{"id":80050,"date":"2024-11-12T12:00:00","date_gmt":"2024-11-12T12:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.wanderlustmagazine.com\/?p=80050"},"modified":"2024-11-12T15:02:18","modified_gmt":"2024-11-12T15:02:18","slug":"south-america-alternative-national-parks","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.wanderlustmagazine.com\/inspiration\/south-america-alternative-national-parks\/","title":{"rendered":"10 beautiful national parks in South America  you may not have heard of"},"content":{"rendered":"<div class=\"wak-acf-block wak-acf-block-sidebar-content\" data-ad=\"first\"><div id=\"wak-acf-block-288617\" class=\"wak-acf-block wak-content-layout-default wak-acf-block-advert wak-ad-first\" data-placement-id=\"63374\" data-advert-visible=\"1\">\n    <style type=\"text\/css\">.wak-acf-block.wak-acf-block-advert .wak-advert-container{display:flex;justify-content:center;width:100%}<\/style>\n    <div class=\"wak-advert-container\">\n        \n            <div id=\"div-gpt-ad-63374\">\n                <script>\n                    googletag.cmd.push(() => { \n                        googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-63374'); \n                    });\n                <\/script>\n            <\/div>\n                <\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><div id=\"wak-acf-block-501331\" class=\"wak-acf-block wak-acf-block-article-image wak-content-layout-default\">\r\n        <style type=\"text\/css\">.wak-acf-block.wak-acf-block-article-image{flex-wrap:wrap;justify-content:center}.wak-acf-block.wak-acf-block-article-image .wak-title{text-align:left;width:100%}.wak-acf-block.wak-acf-block-article-image .wak-title+picture{margin-top:40px}.wak-acf-block.wak-acf-block-article-image .wak-caption{color:gray;margin-top:8px;text-align:right;width:100%}.wak-acf-block.wak-acf-block-article-image+.wak-acf-block-article-image,.wak-acf-block.wak-acf-block-article-image+.wak-acf-block-copy-content,.wak-acf-block.wak-acf-block-article-image+.wak-acf-block-image-carousel{margin-top:80px}<\/style>        \r\n        <h3 class=\"wak-title wak-h3\">1. Iber\u00e1 National Park, Argentina<\/h3>\r\n                    \n<picture>\n    <source media=\"(max-width:575px)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.wanderlustmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/shutterstock_1430418338-350x250.jpg, https:\/\/www.wanderlustmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/shutterstock_1430418338-700x470.jpg 2x\">\n    <source media=\"(max-width:991px)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.wanderlustmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/shutterstock_1430418338-1280x693.jpg, https:\/\/www.wanderlustmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/shutterstock_1430418338-2560x1386.jpg 2x\">\n    <source media=\"(min-width:992px)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.wanderlustmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/shutterstock_1430418338-1280x693.jpg, https:\/\/www.wanderlustmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/shutterstock_1430418338-2560x1386.jpg 2x\">\n    <img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.wanderlustmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/shutterstock_1430418338-350x250.jpg\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.wanderlustmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/shutterstock_1430418338-350x250.jpg, https:\/\/www.wanderlustmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/shutterstock_1430418338-700x470.jpg 2x\" class=\"attachment-80051\" alt=\"\" width=\"350\" height=\"250\"><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture>   \r\n        \r\n        <span class=\"wak-caption wak-image-caption-text\">Capybaras in Iber\u00e1 National Park (Shutterstock)<\/span>    <\/div>\r\n\n\n<div id=\"wak-acf-block-421176\" class=\"wak-acf-block wak-acf-block-copy-content wak-content-layout-default\">\r\n    <style type=\"text\/css\">.wak-acf-block.wak-acf-block-copy-content{align-items:center;flex-direction:column}.wak-acf-block.wak-acf-block-copy-content .wak-copy{max-width:840px;width:100%}.wak-acf-block.wak-acf-block-copy-content .wak-copy 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p+h2,.wak-acf-block.wak-acf-block-copy-content .wak-copy p+h3,.wak-acf-block.wak-acf-block-copy-content .wak-copy p+h4,.wak-acf-block.wak-acf-block-copy-content .wak-copy p+h5,.wak-acf-block.wak-acf-block-copy-content .wak-copy p+h6,.wak-acf-block.wak-acf-block-copy-content .wak-copy ul+h1,.wak-acf-block.wak-acf-block-copy-content .wak-copy ul+h2,.wak-acf-block.wak-acf-block-copy-content .wak-copy ul+h3,.wak-acf-block.wak-acf-block-copy-content .wak-copy ul+h4,.wak-acf-block.wak-acf-block-copy-content .wak-copy ul+h5,.wak-acf-block.wak-acf-block-copy-content .wak-copy ul+h6{margin-top:40px}.wak-acf-block.wak-acf-block-copy-content .wak-copy h4,.wak-acf-block.wak-acf-block-copy-content .wak-copy h6{line-height:normal}.wak-acf-block.wak-acf-block-copy-content .wak-copy,.wak-acf-block.wak-acf-block-copy-content .wak-copy dd,.wak-acf-block.wak-acf-block-copy-content .wak-copy dt,.wak-acf-block.wak-acf-block-copy-content .wak-copy li,.wak-acf-block.wak-acf-block-copy-content .wak-copy ol,.wak-acf-block.wak-acf-block-copy-content .wak-copy p,.wak-acf-block.wak-acf-block-copy-content .wak-copy span,.wak-acf-block.wak-acf-block-copy-content .wak-copy ul{font-size:1.125rem;line-height:2.125rem}.wak-acf-block.wak-acf-block-copy-content .wak-copy a{font-size:1.125rem!important;line-height:2.125rem!important}.wak-acf-block.wak-acf-block-copy-content .wak-copy h1,.wak-acf-block.wak-acf-block-copy-content .wak-copy h2,.wak-acf-block.wak-acf-block-copy-content .wak-copy h3,.wak-acf-block.wak-acf-block-copy-content .wak-copy h4,.wak-acf-block.wak-acf-block-copy-content .wak-copy h5,.wak-acf-block.wak-acf-block-copy-content .wak-copy h6{margin:0;padding:0;word-break:break-word}.wak-acf-block.wak-acf-block-copy-content .wak-copy h1{font-family:Noe Display;font-size:3.75rem;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:normal;line-height:4.0625rem}.wak-acf-block.wak-acf-block-copy-content .wak-copy h2{font-family:Noe Display;font-size:3rem;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:normal;line-height:3.25rem}.wak-acf-block.wak-acf-block-copy-content .wak-copy h3{font-family:Noe Display;font-size:2.25rem;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:normal;line-height:2.5rem}.wak-acf-block.wak-acf-block-copy-content .wak-copy h4{font-family:Noe Display;font-size:1.75rem;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:normal;line-height:2.0625rem}.wak-acf-block.wak-acf-block-copy-content .wak-copy h5{font-family:Noe Display;font-size:1.25rem;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:normal;line-height:1.5625rem}.wak-acf-block.wak-acf-block-copy-content .wak-copy h6{font-family:Jost;font-size:.75rem;font-weight:500;letter-spacing:.08313rem;line-height:.875rem}.wak-acf-block.wak-acf-block-copy-content+.wak-acf-block-article-image,.wak-acf-block.wak-acf-block-copy-content+.wak-acf-block-copy-content,.wak-acf-block.wak-acf-block-copy-content+.wak-acf-block-image-carousel{margin-top:80px}<\/style>    <div class=\"wak-copy wak-body-standard-text\"><p>Capybara, marsh deer and caiman are among the varied wildlife living in the wetland-dominated habitat of Iber\u00e1 National Park. Situated in the far north of Argentina, the 13,000-sq-km landscape is the second largest wetland in the world, covered by lagoons, grasslands and subtropical forests, and attracting 360 species of migratory birds between September and March, including kingfishers, owls and egrets. Iber\u00e1 is an environment success story, with recent rewilding efforts transforming it into the thriving ecosystem it is today. An example of this includes the reintroduction of the jaguar, now reportedly making a strong comeback. Visitors today can take part in horseriding, kayaking and hiking activities and experience close encounters.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Read next:<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.wanderlustmagazine.com\/inspiration\/weird-and-wonderful-wildlife\/\">22 of the world\u2019s weirdest animals<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\r\n\n\n    <div id=\"wak-acf-block-299829\" class=\"wak-acf-block wak-acf-block-article-image wak-content-layout-default\">\r\n                \r\n        <h3 class=\"wak-title wak-h3\">2. Santa Marta National Natural Park, Colombia<\/h3>\r\n                    \n<picture>\n    <source media=\"(max-width:575px)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.wanderlustmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/shutterstock_2419843361-350x250.jpg, https:\/\/www.wanderlustmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/shutterstock_2419843361-700x470.jpg 2x\">\n    <source media=\"(max-width:991px)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.wanderlustmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/shutterstock_2419843361-1280x693.jpg, https:\/\/www.wanderlustmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/shutterstock_2419843361-2560x1386.jpg 2x\">\n    <source media=\"(min-width:992px)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.wanderlustmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/shutterstock_2419843361-1280x693.jpg, https:\/\/www.wanderlustmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/shutterstock_2419843361-2560x1386.jpg 2x\">\n    <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.wanderlustmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/shutterstock_2419843361-350x250.jpg\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.wanderlustmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/shutterstock_2419843361-350x250.jpg, https:\/\/www.wanderlustmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/shutterstock_2419843361-700x470.jpg 