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From the soaring peaks of the Andes to the lush jungles of the Amazon, South America’s National Parks are home to some of the most breathtaking natural wonders in the world. Whether you're exploring the ancient ruins of Machu Picchu, trekking through the glacial landscapes of Huascarán, or marvelling at the power of Iguazu Falls, these natural wonders promise an adventure like no other.
Here are the must-see South American National Parks to add to your bucket list:
- Torres del Paine National Park, Patagonia
- Los Glaciares National Park, Patagonia
- Patagonia National Park, Patagonia
- Manu National Park, Peru
- Yasuní National Park, Ecuador
- Huascarán National Park, Peru
- Cajas National Park, Ecuador
- Iguazú and Iguaçu National Parks, Argentina/Brazil
- Galápagos National Park, Ecuador
Patagonia National Parks
Patagonia, one of the most pristine and wild regions in South America, is home to some of the continent’s most breathtaking national parks. A top bucket list destination for good reason, Patagonia straddles both Chile and Argentina so you can expect landscapes for days: towering peaks and vast glaciers to windswept plains and lush forests, this dramatic area provides an unparalleled experience for nature lovers and adventure seekers. But the parks of Patagonia aren’t just about stunning landscapes, they also offer wildlife encounters and a sense of solitude that’s hard to find elsewhere.
Three of Patagonia's crown jewels: Torres del Paine National Park, Los Glaciares National Park, and Patagonia National Park, each offer their own take on beauty and adventure, but all promise an unforgettable journey through one of the world's last great wildernesses.
Torres del Paine National Park
Torres del Paine National Park is a true gem of Patagonia, famous for its striking granite peaks, clear lakes, and glaciers. This 181,411 hectare UNESCO-listed reserve is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts; one of its major draws are the renowned hiking trails in Torres del Paine, which cater to all levels of adventurers.
The iconic 74 km (46 mile) moderately difficult W Trek (which gets its name from the way the route winds up and down two mountain valleys, forming a ‘W’, taking you through the park's most spectacular sights. For a shorter, more accessible trail, the popular Cóndor Viewpoint (2.4 km/1.5 miles round-trip), takes around an hour and is also a great route for birdwatching enthusiasts. At the summit you’ll be rewarded with the most magnificent views of Lake Pehoé, small lagoons, the Southern Patagonian Ice Field, and the Sierra Baguales. If you spot a condor overhead while taking in these views, consider it your lucky day!
Did You Know?
Thanks to conservation efforts the past decade, Torres del Paine is home to a healthy population of pumas. The hilly plains of the park offer the best sighting opportunities; these beautiful creatures are most active during the early morning and late afternoon.
Los Glaciares National Park
Famed for its glaciers, the glorious Perito Moreno Glacier being a special highlight in particular, Los Glaciares National Park is a must-see on an adventure in South America. Located in the Austral Andes of Argentina, near the Chilean border, it is a breathtaking destination for nature lovers and adventurers alike.
The park is home to iconic landmarks, including the towering Fitz Roy, one of Patagonia’s most famous peaks, offering a stunning backdrop for exploration. Experience a full day at Los Glaciares and get up close and personal with the eighth wonder of the world, Perito Moreno Glacier on our 11 Day Complete Patagonia With Ushuaia Premium Small Group Tour.
For those looking to fully immerse themselves in the beauty of the region, call Los Glaciares home for the night (or a couple). Camping in Los Glaciares National Park is a truly unforgettable experience in the summer months. The park offers well-equipped campsites, one in the north and the other in the south, where visitors can sleep under the stars, surrounded by peaks, glacial lakes (including the 160 km-long/99 mile Lake Argentino), and National Geographic-worthy views. There are a couple of options to choose from, our favourites are Bahía Escondida in the southern area which has stunning views of the Perito Moreno Glacier, hot water showers, and picnic tables. The Agostini campsite in the northern area offers fewer creature comforts, but waking up to views of Laguna Torre and the Southern Patagonia Icefield makes up for the rugged night.
