7 Best Countries to Visit in South America for Nature Lovers

I’ll never forget the moment my lungs seemed to forget how to work.

There I was, 14,000 feet up in the Peruvian Andes, halfway through the Inca Trail. The scenery was mind-blowing. The altitude was, well, also mind-blowing—but in the “why-can’t-I-remember-my-name” kind of way.

Altitude sickness had hit me like a freight train.

My guide recognized the symptoms immediately—the headache, nausea, confusion—and sprang into action with oxygen and medication. Two hours later, I was stable enough to slowly descend to a safer elevation.

That emergency oxygen, the medication, the extra night’s accommodation, and the guide who stayed with me? All covered by my travel insurance. Total cost avoided: $870.

South America’s natural wonders will leave you speechless—sometimes literally, as I learned the hard way. After exploring this incredible continent through multiple trips (and yes, a few mishaps), I’ve put together this guide to share the absolute best spots for nature lovers—and how to stay safe while experiencing them.

💡 Tip: Always, always acclimatize before high-altitude treks. My stubborn “I’m-fit-enough” attitude earned me an oxygen mask. Don’t be like me.

1. Peru: Where Mountains Touch the Sky

Peru is Mother Nature showing off. From the misty heights of Machu Picchu to the mind-boggling biodiversity of the Amazon, it’s a playground for nature lovers.

Must-experience natural wonders:

• Machu Picchu and the Inca Trail – Yes, it’s touristy. Yes, it’s still absolutely worth it
• Colca Canyon – Watch giant condors soar through a canyon twice as deep as the Grand Canyon
• Amazon Rainforest (Puerto Maldonado) – More accessible than Brazil’s Amazon, with excellent riverside lodges

My experience: On day three of the Inca Trail, my hiking buddy started vomiting and couldn’t walk straight—classic altitude sickness. Our guide radioed for emergency help, and she was evacuated by a specialized team with oxygen. The bill? Over $3,000. Her insurance covered every penny.

Meanwhile, the guy in our group without insurance who twisted his ankle? He emptied his credit card paying for treatment and a last-minute flight change.

Natural hazards to watch for:

• Altitude sickness hits without warning (even super-fit people)
• Remote locations mean limited medical facilities
• Stomach bugs from unfamiliar bacteria (trust me on this one)

💡 Tip: When ordering tea at high altitudes in Peru, try coca tea. It’s legal there and helps your body adjust to the elevation. Just don’t bring any home—that would be very illegal!

2. Brazil: Where Everything Is Supersized

Brazil doesn’t do small. The Amazon? World’s largest rainforest. Pantanal? Largest tropical wetland. Iguazu Falls? Makes Niagara look like a leaky faucet.

Must-see natural spots:

• Amazon Rainforest (Manaus) – The lungs of our planet with mind-boggling biodiversity
• Pantanal Wetlands – Better than the Amazon for actually seeing wildlife (including jaguars!)
• Iguazu Falls – 275 individual waterfalls spanning nearly 2 miles

My experience: During a boat tour in the Pantanal, our engine died completely. As the sun started setting, we were stranded in prime jaguar territory. Our guide’s satellite phone (required equipment for legitimate operators) saved us from a rather interesting night. The replacement boat and compensation for our lost day were fully covered by my travel insurance.

The British couple without insurance? They had to pay out of pocket and spent the rest of their trip eating ramen to compensate.

Natural hazards to watch for:

• Intense heat and humidity that can cause dehydration fast
• Remote locations where help is hours (or days) away
• Insect-borne diseases like dengue fever

You can find appropriate coverage for Brazil’s unique challenges here.

💡 Tip: When packing for the Amazon, bring twice as many socks as you think you need. The humidity means nothing dries, and few things are more miserable than perpetually wet feet. Learn from my squelchy mistakes.

3. Ecuador: Small Country, Giant Experiences

Ecuador is like South America in concentrate—packing ridiculous diversity into a country the size of Colorado. Where else can you visit the Amazon, Andes mountains, and Galápagos Islands without changing hotels more than a few times?

Must-visit natural wonders:

• Galápagos Islands – Walk among creatures that have no fear of humans (those blue-footed boobies will steal your heart)
• Cotopaxi National Park – Home to one of the world’s highest active volcanoes
• Mindo Cloud Forest – A bird-watching paradise where hummingbirds buzz past your ears

My experience: During my Galápagos cruise, a surprise storm forced our captain to skip two planned island visits. The cruise company shrugged it off as “act of God” with no refund. My travel insurance’s trip interruption coverage reimbursed me $600 for the missed experiences.

The family who’d splurged on the trip without insurance? They just had to eat the cost and try to enjoy the onboard movies instead of seeing rare tortoises.