2x\" class=\"attachment-80052\" alt=\"\" width=\"350\" height=\"250\"><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture>   \r\n        \r\n        <span class=\"wak-caption wak-image-caption-text\">Ciudad Perdida is often thought to be a mini Machu Picchu (Shutterstock)<\/span>    <\/div>\r\n\n\n<div id=\"wak-acf-block-464386\" class=\"wak-acf-block wak-acf-block-copy-content wak-content-layout-default\">\r\n        <div class=\"wak-copy wak-body-standard-text\"><p>Situated on Colombia\u2019s northern Caribbean coast, Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta National Natural Park is home to the highest coastal mountain range in the world, with Mount Col\u00f3n peaking at an enormous 5,775 metres. The park has important cultural roots, known for being the birthplace of the Indigenous civilisation of Tayrona: approximately 70,000 descendants still live here and belong to the Kogui, Arhuaco, Kankuamo, and Wiwa communities. Within the protected area is Ciudad Perdida (known as the Lost City), an important heritage site that is often compared to Peru\u2019s <a href=\"https:\/\/www.wanderlustmagazine.com\/inspiration\/peru-archaeological-sites\/\">Machu Picchu<\/a> \u2013 just without the crowds. Taking a tour is highly advised to gain a richer understanding of its sacred and sensitive history.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\r\n\n\n    <div class=\"wak-acf-block wak-acf-block-sidebar-content\" data-ad=\"in_content_1\"><div id=\"wak-acf-block-967948\" class=\"wak-acf-block wak-content-layout-default wak-acf-block-advert wak-ad-in_content_1\" data-placement-id=\"63376\" data-advert-visible=\"1\">\n    \n    <div class=\"wak-advert-container\">\n        \n            <div id=\"div-gpt-ad-63376\">\n                <script>\n                    googletag.cmd.push(() => { \n                        googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-63376'); \n                    });\n                <\/script>\n            <\/div>\n                <\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><div id=\"wak-acf-block-412942\" class=\"wak-acf-block wak-acf-block-article-image wak-content-layout-default\">\r\n                \r\n        <h3 class=\"wak-title wak-h3\">3. Patagonia National Park, Chile<\/h3>\r\n                    \n<picture>\n    <source media=\"(max-width:575px)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.wanderlustmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/shutterstock_2498419941-350x250.jpg, https:\/\/www.wanderlustmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/shutterstock_2498419941-700x470.jpg 2x\">\n    <source media=\"(max-width:991px)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.wanderlustmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/shutterstock_2498419941-1280x693.jpg, https:\/\/www.wanderlustmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/shutterstock_2498419941-2400x1386.jpg 2x\">\n    <source media=\"(min-width:992px)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.wanderlustmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/shutterstock_2498419941-1280x693.jpg, https:\/\/www.wanderlustmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/shutterstock_2498419941-2400x1386.jpg 2x\">\n    <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.wanderlustmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/shutterstock_2498419941-350x250.jpg\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.wanderlustmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/shutterstock_2498419941-350x250.jpg, https:\/\/www.wanderlustmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/shutterstock_2498419941-700x470.jpg 2x\" class=\"attachment-80053\" alt=\"\" width=\"350\" height=\"250\"><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture>   \r\n        \r\n        <span class=\"wak-caption wak-image-caption-text\">Chacabuco Valley within Patagonia National Park (Shutterstock)<\/span>    <\/div>\r\n\n\n<div id=\"wak-acf-block-371503\" class=\"wak-acf-block wak-acf-block-copy-content wak-content-layout-default\">\r\n        <div class=\"wak-copy wak-body-standard-text\"><p>Those eager to spot pumas in the wild might think popular <a href=\"https:\/\/www.wanderlustmagazine.com\/inspiration\/tips-for-visiting-torres-del-paine-national-park\/\">Torres del Paine<\/a> can be the only place to go, but this national park in Chile\u2019s Ays\u00e9n region is the alternative you\u2019ve been waiting for. Witness an old estancia return to its former glory as rewilding efforts continue to take place across Patagonia National Park. Fences were torn down and livestock sold in order to restore the natural grasslands and forests of this 174,500 sq km area. Today, more than 100 bird species can be spotted, along with guanacos, huemul deer and yes, South America\u2019s legendary big cat, the puma.