Top 12 Water Landmarks – South America
1. Angel Falls
Soar with the breathtaking majesty of Angel Falls, the world’s highest waterfall, cascading from Venezuela’s mystical tabletop mountains.
Accessibility:
2/5. Reaching Angel Falls involves a flight to Canaima National Park followed by a river trip during the rainy season, making it less accessible compared to other destinations.
Cost:
4/5. The journey to Angel Falls, considering the flights, guides, and accommodation, can be quite expensive, although the costs within the area are somewhat lower.
Visitor Volume:
3/5. Due to its remote location, Angel Falls does not attract massive crowds, but it still draws a steady number of adventure seekers and nature enthusiasts.
Special:
Angel Falls is the world’s highest uninterrupted waterfall, standing at 979 meters (3,212 ft). Its majestic beauty in an isolated jungle setting is unparalleled.
2. Iguazu Falls
Experience the thundering waters of Iguazu Falls, one of the world’s largest and most spectacular waterfall systems, on the border of Argentina and Brazil.
Accessibility:
4/5. Bordering Argentina and Brazil, accessible from Puerto Iguazú (Argentina) and Foz do Iguaçu (Brazil). Nearest airports are Cataratas del Iguazú International Airport (Argentina) and Foz do Iguaçu International Airport (Brazil).
Cost:
3/5. Entrance fees required for the national parks on both sides of the falls.
Visitor Volume:
4/5. One of the most visited natural attractions in South America, with peaks during holiday seasons.
Special:
Among the world’s largest and most impressive waterfall systems, Iguazu Falls is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with over 270 individual waterfalls.
3. Marble Caves
Marvel at the Marble Caves, a natural wonder where millennia of waves have sculpted the marble into beautiful caves, arches, and columns.
Accessibility:
2/5. The Marble Caves (Cuevas de Mármol) are located on Lake General Carrera/Buenos Aires in Patagonia, straddling the border between Chile and Argentina. They are accessible only by boat. Tours typically depart from the Chilean town of Puerto Río Tranquilo.
Cost:
3/5. Visiting the Marble Caves involves a boat tour, with prices varying by tour operator. The remote location and the cost of getting to Puerto Río Tranquilo can add to the overall expense.
Visitor Volume:
3/5. While a popular attraction for those visiting Patagonia, the caves’ remote location and the need for a boat to access them help manage the flow of visitors, ensuring a relatively uncrowded experience.
Special:
Natural geological formations carved into the Patagonian Andes, the Marble Caves are a breathtaking spectacle. Their swirling blue patterns, reflected by the lake’s azure waters, create a mesmerizing effect, best viewed in the morning light.
4. Fernando de Noronha
Experience Fernando de Noronha, a UNESCO World Heritage site, an archipelago in Brazil renowned for its undeveloped beaches, landscapes, and rich marine life.
Accessibility:
2/5. This Brazilian archipelago is accessible by flights from Recife or Natal. Due to its status as a protected marine park and its sensitive ecosystem, the number of visitors is capped, and tourists must pay a preservation fee upon arrival.
Cost:
4/5. The combination of the preservation fee, limited and often upscale accommodation options, and the cost of flights and activities on the islands makes a visit to Fernando de Noronha relatively expensive.
Visitor Volume:
3/5. Visitor numbers are controlled to protect the environment, which helps prevent overcrowding. The islands remain a sought-after destination for eco-tourists and beach lovers.
Special:
Renowned for its pristine beaches, clear waters, and rich marine life, including sea turtles, rays, and dolphins. The archipelago offers exceptional snorkeling, diving, and sustainable tourism experiences.
5. Kaieteur Falls
Experience the majesty of Kaieteur Falls, one of the world’s most powerful waterfalls, located in the heart of Guyana’s rainforest.
Accessibility:
2/5. Kaieteur Falls, located in Guyana’s Potaro-Siparuni region, is one of the world’s most powerful waterfalls. Access is mainly through chartered flights from Georgetown to Kaieteur National Park, as overland travel is extremely difficult and not commonly used by tourists.
Cost:
4/5. The cost of visiting Kaieteur Falls is primarily from the chartered flights, which can be pricey. The trip often includes a guided tour of the falls and surrounding areas.
Visitor Volume:
2/5. Its remote location and the cost of access limit the number of visitors, making it a secluded and breathtaking experience for those who make the journey.
Special:
Among the highest and most powerful waterfalls in the world, Kaieteur Falls is a single drop of 226 meters (741 feet). It’s known for its magnificent rainforest setting and the unique wildlife, including the rare Guianan cock-of-the-rock bird.
6. Gocta Falls
Hike to Gocta Falls, one of the world’s tallest waterfalls, nestled in Peru’s cloud forest, known for its stunning vistas and rich biodiversity.
Accessibility:
2/5. Nestled in the Amazonas region of northern Peru, reaching Gocta Falls requires a hike through the cloud forest from the villages of Cocachimba or San Pablo. The trek can be challenging, with local guides strongly recommended for visitors.
Cost:
3/5. While the trail access might have a minor fee and hiring a guide is an additional cost, the remote location could necessitate further expenses for travel and accommodation in the region.
Visitor Volume:
3/5. Although Gocta Falls has grown in popularity, it remains less crowded than Peru’s most famous attractions, offering an intimate encounter with nature.
Special:
Among the world’s tallest waterfalls, Gocta Falls is a breathtaking natural wonder, plunging 771 meters. Its setting in the Peruvian cloud forest adds to the mystique, surrounded by rich biodiversity.
