Top 6 UNESCO World Heritage Sites to Explore in South America

Around the world, areas with cultural and natural significance have been named UNESCO sites. The aim is to encourage regions to preserve and protect while promoting tourism as a sustainable alternative. Many travelers collect UNESCO sites as proud travel badges and are delighted to find numerous sites in South America. Here is a selection of the best UNESCO sites in South America:

1. Iguaçu National Park, Brazil

The Iguaçu Falls stretches over 2 miles across Brazil and into the Iguazú National Park in Argentina. This spectacular waterfall, one of the world’s oldest and largest, creates a cloud-like atmosphere from its 2,700m drop, where various species of animals and vibrant plant-life thrive.

Moreover, this location is ideal for bird enthusiasts who can spot over a hundred species, while nature lovers may also encounter howler monkeys, jaguars, giant anteaters, and diverse tropical flora.

2. Rapa Nui

Easter Island, known as Isla de Pascua or Rapa Nui, stands as one of the most captivating sacred sites globally. Famous for its enigmatic giant stone figures, the Moai, this Polynesian settlement’s ancient creations continue to elude researchers’ understanding, representing a profound link to the mysterious history of this isolated culture.

3. Port, Fortresses and Group of Monuments, Cartagena

Considered by many to be the most beautiful city in South America, Cartagena is located on Colombia’s Caribbean coast. This historic colonial city is safeguarded by an impressive fortress, showcasing one of the world’s best-preserved examples of colonial architecture. Famous for its notable civil and military architecture from Spanish colonial times, the fortress defended the city against numerous assaults, leading to its nickname, La Heroica.

4. Galapagos Islands

The Galapagos Islands consist of 19 islands and is recognized for its unique animal inhabitants, which inspired Charles Darwin’s theory of evolution by natural selection. Moreover, the islands represent perhaps the last unspoiled places on Earth, as humans respect nature’s boundaries, allowing diverse creatures to thrive without fear. Walking amongst this wildlife creates an unforgettable experience.

5. Machu Picchu

Hidden within the lush Peruvian mountains, Machu Picchu is an iconic Incan kingdom that remained a mystery for centuries and is now recognized as South America’s most renowned archaeological site. Travelers can opt for a comfortable train ride to enjoy the scenery or trek the original Inca Trail, reveling in the breathtaking ruins that adorn the terraces and the overwhelming sense of wonder left by ancient societies.

6. Ischigualasto / Talampaya Natural Parks, Argentina

Ischigualasto and Talampaya Natural Parks, two adjoining parks within the same geological formation, house some of the world’s oldest dinosaur remains. Situated in Argentina’s central desert region, these parks allure visitors with scenic hikes through six remarkable geological formations shaped by millions of years of wind and water erosion. Additionally, paleontology enthusiasts marvel at the land from the Triassic period that showcases fossils of plants and mammals from over 200 million years ago.