South America Ecotourism

South America ecotourism invites you to explore a continent of breathtaking biodiversity and unforgettable landscapes. From the lush Amazon Rainforest to the dramatic peaks of the Andes, South America is a paradise for nature lovers. In Chile, hike through pristine Patagonian wilderness. While Ecuador offers cloud forests, volcanic highlands, and the extraordinary Galápagos Islands. Whether you’re spotting rare wildlife or connecting with local communities, South America promises a rich and sustainable travel experience.

Eco Lodges and Eco Tours in South America

Which country do you want to go to?

South America Ecotourism and Sustainable tourism

What makes ecotourism in South America special? Very often eco-tourism is tied up with nature. When most people think of South America Ecotourism, the Galapagos and the Amazon rainforest come to mind. But South America is one of the most biodiverse continents in the world and the region offers a variety of sustainable travel options, from ecolodges in the Amazon to responsible wildlife safaris and indigenous community tourism.
*Biodiversity – rainforests, mountains, pampas, deserts, glaciers, and coral reefs.
*Indigenous culture – collaborating with local communities for sustainable tourism.
*Sustainable accommodation – Eco lodges, jungle huts, and sustainable hotels in nature reserves.
*Limited mass tourism – many pristine places with regulations to protect nature.

Landscape, flora and fauna in South America

Rainforests and Biodiversity (Amazon Rainforest)
• Unique ecosystem: the Amazon covers 40% of South America and produces 20% of the world’s oxygen.
• Animals: jaguars, pink river dolphins, sloths, anacondas, and 1,300 bird species.
• Flora: medicinal plants, rubber trees, and giant forest trees like the The Great Grandfather tree (or Gran Abuelo, which may be as old as 5,000 years old) in Chile.
Sustainable travel: choose South America eco lodges and guided jungle treks with indigenous guides.

Andes Mountains
• Unique ecosystem: high mountains with snow-capped peaks, active volcanoes and glaciers. Extends through 7 South American countries.
• Animals: Condors, vicuñas, pumas and spectacled bears.
• Flora: Polylepis trees (high mountain forests/tropical Andes), exotic orchids and quinoa fields.
Sustainable travel: treks to Machu Picchu (check out the Inca Trail, the Salkantay Trek and the Lares Trek) or Patagonia via eco-friendly routes and lodges.

Deserts and Drylands
• Unique ecosystem: Atacama (driest desert), Patagonian steppe and salt flats in Bolivia.
• Animals: Patagonian fox (also known as the S. American Gray Fox), guanacos and vicuñas (camelids), Andean condor, and more.
• Flora: cacti, succulents and salt-loving plants.
Sustainable travel: visit the Atacama with solar-powered eco lodges and book tours with local guides.

Coral Reefs and Tropical Beaches
• Unique ecosystem: mangroves, tropical islands and coral reefs along the coast of Brazil and Colombia.
• Animals: sea turtles, whales, piranhas, and exotic fish.
• Flora: mangrove forests and tropical palms.
Sustainable travel: choose eco-dive resorts and turtle sanctuaries.

Pampas and Savannah
• Unique ecosystem: vast grasslands where you can spot wildlife.
• Animals: Anteaters, capybaras, and jaguars, to list some.
• Flora: grasslands, acacias, and palm trees.
Sustainable travel: visit the Pantanal in Brazil, the largest wetlands in the world, with sustainable safaris.

South America Ecotourism – Which Country is Best for Ecotourism?

Here’s a look at the best ecotourism destinations by country and the best time to visit each country! Each one has unique sustainable travel experiences, but Ecuador and Chile score the highest on ecotourism!

South America Ecotourism | Chile

Patagonia, national parks and sustainable eco lodges.

Environmental conservation efforts are building momentum in Chile. The government is involved in conservation, as well as non-governmental organizations, grass roots community members, and other groups. Chile has wild rivers, as well as thousands of miles of Pacific coastline and desert ecosystems.

The government has put aside around twenty percent of this country’s area as protected. This includes Parks, Reserves, and Monuments. One of these parks is Torres del Paine National Park in the Patagonia region. Also, one of the national reserves is Los Flamencos National Reserve. Another area is Islotes de Puñihuil National Monument, which is home to two species of penguins found in Chile.

The World Wildlife fund has been working with indigenous peoples to form The Mapu Lahual Indigenous Parks. The Indigenous Park is run by the native people. Involving the community is a great way to preserve local areas. The WWF is working on forming a marine protected area as well in the Gulf of Corcovado.

Other international organizations, such as the Nature Conservancy are also working in Chile to help preserve, protect and work towards sustainability.

Highlights in Chile:
• Torres del Paine National Park – epic hikes in Patagonia.
• Atacama Desert – one of the driest deserts in the world, other than the polar deserts, it has surreal landscapes.
• Chiloé Islands – magical nature and cultural heritage.

Best time to travel:
• Patagonia: November – March (summer).
• Atacama: All year round (dry climate).

South America Ecotourism | Ecuador

Amazon, Andes, Galapagos (sustainable tourism and protected areas).

Ecuador consists of three distinct terrains that include the Andes Mountains, the Amazon rainforest and the Pacific coastline. The Galapagos Islands are probably the best-known area. Darwin was inspired to write his Origin of Species after travelling through the Islands.

At the Galapas Islands you can see animals like the Galapagos giant Tortoises, the marine iguana, Galapagos penguins and Blue Footed boobies that are only found on the Galapagos Islands.

The Andes Mountains are home to the Quichua people, who are descendants of the Inca people. The mountains are home to volcanoes, deep lakes, and waterfalls. There are numerous National Parks in this area.

The Amazon Basin is on the eastern edge of the Amazon rainforest and houses only about five percent of the population, mostly indigenous tribes. Eco-tourism is popular in this area and is isolated and needs preservation.

Hacienda Zuleta, one of our listings, is involved with the Andean Condor Huasi rehabilitation project.

Highlights:
• Galapagos Islands – unique animals such as the Galapagos giant tortoise.
• Cuyabeno Wildlife Reserve – Amazon region full of animals.
• Cotopaxi National Park – active volcanoes and highland pampas.
Best time to visit:
• Galapagos: December – May (warmer and clearer water).
• Amazon: July – November (dry).

South Africa Ecotourism | Travel Safety

As usual, when travelling, check places out for security reasons. A good resource for US citizens is The State Department’s website. They list Travel advisories: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/traveladvisories.html/