Natural hazards to consider:

• Volcanic activity (Ecuador has eight active volcanoes)
• Strong UV radiation at high altitudes (I got sunburned through my shirt)
• Motion sickness on Galápagos cruises (those waters can be rough)

💡 Tip: In the Galápagos, the animals have right of way. Always. That sea lion lounging across the only path? You’re waiting until he decides to move. I waited 45 minutes for a particularly lazy one, but the photos were worth it.

4. Patagonia (Argentina & Chile): The Edge of the World

Spanning both Argentina and Chile, Patagonia feels like Earth’s final frontier—a land of razor-sharp peaks, advancing glaciers, and winds that can knock you sideways.

Must-experience natural wonders:

• Torres del Paine National Park (Chile) – Those iconic granite towers aren’t Photoshopped—they really look like that
• Los Glaciares National Park (Argentina) – Watch and listen as massive chunks of Perito Moreno Glacier crash into the lake below
• Tierra del Fuego – The literal end of the world, with penguins and dramatic landscapes

My experience: During the W Trek in Torres del Paine, we got slammed by the famous Patagonian winds—gusts so powerful they knocked several hikers off their feet. My friend sprained her ankle badly when she fell. The guided evacuation to the nearest ranger station cost $1,800, completely covered by her insurance.

A solo hiker in our group had to empty his emergency fund for a similar injury. “I thought insurance was just for older people,” he told me while icing his knee. Lesson learned the expensive way.

Natural hazards to respect:

• Weather that changes from sunshine to snow in 30 minutes
• Isolation—you’re often days from proper medical care
• Terrain that can turn treacherous without warning

💡 Tip: In Patagonia, ignore the weather forecast. It’s wrong. Always pack for four seasons regardless of what your weather app says. The day I left my rain jacket behind was the day the “10% chance of precipitation” turned into Biblical flooding.

5. Colombia: From Coffee Farms to Caribbean Coasts

Colombia is like the friend who’s good at everything. Beaches? Stunning. Mountains? Epic. Rainforests? Lush. It’s unfair, really.

Must-visit natural wonders:

• Tayrona National Park – Jungle-covered mountains that plunge into Caribbean waters
• Cocora Valley – Surreal landscape with the world’s tallest palm trees
• Caño Cristales – “The River of Five Colors” that looks like a liquid rainbow during the right season

My experience: Hiking in Tayrona during what was supposed to be the “dry season,” we got caught in a sudden downpour that turned the trail into a mudslide. Two hikers in our group fell and needed medical attention. The evacuation and treatment cost about $700 per person—entirely covered by their insurance.

My own insurance came through when tropical fruit I’d eaten gave me food poisoning so bad I needed IV fluids. The clinic in Santa Marta charged $220, which my insurance reimbursed within a week.

Natural hazards to respect:

• Flash floods and mudslides during rainy season
• Remote locations with difficult access
• Stomach bugs from unfamiliar bacteria (see: my tragic fruit salad incident)

💡 Tip: Colombia’s tap water isn’t safe to drink in most places. I watched a tough guy in our group insist he had “an iron stomach” after brushing his teeth with tap water. He spent the next two days becoming very close friends with the bathroom. Don’t be Tough Guy.

6. Bolivia: High-Altitude Adventures

Bolivia sits higher than your friend at a Colorado dispensary. La Paz, the administrative capital, sits at a lung-busting 11,900+ feet. The landscapes are just as mind-altering as the elevation.

Must-experience natural wonders:

• Salar de Uyuni – The world’s largest salt flat that turns into a perfect mirror when wet
• Amazon Basin – Less visited than Brazil’s or Peru’s sections, meaning more authentic experiences
• Lake Titicaca – The world’s highest navigable lake with fascinating floating islands

My experience: My normally sensible travel buddy ignored the acclimatization advice and flew directly to La Paz from sea level. By dinner, she was hospitalized with severe altitude sickness. The oxygen, medication, and overnight stay cost $1,200, and we had to change our Uyuni tour dates at a cost of $350. Her insurance covered both expenses without question.

The young backpacker in the next hospital bed had no insurance and was calling her parents to wire money for treatment. Not how anyone wants to spend their vacation.

Natural hazards to respect:

• Extreme altitude effects (La Paz airport is at 13,300 feet!)
• Basic infrastructure and limited medical facilities
• Remote areas with difficult evacuation routes

💡 Tip: The altitude makes you drunk faster. Way faster. What would be two beers at sea level hits like four or five in La Paz. I learned this while accidentally wearing my dinner one night. Consider yourself warned.