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Read next:<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.wanderlustmagazine.com\/inspiration\/patagonia-park-return-of-the-wild\/\">Puma spotting in Patagonia Park<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\r\n\n\n    <div id=\"wak-acf-block-382875\" class=\"wak-acf-block wak-acf-block-article-image wak-content-layout-default\">\r\n                \r\n        <h3 class=\"wak-title wak-h3\">4. Chicamocha National Park, Colombia<\/h3>\r\n                    \n<picture>\n    <source media=\"(max-width:575px)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.wanderlustmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/shutterstock_513538876-350x250.jpg, https:\/\/www.wanderlustmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/shutterstock_513538876-700x470.jpg 2x\">\n    <source media=\"(max-width:991px)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.wanderlustmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/shutterstock_513538876-1280x693.jpg, https:\/\/www.wanderlustmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/shutterstock_513538876-2500x1386.jpg 2x\">\n    <source media=\"(min-width:992px)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.wanderlustmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/shutterstock_513538876-1280x693.jpg, https:\/\/www.wanderlustmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/shutterstock_513538876-2500x1386.jpg 2x\">\n    <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.wanderlustmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/shutterstock_513538876-350x250.jpg\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.wanderlustmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/shutterstock_513538876-350x250.jpg, https:\/\/www.wanderlustmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/shutterstock_513538876-700x470.jpg 2x\" class=\"attachment-80054\" alt=\"\" width=\"350\" height=\"250\"><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture>   \r\n        \r\n        <span class=\"wak-caption wak-image-caption-text\">Chicamocha Canyon (Shutterstock)<\/span>    <\/div>\r\n\n\n<div id=\"wak-acf-block-977700\" class=\"wak-acf-block wak-acf-block-copy-content wak-content-layout-default\">\r\n        <div class=\"wak-copy wak-body-standard-text\"><p>Home to one of the world\u2019s largest canyons, Chicamocha National Park, in Santander delivers when it comes to natural wonders. Formed over 40 million years, Chicamocha Canyon stretches up to 227 km in length and up to 2,000 metres in depth. A few thrilling ways for visitors to explore the park is by riding a cable car, paragliding or ziplining, however you can also take in the high views by staying firmly on the ground. Jump aboard a colourful <em>chiva <\/em>next to the Monument to Santandereanidad, and you\u2019ll be transported in traditional Colombian fashion to experience some of the best 360-degree canyon views.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\r\n\n\n    <div class=\"wak-acf-block wak-acf-block-sidebar-content\" data-ad=\"in_content_2\"><div id=\"wak-acf-block-297001\" class=\"wak-acf-block wak-content-layout-default wak-acf-block-advert wak-ad-in_content_2\" data-placement-id=\"63377\" data-advert-visible=\"1\">\n    \n    <div class=\"wak-advert-container\">\n        \n            <div id=\"div-gpt-ad-63377\">\n                <script>\n                    googletag.cmd.push(() => { \n                        googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-63377'); \n                    });\n                <\/script>\n            <\/div>\n                <\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><div id=\"wak-acf-block-882812\" class=\"wak-acf-block wak-acf-block-article-image wak-content-layout-default\">\r\n                \r\n        <h3 class=\"wak-title wak-h3\">5. Chapada Diamantina National Park, Brazil<\/h3>\r\n                    \n<picture>\n    <source media=\"(max-width:575px)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.wanderlustmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/shutterstock_1450907705-350x250.jpg, https:\/\/www.wanderlustmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/shutterstock_1450907705-700x470.jpg 2x\">\n    <source media=\"(max-width:991px)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.wanderlustmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/shutterstock_1450907705-1280x693.jpg, https:\/\/www.wanderlustmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/shutterstock_1450907705-2560x1386.jpg 2x\">\n    <source media=\"(min-width:992px)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.wanderlustmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/shutterstock_1450907705-1280x693.jpg, https:\/\/www.wanderlustmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/shutterstock_1450907705-2560x1386.jpg 2x\">\n    <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.wanderlustmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/shutterstock_1450907705-350x250.jpg\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.wanderlustmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/shutterstock_1450907705-350x250.jpg, https:\/\/www.wanderlustmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/shutterstock_1450907705-700x470.jpg 2x\" class=\"attachment-80055\" alt=\"\" width=\"350\" height=\"250\"><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture>   \r\n        \r\n        <span class=\"wak-caption wak-image-caption-text\">View from the top of Morro do Pai Inacio in Chapada Diamantina National Park (Shutterstock)<\/span>    <\/div>\r\n\n\n<div id=\"wak-acf-block-912995\" class=\"wak-acf-block wak-acf-block-copy-content wak-content-layout-default\">\r\n        <div class=\"wak-copy wak-body-standard-text\"><p>As the fifth largest country in the world, Brazil is unsurprisingly home to <em>big<\/em> national parks. At 38,000 sq km, Chapada Diamantina National Park in central Bahia is larger than the size of Belgium! Once a large diamond-producing region (hence the name), mining activities were stopped in Chapada Diamantina following its national park designation in 1985. The vast landscape is predominately made up of <i data-olk-copy-source=\"MessageBody\">tepuis <\/i>(flat-topped mountains) and enormous valleys blanketed by forests. Venture into the mountains and you\u2019ll find secret natural wonders, such as the 340-metre high Fuma\u00e7a Falls, the second highest waterfall in Brazil, and the enchanting Po\u00e7o Encantado cave. Unsurprisingly, this national park is one of the best places for hiking in Brazil, with choices varying from one-day walks to multi-day treks.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\r\n\n\n    <div id=\"wak-acf-block-339600\" class=\"wak-acf-block wak-acf-block-article-image wak-content-layout-default\">\r\n                \r\n        <h3 class=\"wak-title wak-h3\">6. Nahuel Huapi National Park, Argentina <\/h3>\r\n                    \n<picture>\n    <source media=\"(max-width:575px)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.wanderlustmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/shutterstock_599709101-350x250.jpg, https:\/\/www.wanderlustmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/shutterstock_599709101-700x470.jpg 2x\">\n    <source media=\"(max-width:991px)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.wanderlustmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/shutterstock_599709101-1280x693.jpg, https:\/\/www.wanderlustmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/shutterstock_599709101-2560x1386.jpg 2x\">\n    <source media=\"(min-width:992px)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.wanderlustmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/shutterstock_599709101-1280x693.jpg, https:\/\/www.wanderlustmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/shutterstock_599709101-2560x1386.jpg 2x\">\n    <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.wanderlustmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/shutterstock_599709101-350x250.jpg\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.wanderlustmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/shutterstock_599709101-350x250.jpg, https:\/\/www.wanderlustmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/shutterstock_599709101-700x470.jpg 2x\" class=\"attachment-80056\" alt=\"\" width=\"350\" height=\"250\"><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture>   \r\n        \r\n        <span class=\"wak-caption wak-image-caption-text\">Nahuel Huapi National Park (Shutterstock)<\/span>    <\/div>\r\n\n\n<div id=\"wak-acf-block-930535\" class=\"wak-acf-block wak-acf-block-copy-content wak-content-layout-default\">\r\n        <div class=\"wak-copy wak-body-standard-text\"><p>This 90-year old national park is the oldest in Argentina, yet too often overlooked by international travellers who skip it for Southern Patagonia\u2019s popular parks. Located near Bariloche in Argentina\u2019s Lake District area and teetering on the border with Chile, water is the predominant theme. Lago Nahuel Huapi is 100km-long lake with fingers that bleed into the surrounding peaks, with waterfalls and river rapids also vying for your attention. Take to the glassy waters by canoe or kayak, then venture up into the surrounding spruce-blanketed mountains on foot or two-wheels to enjoy the park\u2019s landscape from above.