South America
Green Travel
Guide

South America: An Overview

Lush rainforests, snow-capped mountains and diverse cultures are the distinct features that make up South America. Occupying an area of more than 17 million square kilometres, it is a region with an abundance of destinations and experiences. We will feature some of them in this South America green travel guide. South America has 38 World Heritage Natural areas. They sprawl across 14 countries. Each has a unique culture and ecosystems and offers a wide range of opportunities for green travel.

From the world’s highest uninterrupted waterfall in Venezuela to the mighty Amazon rainforest, to the largest lake in South America in Peru, to the unique wildlife of the Galápagos, to the breathtaking beauty of Patagonia and the surreal landscapes of the Atacama Desert in Chile, South America is a stunning place where hidden jewels await. Keep reading this South America Green Travel Guide for inspiration on exploring this beautiful part of the world.

When to visit South America

South America is so vast and has such contrasting altitude that it’s quite difficult to pinpoint the best time to visit. For example, if you’re visiting around June or July, you will get dry, warm weather in the northern parts of South America, like Venezuela and Ecuador. In contrast, snow and ice will shut down most of southern Patagonia, including the Torres del Paine National Park.

The differences in altitude across the region also mean that you get balmy temperatures on the coast but snowy chill a few kilometres away. Usually, September-November offer a good balance in many places. Personally, I visited Patagonia during the first two weeks of November.

My friend who has lived in Chile since 2012 said it’s the best time to visit to avoid the rain and hordes of tourists typical of summer. However, it’s best to check specific locations, even within the same country. This will help you plan your trip in a way that better suits your needs.

What to expect when visiting South America

As mentioned, South America is made up of 14 countries. Each has its own unique experiences and offer a wide range of opportunities for green travel. As such, it would be difficult to include absolutely everything into this South America green travel guide. So, we’ve instead summarised some key points below.

✦ Argentina

Argentina seems to be the land of contrasts: snow-capped mountains in the Andes, a vast expanse of grasslands as far as the eyes can see in the Pampas and of course, the glacier kingdom of Patagonia in the south. From the tropical north to the cold south of Patagonia, Argentina has plenty to offer for green travellers. Some of my favourite places to visit haven been Iguazu Falls and the Perito Moreno Glacier in El Calafate.

✦ Bolivia

Bolivia hosts remote and largely untouched natural areas. The country has earned a reputation as one of the few places in the world where you can experience mother nature in all its glory. From pink river dolphins to remote indigenous communities, to the unique and dream-like landscape of the Salar de Uyuni, to numerous national parks, Bolivia is a must-visit destination.

✦ Brazil

Brazil is home to unparalleled natural treasures like the Amazon Rain Forest, the world’s largest wetlands, the Atlantic rain forests, the Caatinga desert, alpine areas with many endemic species and some beautiful beaches across the southern part of the nation. The country’s national parks, waterways and caves offer vast opportunities for ecotourism.

✦ Chile

✦ Colombia

Being the most bio-diverse country per square meter in the world, there is heaps to see and do in Colombia for the green traveller! From the dry forest to lowland rainforests and highland moors and glaciers, Colombia is the place to be amazed by the beauty of nature. The most common ecotourism activities include trekking, camping and hiking. And with 55 natural reserves, 23 of them which offer ecotourism in the park, you’ll be spoilt for choice!

✦ Ecuador

For such a small country, Ecuador sure packs a punch when it comes to nature and wildlife! The country harbours so many different ecosystems that allow a vast number of species to thrive here. With over 30 protected areas in Ecuador, 11 of which are national parks and 14 of which are national wildlife refuges and biological reserves, you can come face to face with nature. Not to mention the world-famous Galápagos Islands, which have become my favourite destination for ecotourism.

✦ Falkland Islands

The Falkland Islands are an archipelago in the South Atlantic Ocean off the coast of Argentina. The islands are rugged and wild, with long summer days and the opportunity to have close encounters with many of the different species that inhabit the islands. Over 200 bird species have been recorded in the archipelago, as well as a variety of marine wildlife, including elephant seals, sea lions and fur seals.

