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BRAZIL
The Amazon and the Pantanal wetlands of Brazil are rich with wildlife.
The Pantanal, Portuguese for "large swamp", is the world's largest wetlands. This region is home to iguanas, jaguars, cougars, crocodiles and hundreds of bird and fish species. The Pantanal is best visited between June and September when lower water levels help make the wildlife more easily viewed.
The Amazon region of Brazil is home to the now famous Anaconda snake, jaguar, piranha and vampire bats to name just a few of the estimated 15,000 different kinds of Brazilian animals living in this region. There are a number of river tours and jungle lodges available, offering great opportunities to experience this diverse ecosystem.
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CHILE
In the North of Chile lies the Altiplano. This vast plateau, located at an altitude of 13,000 feet has an interesting array of wildlife. The Las Vicunas National Park is home to 3 of the 5 known species of flamingos.
Torres del Paine National Park, in the Patagonia Region of Southern Chile, is filled with some of the most impressive features in the Southern Hemisphere. Here you will find glaciers, lakes and fjords as well as incredible wildlife such as guanacos, flamingos and condors.
Chile is also home to four species of penguins. Magellan penguins can be found as far North as Puerto Montt and the Humboldt Penguins have a small colony on the Island of Chiloe.
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COSTA
RICA
Costa Rica may be the only country in the World to have so many bird species and habitats accessible within such a small area. More than 850 different species have been identified by ornithologists and scientists from all over the world.
The wonderful National Park system of Costa Rica strives to protect this great natural wealth. Every year many people travel to Costa Rica just to enjoy the challenge and excitement of spotting birds in the rainforests of this small country.
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ECUADOR
Galapagos Islands
Those fortunate enough to visit these volcanic islands off the coast of Ecuador will undoubtedly see the most amazing and unique wildlife in the world. There are as many as 26 endemic species in the Galapagos including the Giant Tortoises, Marine Iguanas, Boobies, and of course, Darwin's Finches.
The Amazon region of Ecuador is home to a number of lodges offering guests the chance to experience both the indigenous people and the rich, diverse wildlife. Programs at the lodges are adjusted to the guest's interests and ability.
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PANAMA
The Darien National Park is considered one of the most important natural
reserves of the country and occupies most of the southern part of
the Province. The park is home to thousands of mammals, reptiles and
birds. The Harpy Eagle, the world strongest eagle and Panama's national
bird, finds its home here. This reserve is considered one of the last
Central American refuges for the preservation of many species in danger
of extinction. In order to visit the park, you must have authorization
from the National Environment Authority.
Western Panama has some of the most awesome Central American Birds, The Resplendent Quetzal, Bare-necked-Umbrellabird and Three-wattle Bellbird are just a few. Traveling to western Panama can be very easy due to the good road system to most of the destinations.
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PERU
Peru's Amazon region includes the Tambopata National Reserve, home to the famous Macaw clay lick and is located close to the Bolivian border, just a short flight from Cuzco. This area is enormous and has a great variety of terrains. That diversity, combined with the warm climate, rich soil and abundant moisture has created a paradise of wildlife.
The Amazon region near Iquitos also offers unsurpassed wildlife viewing possibilities.
Here you can find luxury combined with the adventure of fishing for piranha, looking for pink dolphins and hiking at night to find phosphorescent fungi.
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