The most beautiful national parks in South America

Photo: depositphotos

Iberá National Park, Argentina

The park is home to the second largest wetland in the world, inhabited by swamp deer, caimans and capybaras. The park is covered in lagoons, grasslands and subtropical forests that attract 360 species of birds. It is also possible to spot jaguars in the Argentine park, and tourists can take part in horse riding and kayaking.

Santa Marta National Natural Park, Colombia

The park is located on the northern Caribbean coast of Colombia and features the highest coastal mountain range in the world, with Mount Colón dominating the area. The park is the birthplace of the indigenous Tayrona civilization, many of whom still live there. The park's main attraction is the Lost City of Ciudad Perdida.

Patagonia National Park, Chile

Pumas can still be seen in the wild in the chilean park, as they do in Torres del Paine. Efforts to restore wildlife continue in the park, which covers an area of ​​174,000 square kilometers. Today, more than a hundred species of birds and other animals live here.

Chicamocha National Park, Colombia

Chicamocha National Park in Santander is home to one of the largest canyons in the world. Formed forty million years ago, the canyon stretches 227 kilometers and reaches depths of up to two thousand meters.

Chapada Diamantina National Park, Brazil

Brazil is home to several magnificent national parks, and Chapada Diamantina is one of them. The area was once a diamond mining area, but mining stopped in 1985 when it was declared a national park. The park is dominated by the 340-meter-high Fumuca Falls and the Poco Encantado Cave.

Nahuel Huapi National Park, Argentina

The oldest park in Argentina, which is one of the lesser-known. It is located in the Argentine lake region. The dominant feature of the park is Lake Nahuel Huapi, which stretches for a hundred kilometers.

Yasuni National Park, Ecuador

It is the largest protected area in mainland Ecuador and offers immense biodiversity. The park is home to anacondas, jaguars, and harpy eagles, including the world's smallest primate. Parts of the park are still inhabited by Waorani and Kichwa communities.

Tijuca National Park, Brazil

Dubbed the world's largest urban forest, this park is located near Rio de Janeiro. It is a 38 square kilometer green area dotted with waterfalls, streams and mountain peaks. It is here that you will find Brazil's most famous landmark, the statue of Christ the Redeemer.

Sajama National Park, Bolivia

Located on the border with Chile, the park is the oldest in all of Bolivia. Thanks to its cultural wonders, including ancient ruins and cave paintings, the park has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Huascaran National Park, Peru

The Peruvianpark is located in the highest tropical mountain range in the world, the Cordillera Blanca, and features peaks exceeding six thousand meters above sea level. Among the mountains are hundreds of turquoise-colored lakes, which were formed from the melting water of six hundred glaciers.

Source: wonderlust, Editorial Weathersunshine.com