7 Best Places to See Wildlife in South America
South America has various landscapes supporting an array of ecosystems across the continent, from wetlands in the north to subtropical forests in the east and tropical rainforests in the south.
The continent is home to over 10,000 species of plants, 4,000 species of mammals, 1,000 species of reptiles, and over 500 species of birds. Each country has its famous wildlife sanctuaries and parks where you can see these beautiful creatures in their natural habitats.
The continent is home to various mountain ranges and verdant valleys spread throughout all six countries, making it an ideal place for travellers who enjoy seeing what nature has to offer without the crowds and modern developments.
7 Best Places to See Wildlife in South America
Colombia
Anyone who has seen a Colombian wildlife documentary knows that this country is the best place to visit wildlife. Colombia’s stunning biodiversity has created some truly unique wildlife-rich destinations, making it a favourite wildlife destination for travellers. The country boasts a diverse array of ecosystems supporting various wildlife species.
Visitors can expect to see a wide variety of flora and fauna in Colombia’s many diverse ecosystems. Colombia is also home to some of the world’s most stunning national parks, including the beautiful Los Nevados National Park. Colombia is a must-visit place if you are looking for a place to visit wildlife with your family.
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Ecuador: Jungle Trekking in Ecuador
Anyone who loves the idea of trekking through South America’s dense and tropical forests will find that Ecuador is a perfect place to visit wild animals. The country’s tropical, lowland forests are home to a rich array of flora and fauna and make for an ideal environment for animals to live in and thrive. This makes Ecuador one of the best places to see wildlife in South America.
Additionally, the country is home to many remote indigenous communities and trekkers who wish to see the people and cultures of this beautiful country first-hand while enjoying some of the best trekking trails around visit here often. This is a wonderful place to visit with kids and to see some of South America’s most interesting wildlife.
The vast majority of tourist activity takes place in the country’s southern lowlands, where the Amazon Basin meets the Pacific Ocean.
The best time to visit is between November and April when the rainy season has finished, and the weather is more pleasant.
Peru: Pampas and Andes for Wildlife Watching
There are many family-friendly activities available in Peru. Although seeing the ancient city of Machu Picchu in the Peruvian Andes is high on many adult visitors’ bucket lists, families may also easily afford to go on an adventure there that might even resemble an Indiana Jones quest.
Everyone will have a unique and informative experience when they visit this mystery location. A moderate to difficult climb can get you there, but for young ones, the well-established train and bus route up into the misty green highlands takes care of the transportation issue.
Bolivia: Bountiful Rainforest for Wildlife Spotting
Bolivia is your best bet if you want to visit the Amazon without travelling to Brazil. Visitors can travel to the Pampas situated at the edge of the Amazon to see alligators and capybaras.
Cochabamba is one of the cities you absolutely must see if you and your family are travelling through central Bolivia. Families may enjoy a variety of outdoor activities in this city, which boasts some of the mildest weather year-round. Make sure to stop at La Angostura Lake when in Cochabamba and spend the day there.
Chile: Torres del Paine National Park for Views of the Sky
For an active family, Chilean Patagonia is regarded as heaven on earth. Popular in South America, this area is known for its trekking paths, enormous glaciers, and breathtaking mountain views.
Camping is a terrific way to experience Chile’s wildlife. Most likely, you’ll fly into and out of Santiago, one of the kid-friendliest cities and the best places to see wildlife in South America.
South America, offers a variety of activities including zip-lining and horseback riding for older children. Additionally, various parks and children’s museums like Parque Quinta Normal and the Railway Museum are available for children.
Argentina: The Argentine Steppe for Wilderness Parenting
Argentina is a great travel destination for families, with fabulous parks located throughout the city and Parque de la Costa, which is the largest amusement park in South America. You can opt for a day trip from here to see a gaucho ranch, or you may like to stay on an estancia, with plentiful outdoor activities for kids.
Travelling through Argentina is an adventure-filled experience that will deepen your family’s appreciation of natural beauty. If you want to visit Iguazu Falls, you’re in for a treat as it’s a perfect place to take kids; they will love the boat ride under the falls and seeing various tropical birds and wildlife.
Galapagos Islands
The Galapagos Islands are famous for their giant tortoises, marine iguanas, blue-footed boobies that nest on North Seymour, marine iguanas on Fernandina, and 17 other land, marine, and avian species that are unique to the Galapagos Islands.
Visits to the Galápagos Islands are highly recommended. It is one of the planet’s most distinctive environments, and it is the only place in the entire world where amazing indigenous species like the Giant Tortoise, Darwin Finch, and Galápagos Penguin can be found.
Final Words
South America is known as the wildlife capital of the world. With such a diverse array of landscapes, you are guaranteed to see some incredible wildlife.
The continent is home to a vast array of flora and fauna, making it one of the best places to visit for wildlife lovers. Additionally, the continent is also a relatively untouched landscape making it even more appealing as a travel destination.
Visitors can enjoy the outdoors without worrying about crowding, pollution, and other modern forms of development. You will find that the wildlife in South America is as diverse as its landscapes.
