Much of South America is still largely untouched by mass tourism and development, making it one of the world's leading destinations for ecotourism. Not only will you find yourself in spectacular scenery, but you will also get a rare glimpse of a wide range of animals and plants. Listed below are some of the best places for spotting a variety of wildlife.

This region supports the most dynamic ecosystem on the planet, but it also features a variety of other types of landscapes, including mountain forests, lakes, and grasslands. In this region you might see jaguars, pumas, anteaters, giant turtles, and anacondas. It is also a great place for bird watching.
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Because of its remote location, this region is one of the best on the continent for spotting wildlife. Located in west Brazil, the Patanal is an open swampland that is home to a variety of wildlife, including jaguars, toucans, blue macaws, anacondas, and armadillos.
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Because of its rare marine fauna and beautiful stretches of white sand beaches, the Galapagos Islands is Ecuador's most famous destination. Located in the Atlantic Ocean 1,000km east of the coast, this island features an abundance of rare and unusual animals and plants, including giant tortoises.
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Located in Argentina's pristine Patagonia region, the waters of the Peninsula Valdes feature one of the most important marine reserves on earth. Here you'll find pods of killer whales, sea lions, and elephant seals battling for survival.

Overview of Highlights

  The Best of:

    Best Cities
      Best Colonial Towns

    Best Excursions
      The Inca Trail

    Best Beaches

    Best Wildlife

    Best Street Fairs

  Highlights and Wonders:
    Machu Picchu
    Iguazu Falls
    Torres del Paine
    Perito Moreno Glacier
    Galapages Islands

  Best Regions Overview
    Patagonia
    Brazilian Coastline
    The Amazon
    The Pantanal
    The Andes Mountains