Nature lovers are often on the lookout for the destinations rich in flora and Fauna and South America with presence of several national parks turns out to be an ideal destination for it. Spread across different countries and adorned with interesting landscape, flora and fauna the continent is an ideal destination for those looking to have a glance of interesting plant and animal species of the region. Here we give a brief description of national parks in South America.
Galápagos National Park (Ecuador)
Situated on an archipelago, the island consisting of 15 major islands, 3 smaller islands, and 107 rocks and islets, is a place where you can see the most diverse flora and fauna of the region. The giant tortoise and the sea iguana are some of the prized species of the island. The place where noted scientist Charles Darwin spent a year is a world in a world in itself and one of a must visit destination for those visiting Ecuador.The archipelago has now been listed as UNESO world heritage site. Apart from seeing the terrestrial wildlife you can also spot several marine species here.
Torres del Paine (Chile)
Enjoying a strategic location near Punta Arenas and Puerto Natales Torres del Paine was included as a popular biosphere Reserve by UNESCO in 1978. Magnificent scenery of the Paine Massif is the greatest highlight of this place. Adorned with interesting flora and fauna, the biosphere reserve has been the greatest highlight among the travelers. Andean Condors, Chilean Flamingos, Pumas and Guanacos (camels) are some of the commonly found animals here.
Manu National Park (Peru)
Spread over an area of 15,328 sq km this Manu National Park is the largest national park in Peru. The park has also been recognized as UNESCO world heritage site. The prominent biosphere reserve in Peru is habitat of some of the most popular animal species that include jaguar, pumas and nine-banded armadillo.The park is home to no less than 14 species of monkeys. Presence of more than 1,000 bird species makes it a birdwatchers paradise.
Tayrona Natural National Park (Colombia)
With a stunning setting along the silver sandy Caribbean beaches, Tayrona Natural National Park spread over an area of 37,066 acres is further adorned with coral reefs, marine grasses, beaches and rocky areas. The beaches here offer excellent opportunity for snorkeling, scuba diving and swimming.
Sajama National Park (Bolivia)
Sajama National Park came into existence in 1939. Situated in the Oruro part of Boliviaand the park is a travelers paradise as it is replete with vast stretches of greenery, deserts, hot springs the national park is a travelers’ paradise.
Iguazú National Park (Brazil-Argentina)
No trip to South American National parks is said to be complete unless you visit Iguazú National Park spread across Argentina and Brazil.Spread over a landmass of around 167,000 acres the park looks beautiful with more than 250 waterfalls and several species of plants and animals. Every year thousands of travelers fly to Iguazú international airport to explore this place with immaculate natural beauty.
Canaima National Park (Venezuela)
Canaima National Park in Venezuela has also made it to the list of Venezuelan UNESCO World Heritage sites. The park holds the glory of housing one of the prominent waterfalls in the world.The park boasts of a delicate ecosystem and visitors would spot some of the rare animal and plant species here. More than 300 endemic species of plants can be spotted here.