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5 September, 2024
lesser-known destinations in South America, you’ll often see iconic destinations like Machu Picchu, Iguazu Falls, or Patagonia. However, the continent holds a treasure trove of lesser-known destinations that offer equally memorable and unique experiences. Often off the beaten track, these places invite travelers to discover unexplored landscapes, authentic cultures, and unexpected adventures.
In Bolivia’s vast mosaic of natural destinations, Rincón del Tigre stands out as one of the country’s most hidden and least explored gems. This national park, located in the department of Santa Cruz, offers a unique experience for nature and adventure lovers. With its impressive rock formations, dense rainforest, and unique biodiversity, Rincón del Tigre invites travelers to discover a different side of Bolivia, away from the most crowded tourist routes.
Rincón del Tigre is characterized by its fascinating red granite formations, which rise abruptly from the surrounding jungle, creating a striking visual contrast. These formations, sculpted by erosion over millions of years, are a true geological spectacle. Some of the rocks feature unusual shapes, such as natural arches and gigantic columns that seem to defy gravity, making this park an ideal destination for geology and photography enthusiasts.
The park is located in a transition region between the Amazon plain and the Andean foothills, offering a unique mix of dry and humid forest landscapes. This geographic diversity creates a varied habitat that is home to rich flora and fauna, many of which are endemic to the region.
Rincón del Tigre is a sanctuary for a wide variety of animal species. Visitors may be fortunate enough to spot jaguars, pumas, tapirs, and a variety of monkeys, such as howlers and capuchins. It is also home to a rich birdlife, with more than 200 species of birds, including toucans, macaws, and falcons. Birdwatching is a popular activity in the park, as it allows you to enjoy the presence of rare species in their natural habitat.
The park’s vegetation is equally diverse, with dense forests of cedar and mahogany, and palm trees that rise above the canopy. Local flora includes rare orchids and bromeliads, which add a splash of color to the verdant landscape. During the rainy season, the park transforms into a lush paradise, with waterfalls emerging from rocks and streams meandering through the jungle.
For adventure lovers, Rincón del Tigre offers several exploration opportunities. The park is ideal for hiking, with routes that vary in difficulty from leisurely jungle strolls to challenging climbs up rock formations. Along the trails, visitors can enjoy panoramic views of the jungle, spot animals in their natural habitat, and discover hidden waterfalls.
In addition, the park’s rock formations are a paradise for climbers. Although climbing in Rincón del Tigre is not as developed as in other destinations, the unspoiled nature and unique rock structures offer an off-the-beaten-track climbing experience. Hikers and climbers should be prepared for unpredictable conditions and bring appropriate adventure gear.
Rincón del Tigre is not only a destination of natural beauty, but also a place where you can experience the culture of local communities. Visitors have the opportunity to interact with nearby indigenous communities, who often act as local guides, sharing their deep knowledge of the park, its myths, legends, and its relationship with the natural environment.
These communities have lived in harmony with the jungle for generations, and their way of life remains traditional. Participating in activities such as artisanal fishing, the gathering of fruits and medicinal plants, and the making of crafts offers a unique opportunity to learn about their customs and traditions.
Rincón del Tigre is a destination for those looking for an authentic experience away from the crowds.
In the heart of the province of La Rioja, in the northwest of Argentina, lies Laguna Brava, a destination that surprises with its unusual beauty and its atmosphere of tranquility. This mirror of salt water, surrounded by the majestic Andes Mountains, is a destination that is still little known and offers a unique experience for those looking to explore beyond the conventional tourist routes. With its altitude of more than 4,200 meters above sea level, its surreal landscapes and its rich biodiversity, Laguna Brava is a hidden treasure that deserves to be discovered.
Laguna Brava is a high mountain salt flat located in the Laguna Brava Biosphere Reserve, a protected area covering nearly 405,000 hectares. This unique ecosystem combines high altitude deserts, salt flats and snow-capped mountains, creating a landscape of contrasts and colors that changes dramatically with the sunlight. During the day, the turquoise and blue tones of the lagoon contrast with the ochre of the mountains, while at sunset, the reddish and orange colors create a unique natural spectacle.