Did You Know?
Fitz Roy was named after the British captain of the HMS Beagle, Robert FitzRoy, who accompanied Charles Darwin on his famous 1831-1836 voyage to South America and the Galápagos Islands.
Patagonia National Park
Nestled in the heart of Chilean Patagonia, Patagonia National Park, created in 2018, is the result of a major conservation collaboration between Chile and Argentina. Spanning over 1,000 square miles, the park stands as a testament to the power of conservation. Much of the land that now forms the park was once threatened by overgrazing and deforestation, but thanks to careful restoration, native ecosystems have begun to thrive again. Today, the park is a refuge for native species like the guanaco (cousin to the llama), Andean condor, the puma, and the endangered South Andean deer.
Don’t miss the park’s dramatic scenery, including the jagged peaks of Cerro Castillo Mountain (named for its castle-like shape) and Lake Cochrane, a stunning, glacier-fed lake.
Patagonia National Park also offers a range of activities for active travellers including wildlife watching, camping and hiking. With 27 trails, ranging from moderate to hard, there’s something for everyone. One trail we love and classified as ‘easy,’ is the 5.3 km (3.3 miles) Sendero Vega, near Cochrane. The trail takes around an hour and 14 minutes to complete and starts at the Lucas Bridges House Museum. The well-preserved home covers the history of Chilean and European colonisation of Chilean Patagonia, and continues through a cemetery where the remains of settlers from a former cattle ranch, now part of the park, are buried. Along the way, you’ll likely encounter wildlife making this a very special trek—what a treat!
Did You Know?
Patagonia National Park is about the same size as Yosemite National Park in California, and about 1.5 times the size of Torres del Paine National Park. It also sees far fewer visitors, making it an ideal destination for trekking and camping without the crowds.
Amazon Rainforest National Parks
The Amazon Rainforest is one of the most biodiverse regions on Earth, home to countless species of plants and animals, many found nowhere else. Spanning multiple countries and protected areas, it offers a dramatic and varied landscape. If you're looking for an immersive experience in this mesmerising environment, wildlife tours in the Amazon Rainforest are the perfect way to discover its wonders. From the remote, untouched beauty of Manu National Park in Peru, to ecological gem Yasuní National Park in Ecuador, these parks are true havens.
Manu National Park
Spanning from the Andean foothills to the lowland Amazon Rainforest, the UNESCO-listed Manu National Park is a treat for those wanting to experience the Amazon in its most raw state. The park's remote location ensures its pristine beauty, making it an ideal destination for environmental tourism and birdwatching. Manu National Park’s ecosystems are as varied as its landscapes, from forests which are hugged by clouds and mist, to tropical rainforests and everything in between. With a little bit of luck and perfect timing, you might be fortunate enough to witness the magnificent wildlife that call this place home—jaguars, giant river otters, and hundreds of bird species, including the Harpy eagle, as well as vibrant macaws and parrots.
While more challenging to access than other parks, Manu rewards visitors with an immersive experience and plenty of opportunities for canoeing, hiking, and wildlife watching along the park’s many rivers and trails.
Did You Know?
Indigenous tribes like the Mashco-Piro live in the area around the park, and maintain a traditional way of life that has remained largely unchanged for centuries. The International Work Group for Indigenous Affairs estimated their number to be around 100 to 250 in 1998.
Yasuní National Park
Located in the heart of the Ecuadorian Amazon, Yasuní National Park is a biodiversity hotspot. Covering over 2.5 million acres, it’s considered one of the most biologically rich places on the planet. Yasuní is known for its wildlife and home to countless creatures, such as the Yasuní poison frog and the red howler monkeys that can be heard throughout the park. It’s also a crucial refuge for species like the elusive Harpy eagle and birdwatchers will delight in sightings of the scarlet macaws, hoatzins, and the black-collared hawks.