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Read next:<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.wanderlustmagazine.com\/inspiration\/alternative-usa-national-parks\/\">USA national parks you probably haven\u2019t heard of<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\r\n\n\n    <div class=\"wak-acf-block wak-acf-block-sidebar-content\" data-ad=\"in_content_3\"><div id=\"wak-acf-block-561612\" class=\"wak-acf-block wak-content-layout-default wak-acf-block-advert wak-ad-in_content_3\" data-placement-id=\"63378\" data-advert-visible=\"1\">\n    \n    <div class=\"wak-advert-container\">\n        \n            <div id=\"div-gpt-ad-63378\">\n                <script>\n                    googletag.cmd.push(() => { \n                        googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-63378'); \n                    });\n                <\/script>\n            <\/div>\n                <\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><div id=\"wak-acf-block-335371\" class=\"wak-acf-block wak-acf-block-article-image wak-content-layout-default\">\r\n                \r\n        <h3 class=\"wak-title wak-h3\">7. Yasun\u00ed National Park, Ecuador<\/h3>\r\n                    \n<picture>\n    <source media=\"(max-width:575px)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.wanderlustmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/shutterstock_1121107367-350x250.jpg, https:\/\/www.wanderlustmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/shutterstock_1121107367-700x470.jpg 2x\">\n    <source media=\"(max-width:991px)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.wanderlustmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/shutterstock_1121107367-1280x693.jpg, https:\/\/www.wanderlustmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/shutterstock_1121107367-2560x1386.jpg 2x\">\n    <source media=\"(min-width:992px)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.wanderlustmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/shutterstock_1121107367-1280x693.jpg, https:\/\/www.wanderlustmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/shutterstock_1121107367-2560x1386.jpg 2x\">\n    <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.wanderlustmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/shutterstock_1121107367-350x250.jpg\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.wanderlustmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/shutterstock_1121107367-350x250.jpg, https:\/\/www.wanderlustmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/shutterstock_1121107367-700x470.jpg 2x\" class=\"attachment-80057\" alt=\"\" width=\"350\" height=\"250\"><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture>   \r\n        \r\n            <\/div>\r\n\n\n<div id=\"wak-acf-block-921857\" class=\"wak-acf-block wak-acf-block-copy-content wak-content-layout-default\">\r\n        <div class=\"wak-copy wak-body-standard-text\"><p>As mainland Ecuador\u2019s largest protected area, Yasuni National Park delivers when it comes to biodiversity. Wildlife found within the 10,000 sq km park includes jaguars, anacondas and harpy eagles, alongside much cuter animals, including the world\u2019s smallest primate, the pocket monkey. Human culture is also protected here, with the Waorani\u00a0and Kichwa Indigenous communities occupying part of Yasun\u00ed\u2019s land. Of course, the best and safest way to experience this wild Amazon ecosystem is on a guided tour, usually involving kayaking on lagoons, interacting with the Indigenous communities and staying in an eco-lodge.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\r\n\n\n    <div id=\"wak-acf-block-556544\" class=\"wak-acf-block wak-acf-block-article-image wak-content-layout-default\">\r\n                \r\n        <h3 class=\"wak-title wak-h3\">8. Tijuca National Park, Brazil<\/h3>\r\n                    \n<picture>\n    <source media=\"(max-width:575px)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.wanderlustmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/shutterstock_417094165-350x250.jpg, https:\/\/www.wanderlustmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/shutterstock_417094165-700x470.jpg 2x\">\n    <source media=\"(max-width:991px)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.wanderlustmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/shutterstock_417094165-1280x693.jpg, https:\/\/www.wanderlustmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/shutterstock_417094165-2500x1386.jpg 2x\">\n    <source media=\"(min-width:992px)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.wanderlustmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/shutterstock_417094165-1280x693.jpg, https:\/\/www.wanderlustmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/shutterstock_417094165-2500x1386.jpg 2x\">\n    <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.wanderlustmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/shutterstock_417094165-350x250.jpg\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.wanderlustmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/shutterstock_417094165-350x250.jpg, https:\/\/www.wanderlustmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/shutterstock_417094165-700x470.jpg 2x\" class=\"attachment-80058\" alt=\"\" width=\"350\" height=\"250\"><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture>   \r\n        \r\n        <span class=\"wak-caption