7. Quebrada Las Gachas
Take a dip in Quebrada Las Gachas, Colombia’s secret natural jacuzzis, where clear streams run over red rocks creating natural pools.
Accessibility:
2/5. Although not extremely far from larger cities like Bogotá or Bucaramanga, reaching Quebrada Las Gachas in Guadalupe, Santander, involves several hours of driving and potentially a hike, limiting its accessibility.
Cost:
3/5. The visit itself might be inexpensive, but traveling expenses, possible overnight stays nearby, and the use of a local guide can increase the overall costs, especially for those coming from farther away.
Visitor Volume:
2/5. Its relative obscurity and the effort required to reach the location mean it sees fewer visitors compared to more famous sites, offering a peaceful natural experience.
Special:
Often referred to as Colombia’s “red river” due to the reddish color of its rocks, Quebrada Las Gachas is notable for its series of natural jacuzzis formed in the riverbed, creating a unique and picturesque landscape.
8. Sandoval Lake
Discover Sandoval Lake, a pristine oxbow lake in the Peruvian Amazon, teeming with wildlife including macaws, otters, and caimans.
Accessibility:
2/5. Located within the Tambopata National Reserve in the Peruvian Amazon, near Puerto Maldonado, Sandoval Lake is accessible by a combination of riverboat and a short hike. The journey starts with a flight to Puerto Maldonado from Lima or Cusco, followed by organized tours to the lake.
Cost:
4/5. Visiting requires entry to the national reserve and typically involves staying at a nearby lodge, which can range from modest to luxurious. Tours often include transportation, lodging, and guided excursions.
Visitor Volume:
3/5. A popular destination for eco-tourists and bird watchers due to its rich biodiversity and serene beauty. Visitor numbers are managed through the lodge capacities and park regulations, ensuring a sustainable interaction with the ecosystem.
Special:
Known for its clear, calm waters and surrounding lush rainforest, Sandoval Lake offers opportunities to see a variety of wildlife, including giant river otters, caimans, macaws, and several monkey species.
9. Baños
Explore Baños, Ecuador’s adventure capital, known for its hot springs, waterfalls, and the gateway to the Amazon basin.
Accessibility:
4/5. Baños de Agua Santa, commonly referred to as Baños, is a town in central Ecuador known for its hot springs and adventure sports. It’s easily accessible by bus from Quito or Guayaquil. The town serves as a gateway to the Amazon basin and is close to the Tungurahua volcano.
Cost:
2/5. Baños offers a range of affordable accommodations and activities. Entrance fees to hot springs, rental costs for outdoor equipment, and prices for adventure activities like zip-lining or bungee jumping are generally low.
Visitor Volume:
4/5. Baños is a popular destination for both domestic and international tourists, attracting visitors with its natural beauty, thermal baths, and adventure opportunities. It can be particularly busy on weekends and holidays.
Special:
A haven for adventure seekers and those looking to relax in natural hot springs alike. Baños offers stunning waterfalls, including the famous Pailon del Diablo, hiking trails, and the chance to explore the rich biodiversity of the nearby cloud forests.
10. Laguna Colorada
Visit Laguna Colorada, a shallow salt lake in the southwest of the Altiplano of Bolivia, distinguished by its red color due to sediment and pigmentation of algae.
Accessibility:
2/5. Laguna Colorada is a shallow salt lake located within the Eduardo Avaroa Andean Fauna National Reserve in southwest Bolivia, near the border with Chile. Its remote location means access is typically via 4×4 vehicles on multi-day tours from Uyuni or San Pedro de Atacama in Chile.
Cost:
3/5. While the cost to visit is largely part of a broader tour package of the Uyuni Salt Flats and surrounding desert attractions, these tours can be relatively expensive due to the remote nature of the area and the inclusion of transport, guides, and accommodation.
Visitor Volume:
3/5. Despite its remote location, Laguna Colorada is a popular destination for those undertaking the Uyuni Salt Flats tours, known for its striking red waters and large flamingo populations.
Special:
The lake’s red coloration is due to algae and sediments, making it a unique natural phenomenon. It’s also a crucial breeding ground for three species of flamingos, adding to its ecological significance and visual appeal.
11. Huaraz
Venture to Huaraz, the heart of Peru’s Cordillera Blanca, offering some of the best trekking, climbing, and outdoor adventures in the Andes.
Accessibility:
4/5. Reachable by an 8-hour bus ride from Lima, Huaraz is a trekker’s gateway to Peru’s Cordillera Blanca.
Cost:
2/5. Affordable accommodations and dining, with varied prices for outdoor activities.
Visitor Volume:
4/5. Draws adventurers during the Andean summer, but it’s spacious enough for everyone.
Special:
The heart of Peru’s highest peaks, offering unparalleled Andean landscapes.
12. Quilotoa Lagoon
Marvel at the Quilotoa Lagoon, a breathtaking crater lake known for its vibrant turquoise water, located in the heart of Ecuador’s Andean mountains.
Accessibility:
2/5. Reached by a lengthy drive from Quito into the Ecuadorian Andes, the remote location adds to its mystique.
Cost:
2/5. Entrance is inexpensive, with costs mainly for transportation and local guides if chosen.
Visitor Volume:
3/5. A well-known destination within Ecuador but its remote nature keeps the crowds manageable.
Special:
A breathtaking volcanic crater lake, known for its vivid turquoise water. Hiking around or down to the lake offers stunning views of the Andean landscape.