✦ French Guiana

With 90% of the country covered by primary tropical forest, ecotourism prevails in the country’s largely unspoiled wilderness. Some of the top-rated natural attractions in French Guiana include the Salvation Islands, Hattes Beach, Tresor Nature Reserve, Ilet la Mere and of course, some of the island’s pristine beaches.

✦ Guyana

Most of Guyana’s population is concentrated along the coast. This makes the country’s interior a vast and unique wilderness with untouched forests and gushing rivers. Because of the region’s seemingly impenetrable forest, the best means of transport to explore the country’s interior is through boats. You can stay in jungle lodges and traditional huts. Some of the best natural attractions to visit include Kaieteur Falls, Turtle Mountain and Kurupukari Falls and Atta Rainforest.

✦ Paraguay

A country boasting beautiful waterfalls, dreamy beaches and lush biodiversity. Paraguay is a great destination for the green traveller. Trekking, kayaking, canoeing and camping are some of the activities you can do while visiting. Some of the best natural attractions to visit in Paraguay include Iguazu Falls (they also border with Brazil and Argentina), the Chaco-Pantanal Reserve, the Cerro Cora National Park and the Mbaracayu Nature Preserve.

✦ Peru

Ah, Peru! A country filled with many natural wonders and delicious cuisine. Peru is home to 53 protected areas throughout the country. It’s no surprise that ecotourism has become an important industry in Peru. Some of the most popular national parks and reserves in Peru are the Manu National Park and Biosphere Reserve, the Huascaran National Park and the Tambopata National Reserve.

✦ Suriname

Suriname only has one World Heritage-listed site, the Central Suriname Nature Reserve. You’d think that only having one means there’s not a lot to explore but in fact, this reserve comprises 1.6 million hectares of primary tropical forest! Can you believe it? As a result, it has an enormous conservation value due to its pristine state. In fact, Suriname is rebranding itself as an ideal paradise for eco-conscious travellers. If you want to lose yourself in nature, then visit the Brownsberg nature reserve.

✦ Uruguay

A country full of forests and home to many incredible lagoons, beaches, forests and other natural areas. Popular spots for ecotourism in Paraguay include Rocha Lagoon and Castillos Lagoon. Other points of interest include Esteros de Farrapos National Park and Arequita National Park.

✦ Venezuela

Despite the civic unrest in Venezuela, the country is working to protect its environment. The private and public sector are coming together to promote ecotourism in the country. There are also 40 national parks that showcase the beauty of nature in Venezuela. They also offer activities from rafting, snorkelling, hiking and more.

10 green travel experiences in South America

For this South America green travel guide, I’ve included some tips on what I consider to be the best experiences for the sustainable traveller on a visit to South America.

1. Visit the stunning and World Heritage-listed Iguazu Falls. They can be accessed from Argentina, Brazil or Paraguay.

2. Go hiking in Amboro National Park in Santa Cruz, Bolivia. Make sure you support the local community-based ecotourism project that is run by the locals.

3. Chase waterfalls and lush jungle views in the Chapada Diamantina National Park in Brazil.

4. If you’re up for a challenge, complete the W or O Circuits while trekking in Torres del Paine, Chile.

5. Witness “the river of the Gods”, Caño Cristales in Colombia.

6. Go island hopping in the Galápagos, a territory of Ecuador. There are many activities to do but my favourite ones were scuba diving with hammerheads and sea lions.

7. Be amazed by the tallest single-drop waterfall in the world, Kaieteur Falls in Guyana.

8. Go wildlife watching in the Ballestas Islands of Peru.

9. See sea turtles nesting in the Galibi Nature Reserve of Suriname.

10. Go stargazing and learn about astronomy in the Atacama Desert of Chile.

South America green travel guide:
8 eco-friendly accommodation options

To finish this South America green travel guide, here are some options for eco-friendly accommodations. I haven’t stayed at the below accommodations but I consider them some of the most eco-friendly ones.

Of course, this list is by no means exhaustive! I’m sure there are other places that could be featured in this South America green travel guide. So, I invite you to do your own research to find a place that suits your needs.

✦ Chile

✦ Peru

✦ Ecuador

✦ Bolivia

✦ Guyana

✦ Colombia