Five must-see natural highlights in Latin America
While there’s plenty to see in the lively city centres that dot South and Central America, the region’s real beauty comes from its breath-taking natural world.
The thrilling finale of Celebrity Race Across the World’s third season is just around the corner, and this year’s cast of famous faces is heading through Colombia to the finish line on the Caribbean Coast. This year, the celebrities have travelled through Central America, from the Andean wonders of Peru to breath-taking Costa Rica, and have taken in some truly striking natural landscapes and a number of exciting city centres along the way. Suffice to say, the teams have already enjoyed countless memorable experiences, and there are plenty more wish-list moments yet to come.
Our team has been inspired most by the landscapes the famous faces have been taking in across the Americas, and they’ve been thinking all about which natural wonders stand out from the rest. From tropical rainforests to the majesty of Patagonia’s national parks, here are five must-see natural wonders you won’t want to miss out on seeing while on holiday in Latin America.
Torres del Paine, Chile
While travellers often flock to Chile’s vibrant capital, Santiago, and its renowned nearby wine valleys, a trip further south into glorious Patagonia reveals some of the Americas’ finest alpine vistas. Perhaps the best known of these is the spectacular Torres del Paine, a cluster of three granite peaks, which have captured the imagination of explorers, travellers and local Patagonians for centuries. For the best views of the Torres, be sure to visit the east side of the park, or cruise across nearby Grey Lake for panoramic views of the Paine Massif range and the equally impressive Grey Glacier.
Our recommended tour – Natural Wonders of Brazil, Argentina & Patagonia
Iguazú Falls, Argentina
When it comes to sheer beauty, few spots come close to the spectacular Iguazú Falls, which mark the meeting point between Argentina, Brazil, and Paraguay. While visitors can also view the mist-laden falls from the park’s higher Brazilian side, the only way to fully grasp Iguazu’s majesty is by taking it in from waterside viewing platforms on the Argentinian side. What’s more, as well as featuring spectacular ground-level views of the Falls, the surrounding walkways offer unrestricted views of the park’s unique wildlife, making it a must-see for sightseers and animal enthusiasts alike.
Our recommended tour – Brazil & Argentina
Monteverde Cloud Forest, Costa Rica
Known worldwide for its biodiversity, Costa Rica is the ideal choice for animal lovers and birdwatchers alike. Though there are plenty of tropical reserves to choose from – national parks cover 25% of the country’s total landmass – Monteverde’s magnificent cloud forest offers one of the country’s most unique viewing experiences. With suspension bridges and viewing platforms tracing a path through the canopy, a visit to Monteverde promises breath-taking panoramas and up-close animal encounters in equal measure. If you’re feeling daring, you can also ride the forest’s mountain gondola to the summit of Monteverde itself for 360-degree views over the cloud forest below.
Our recommended tour – Costa Rica – Wildlife, Volcanoes & National Parks
Galápagos Islands, Ecuador
Having been the setting for Charles Darwin’s legendary voyage aboard the HMS Beagle, it’s no secret that the Galápagos Islands rank amongst the best wildlife-spotting havens in the world. In truth, though, this subtropical archipelago also features some of the most dramatic and unspoilt vistas in Ecuador and South America as a whole. From volcanic cinder cones and free-flowing pahoehoe (lava fields) to idyllic white-sand beaches and dramatic coastal formations, there’s more to the Galápagos Islands than their famous native tortoises!
Our recommended tour – Peru, Ecuador & the Galapagos Islands
Corcovado Mountain, Brazil
A popular choice for city breaks, cultural excursions and sightseeing, Rio de Janeiro boasts one of the most recognisable skylines in the world. With that in mind, there’s no better viewpoint from which to soak up the city in its entirety than from the top of Corcovado Mountain. Standing at a height of 710 meters, with sprawling views over Rio’s natural harbour, this towering peak has become an emblem of Brazil. Whether you’re visiting for the world-famous Christ the Redeemer statue at its summit or simply want to view the city’s famous beaches from above, Corcovado deserves a spot at the top of any Brazilian itinerary.
Our recommended tour – South American Explorer – Brazil, Argentina & Peru
Witness the wonders of Latin America with Newmarket Holidays
Have you always dreamt of experiencing some of these unforgettable sights up close? Our award-winning tours have something to suit all tastes, ranging from wildlife-spotting holidays in Costa Rica and Brazil to multi-centre trips around South America’s finest natural landmarks. To start your own Latin American adventure, or for more information on each wish-list itinerary, give one of our friendly holiday planners a call today. For our full collection of escorted tours, you can also browse our dedicated destinations page.