wak-image-caption-text\">Hiking up Pico da Tijuca (Shutterstock)<\/span>    <\/div>\r\n\n\n<div id=\"wak-acf-block-640368\" class=\"wak-acf-block wak-acf-block-copy-content wak-content-layout-default\">\r\n        <div class=\"wak-copy wak-body-standard-text\"><p>Everyone knows Rio, but what they often don\u2019t know is just a stone\u2019s throw away from the Brazilian city is a piece of jungle paradise, also said to be the world\u2019s largest urban forest. Tijuca National Park is a 38-square-kilometre green area dotted with waterfalls, creeks and mountain peaks (the tallest being Pico da Tijuca) and is also the home to Brazil\u2019s most iconic landmark, Christ the Redeemer. There\u2019s plenty here to excite wildlife enthusiasts too: walk one of its many marked trails and you might bump into monkeys, iguanas and toucans.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\r\n\n\n    <div class=\"wak-acf-block wak-acf-block-sidebar-content\" data-ad=\"in_content_4\"><div id=\"wak-acf-block-257722\" class=\"wak-acf-block wak-content-layout-default wak-acf-block-advert wak-ad-in_content_4\" data-placement-id=\"63379\" data-advert-visible=\"1\">\n    \n    <div class=\"wak-advert-container\">\n        \n            <div id=\"div-gpt-ad-63379\">\n                <script>\n                    googletag.cmd.push(() => { \n                        googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-63379'); \n                    });\n                <\/script>\n            <\/div>\n                <\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><div id=\"wak-acf-block-280169\" class=\"wak-acf-block wak-acf-block-article-image wak-content-layout-default\">\r\n                \r\n        <h3 class=\"wak-title wak-h3\">9. Sajama National Park, Bolivia<\/h3>\r\n                    \n<picture>\n    <source media=\"(max-width:575px)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.wanderlustmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/shutterstock_2385332727-350x250.jpg, https:\/\/www.wanderlustmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/shutterstock_2385332727-700x470.jpg 2x\">\n    <source media=\"(max-width:991px)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.wanderlustmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/shutterstock_2385332727-1280x693.jpg, https:\/\/www.wanderlustmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/shutterstock_2385332727-2300x1386.jpg 2x\">\n    <source media=\"(min-width:992px)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.wanderlustmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/shutterstock_2385332727-1280x693.jpg, https:\/\/www.wanderlustmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/shutterstock_2385332727-2300x1386.jpg 2x\">\n    <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.wanderlustmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/shutterstock_2385332727-350x250.jpg\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.wanderlustmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/shutterstock_2385332727-350x250.jpg, https:\/\/www.wanderlustmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/shutterstock_2385332727-700x470.jpg 2x\" class=\"attachment-80059\" alt=\"\" width=\"350\" height=\"250\"><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture>   \r\n        \r\n        <span class=\"wak-caption wak-image-caption-text\">Sajama National Park in Bolivia (Shutterstock)<\/span>    <\/div>\r\n\n\n<div id=\"wak-acf-block-485129\" class=\"wak-acf-block wak-acf-block-copy-content wak-content-layout-default\">\r\n        <div class=\"wak-copy wak-body-standard-text\"><p>As travellers head for Bolivia\u2019s hot spots such as Salar di Uyuni and Lake Titicaca, they\u2019re missing out on experiencing its secret natural treasures that they can have all to themselves. The best example is Sajama National Park: sitting on the border with Chile, it\u2019s Bolivia\u2019s oldest national park. A couple of hours drive from La Paz, the altiplano park is home to high-altitude fauna, such as alpacas and flamingos, hot springs, and Bolivia\u2019s highest mountain, Nevada Sajama. It\u2019s cultural wonders \u2013 including ancient ruins, cave paintings and colonial architecture \u2013 has put it on UNESCO\u2019s tentative list to become a World Heritage Site. It also has a rich Indigenous heritage, with <span data-olk-copy-source=\"MessageBody\">Aymara communities living in the area for thousands of years, and still do today.