Top 5 Natural Wonders of South America

South America; a gorgeous continent of 12 amazing countries. Within its area stands some of the most iconic and beautiful man made structures in the world; Machu Picchu, Christ the Redeemer, The Nazca Lines, The Panama Canal; but as well as these feats of human engineering and design are countless natural wonders spread across the continent. In this list we have details of our top five of these natural wonders, to inspire you on your next adventure. So in no particular order, pampeano presents the top five natural wonders of South America: 

Salar de Uyuni, Bolivia

Salar de Uyuni is the world's largest salt flat, at 4,086 square miles. Formed over millions of years from prehistoric lakes in the area, these salt flats attract thousands of visitors a year.

During the rain season - around January to March - a thin layer of water covers the flats, forming a mirrored surface, often called "the world's largest mirror", at 80 miles across. This surreal, otherworldly landscape is unlike any other on Earth.  

Galápagos Islands, Ecuador

Made famous by Charles Darwin's revolutionary findings on these beautiful islands, the vibrant species that inspired his theory of evolution are as breathtaking as ever. This gorgeous, unspoiled archipelago of equatorial islands lies 563 miles west of continental Ecuador, and are accessible by plane to the two largest islands.

The animals on the islands are a large part of what makes them so appealing: the islands are home to everything from penguins to crabs, tortoises to iguanas, pelicans to dolphins.

If you like the idea of a tropical paradise teeming with wildlife and biological history, the Galápagos Islands are an ideal holiday destination. 

Amazon River, Brazil, Colombia and Peru

The widest and biggest river by volume in the world, the river and the rainforest that surrounds it is truly a wonder of the world. Again; the wildlife in the area is iconic, from river dolphins to crocodiles and piranhas.

Ecotourism, which focuses on the sustainability and conservation in the tourism sector, is very popular in the Amazon, with many companies running eco-tours and cruises of the river.

Perito Moreno Glacier, Argentina

At 19 miles long, the Perito Moreno Glacier in Patagonia, Argentina is one of the largest and most important tourist attractions in the region. It is fed by the Southern Patagonian Ice Field in the Andes. 

Its stunning views and accessibility makes it very popular for hiking and trekking. It is named after the famous Argentinian explorer Francisco Pascasio Moreno for his contributions to the boundary treaty of 1881 between Argentina and Chile.

Angel Falls, Venezuela

At 3,212 feet high, Angel Falls is the world's highest uninterrupted waterfall. It drops off the Auyán-tepui mountain in the Canaima National Park in Venezuela, a very popular area for locals and tourists alike.

Although it is one of Venezuela's top attractions, its isolation renders it hard to access; most tours take place in the rainy season when the rivers are deep enough for boats to travel through. 

Of course there aren't just five natural wonders in the whole of South America; honourable mentions include Laguna Colorada, Acatama Desert, Lake Titicaca, Iguazu Falls, Torres del Paine National Park - the list goes on. Do your research, and be inspired to take a trip and explore the incredible continent of South America.

If you are planning to visit any of these breathtaking sites, be prepared; take one of pampeano's genuine luxury Argentine leather travel accessories to enhance your next adventure. We stock two sizes of our luxury travel bags; the Varon, for shorter trips or for those who prefer to travel light, and the Cabellero for those who like plenty of fashion choice when abroad. To enhance the use of these bags, consider our range of wash bags, offered in a range of sizes and colours. We also offer a range of products to help you organise your trip; from passport covers to luggage tags.

Whatever you take, and wherever you go, pampeano wishes you safe travels. Bon Voyage!