Andes and the Pacific, its high-altitude plains showcase otherworldly beauty. In this stark terrain, desert flora, geysers, and stargazing opportunities unfold, creating an extraordinary and surreal experience.
Galapagos Islands

Galapagos Islands

  • The Galápagos Islands, an Ecuadorian archipelago, is a living laboratory of evolution. Its diverse landscapes, from volcanic craters to lush mangroves, harbor unique and fearless wildlife like giant tortoises and marine iguanas. The Galápagos epitomizes the delicate balance between extraordinary species and their pristine environment.
Iguazu Falls

Iguazu Falls

  • Iguazu Falls, straddling the border of Argentina and Brazil, is a breathtaking cascade of over 275 individual waterfalls amid lush rainforests. The roaring power of the falls, especially the iconic Devil's Throat, creates a sensory spectacle. This UNESCO World Heritage Site epitomizes the raw beauty of nature's grandeur.
Salar de Uyuni

Salar de Uyuni

  • Salar de Uyuni in Bolivia, the world's largest salt flat, unfolds an otherworldly expanse of dazzling white. During the rainy season, it transforms into a vast, shallow mirror reflecting the sky. Its surreal landscapes, salt hexagons, and isolation create a unique and mesmerizing experience in the heart of the Andes.

FAQ’s

1. How were the wonders of South America Selected?

The continent of South America features the exotic Amazon which accounts for the majority of the world’s rainforest.

The 7 Natural Wonders of South America were voted on and selected by experts in conservation and travel professionals.

Statistical significance was the most important factor.  It is possible that other nature attractions might be favored aesthetically.

However, it is imperative that statistical significance serve as the leading characteristic.