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\r\n\n\n    <div id=\"wak-acf-block-133527\" class=\"wak-acf-block wak-acf-block-article-image wak-content-layout-default\">\r\n                \r\n        <h3 class=\"wak-title wak-h3\">10. Huascar\u00e1n National Park, Peru<\/h3>\r\n                    \n<picture>\n    <source media=\"(max-width:575px)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.wanderlustmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/shutterstock_2418196531-350x250.jpg, https:\/\/www.wanderlustmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/shutterstock_2418196531-700x470.jpg 2x\">\n    <source media=\"(max-width:991px)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.wanderlustmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/shutterstock_2418196531-1280x693.jpg, https:\/\/www.wanderlustmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/shutterstock_2418196531-2560x1386.jpg 2x\">\n    <source media=\"(min-width:992px)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.wanderlustmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/shutterstock_2418196531-1280x693.jpg, https:\/\/www.wanderlustmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/shutterstock_2418196531-2560x1386.jpg 2x\">\n    <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.wanderlustmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/shutterstock_2418196531-350x250.jpg\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.wanderlustmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/shutterstock_2418196531-350x250.jpg, https:\/\/www.wanderlustmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/shutterstock_2418196531-700x470.jpg 2x\" class=\"attachment-80060\" alt=\"\" width=\"350\" height=\"250\"><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture>   \r\n        \r\n        <span class=\"wak-caption wak-image-caption-text\">Huascar\u00e1n National Park (Shutterstock)<\/span>    <\/div>\r\n\n\n<div id=\"wak-acf-block-258724\" class=\"wak-acf-block wak-acf-block-copy-content wak-content-layout-default\">\r\n        <div class=\"wak-copy wak-body-standard-text\"><p>Located within the Cordillera Blanca, the world\u2019s highest tropical mountain range just north of central Peru, Huascar\u00e1n National Park has peaks that reach up more than 6,000 metres above sea level, with Mount Huascaran being the tallest at 6,768 metres. Sprinkled between these peaks are hundreds of dazzling turquoise pools, formed from the melting waters of approximately 600 glaciers. With several marked trails, it a hiking-lovers paradise, but the high altitude certainly adds to the challenge. Look out for the floral Queen of the Andes, locally named the <em>puya de Raimondi<\/em> as well as soaring Andean condors up above.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Read next:<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.wanderlustmagazine.com\/inspiration\/top-9-wildlife-in-peru\/\">Must-see wildlife in Peru<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\r\n<div class=\"wak-acf-block wak-acf-block-sidebar-content\" data-ad=\"last\"><div id=\"wak-acf-block-951174\" class=\"wak-acf-block wak-content-layout-default wak-acf-block-advert wak-ad-last\" data-placement-id=\"63380\" data-advert-visible=\"1\">\n    \n    <div class=\"wak-advert-container\">\n        \n            <div id=\"div-gpt-ad-63380\">\n                <script>\n                    googletag.cmd.push(() => { \n                        googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-63380'); \n                    });\n                <\/script>\n            <\/div>\n                <\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>South America is home to more than 300 national parks, yet so many fly under the radar. From vast wetlands that have undergone extensive rewilding projects, to coastal mountains with deep-rooted Indigenous heritage, we showcase some of our unsung favourites&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":29,"featured_media":80061,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_relevanssi_hide_post":"","_relevanssi_hide_content":"","_relevanssi_pin_for_all":"","_relevanssi_pin_keywords":"","_relevanssi_unpin_keywords":"","_relevanssi_related_keywords":"","_relevanssi_related_include_ids":"","_relevanssi_related_exclude_ids":"","_relevanssi_related_no_append":"","_relevanssi_related_not_related":"","_relevanssi_related_posts":"","_relevanssi_noindex_reason":"","inline_featured_image":false,"footnotes":""},"elementor-post":[],"inspiration":[18],"seo-content-tag":[55],"seo-continent":[73],"seo-country":[],"coauthors":[336],"class_list":["post-80050","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","inspiration-outdoors-walking","seo-content-tag-outdoors-walking","seo-continent-caribbean-central-south-america"],"acf":{"destination":"","header_video":"","header_image_caption":"","thumbnail_video":"","thumbnail_video_image":"","promoter_image":"","promoter_name":"","promoter_url":"","wak_author_name":""},"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v23.4 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>10 beautiful national parks in South America you may not have heard of - Wanderlust<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"South America is home to more than 300 national parks, yet so many fly under the radar. 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