Destinations

South America

One continent. A planet’s worth of biodiversity.

South America offers some of the world’s most biodiverse landscapes, home to a truly remarkable array of wildlife. From the icy windswept plains of Patagonia to the lush rainforests of the Amazon, the continent is a vast canvas of nature’s wonders, with something to offer every type of traveler.

South America’s wildlife conservation opportunities are as varied as the landscapes themselves. Ecuador’s Galápagos Islands, famed for their unique and fearless creatures, are a living laboratory for understanding evolution. Just off the coast of Peru, you can explore the mighty Amazon Basin in Manu and Tambopata, where biodiversity is unparalleled, and the jungle teems with life from jaguars to macaws.

Patagonia, spanning Chile and Argentina, is a land of dramatic contrasts and breathtaking beauty. Towering peaks like the Andes and iconic formations such as Torres del Paine rise above sprawling glaciers, turquoise lakes, and windswept steppes. This remote wilderness is home to guanacos, Andean condors, pumas, and the elusive Patagonian fox. Coastal areas boast marine life like penguins, sea lions, and southern right whales, making Patagonia a bucket-list destination for adventurers and wildlife enthusiasts..

Whether you’re hiking through the Andes, exploring ancient Inca ruins, or immersing yourself in the jungle, South America presents countless opportunities to connect with wildlife and experience adventure in its purest form.

highlights

The Amazon Basin, spanning both Ecuador and Brazil, is a lush, biodiverse paradise where dense rainforests and winding rivers create one of the most remarkable ecosystems on Earth.

In Ecuador, Yasuni National Park, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, showcases extraordinary biodiversity. Canoe excursions reveal flooded forests teeming with giant otters, pink river dolphins, and an astonishing array of bird species. Night safaris unveil nocturnal wonders, from tiny tree frogs to elusive jaguars, while cultural exchanges with indigenous communities provide insight into traditional knowledge and sustainable living practices.

Brazil’s Amazon offers equally captivating experiences, with vast stretches of pristine jungle and waterways like the Rio Negro and the Amazon River itself. The Anavilhanas Archipelago, one of the world’s largest riverine island systems, is a highlight, home to sloths, caimans, and colorful macaws. Visitors can also explore the Manaus region, where the Meeting of the Waters phenomenon—where the black waters of the Rio Negro meet the sandy-colored Solimões without mixing—creates a natural marvel. Together, these regions offer an immersive journey into the heart of the Amazon’s unparalleled beauty and ecological significance.

Best Times to Visit

The Ecuadorian Amazon is lush year-round, but June to December offers slightly drier conditions, making exploration easier.

travel tips

What to Pack: Lightweight, quick-dry clothing, waterproof boots, and insect repellent are essential.

Rough Terrain: Plan for guided tours to navigate the remote environments and ensure safety.

What to Experience: Indigenous Kichwa communities often welcome visitors, sharing traditional stories, dances, and meals prepared with local ingredients.

luxury experiences

Private encounters with shamans for spiritual ceremonies.

Remote heli-accessed jungle lodges, and personal wildlife tracking tours.

For an adventurous twist, travelers can try piranha fishing or swim in hidden lagoons.

Must-Have Local Food

Maito, a traditional dish where fish is wrapped in banana leaves and roasted over an open flame

How to Say "Hello"

Spanish: “Hola”

Kichwa: “Kawsankichu”

come back to life

The Voyager spacecraft is now billions of miles from humanity. Get the feeling.

Reflecting On Flamingos

Laguna Chaxa, Chile
23° 19′ 41″ S / 68° 10′ 02″ W

– J. W.

“… The look of wonder and amazement in people’s faces as they experience their first sunset in the bush. You know they are now a member of a very special fraternity …”

Travel

40 yrs

Stories

Puerto Deseado and Isla del Penguins

In the Santa Cruz Province of Argentina is the quaint town of Puerto Deseado, a hidden gem along Argentina’s coastline. A short boat ride from the town takes you to the captivating Isla del Penguins, home to colonies of rockhopper penguins. The red eyes of the penguin, in contrast to the yellow of their brows, generate a smile and feeling of tenderness for travelers who can see from a few meters away, while they jump nimbly from rock to rock. You will sit amongst this colony of over 30,000 penguins watching them make their way to and from the water to feed their chicks.

As you navigate the waters around the island, keep an eye out for South American sea lions basking on the rocky shores. The combination of penguins, sea lions, and the rugged coastal scenery make Isla del Penguins a must-visit destination for wildlife enthusiasts seeking an immersive experience.

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Trusted Since

1983

A private safari can be the height of civilization.

Maccu Piccu

Andes Mountains, Peru
13° 09′ 48″ S / 72° 32′ 44″ W