The lake is formed from the accumulation of meltwater from the surrounding peaks, including the Veladero, Bonete Chico and Pissis volcanoes, which frame the lagoon and offer an impressive backdrop. The rugged beauty of the place, together with the tranquility provided by its isolation, makes Laguna Brava an ideal destination for landscape photography and meditation in nature.
Despite its apparent desolation, Laguna Brava is a vital refuge for many species of flora and fauna. The lagoon is known for being home to several species of Andean flamingos, including the southern flamingo, James’s flamingo and the Andean flamingo, which feed on the crustaceans present in its saline waters. Observing these birds in their natural habitat, surrounded by a spectacular mountain environment, is one of the greatest attractions of the place.
In addition to flamingos, the reserve is home to vicuñas, guanacos, Andean foxes and condors, as well as a variety of rodents and reptiles adapted to the extreme conditions of the Andean puna. The flora of the region, although scarce, includes species adapted to the arid climate, such as cacti, lichens and high-altitude grasses.
Laguna Brava offers endless opportunities for adventurous travelers. From 4×4 tours along the routes that cross the high plateau, to hikes along the trails that border the lagoon, each activity allows visitors to immerse themselves in the immensity and serenity of this unique place.
Guided tours in all-terrain vehicles are the best way to explore the reserve. These excursions allow you to visit several points of interest, such as the Laguna Brava hot springs, small natural pools of thermal waters that emerge in the middle of the desert, or the Quebrada del Peñón, an impressive natural canyon sculpted by wind and water.
For the more intrepid, mountaineering is another option. The region offers routes to climb the surrounding volcanoes, such as Mount Pissis, the third highest volcano in the world. Although expeditions to these peaks require experience and preparation, the views from the top are a spectacular reward for any adventurer.
Laguna Brava is not only a destination of natural beauty, but also a place with a rich cultural history. For centuries, this site served as a passage route for indigenous peoples and, later, for muleteers transporting goods between Argentina and Chile. In the surroundings of the lagoon, it is possible to find vestiges of ancient shelters and stone corrals, as well as petroglyphs and rock art dating back to pre-Hispanic times.
Visitors interested in archaeology and history can explore these sites to learn more about the cultures that inhabited the region. In addition, the reserve has local guides who can provide a deeper perspective on the cultural and spiritual importance of Laguna Brava for the indigenous Andean peoples.
Laguna Brava is a remote destination that requires some planning to visit. Here are some tips for a safe and rewarding experience:
In the south of Chile, hidden among the fjords and channels of Patagonia, lies the island of Chiloé, a destination that combines nature, culture and mythology in a unique blend. With its green landscapes, characteristic architecture and living traditions, Chiloé is a little-known destination that invites travelers to discover a different Chile, where reality and legend intertwine in every corner.
The Chiloé archipelago, made up of the large island of Chiloé and 40 other smaller islands, is a region that seems frozen in time. Nature here is lush: rolling hills covered with forests, wild beaches, and a coastline indented by fjords and bays. The colorful houses on stilts, known as “palafitos,” the wooden churches that have been declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, and the small fishing villages with fresh seafood markets are some of the elements that make Chiloé a special place.
The Chilotes, inhabitants of the island, have developed a unique culture, rich in myths and legends that speak of mysterious beings such as the Trauco, the Caleuche, and the Pincoya. These stories, passed down from generation to generation, permeate daily life and offer a fascinating perspective on the connection of the locals with their natural environment.
The diversity of landscapes in Chiloé is impressive. The large island is mostly covered by temperate rainforests, where endemic species of flora such as the arrayán and the alerce grow, some of which are more than 3,000 years old. In the Chiloé National Park, visitors can enjoy trails that cross these ancient forests, observing local fauna, such as the Chiloé fox, the pudú (the smallest deer in the world) and a wide variety of birds.
The coasts of Chiloé, with solitary and rugged beaches, are ideal for relaxing walks, bird watching, and in some areas, for surfing. In addition, the island offers impressive wetlands where migratory birds can be observed, such as flamingos, black-necked swans and flocks of curlews.