Canoeing adventures along the Río Napo or Río Tiputini rivers (the latter is considered the clearest in the Amazon) or hiking the accessible trails in search of wildlife, such as giant river otters, tamanduas (anteaters), and capybaras (the largest living rodent and arguably the cutest!), make Yasuní an exciting destination. Many Indigenous tribes, including the Waorani, call this land home. They are known for their deep traditional knowledge of the forest and its wildlife, as well as their spiritual connection to the land.
Did You Know?
The Yasuní poison frog, found only in Yasuní National Park, is famous for its bright red, orange, and yellow colours. However, these vibrant hues are more than just eye-catching—they serve as a warning to predators of the frog’s toxicity, although the frog poses little threat to humans.
Andean National Parks
From the ancient Incan cities perched high in the Peruvian Andes to the postcard-perfect landscapes of Cajas National Park and Huascarán National Park, the Andean National Parks promise an unforgettable adventure for nature lovers and history enthusiasts alike.
Huascarán National Park
Home to Huascarán, Peru's tallest peak at 6,768 metres (22,205 feet), Huascarán National Park is a stunning natural wonder with its glacial landscapes, snow-capped mountains, and diverse wildlife. Tackling the renowned Santa Cruz Trek, Huascarán delivers some of the most breathtaking scenery in the Andes, making it a must-visit destination for outdoor enthusiasts.
The Santa Cruz Trek winds through valleys, along crystal-clear glacial streams, and past the lakes fed by the towering Huascarán Glacier. One of the highlights of the trek is Laguna 69, where the glacier's water creates one of the most photogenic spots in the park.
Huascarán National Park is also home to a wealth of wildlife. The spectacled bear, South America's only bear species, and the vicuña, a relative of the llama and alpaca, roam the rugged terrain, adding to the park's pull as a haven for wildlife enthusiasts. The dry season from May to September is one of the best times to visit Huascarán National Park; the pleasant weather and more accessible trails make trekking easier.
Did You Know?
Huascarán is named after the Inca god of the mountains, Huascar, who was believed to have power over the region's peaks and valleys. The majestic mountain is a sacred site for the locals and remains a symbol of both cultural and natural significance.
Cajas National Park
Nestled in the high Andes of southern Ecuador, Cajas National Park is a serene paradise of rugged peaks, pristine lakes, and sprawling páramo ecosystems. Covering over 28,000 hectares, it’s a place where its dramatic landscapes provide the perfect backdrop for hiking, birdwatching, and immersing yourself in the Andean wilderness. The park’s most famous feature is its network of over 200 lakes, many of which are crystal-clear, fed by glacial streams from the Cajas Mountain Range in the southern Andes.
There are five main trekking routes, the most accessible and best-known of which is the Cajas Trek. It is a 26-kilometre (about 16 miles) trek that takes around 2-3 days, but there are shorter day treks, too. Hikers will experience the park’s stunning views and hiking in high-altitude Andean terrain, while birdwatchers may spot the elusive Andean condor or the bright-coloured paramo finch, both native to this high-altitude environment.
Cajas National Park also provides a sanctuary for many species, including the rare spectacled bear and the native, high-altitude tapir. Whether you’re hiking along the park’s well-marked trails or simply taking in the views from one of its many vantage points, Cajas offers an unforgettable experience for nature lovers.
Did You Know?
Cajas National Park is known as the "Water Factory" of southern Ecuador, as its many lakes and wetlands provide vital water resources for the nearby city of Cuenca and surrounding communities.
Beyond the Parks: Iconic Natural Wonders of South America
After exploring some of the most national parks of South America, be sure to set aside time to visit two of the continent’s most iconic natural wonders—Iguazú Falls and the Galápagos Islands. Though both are national parks in their own right, they are also home to iconic natural wonders—waterfalls in the case of Iguazú, and abundant wildlife and the marine reserve of the Galápagos—that set them apart from the more traditional landscapes of mountains found in the other South America national parks.
