Stunning South American Locations Every Nature Lover Has To Visit In 2018

If there is one thing South America has no shortage of, it’s bucket list worthy natural attractions. But with such a large area to explore, how do you decide where to go for the best wilderness experience in 2018? Thankfully, Culture Trip has traveled far and wide to bring you the answers.

Iguazu Falls, Brazil/Argentina

Scientists say large amounts of flowing water make us happy, supposedly due to the collision of water molecules creating negative ions in the air. And after just a few minutes basking in the glory of the epic Iguazu Falls, it’s normal to start feeling giddy as you soak up the raw energy of the most spectacular waterfall on earth.

The Salar de Uyuni, Bolivia

The South West Circuit, Bolivia

Just outside the Salar lies Bolivia’s other natural wonder, a strange and barren land full of surreal deserts, brightly colored lagoons and bubbling geysers among impossibly tall volcanoes.

Flamingoes in Laguna Colorada , Uyuni, Bolivia

Patagonia, Argentina/Chile

From Mt Fitz Roy to Torres del Paine and everything in between, the rugged wilderness of Patagonia is considered among the most pristine land on earth. Creaking glaciers, glimmering lagoons, and snowcapped peaks are all par for the course in this outdoor lover’s wonderland which is set to receive an additional one million acres of unspoiled parkland come 2018.

Perito Moreno Glacier, Argentina

And of all Patagonia’s grand glaciers, none are as awe-inspiring as the incredible Perito Moreno. Visitors can witness huge chunks of ice calve off the mighty structure from platforms below – or, better yet – trek over the surface on a thrilling icy escapade.

The Atacama Desert, Chile

The driest non-polar region on earth might not sound that inviting, yet these hauntingly beautiful lands have plenty to offer the intrepid traveler in the year to come. Expect to find isolated high altitude lakes and towering ice-capped volcanoes in a bizarre and unearthly section aptly named the Valley of the Moon.

Galapagos Islands, Ecuador

Nature lovers rejoice, for the Galapagos Islands host some of the most diverse wildlife on earth. As the inspiration behind Darwin’s theory of natural selection, it’s little wonder these far-flung islands have set the stage for so many captivating Nat Geo documentaries. Whether it be a luxury ocean cruise or budget independent travel, book ASAP to get the best Galapogas deal in 2018.

The Amazon Rainforest

Nowhere is as quintessentially South American as the great Amazon Rainforest. Covering an astonishing 5.5 million square kilometers and stretching over nine different countries, this mammoth eco-system is the largest and most bio-diverse in the world. But it’s being deforested at an alarming rate, so get in quick to appreciate such beauty while it still exists.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.