One of the most fascinating experiences in Chiloé is exploring its wooden churches, a group of 16 churches that were declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2000. Built by Jesuit missionaries in the 17th and 18th centuries, these churches are a unique example of wooden architecture in Latin America. Each church has its own style and personality, from the colorful facades to the vaulted ceilings made of native wood.
Another must-see cultural experience is visiting local markets, such as Dalcahue or Castro, where you can taste fresh seafood, such as oysters, mussels, and the famous curanto, a traditional dish cooked in a pit with hot stones and covered with nalca leaves. Participating in a curanto en hoyo is a great way to connect with the local people and understand their way of life.
Chiloé also offers endless outdoor activities for the adventurous. From hiking the trails of Chiloé National Park to kayaking through the channels that separate the islands of the archipelago, there are options for all skill levels.
Marine wildlife lovers can take whale watching excursions in the Chacao Channel, especially during the summer months when blue whales and humpback whales migrate to this area in search of food. Southern and bottlenose dolphins are also frequent visitors to the waters of Chiloé.
Located on the east coast of Uruguay, Cabo Polonio is a destination that seems to have come from another time. With no paved roads, no electricity, and no direct connection to modernity, this small coastal town has remained far from mass tourism, becoming a perfect refuge for those looking to disconnect from the world. Surrounded by sand dunes, pristine beaches, and an ocean that stretches as far as the eye can see, Cabo Polonio is a magical corner that invites you to explore a different, more natural and authentic Uruguay.
Arriving at Cabo Polonio is an adventure in itself. This place is not accessible by conventional roads; visitors must reach the entrance of Cabo Polonio National Park, where they take off-road vehicles that take them through sand dunes and forest trails until they reach the town. The journey of approximately half an hour is already a unique experience, allowing visitors to begin to feel immersed in a wild natural environment.
Once in Cabo Polonio, time seems to stop. The small colorful houses scattered throughout the dunes, the artisanal food stalls, and the constant sound of the sea create an atmosphere of tranquility and total disconnection. Here, the lack of electricity and mobile coverage is not an inconvenience, but an opportunity to rediscover the essence of travel: the connection with oneself, with nature, and with people.
Cabo Polonio is famous for its deserted, untouched beaches. The North and South beaches offer white sand and clear ocean waters, ideal for sunbathing, swimming or just relaxing. Visitors can also explore the nearby dunes, some of the largest in South America, from which a panoramic view of the entire coastline can be enjoyed.
One of Cabo Polonio’s icons is its lighthouse, which dates back to 1881 and still functions to guide sailors through the waters of the Atlantic. Climbing the 132 steps to the top of the lighthouse is an unmissable experience, rewarded with spectacular views of the ocean, dunes and town. As night falls, the lighthouse is the only point of light for miles around, softly illuminating the surroundings with its rotating beam.
Cabo Polonio is not only a place of scenic beauty, but also a nature reserve rich in biodiversity. One of the biggest attractions is the colony of sea lions that resides on the rocks near the town. This is one of the largest colonies in South America, and visitors can observe these animals in their natural habitat, resting in the sun or playing in the water. The experience of listening to the roars and movement of the sea lions, while walking along the beach or climbing the lighthouse, is unforgettable.
In addition to the sea lions, Cabo Polonio is an excellent place for bird watching. Among the species that can be seen in the area are seagulls, cormorants, albatrosses and migratory birds that find in this remote spot an ideal place to rest and feed.
Located in the department of Santander in northeastern Colombia, the Chicamocha Canyon is one of the most impressive natural wonders of the South American continent. Although less known than other famous canyons around the world, the Chicamocha is deeper than the Grand Canyon in some spots, with a depth reaching 2,000 meters. This destination is ideal for those looking to explore stunning landscapes, enjoy outdoor adventures, and connect with the rich local culture.
The Chicamocha Canyon stretches for more than 200 kilometers, formed by millions of years of erosion by the Chicamocha River, which meanders through the mountains of the Eastern Cordillera of the Andes. This canyon impresses not only by its size, but also by the diversity of its landscapes, which range from arid and semi-desert areas to green valleys and mountains covered with vegetation. The combination of these elements creates a unique setting that changes with the sunlight, offering spectacular views throughout the day.