Iguazú and Iguaçu National Parks
Iguazú Falls is one of the largest and most impressive waterfall systems in the world, located on the border between Argentina and Brazil. Comprising 275 individual falls spread across nearly 3 km (2 miles) of the Iguazu River, the falls are a UNESCO World Heritage site and a major natural attraction. The most famous section, the dramatic Devil's Throat (Garganta del Diablo), plunges into the river below, creating a spectacular display of water and mist.
Visiting Iguazú Falls from Argentina (Iguazú National Park) gives you access to a network of walkways that take you right up to the falls, including panoramic vistas of the iconic Devil’s Throat. On the other hand, visiting from the Brazilian side (Iguaçu National Park) allows you to enjoy sweeping, panoramic views of the entire falls system, providing a wider perspective of the natural spectacle.
The Brazilian side’s Iguaçu National Park also features excellent hiking trails and viewing platforms that allow you to appreciate the scale of the falls from a distance, all while taking in the lush surrounding rainforest.
Did You Know?
Iguazú Falls is taller than Niagara Falls and twice as wide, making it one of the most impressive waterfall systems in the world.
Galápagos National Park
Galápagos National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage site located off the coast of Ecuador in the Pacific Ocean, and encompasses both the land and marine ecosystems of the famous Galápagos Islands. The park is known for its diverse wildlife, home to many species found nowhere else on Earth, such as the Galápagos giant tortoise, the marine iguana, and the flightless cormorant, to name a few. The park provides an unspoiled sanctuary where wildlife and natural beauty can coexist in harmony.
The Galápagos Islands are a true natural wonder and one of the most famous natural reserves in the world.
Exploring the Galápagos Islands by boat is one of the best ways to experience the beauty and biodiversity of the area. Galapagos Islands cruise packages offer an incredible way to visit multiple islands, where you can see exotic animals up close, including blue-footed boobies. Whether you’re interested in wildlife, pristine beaches, or simply enjoying the islands’ one-of-a-kind environment, the Galápagos Islands promise an unforgettable adventure in one of the most spectacular places on Earth.
Did You Know?
The Galápagos Islands consist of 19 islands, with only a few open to tourists, making it an incredibly special and pristine destination.
Parks and Recreation: Sustainable Travel Tips for Visitors
Visiting national parks offers a chance to experience a destination’s most stunning landscapes and wildlife. However, it’s essential to remember that these natural treasures require care and respect. Here are some simple yet impactful tips to help you travel responsibly and sustainably when visiting South America’s national parks.
- Follow park rules and regulations:
Each national park has its own set of rules to protect its unique landscape and wildlife. Familiarise yourself with the park's guidelines before you visit, and always adhere to them. - Stay on designated trails:
To protect fragile ecosystems, always stay on marked trails. Straying off paths can damage native plants, and disturb wildlife habitats. - Take rubbish with you:
Carry a bag with you and take everything you bring into the park. If you see litter along the trail or at campgrounds, pick it up to help keep the park clean. - Use eco-friendly items:
Bring reusable water bottles, cups, and containers to reduce single-use plastics in the park. - Respect wildlife:
Observe animals from a safe and respectful distance—do not disturb or feed them. - Leave natural features untouched:
As tempting as they may be, don't pick plants, flowers, or remove rocks—they’re not souvenirs! These natural elements are essential parts of the ecosystem and taking them can have negative consequences on the local environment.
Ready to explore South America’s national parks with Inspiring Vacations? Experience the Galapagos Islands on our 14 Day Peru & Galapagos Small Group Tour or enjoy our bumper 44 Day Inspiring South America, Patagonia, Galapagos & Antarctica Exploration Cruise, which includes exciting visits to Los Glaciares National Park, Perito Moreno Glacier, and Iguazú Falls.