7. Costa Rica: The Original Eco-Tourism Paradise

I’m cheating a bit here since Costa Rica is technically Central America, but its commitment to conservation (25% of the country is protected) and biodiversity makes it a must-include.

Must-experience natural wonders:

• Monteverde Cloud Forest – Walk through mist-shrouded forests on hanging bridges
• Arenal Volcano – An active volcano with surrounding hot springs and rainforest
• Manuel Antonio National Park – Sloths, monkeys, and gorgeous beaches all in one compact paradise

My experience: During a waterfall rappelling trip near Arenal, my harness had a minor malfunction (read: operator error because I wasn’t paying attention).

The immediate medical check cost $120, which the tour company covered. But when my back started hurting two days later, the specialist consultation and MRI ran $700—fully covered by my travel insurance.

The worst part? Missing prime sloth-spotting time during my recovery. No insurance covers a broken heart from missed sloth sightings.

Natural hazards to respect:

• Volcanic activity
• Strong ocean currents
• Adventure activity risks (turns out, I’m not as graceful as I thought)

💡 Tip: In Costa Rica, “pura vida” isn’t just a saying—it’s a lifestyle. When your guide says you’ll leave “around 9,” understand that might mean 9:45 or later. The laid-back attitude is part of the charm, even if it occasionally drives punctual travelers (like my watch-checking self) slightly mad.

When Nature Gets Too Real: My South American Mishap Museum

Through my adventures and those of my fellow travelers, I’ve witnessed South America’s beauty and danger firsthand:

The Amazon Incident

During my Amazon tour, a Dutch traveler stepped barefoot on a stingray in shallow water. His scream still haunts me.

The evacuation by boat and plane to Manaus cost over $4,000, with treatment adding another $1,700. His insurance handled everything while he focused on recovering.

The Mountain Misadventure

In Bolivia, I watched in horror as a climber developed high-altitude cerebral edema (HACE) on Huayna Potosí—a condition that can kill within hours. The helicopter evacuation to La Paz cost $9,000, with specialized treatment adding $5,000 more.

Insurance covered it all. Without coverage? I can’t imagine making that financial decision while someone’s life hangs in the balance.

The “It’s Just a Stomach Bug” Reality

It sounds minor until it happens to you. My “slight discomfort” in remote Chilean Patagonia turned into dangerous dehydration requiring IV fluids. The clinic visit, medication, and two-night hospital stay totaled $1,400. To my insurance company, it was just another day. To my travel budget, it would have been catastrophic.

What Your South America Travel Insurance Absolutely Must Include

After learning the hard way (sometimes through my own mistakes, sometimes by watching others), here’s what I consider non-negotiable for South American adventures:

1. Serious Medical Coverage

The bare minimum should be $100,000, but I recommend $250,000+ for South America’s remote regions. A medical emergency requiring evacuation and treatment can easily exceed $50,000.

2. Emergency Evacuation Coverage

This isn’t optional. Look for minimum coverage of $500,000, especially if visiting places like the Amazon, Patagonia, or high Andes. A medical evacuation from Peru’s Sacred Valley or Bolivia’s salt flats can easily cost $15,000+.

3. Adventure Activity Coverage

Standard policies often exclude:

• High-altitude trekking (above 4,500m/15,000ft)
• Whitewater rafting above Class III
• Scuba diving
• Zip-lining and rappelling

Make sure your policy explicitly covers what you’ll be doing. My rappelling accident would have been excluded under many basic policies.

4. Search and Rescue Benefits

If you’re venturing into wilderness areas, ensure your policy includes search and rescue benefits. When a hiker disappeared on the Salkantay Trek in Peru, the search operation cost over $22,000 before he was found alive.

If you’re planning a South American nature adventure and need coverage that actually works when things go wrong, you can find comprehensive travel insurance here.

Nature’s Beauty Comes With Fine Print

South America’s landscapes have literally brought me to tears with their beauty. From the first light hitting Machu Picchu to watching jaguars hunt in the Pantanal, these experiences have changed how I see our planet.

But this remarkable beauty exists precisely because these places remain wild, remote, and sometimes dangerous. The same isolation that preserves these wonders also means help can be hours or days away when things go wrong.

After helping friends through everything from minor injuries to life-threatening emergencies across South America, I’ve learned that proper insurance isn’t a boring detail—it’s your ticket to actually enjoying these experiences without constant worry.

Pack your sense of adventure and a healthy respect for nature’s power. Then add comprehensive insurance coverage so you can focus on spotting that rare bird rather than worrying about what happens if you slip crossing that stream.

South America’s natural wonders are waiting. Just make sure you’re properly protected as you explore them.

Which of these wild paradises is calling your name?