The Chicamocha Canyon is a paradise for nature and sports lovers. For those seeking a dose of adrenaline, paragliding is one of the most popular activities. Flying over the canyon, with its impressive rock walls and the river meandering below, is an unforgettable experience. Several local companies offer paragliding flights for both beginners and experienced rafters, always accompanied by certified instructors.
Another option for adventurers is rafting on the Chicamocha River. With class III and IV rapids, this activity offers excitement and challenge in a unique natural environment. Visitors can also enjoy horseback riding, mountain biking and hiking along trails that border the canyon, allowing them to explore the local flora and fauna, which include endemic species such as the spectacled bear and a wide variety of birds.
The Chicamocha Canyon not only offers stunning natural scenery, but also the opportunity to explore the rich culture of Santander. Along the canyon, there are several colonial towns that seem to have stopped in time. Barichara, known as “the most beautiful town in Colombia,” is a must-see destination with its cobblestone streets, white houses, and red clay roofs. This picturesque town offers workshops for local crafts, such as the famous gold and silver filigree, and a gastronomic offer that includes typical dishes such as arepa santandereana and mute.
Another charming town is San Gil, considered the capital of adventure tourism in Colombia, and the starting point for exploring the canyon. San Gil offers a mix of adventure and culture, with activities such as hiking to El Gallineral Park, visits to the Indio and Nitro caves, and kayaking on the Fonce River.
Located in the heart of the Caribbean Sea, about 160 kilometers north of the coast of Venezuela, the Los Roques Archipelago is a little-known tropical paradise that offers a unique experience for lovers of nature, diving, and tranquility. Comprised of more than 300 islands and cays, this national park is famous for its crystal-clear waters, white sand beaches, and impressive marine biodiversity. Although it does not receive the same attention as other Caribbean destinations, Los Roques is a true hidden treasure of South America.
Los Roques is characterized by its astonishing natural beauty, which combines a wide variety of marine landscapes. From long white sand beaches to coral reef formations, mangroves and turquoise lagoons, the archipelago offers an almost pristine environment to explore. The main islands, such as Gran Roque, Cayo de Agua, Madrisquí and Francisquí, present unique settings that vary from quiet beaches ideal for swimming and snorkeling, to remote areas for diving or sport fishing.
One of the most notable features of Los Roques is its great barrier reef, considered one of the largest and best preserved in the Caribbean. This reef is home to a rich biodiversity, including more than 280 species of fish, 60 species of coral, sea turtles, dolphins, and rays. The transparency of its waters, which allow visibility of up to 30 meters, makes it a dream destination for divers and snorkelers.
Gran Roque is the main island and the only inhabited settlement in Los Roques. This small fishing village is the starting point for exploring the rest of the archipelago. Here, visitors will find a variety of quaint inns, restaurants serving fresh seafood, and local craft shops. Unlike other Caribbean tourist destinations, Gran Roque has maintained a relaxed and authentic atmosphere, without large resorts or massive developments.
The Gran Roque lighthouse, located on the highest hill on the island, offers panoramic views of the archipelago and is a popular spot to enjoy spectacular sunsets. From here, you can see the small local boats and the changing colors of the sea, ranging from turquoise blue to emerald green.
The Los Roques Archipelago has been a protected nature reserve since 1972, which has allowed it to conserve its marine and terrestrial biodiversity. The waters around Los Roques are home to some of the largest seagrass meadows in the Caribbean, vital for the reproduction of species such as sea turtles and fish. In addition, mangroves and coral reefs form an interconnected ecosystem that supports a wealth of marine life.
Local authorities and several non-governmental organizations have implemented rigorous conservation policies to protect this delicate environment. Visitors are encouraged to respect environmental regulations, which include a ban on collecting corals, shells or marine fauna, and the obligation to take away all trash generated.
These lesser-known destinations in South America are just a small sample of the diversity that the continent has to offer. Exploring these places allows travelers to connect with the authenticity and adventurous spirit that defines this part of the world. So, if you’re looking for new experiences and off-the-beaten-track destinations, it’s time to start planning your next great South American adventure! For more information and to book your trip, contact us on WhatsApp. Follow us on Instagram for the latest updates and travel inspiration.
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